Hikers’ paradise: Campgrounds in East South Africa

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

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

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

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

Bokloof Guest Farm

• Friendly remote farm site in South Africa's Eastern Cape
• In the middle of the mountainous Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
• Swimming pond, hikes and 4x4 trails from the site

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

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

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

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

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

Glensheiling Caravan Park

• Peaceful site in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander
• Waterfront location, with kayaking, fishing and swimming in the lake
• Communal barbecue area, playground and outdoor swimming pool

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

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

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

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

Nguni Moon Tepee Camp

• Glamping site five minutes' drive from Underberg
• Close to day trips through the Sani Pass to Lesotho
• Well-equipped kitchen plus braai area and firepit with firewood

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