Campgrounds for backpackers in South Africa

Boelamien Rivercamp

• Peaceful family-friendly site in the South African bushveld
• Top spot for wildlife spotting and stunning African sunsets
• Fishing paradise on the banks of the Limpopo river

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

Rooihoogte Guest Cottage and Camping

• Secluded farm site where mountains and grasslands meet
• In a region famed as one of the most biodiverse in the world
• Fish for bass and trout in pristine waters

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

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

Highover Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rural site on a 3,000-hectare nature reserve a half-hour from Richmond
• 11km of river frontage for fishing, swimming and canoeing
• Trail maps available for hikes, mountain biking and game drives

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

Kranzkraal

Valley View Backpackers

• Family-friendly site on the stunningly scenic Panorama Route
• A 50-minute drive from Kruger National Park, 75 minutes from Nelspruit
• Hot showers, kitchen facilities, bike rental, free tea/coffee, parking

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

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

Loch Maree Guest Farm and Field Camp

• Unfenced farm site with swimming pool and views of the Kalahari Desert
• Just over an hour's drive from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Private reserve with lookout point, 4x4 trail and sunset game drives

Khamkirri

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

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

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

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

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