Do you enjoy camping? These are some of Getaway editor Anton Crone’s favourite camping sites in the Western Cape and beyond. Whether you’re looking to camp in the wild, a river to swim in, a rocky pool overlooking spectacular views or to hear the sounds of crashing waves during the night, we’ve got the perfect way you can spend your last bit of summer.
photo by Anton Matee
1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Located in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana and South Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is the ultimate camping trip with sites to explore throughout the park. The wildlife here is spectacular and vast so expect to see Kalahari lions, cheetahs, cape foxes, African wild cats and wonderful birdlife. For a true wildlife experience visit some of the unfenced sites but remember to be extra careful!
Cost: From R335 base rate
Contact: sanparks.co.za
2. Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
Grootvadersbosch is located 3 hours away from Cape Town on a historic farm overlooking the Langeberg mountains. The reserve boasts 250 hectares of pristine indigenous forest where the over 100 year old California Redwoods stand 40m tall and tower over the forest canopy. For a near ‘glamping’ experience, the reserve has 9 campsites you can choose from and lucky for you, they all overlook indigenous forest. Enjoy some mountain hiking trails and mountain biking trails into the farmlands.
Cost: From R250 per night
Contact: capenature.co.za
3. Cederberg Mountains
Secret Falls
From high up on the slopes of the Winterhoek Mountains, Secret Falls has grassy, tiered stands which overlook the phenomenal views down the Tulbagh Valley. Right on the edge of a tier is the small communal rock pool which is a great spot to take in all the views.
Contact: 082 393 4704
Sanddrif
It gets hot in the Cederberg, but that’s not a problem at Sanddrif. That Matjies River has water year-round and if it’s not deep enough at the campsite itself, take the half-hour walk to Malgaat pool where you can jump off 10m and more into the cool, dark water. If you can handle a steep climb, don’t miss the 2-hour hike up to the truly spectacular Wolfberg Cracks, or make a full day of it and continue on for an 8-hour trip to the Wolfberg Arch.
Cost: R320 per night for 4 persons
Contact: sanddriff.co.za
4. Buffalo Bay
Located 20 minutes from Knysna, the grassy stands sit on a rocky peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the wild Indian Ocean, wide empty beaches stretching for kilometre in both directions. Although the stands are closely packed, the crashing surf is an excellent noise canceller and you’ll rarely hear your neighbours. Out of peak season you’ll probably have the whole place to yourself anyway. Just take something for shade, and be aware that mornings can be damp.
Cost: R450 per day for 2 persons
Contact: buffalobay.co.za
5. Hessequa beach route
Sunrise over the Breede River Estuary, Witsand.
This beach route is home to Witsand, Jongersfontein and Gouritsmond. Many of the beaches along this route are Blue Flag beaches, an international standard which means that they are secure, clean and environmentally safe. If you’re a family who enjoys the oceans and the outdoors with activities such as surfing, fishing and hiking then this is a route you should consider taking.
Contact: hessequaroute.co.za
