3 stars and above: Campsites in South Africa

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

Oppi Dam Resort

• Quiet and well-maintained resort in the Little Karoo semi desert
• A 15-minute drive from Oudtshoorn and its famed ostrich farms
• Waterside setting with fishing, canoeing and two pools

Karoo Gariep Tented Camp

• Family-friendly campsite located in a nature reserve in Hanover
• See rare bird species and hippos in the site surroundings
• Go swimming and fishing on the Karoo river

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

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

Panorama Chalets and Rest Camp

• Well-maintained, peaceful site five minutes' drive from Graskop
• A short walk from Graskop Gorge glass lift, zipline and Big Swing
• Stunning Lowveld views from the pool, hiking trail and restaurant

Tweni Lagoon Resort

• Small family-friendly waterside resort at Umtentweni in KwaZulu-Natal
• Leopard Rock and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve both 40 minutes’ drive
• Swimming pool, kids’ gym and zipwire; communal braai with lagoon views

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

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

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

Peace of Eden

• Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly site on the scenic Garden Route
• Live alongside nature: baboons, monkeys and bird song around the site
• A 20-minute drive from beaches, watersports and sandboarding

Woodbourne Resort

• Friendly family-run resort 10 minutes' drive from Knysna town
• A short walk from the beach and a kilometre from Knysna Heads
• Swimming pool, playground, trampoline and braai facilities on site

Shangrila Innibos Country Lodge

• Peaceful family place in Hartbeespoort, 15 minutes’ drive from the dam
• Elephant, monkey and lion animal parks all within half an hour’s walk
• Heated outdoor pool, restaurant, spa and playground all on site

Pearson Park Resort

• Family resort in Colchester with stunning views of the Sundays River
• Less than 10 minutes' drive from the entrance to Addo Elephant Park
• Cruises, canoeing and fishing trips organised from the site

Drostdy Overnight Rooms and Caravan Park

• Family-friendly site less than 10 minutes' drive from Potchefstroom
• A 30-minute drive from a wildlife reserve and 90 minutes from Jo'berg
• Haven for cyclists, trekkers and explorers

Dimalachite River Lodge

• Well-maintained private park on the banks of the Vaal river
• A 20-minute drive from the towns of Parys and Vredefort
• Fishing, outdoor pool, kayak hire and site-organised rafting trips