“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” -Chief Seattle
South Africa boasts some of the most spectacular sites, views and hideaways on the continent. The entire coats of this beautiful country is fringed with lush forestry, perfect for any traveler wanting to take the road less travelled.
Camping is an inexpensive way to travel. You can turn off all your electronics and recharge in the serenity of nature. When I need quiet time, I book myself off for a few days and pile my tent, sleeping bag, camping stove and cooler into my SUV and get lost. Whether I'm alone or I've managed to convince one of my friends to come with me, we always return a whole lot more settled than when we left.
It was French novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who said, "Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."
So before the winter chill sets in, sneak away for a therapeutic getaway at one of these picturesque locations:
South Coast
Cape Vidal Camping
It's no secret that KwaZulu Natal never experiences winter. With balmy weather and warm oceans, this coastal location is the perfect refuge if you need to rest and recuperate. Located 270 kms from Durban, Cape Vidal is perfectly secluded and offers fun activities like ski-boating, deep-sea fishing and spear fishing. Marvel at some of the majestic marine life of the Indian Ocean during a snorkeling session.
Mac Nicol's Caravan Park (Bazley Beach)
Perfect for a family getaway, Mac Nicol's Caravan Park in Bazley Beach describes itself as, "The resort away from it all, that has it all."
If you're not melting away a day along the lagoon or splashing around in the sea, lace up your hiking boots and explore the Mpihti trail area. The holiday destination will keep the kids entertained with volleyball, rounders, dodgeball, crab hunts, scavenger hunts, table tennis competition and discos. Parents aren't left out either. Look forward to vetkoek evenings, pool competitions and beer pong battles.
If quality time with your loved ones is what you want, you can always toast some s'mores or stew a potjie at your campsite.
Natural Moments Bush Camp & Diving (Sodwana Bay)
If you're in search of a peaceful retreat in a rustic setting, look no further. Natural Moments is idyllic and perfect for water babies as the local marine reserve offers some of the best tropical scuba diving experiences in South Africa. Though you're on the coast, safari tours can be arranged for guests wanting to see the Big 5, but whale and dolphin watching trips are available too.
Wild Coast
Hole in The Wall Camping (Coffee Bay)
Moving further down the South African coast, untouched beach towns such as Coffee Bay are all the rage for local and international travelers. The natural beauty of this rural community is phenomenal. You only need visit once to come to appreciate it's popularity, and where the humble hideaway got its name from.
The perfect holiday destination, Hole in The Wall's weather stays mild all year round. Located 280 kms from East London and just over 500 kms from Durban, you can sleep easy knowing the hustle and bustle is far far away.
Sharkpoints (St Johns)
Fall asleep to the waves crashing a stones throw ahead from you. Wake up to a invigorating hike within the mountain trail stretched out behind you. St Johns is another unspoilt wilderness in a breathtaking environment. You can slow way down and enjoy the view or enjoy great rock and surf fishing, kayak fishing, hiking or mountain biking in the area.
Garden Route
Kogelbay Camping
Pack extra blankets because the Cape wind can give you the chills! Western Cape's rocky coastlines are indescribable and worth the visit. Kogelbay is a short drive from Gordon's Bay - a cliff jumpers dream. Pitch your tent in the Kogelberg nature reserve and experience the docile wildlife first hand. You can also go kayaking or white water rafting in the Palmiet River.
Storms River Camping (Tsitsikama)
With an unbeatable 6 km river stretch to the seashore, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is a treat. You'll watch dolphins frolic in the water, if you run, hike or bike along the rugged river trail. The native bird life treats you to a flurry of energy and excitement.
Adrenalin junkies can test their wills by bungee jumping off Bloukrans River, the highest bungee bridge in the world!
Tietiesbaai Rest Camp
Everything about this cheekily-named campsite is suited to a techno-hiatus. Even when making a booking, you either send the campsite owners a letter in the mail or you dust off the cobwebs from your fax machine. But a weekend away in this place is worth it. You're sleeping right by the shore with nothing to do but be left with your thoughts.
If the isolation makes you a little restless, the quaint village of Paternoster is a 6km walk down the road.
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Nothing makes me happier than a few days to myself. I so enjoy my own company and getting to marvel and the magnificence of nature at the same time is an added treat. Read all about my cathartic camping trip to Hole in The Wall.
Try making some of the humble fare I enjoyed on your next camping trip too.
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