Campgrounds for backpackers in South Africa

Kranzkraal

Karoo Gariep Tented Camp

• Family-friendly campsite located in a nature reserve in Hanover
• See rare bird species and hippos in the site surroundings
• Go swimming and fishing on the Karoo river

Woody Cape Nature Lodge

• Rural camping a few minutes' stroll from a spectacular sandy beach
• Access the famed Alexandria Trail straight from the grounds
• Bar, restaurant, braai facilities and two pools

Arendsnes Holiday and Conference Centre

• Family-run resort in Chintsa, 200 metres from an 8km-long beach
• 8km from game drives and outdoor activities at a private game reserve
• Hiking trail, tractor rides and cable car on site

Pearson Park Resort

• Family resort in Colchester with stunning views of the Sundays River
• Less than 10 minutes' drive from the entrance to Addo Elephant Park
• Cruises, canoeing and fishing trips organised from the site

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

Amanzimlotzi Riverside Bush Camp

• Small family-run bushveld site on the banks of the Klaserie river
• Kruger National Park tours available on site
• Plunge pool, kitchen and covered eating lapa

Mac Mac Forest Retreat

• Peaceful forest camp with trails to Mac Mac Falls
• Within 25 minutes of God's Window and Mount Sheba Nature Reserve
• An hour's drive from the Kruger National Park's Phabeni gate

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

Pafuri Rivercamp

• Secluded bush camp on the banks of the Mutale River
• A 15-minute drive from Kruger National Park
• Fishing, tubing and birding walks from site; bar, restaurant and pool

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

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'

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

Verbe Caravan Park

• Privately-owned, family-run park in rural Northern Cape
• In Kamieskroon, 40 minutes' drive from Namaqua National Park
• Covered and open-air braai facilities; dogs allowed

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

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

Xamarin Guest Farm

• Surrounded by vineyards five minutes' drive from Lambert's Bay
• Five minutes' drive from the beach and Bird Island Nature Reserve
• Swimming pool, bar, fishing river and braai areas