Student friendly campgrounds in South Africa

River Cottages Caravan and Camping

• Peaceful spot on the banks of the Vaal River with fishing and canoeing
• Parys half an hour’s walk; Johannesburg one hour and 20 minutes’ drive
• Three swimming pools; barbecues and lapas; cafés and shops in Parys

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

The Growcery Camp

• On the banks of the Orange River, with spectacular mountain views
• Fishing rod, canoe and kayak rental
• Restaurant, bar, communal meals, braais and a herb and veg garden

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

Rooiheuwel Holiday Farm

• Scenic site in the Great Karoo region’s Nuweveld Mountain escarpment
• A 35-minute drive from Leeu-Gamka and an hour from Beaufort West
• Outdoor pool and braai facilities; hiking, cycling and 4x4 tours

Enjo Nature Farm

• Pet-friendly guest farm on a spur of the stunning Cape Flower Route
• An hour from Clanwilliam and 30 minutes from Sevilla Rock Art Trail
• Spring-fed pool, hiking and biking trails, braai areas, honesty bar

Ou Skool Guest House

• Spacious guesthouse and site surrounded by lush vineyards
• A 25-minute drive to Keimoes village and 40 minutes from Upington town
• Bar-restaurant, second-hand bookshop, farm stall, wifi and coffee shop

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

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

Thorn Tree Bush Camp

• Family-friendly site in Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve
• An hour’s drive from Pretoria; an hour and a half to Jo’burg
• Stargazers’ paradise: top spot for views of the clear night sky

Mbizi Game Lodge and Spa

• Smart bush resort 20 minutes' drive from Bela-Bela
• A 15-minute drive from activities and spa days at Warmbaths resort
• Indoor and outdoor pools, miniature golf, spa, bars and restaurant

African Safari Lodge

• Accommodation on a peaceful ridge overlooking the Kariega river
• Under an hour's drive from diving, whale watching and sandy beaches
• Game drives, river boat cruises, guided hikes and fishing on site

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

Cherry Glamping

• Luxury bell tents in the spectacular Elgin valley
• A 15-minute drive from Grabouw and 90 minutes from Cape Town
• Forest setting with access to cycling, hiking and trail running routes

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

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

Kranzkraal

Futululu Caravan Park

• Site in a wildlife-filled area next to coastal Futululu Forest
• On iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s edge and 20 minutes’ drive to St Lucia
• Game drives and boat trips available to see elephants and whales

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

Pumlani Caravan Park

• Safe and secure site 800 metres from award-winning south coast beaches
• Between Margate and Uvongo, an hour and a half from Durban
• Pool, gardens, playground, trampoline, TV room, tuck shop and braais