Campgrounds for backpackers in South Africa

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

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

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

Arch Rock Resort

• Spectacularly set beachfront site with stunning views
• Monkeyland primate sanctuary right next door
• Clean and up to date amenities including separate ladies' and gents'

La Belle Esperance Adventure Farm

• Peaceful, safe and secure farm site in the KZN mountains
• A 20-minute drive from Volksrust and 45 minutes from Newcastle
• Simple pitches by a river for birdwatching and swimming

Rooidam Campsites

• Spacious stays on a working Karoo sheep farm in a malaria-free area
• Just off the N12, halfway between the Cape Peninsula and Gauteng
• Swimming hole, tennis court, braai facilities, walking/cycling trails

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

Amapondo Backpackers

• Stunningly scenic hillside site on South Africa’s Wild Coast
• Five minutes’ walk from a sandy beach; 10 minutes’ drive from town
• Sundowner trips, guided excursions, bar, restaurant and music events

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

Buyskop Lodge

• Stays on a private game reserve in the foothills of the Waterberg
• A five-minute drive from Bela-Bela, and 70 minutes from Pretoria
• Restaurant, braai facilities, game watching, biking trails and a spa

Kranzkraal

A Day in Africa

• Small, friendly site 20 minutes' walk from the beach in Sodwana Bay
• Linked to a well-established scuba diving centre
• Excellent restaurant and bar with top-notch local meals and drinks

Isinkwe Safaris Bush Camp

• Family-friendly bush site on the stunning Elephant Coast
• Full-day guided safaris in Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Park from the site
• Pool, bar, canteen and regular bush baby feedings

Mutale Drift Pafuri Gate

• Quiet off-grid rural cabin just outside the village of Bende Mutale
• A 10-minute drive from the Pafuri Gate into Kruger National Park
• Covered deck area with braai overlooking the Mutale river

Khamkirri

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

Kosi Bay Casitas

• Well-located resort a 30-minute walk to Lake Nhlange in Kosi Bay
• A 20-minute drive to Manguzi and 25 to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Restaurant, kitchen, pool and bar plus organised boat and 4x4 trips

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