Camp sites......

[Klaus]

I was sitting the other day trying to figure out where there were Some decent camp sites within an hour and a half drive from JHB. I'm looking at busting out my camper out more next year and can't seem to come up with much options......


Any ideas ?

[CooP]

All of the SanParks sites are tidy, well-maintained and reasonably priced. My absolutely favourite camp site ever is Marakele, http://sanparks.org.za/parks/marakele/ . The camping is inside the reserve and the nearby waterhole makes for herds of animals wandering about near and INSIDE the camp site. The dangerous game is fenced off but antelope, warthogs, ostriches and rhino can be seen at extreme close-up. The mountain drives are great and a reasonable amount of big game can be seen too. Not much for young kids to do though so if you are unfortunate enough to have those then you may consider elsewhere.

Most dams have camping sites for fishermen to stay over. Witbank Dam (now called Emalahleni I think) has loads of things for kids to do and the dam allows windsurfing, boating, etc. Bronkhosrtspruit Dam is similar and also has a mini-golf course, volleyball courts, cafe etc. Also a small hotel so you can watch the Saturday sport. Mountain Sanctuary Park is in Magaliesberg area and really pretty, http://www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za/

What is "decent" for you may be different for me, I am quite happy to camp "rough" for a few days and don't need too many luxuries like hot running water and electricity if I am rewarded with a good view. There are many other sites around, do a Google search and try a few.

[MELLO YELLOW]

My boss has just come back from Edenpark (google it) and only had good things to say, private ablutions and kitcken area and you are not bothered by campers next to you as all the camp site are secluded.

[Pepsicola]

Soetdoring holiday farm, near Vereeniging.
Clean paved campsites with fresh water, electricity and braai area.
Clean ablutions, Wildlife drives, on foot or bike trail.
Swimming pool
(016)556 6154

[JohnHoffe]

Myself, Beetlefanatic and Sambabus spent a couple of days at Umaramba next to Buffelspoort. The kids had a ball. BF was not too happy because it was so busy. I thought it was ok.

Also Magalies Mountain Sanctuary where Fig took us at the end of 2010 was also good. Not too kiddy friendly thou.

[RICKY-R69]

Lots of nice camping sites in the Nylstroom( now Modimole) area.

[Klaus]

Myself, Beetlefanatic and Sambabus spent a couple of days at Umaramba next to Buffelspoort. The kids had a ball. BF was not too happy because it was so busy. I thought it was ok.

Also Magalies Mountain Sanctuary where Fig took us at the end of 2010 was also good. Not too kiddy friendly thou.

Did you access and spend time at buffelspoort dam when you were up there? It's a great dam for fishing and kayaks.

[JohnHoffe]

Myself, Beetlefanatic and Sambabus spent a couple of days at Umaramba next to Buffelspoort. The kids had a ball. BF was not too happy because it was so busy. I thought it was ok.

Also Magalies Mountain Sanctuary where Fig took us at the end of 2010 was also good. Not too kiddy friendly thou.

Did you access and spend time at buffelspoort dam when you were up there? It's a great dam for fishing and kayaks.

Unfortunately not. Was planning on getting my boat brought to us while camping. Some things came up nad it never happened. Must admit I didn't mind loafing around while the kids were being entertained by others!

[beetlefanatic]

Omaramba is not bad, I just think the timing was. I don't like too many people around.

@Klaus
Nick, my apologies for not inviting you too. It was such a spur of the moment decision.

[Klaus]

Omaramba is not bad, I just think the timing was. I don't like too many people around.

@Klaus
Nick, my apologies for not inviting you too. It was such a spur of the moment decision.

Cool - Next time !

You know I'm always keen to get the bus out, a fire going and some beers flowing

[Klaus]

Lakeside Holiday Resort

Situated on the banks of the Potchefstroom Dam in the Mooi River, offers chalets, a caravan park, a variety of facilities and entertainment such as water sports, angling, a swimming pool and supertube, and guarantees a relaxed, holiday atmosphere of high standard for all age groups. The licensed restaurant overlooking the waterfront, will contribute a pleasant stay.

Potchefstroom Dam Resort
Tel: (018) 299 5473

From previous post.... Add to the directory....

[Klaus]

Kleinparadys

North West - Bojanala Region - Brits

Clean 4-star resort is situated in the Brits area, about an hour-and-a-halfs drive from Johannesburg, and an hours drive from Pretoria.

The lush lawns and vegetation, as well as the natural beauty of the sourroundings make it an excellent and unforgettable break away.


The spectacular view across the dam adds a soothing and relaxing touch to this splendid resort - true to its name - Klein Paradys - "Little Paradise!".

There are 80 standard stands and 20 exclusive stands (with own ablution facilities). All are equipped with 15-amp electricity, water taps and portable braais. Stands are situated under an abundance of shady trees or net shading.

The spotless ablutions are indicative of the high standards maintained at KLEIN PARADYS, with twenty baths / showers, and twenty-two toilets.

facilities are what set us apart, and we know they'll make your stay with us even more enjoyable. At Klein Paradys Caravan

Park we offer you:
Paved Camping Sites
Electrified Stands
Chalets
Security
Ablution Blocks
Washing Machines
Tumble Driers
Cell Phone Reception
Heated & Cold Swimming Pools
Braai Facilities
Shop
Playground
Canoeing
Birding
Trampolines
Day Visitors Picnic Area
Tennis Courts
Chess
Garden of Eden
Bicycles Welcome
Fishing
Electric Razor Outlets
Putt-Putt

No Pets Allowed
No Credit Card Facilites


http://www.kleinparadys.com

[JohnHoffe]

BF (Beetlefanatic, not Boyfriend ) and myself have been discussing a camping week end like we had in December. Sounds like Klein Paradys (no, not my wife!) is a good place to go.

Who's keen?

[Klaus]

I'm keen to join


Been thinking of setting up a camp weekend once a month and try organize a few other airheads to join

[fig]

I'd be keen to do regular camping and saambraai with other bus drivers, although monthly won't fit into my schedule.

After the success of the KKKult camping weekend at Mountain Sanctuary in 12/2010 mrsfig and I planned to make it an annual event. We were going to do it over the September long weekend but then the holiday fell on a Saturday last year and life was too busy. It seems Jhb Beetle Club has a club camp-out on that weekend this year, so we'll probably do something in May/June. I've found a great spot on the Olifants river near Witbank, which has a challenging access road.

One feature of the "new" South frica is that most municipal caravan parks have been left to fall into disrepair or been redeveloped as shopping malls. The best sites now are private camp sites, although there are some municipal camping exceptions like Die Eiland in Upington.

When road tripping we like to do as much free camping as possible. It's becoming increasingly difficult, but you'd be surprised how many places there still are where you can "disappear" overnight and no one would ever guess you were there.