Open now: Glamping sites in East South Africa

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

Wavecrest Holiday Resort

• Quiet eco-friendly and wildlife haven site, 300 metres from the beach
• A 15-minute drive from Amanzimtoti and 30 minutes from Durban
• Pool, play area and games room; tea garden just across the road

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

Sabie River Camp

• Family resort on the Sabie River and the famed Panorama Route
• A 10-minute drive from Sabie Falls; an hour from Kruger National Park
• Heated rock pool, cold-water pool, open-air bar and playground

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

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

Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort

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

Geckos Place

• Peaceful site next to a five-kilometre beach on the Agate Terrace
• Half an hour's drive from whale watching in Port St Johns
• Close to popular hiking, fishing and birdwatching spots

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

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

Riverbend Chalets and Campsite

• Peaceful site on the banks of the Mtentweni river
• A few minutes' drive from the beach resort of Umtentweni
• Fishing, braai facilities and canoe hire available on site

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

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

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

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

Baviaanskloof Uitspan

• Smart and spacious bush site 45 minutes’ drive from Willowmore
• Hiking trails and four-wheel drive routes by the site
• By the Baviaanskloof river, with a rope slide and swimming pool

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

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