Boelamien Rivercamp

Getting back to nature is a cinch at Boelamien Rivercamp: start with a trip up the Boelamien tree house to look over the unbroken bushveld before venturing out into it. Head to the town of Alldays to see the fig tree that may be even bigger than the Wonder Tree at Tshwane (Google it – you won’t be disappointed), then stop in at Alldays Mountain Club to arrange a trip to Blouberg where there are protected walls just for climbing. Boelamien is also less than five minutes’ drive from the South African border with Botswana, so it’s well placed for forays into the neighbouring country. Make your way to Mapungubwe National Park – which straddles the border an hour and a half from the site – for treetop walks, views over the river valleys, self-guided and guided drives (look out for elephants, giraffes and zebra, oh my), guided heritage walks and the interpretive centre and museum. If you’re lucky enough to be continuing your journey beyond Boelamien, or are up for a lengthy car ride, Johannesburg is five-and-a-half hours from the site. The city’s Apartheid Museum is a must-visit and township tours come highly recommended. You can also take in the view over the entire city (and try to pick out your next stop) from the observation deck at the Carlton Centre.