Campsites near a lake or mountain in South Africa

Numbi Caravan Park

• 10-hectare site set in subtropical garden surrounds
• A 15-minute drive to Kruger National Park; 45 to Blyde River Canyon
• Outdoor pool, bar-restaurant, shared kitchen and 24-hour security

Old Mill Drift Guest Farm

• Remote site deep in the stunningly scenic Maluti mountains
• Huge site with off-roading trails, hiking paths and river for fishing
• Top spot for stargazing, with clear night skies

Fynbos Guest Farm

• Family-friendly rural site on a working farm spread over 67 hectares
• A 15-min drive from Ceres fruit farms and less than an hour from Paarl
• Plunge pools, playground and braai areas on site

African Safari Lodge

• Accommodation on a peaceful ridge overlooking the Kariega river
• Under an hour's drive from diving, whale watching and sandy beaches
• Game drives, river boat cruises, guided hikes and fishing on site

Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve

• Stay on a private nature reserve in the Karoo
• Adventurers’ paradise: 4x4, hiking, biking and climbing
• Top spot for stargazing

Riverbend Chalets and Campsite

• Peaceful site on the banks of the Mtentweni river
• A few minutes' drive from the beach resort of Umtentweni
• Fishing, braai facilities and canoe hire available on site

River Cottages Caravan and Camping

• Peaceful spot on the banks of the Vaal River with fishing and canoeing
• Parys half an hour’s walk; Johannesburg one hour and 20 minutes’ drive
• Three swimming pools; barbecues and lapas; cafés and shops in Parys

Tweni Lagoon Resort

• Small family-friendly waterside resort at Umtentweni in KwaZulu-Natal
• Leopard Rock and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve both 40 minutes’ drive
• Swimming pool, kids’ gym and zipwire; communal braai with lagoon views

Peace of Eden

• Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly site on the scenic Garden Route
• Live alongside nature: baboons, monkeys and bird song around the site
• A 20-minute drive from beaches, watersports and sandboarding

Khamkirri

• Award-winning site by the stunning Orange River
• River views from all accommodation areas
• Activities, tour bookings, pool, braais, fishing, bar and restaurant

Bateleur Nature Reserve

• Peaceful resort in a large nature reserve half an hour from Modimolle
• Spot giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and other wildlife in the park
• Hiking trails and swimming pool on site

Kranzkraal

Harriets Venture

• Small, scenic Limpopo site at the foot of the Kransberg mountains
• A 10-minute drive to the entrance gate for Marakele National Park
• Swimming pool, shared firepit and lots of space for kids to play

Baviaans Lodge

• Peaceful, rural site in the Kouga Mountains and Baviaanskloof reserve
• A 55-minute drive from Joubertina; woodland walks straight from site
• Stone swimming pool, pub and dining room, meals and drinks available

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

• Safe and spacious site on a 4000-hectare privately-owned game reserve
• On the outskirts of Hluhluwe; an hour and 20 minutes' drive to the sea
• On the outskirts of Hluhluwe; an hour and 20 minutes' drive to the sea

Rivier-Oord Vaalwater

• On the banks of the Magol River: fish for carp, perch and barbel
• Vaalwater setting for stays and overnights on the way to Botswana
• Playground, braai facilities, bar, large lawns and a tractor museum