Camping in South Africa

Pick a camping getaway and rediscover your bond with the great outdoors. Discover motivation and tranquility in environments that resonate with your spirit. Camping spots in South Africa offer an incredible array of experiences, catering to all tastes in remarkably varied environments.

Whether you seek vast horizons to inspire your thoughts or rugged mountains to awaken your feelings, South Africa has a destination just for you. A camping holiday transcends the gear and the meticulous planning; it revolves around the journey, the destination, and the thrill of exploration.

What destination sparks your curiosity? Is it breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing coastlines, or the enigmas of the woods? Are you chasing a dream list, or eager to explore some of the planet’s final untouched wild spaces? For many, it is all about the experiences – finding ways to engage your kids and discovering what you can do to escape daily concerns and embrace the present.

Here are 5 incredible camping spots in South Africa that promise excitement and exploration:

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park located in KwaZulu-Natal

Located a mere 2 hours northwest of Durban, this World Heritage Site promises an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking mountain vistas and the abundance of thrilling outdoor pursuits will captivate you. Stunning vistas await at every turn, and each of the four sections of this expansive KwaZulu-Natal national park presents its own distinct charm. Visitors can embark on exhilarating hikes, stroll along scenic paths, and explore trails that even lead to overnight adventures in caves. They can marvel at incredible San rock art at 500 sites, discover stunning flora and fauna, or engage in thrilling activities like fly-fishing, boating, biking, swimming, and horse riding. There are at least 15 exciting camping sites waiting to be explored.

Addo Elephant National Park located in the Eastern Cape

Addo is a vast reserve, brimming with excitement and opportunities for exploration. Prepare to be astonished by the incredible experiences awaiting you in this remarkable Eastern Cape national park – one of the largest in South Africa. Begin your journey with exhilarating safaris featuring the Big Five, free from malaria, and embark on hikes across one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most expansive coastal dunefields. Addo encompasses a sprawling landscape that features the semi-arid Karoo, a section of the Zuurberg Mountain Range, the Sundays River, and a marine-protected reserve.

Experience thrilling game drives with a guide or opt for a self-guided adventure, indulge in fishing whether it is fly, surf, or freshwater, embark on scenic walks, hikes, and trails, including guided horse trails and exhilarating 4×4 excursions, and immerse yourself in bird watching. Camps are situated in diverse locations, with the central camp showcasing a brilliantly illuminated waterhole. A quick drive from Port Elizabeth, just about an hour, opens up a world of excitement to explore.

Tsitsikamma – a realm within the Garden Route National Park in the Eastern Cape

The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is nestled within the Eastern Cape, easily accessible from Port Elizabeth with a scenic three-hour drive or a quick 45-minute journey from Plettenberg Bay along the N2 highway. Two remarkable rest camps await in Tsitsikamma: Storms River and Natures Valley. Storms River boasts a thrilling coastline and exhilarating activities; at camp, you can snorkel and scuba dive, relish walks, hikes, and trails (including the famous Otter Trail and beyond), or embark on a boating adventure. Nearby, experience the thrill of bungee jumping, soar through tree-top canopy tours, tackle climbing challenges, navigate kloofing adventures, and ride the trails on a bike. Natures Valley forest camp presents an array of walks, hikes, and trails, along with canoeing, sailing, and boating on the estuary, complemented by a pristine beach.

Cederberg Nature Reserve, nestled in the breathtaking Western Cape

This World Heritage Site is a gem within the Cape Floral Kingdom, brimming with wonder and significance. Discover breathtaking stone formations and towering peaks that host unique sub-alpine ecosystems. This wilderness area was cherished by an ancient civilization that has gifted us with a remarkable legacy of rock art paintings – some sites welcome visitors, while others await discovery on adventurous hikes. The Algeria campsite captivates with its breathtaking scenery, and you can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Rondegat River. Activities encompass mountaineering, biking, and breathtaking walks, hikes, and trails, including overnight stays in caves. The Cederberg can be reached by taking the West Coast Road, with a drive from Cape Town taking approximately 2 hours.

Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

Experience incredible wildlife at this stunning game reserve, located just 30 minutes from Durban by car, perfect for spontaneous escapes into the wild. Experience elevated tent sites by the water’s edge along with a variety of more rugged choices. The sun-dappled dam invites you to cast your line and enjoy tranquil water activities, or embark on thrilling guided game drives and walks through the wild. Other activities encompass rock climbing, birdwatching, and thrilling bush meals. A nearby choice brimming with excitement is Cape Vidal.