Savor Nature at it's Best -
National Parks Camping

National parks camping is something completely different. This is the heritage of a country, a place set aside for fauna and flora to thrive, a place where we can come in close contact with nature at its purest form.

Like every country South Africa has many National Parks with The Kruger National park as the pride of the country. Known for the Big Five being Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

Tommy: I love national parks camping, the peace and quiet is like none other. The best time of the day is at dusk, listening to birds chattering in the trees settling down for the night, a camp fire and a steak on the embers. Just love it!

There is a National Park to satisfy every wish like the arid landscape of the Karoo National park or Kalahari desert at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to National parks on the coast, feeling the spray of the sea on your skin at Tsitsikama National Park or the Big five in the Kruger National park.

National Parks camping in South Africa offers great camping facilities to the discerning visitor.

National Parks Camping Facilities

Addo Elephant Park

Situated in the Eastern Cape the park was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect the Eastern Cape Elephant.

Shaded camp sites with communal barbecue and ablution facilities. This National park is suited for motor home (RV) and over landing.

Close to the Indian Ocean at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains the scenery is stunning. Animals include Black Rhino, Kudu, bush buck and obviously Elephant.

Thing to do

Self-drive and guided game drives
Hiking
Birding
Hide overlooking water hole
4x4 Trails

Augrabies Falls National Park

The thundering noise of the water of the Orange river crashing down 50 odd meters before it hits bottom reminds one that this is the 6th largest waterfalls in the world. Situated 120 km from Upington this park is in an arid part of South Africa and an ideal place to start a love for national parks camping.

Shaded caravan and camping sites are also ideal for motor home (RV) up to Oranjekom, after that only 4x4 access. Communal kitchen and ablution facilities as well as laundry and ironing room on premises. All sites have power points.

Huge rock formations are some of the other attractions to this area as are the Quiver trees. Wildlife like Leopard, Mongoose and Leopard tortoise can be seen here.

Things to do

Bird watching
Game viewing
Nature Trail
Night drives
3 in 1 Adventure activity - canoe down the gorge, hiking out and biking back to camp.

Bontebok National Park

This park is situated in the Overberg area of the Western Cape close to the picturesque town of Swellendam and Bredasdorp.

The camping sites come with or without power points and communal ablution facilities. Maximum of 6 people per campsite, an extra fee is payable for additional vehicles.

As the name indicates the park was established to protect the Bontebok - antelope. Other wildlife include Cape Mountain Zebra and Grysbok. The South African national bird the Blue Crane can be seen in the whole area.

Thing to do

6 Day hiking trail
Bird watching
Swimming
Fishing
Canoeing/kayaking
Mountain biking

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden gate highland national park is situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg range below imposing ocher sandstone cliffs.

Shaded camping sites with communal ablution facilities, scullery and built in barbecue places.

This is a camp to become one with nature, experience the peace and quiet and the magnificent beauty of the surroundings. Wildlife consists of Blesbok, common Duiker, grey Rhebok, Springbok, Eland and red Hartbees. Birds are Bearded vulture, Cape vulture, Martial Eagle and Black stork.

Thing to do

Hiking trail
Canoeing
Swimming pool
Absailling
Tennis
Table tennis and snooker
Guided horse trail

Karoo National Park

Situated in the heart of the Great Karoo near the town of Beaufort West it represents the Nama Karoo Biome.

Award winning caravan and camping sites make this a national parks camping experience to remember. Communal ablution and wash-up facilities. Well suited for motor home (RV).

Keep a close eye on the small thing roaming around like the five species of tortoise, African wild cat as well as Porcupine, Water mongoose and Vervet monkeys. Cape-mountain zebra which came close to extinction early in the 20th century and Black Rhino can also be found here.

Things to do

Game drives
Fossil trail
Bird watching
Hiking trails
4 x 4 Trails

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In 1999 the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National Park merged to become the Kgalagadi Transfrontier park. This transfrontier park is on the border of Namibie and extends into Botswana.

Some of these roads are only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle. A 4x4 vehicle is required to access the Botswana side of the park. Not suited for regular motor homes (RV).

Camping at Polentswa and Rooiputs in Botswana side and Two Rivers and Mabuasehube. Booking for the Botswana camps - at Botswana tel 09 2673180774 fax 09 2673180775. Unfenced Wilderness camps at: Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus, Grootkolk and Bitterpan.

Wildlife to be seen blue wildebeest, brown spotted Hyena, Leopard, Giraffe, Bat eared fox, Cheetah, Gemsbok (emblem of the park) and the striking black-maned Kalahari Lions.

This arid landscape makes this a national parks camping experience not to be forgotten easily.

Things to do

Game drives at Nossop and Twee Riviere
4x4 Trails
Game viewing

Kruger National Park Camping Destination

The Kruger National park was proclaimed a national park in 1926, but was already established in 1898. Abundant wildlife with the African big five at the top of the list as well as a diverse Lowveld habitat makes this the ultimate National Parks camping destination. This park boasts more than one million visitors annually.

The Kruger has 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 5 satellite camps and 2 sleep over hides.

Camping is suited for caravans Motor homes (RV).

Camping sites available at Balule, Berg-en-dal, Crocodile Bridge, Tsendze, Lethaba, Satara, Malelane, Pretoriuskop, Punda Maria and Lower Sabie. Sites at Lower Sabie each has their own water taps, and most have power points.

148 Mammal species including the Big 5 as well as Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Zebra, Warthog and plenty of antelope species can be seen here.

Memory: We just love making a brunch (breakfast/lunch) at one of the designated picnic spots, on some of the main routes. These spots under huge trees supply gas burners for making bacon, sausages, eggs, and whatever is on the menu. Exciting to know you're surrounded by wild animals ... so keep your eyes open. Take care for monkeys, baboons and even birds that love to share your breakfast. This picnic spot is one of the highlights on my national parks camping trip.

This is a Malaria risk area - take precautions well in advance.

Things to do

Seek the Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant
Bird watching
Most rest camps have swimming pools
Game drives and Night drives
Picnic at one of the designated picnic spots on some of the routes
Relax in the rest camp with your own camp fire.

Mapungubwe National Park

Mapungubwe was set aside in the 1930s when valuable artifacts were found, but declared a national heritage site in 2001 and listed as a World Heritage Site in July 2003.

Only 10 camping and caravan sites here, all with own power points.

Special things to see is Mapungubwe hill, a habitation for African civilisation that lived here between 1200 and 1270 AD. Also, abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Zebra, Eland, spotted Hyena, Cheetah, Leopard and blue wildebeest. Look out for the giant Baobab trees, Riverine Forests, Acacia and Leadwood trees.

This is a Malaria risk area - take precautions well in advance.

Things to do

Bird watching
Game viewing
Guided Walks
Night drives
Treetop walks
Cultural heritage site

South African National Parks website

Marakele National Park Camping destination

This is a young national park proclaimed in 1914, situated in the Waterberg mountains near the town of Thabazimbi in the Limpopo province.

Camping suited for tent, caravan and motor home (RV). 38 Camp sites all with power points and communal ablution facilities.

This is a malaria-free area. Abundant wild life including Elephant, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Lion, brown Hyena and Cape buffalo. Multiple bird species can also be seen here.

Things to do

Game viewing
Bush walks/hiking
Bird watching
Sunset drives

Mokala National Park

This used to be the Vaalbos National Park, but was proclaimed the Mokala National Park in 2007. Situated 80 km south-southwest of Kimberly.

Motswedi camp has 6 camping sites only, suitable for tents caravan and motor home (RV). The well defined campsites each has their own bathroom/toilet facility with solar heating, kitchenette with 2 burner stove and small fridge/freezer and wash up facility.

This park also has an abundant African wildlife including White and Black Rhino, Black Wildebeest, Cape buffalo, Giraffe, Gemsbok and Zebra to mention, but a few. Keep your eyes peeled at night for the freckled Nightjar.

Things to do

Mountain biking
Sunset or Night drives
Day hikes
Canoeing
Birding
Fishing
Guided rock art painting excursions

Mountain Zebra National Park

Situated in the Eastern Cape near the beautiful town of Cradock, proclaimed in 1937 for the sole reason to protect the small population of the Cape mountain zebra.

Caravan and camping sites with communal ablution facilities ideal for tent, caravan and motorhome (RV).

Wildlife include Cape buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Kudu, Springbok and Black wildebeest. Birds include Black Eagle, Martial Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Blue Crane, Ground Woodpecker and Ostrich.

Things to do

Guided tours to San cave paintings
Day and night drives
Game viewing and guided game drives
Hiking
Picnic sites available

Namaqua National Park Camping Destination

120 000ha of land stretching from the Kammiesberg mountains to the Atlantic ocean. In season this otherwise almost arid landscape changes into a splash of color as far as the eye can see.

Camping sites suitable for tents, motor home (RV) and caravans. Wheelchair accessible.

This park's main attraction is the wild flowers that cover the area in season in August - September each year. The quality of the show depends on the rainfall in preceding months.

Some smaller wildlife appears in the area like African wild cat, Aardwolf, Steenbuck Grey Duiker, Aardvark, small-spotted Genet and Cape fox.

Things to do

Short hikes
Viewpoints on short drives to view the spectacular flowers- in season
Bird watching
Picnic sites

Richtersveld National Park/Ai-Ais

Richtersveld National Park is a mountain dessert park stretching over the border to Ai-Ais in Namibie.

This beautiful somewhat barren area has a magic all of its own it comprises mountains and the Fish River canyon.

The second largest canyon in the world and is home to a third of all the South African succulent plants with the main one the imposing quiver tree.

This is a 4x4 camping destination only. Sedan vehicles are not permitted in the park - but 4x2 with high ground clearance such as LDV's or Mini-bus do travel in the park. This is based on the information given by the South African National Parks (SanParks) website, but we do believe that Ai-Ais can be reached by sedan vehicle as well.

Wildlife in the area is Gemsbok, Steenbok, common Duiker, Ground Squirrel, Caracal, Honey Badger, striped Polecat and don't forget to look out for the unusual plants being the 'Half-mens' (half-human) and Quiver tree.

Hobas in Namibie is the start of the world famous Fish River canyon hike. This hike is 85 km long and normally competed in 4 -5 days. The trail stops at Ai-Ais.

Things to do

Bird watching
Guided trails
Canoeing
Fish River canyon hike
Hiking

Tankwa Karoo National Park

A diverse landscape of Succulent Karoo with matchless beauty.

Containing sheer cliffs of the Roggeveld mountains to the vastness of the desert landscape gives new meaning to National Parks camping.

It is advisable to have a 4x4 when visiting this park, therefore, it is not suited for a normal motorhome (RV). Take note that the campsites have no running water and no ablution facilities. Be self-sufficient for everything from drinking water to your own shower facilities.

Wildlife occuring in this park is Gemsbok, Springbok, Cape mountain Zebra, Grey Rhebok, Leopard, Cape fox, Black-backed Jackal, striped Polecat and Klipspringer.

Things to do

Hiking and nature trails
Mountain biking
Bird watching
Swimming
Canoeing
4x4 Adventure trail

Tsitsikama National Park

Home to one of the most beautiful birds in South Africa the Knysna Turaco/Loerie this is a stunning place to visit.

Some of the most beautiful scenery around and an idyllic campsite right next to the Indian Ocean.

This campsite is ideal for all types of camping including motor home. Take note to unhitch your caravan before checking-in at the office as the winding road down to the office has no place to turn with a caravan in-tow.

Tommy: One night I woke up and felt the caravan shaking, at first I didn't know what was causing this, until I realized that the force of the waves breaking on the rocks causes the caravan to shake. Our campsite was so close to the sea you could feel the spray of the surf on your face - a stunning place for a national parks camping holiday.

Things to do

The start of the Otter Trail - a 5 day trail over 42 km. This trail must be booked at least a year before the time as place is limited and the trail is very popular
Short hikes
Treetop canopy tours
4x4 trails
Absailling
Bungee Jumping - the world's highest.

West Coast National Park

The Langebaan lagoon with 24 km of coast line and surrounding land form the West coast national park. This park was proclaimed in 1985.

The camping area has communal ablution and wash up facilities, built in barbecue places.

Even though this is a coastal park, wildlife like Eland, Red hartebeest, Cape grysbok, Caracal and rock Hyrax can be seen as well as sea life like Whales and Dolphins not to mention an abundant bird life like Sanderling, Cape Gannet, Black harrier and Sandpiper. Keep your eyes peeled for all the different 'fynbos' plant species.

Things to do

Whale watching
Bird watching
Game viewing

Wilderness National Park Camping Destination

Wilderness national park is on the banks of the Touw River just 15 km from George in the Western Cape.

Ebb and Flow Restcamp has excellent camping facilities for tents, caravans and motor home (RV). The camp has a lot of big shady trees, on the banks of the river and just a short distance from a beautiful beach of the Indian ocean.

Special things to look for:

Keep your eyes open for small creatures like the Knysna Seahorse and Pansy Shell. Wildlife in this area is White-napped weasel, Claw less otter, Cape Fur seal, Cape porcupine and Grysbok.

Things to do

Canoeing
Mountain biking
Hiking
Bird watching
Abseilling
Fishing/Angling
Swimming

If you're interested in National Parks camping go to the South African National Parks website for more details.

National Parks camping give an opportunity to each and every one to enjoy the natural environment in a leisurely way.

Map of SA National Parks

This map shows the location to each National Park camping site in South Africa. You can zoom in and out with the bar on the left and move it around with the little hand that appears on the screen when you click on it.

View National Parks of South africa in a larger map

Map of National Parks camping destinations in South Africa

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