Hikers’ paradise: Campgrounds in East South Africa

Elundini Backpackers

• Eco-friendly rural site in Elundini, high in the Amatola mountains
• Half an hour's drive from Hogsback
• Community activities including bread baking and Xhosa language lessons

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

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

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

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

Op-i-Plaas Bush Camp

• Rural bush site off the R36 15 minutes' drive from Ohrigstad
• Handy stopover for travellers on the Panorama Route
• Artist-owned site with sculptures and other works on display

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

Hluhluwe Bush Camp

• Spacious KwaZulu-Natal site on the edge of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• A half-hour drive from Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, a Big Five park
• Open-air pool, braai facilities and farmstall with fresh food

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

Merry Pebbles Resort

• Friendly resort in Mpumalanga province, by the Sabie River
• Waterfall walks and mountain biking trails within 15 minutes' drive
• Heated and cold pools, restaurant, liquor store and mini market

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

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

Swallowtail Country Estate

• Peaceful site in the village of Hogsback, just off the R345
• Easy access to walking trails and waterfalls in Hogsback State Forest
• Indoor braai area with pool table and darts; outdoor play area

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

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

Rubicon Camping

• On the grounds of a historical sandstone school with mountain views
• A 10-minute walk to Rhodes; a 50-minute drive to Tiffindell Ski Resort
• Shop, restaurant and barbecue facilities on site; brewery nearby