Hikers’ paradise: Campgrounds in East South Africa

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

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

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

Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort

• Stunning family resort located in a slice of Drakensberg paradise
• Mountain bike hire and trails on site for running and cycling
• Spectacular mountain views, large open spaces and park-like grounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

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

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

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