Campgrounds for backpackers in South Africa

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'

Steenbokkie Nature Reserve

• Family site on a working farm and private nature reserve
• Hikers' and bikers' haven: a 30-minute drive from Karoo National Park
• Meet the farm animals, and the springbok and wildebeest that wander in

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

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

Mutale Drift Pafuri Gate

• Quiet off-grid rural cabin just outside the village of Bende Mutale
• A 10-minute drive from the Pafuri Gate into Kruger National Park
• Covered deck area with braai overlooking the Mutale river

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

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

Harriets Venture

• Small, scenic Limpopo site at the foot of the Kransberg mountains
• A 10-minute drive to the entrance gate for Marakele National Park
• Swimming pool, shared firepit and lots of space for kids to play

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

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

Eagle Falls Country Lodge and Camping

• Remote site above the Molen River Gorge in the Kammanassie Valley
• Hikes from site; half an hour's drive from Kammanassie Nature Reserve
• Bar, restaurant, 4x4 driving trails, horse treks and air rifle range

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

Buyskop Lodge

• Stays on a private game reserve in the foothills of the Waterberg
• A five-minute drive from Bela-Bela, and 70 minutes from Pretoria
• Restaurant, braai facilities, game watching, biking trails and a spa

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

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

Kaoxa Campsite

• Simple site by a large baobab tree in the wilds of the Limpopo valley
• Next to sandstone koppies with fig trees growing into the rocks
• A 10-minute drive from Mapungubwe National Park

Kranzkraal