Camping is king!
Thinus Groenewald and his family like nothing better than a camping holiday. These are his five favourite places to camp. Thinus wins a pair of Pentax binoculars, worth R2 100,
for his contribution.
Pitch a tent in the Cederberg
The Cederberg Wilderness Area is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Cape Town. At the Algeria Campsite, you can splash around in the river pools or hike to a beautiful waterfall.
The kids will quickly make friends and only come to the tent if they’re hungry or tired. The campsite is at the foot of the mountain, which makes you feel even closer to nature. And fortunately there’s no cellphone reception!
A day trip to nearby Wupperthal is definitely worth the drive.
Contact: 021 659 3500; www.capenature.co.za
Swim in the Witte River
The Tweede Tol campsite, which is in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, is on Bain’s Kloof Pass near Wellington at the very place where the original tollgate was built in 1853.
You can go for long walks along the Witte River and take pictures of the beautiful scenery. There are pools all along the river, so remember to pack your cozzie.
Ask for one of the sites that border on the Wolwekloof River, and fall asleep to the sound of a mountain stream.
Contact: 021 659 3500; www.capenature.co.za for more information.
Paddle on the Breede
The Riggton River Farm Campsite is a small, peaceful campsite on the bank of the Breede River near Bonnievale.
Paddle on the river or watch the children play on a raft. Because the number of campers is limited, you quickly get to know all your fellow campers and will probably end up making good friends at the fireside. The ablution block is always clean and tidy, with enough hot water for everyone.
Buy some cheese in town or taste wine at farms in the region.
Contact: 082 782 2697; www.riggtonriverfarm.co.za/
Drive a 4x4 route between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam
Boegoeberg is a beautiful campsite between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. Owner Sybrie de Beer will make you feel at home on his farm and will show you around if you’re interested. There are 4x4 routes to drive on the farm.
The stands are all large and private, and there’s a lovely lapa with braai facilities. Fire up the donkey yourself if you want hot water for a shower.
Contact: 083 632 2634 (Sybrie); www.trailguide.co.za/trlboegoeberg.html
See the halfmens in the Richtersveld
The Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park in the far northwest of the Northern Cape is the only mountain desert park in South Africa. The desert landscape is amazing and the halfmens plants often make you look twice.
There is nothing nicer than camping at De Hoop, and at the Kokerboomkloof campsite it feels as if you’re the only person on earth.
Contact: 027 831 1506; www.sanparks.org/parks/richtersveld/
Back to destinations | Back to top
Comments