6 Nearly Wild Campsites in South Africa

M'kama

• Secluded riverside bush site in the Western Cape mountains
• Kammanassie Reserve 15 mins; Knysna Forest and Elephant Park 1.5 hour
• 40 minutes to shops and pubs in Uniondale

DanielsHoogte Private Reserve

• Rural mountaintop site on a working farm with spectacular views
• A 15-minute drive to Aurora town and 50 to Velddrif fishing village
• Spectacular rock-lined hiking and biking paths around the grounds

Marlu Farm Stays

• Friendly working farm by the Groot River in South Africa's Karoo
• Three renowned nature reserves within just over an hour's drive
• Fishing and 4x4 trails on site; home-cooked meals and fresh bread

Gifberg Holiday Farm

• Mountainous site in stunning scenery with Bushman art on the premises
• A 40-minute drive to Vanrhynsdorp; scenic hikes straight from the site
• Swimming pool, garden, coffee shop, fishing and braai facilities

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

Op-Die-Plaas Kamp

• On a working farm with mountainous scenery and trees all around
• Towerkop Nature Reserve within 10 mins’ drive, Amalienstein in 35 mins
• Play area, barbecues and firepits; hikes straight from the site

Pabala Private Nature Reserve

• Private game reserve 15 minutes' drive from the N2 Garden Route
• Half an hour's drive from the beach and watersports at Jeffreys Bay
• Pool, bar, braai area and organised excursions on site

Kaoxa Campsite

• Simple site by a large baobab tree in the wilds of the Limpopo valley
• Next to sandstone koppies with fig trees growing into the rocks
• A 10-minute drive from Mapungubwe National Park

Kouga Wilderness

• Bush camp on a family farm 40 minutes' drive from Joubertina
• In the Baviaanskloof nature reserve for hikes, climbing and fishing
• Outdoor swimming pool, playground and communal braai areas

Kareekloof Game Farm

• 1,400-hectare game farm site 40 minutes from Rustenburg
• Spectacular views over the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains
• Game drives on site to see 17 species of mammals

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

• Private nature reserve with direct access to the Joubert Spruit river
• A five-minute drive to Elands River Falls and 15 to Emgwenya town
• Campfires and barbecues allowed; natural water supply on site

Khululeka Bushveld Guest Farm

• Stay on a small game farm, meet the animals of the Bushveld
• An hour’s drive from Pilansberg Nature Reserve for game and safaris
• Top spot for stargazing and spectacular sunsets

Rinkhalskop Safari Lodge

Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary

• Small site with pool and mountain views in Witvinger Nature Reserve
• Adventure camping within 50 minutes' drive of Polokwane Game Reserve
• Half an hour from hikes and biking trails in Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve