I Wanna Go Camping! Unique Campsites in KwaZulu-Natal

Updated Monday, 28 August 2023

Unique Campsites in KwaZulu-Natal ~ There is something about camping that brings us automatically closer to nature without, and for some our nature within. Perhaps it’s the derth of cement or tiles underfoot, and the tendency to go barefoot. Or simply that every gust of wind, intense ray of sunshine or drop of rain against the cheek is that much more accessible.

In KwaZulu Natal, with the Drakensberg and the coastline on your doorstep, camping is something of a no-brainer. And whilst the popular camping resorts like the Dolphin Holiday Resort in Ballito, Mahai in Bergville and Richards Bay Caravan Park are humming spaces ideal for school holidays, it is the smaller and quieter camps that word of mouth make popular and that make camping a little easier all round.

We’ve listed some unique campsites in KwaZulu Natal – places you can camp, many of them in and around the Drakensberg, by default. Each of these Campsites in KwaZulu-Natal has something special to offer, and all will allow one to escape from it all and get back to nature.

Bonamazi Game Park, Hluhluwe

Bonamanzi Game Park is a great alternative to the bigger and more popular parks in the vicinity – the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – and is itself a 4000 hectare park that promises savannah grasslands, dense sand forests, swamp lands and a fever tree forest.

Besides its tree houses, luxury camps and lodge, Bonamanzi offers seven camping spots in its Wilderness caravan and camping site, situated in amongst the trees of the sand forest.

There are ablution facilities and electricity, but really you’re here for the experience. The game farm is child friendly – think swimming pools, a play ground (at Lalapanzi camp), a daily crocodile and tortoise tour and river safaris to appreciate the birds. Animals include elephant, leopard, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, warthog, hyena and endless antelope. And you’re only 20 minutes’ drive from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

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Bonamanzi Game Park Rates and Specials

Fountain Hall Guest Farm

Fountain Hall Guest Farm, Mooi River

This is my kind of campsite. There are only two of them, which means peace, quiet and space uninvaded. The guest farm is a working dairy farm in the Midlands, just 7 kilometres from Mooi River. It lies in the foothills of the Kamberg, so in winter, if you’re prepared to brave it, you just may experience snow.

The farm also offers a couple of self-catering cottage options but the camp site is right on the Mearns Dam, with an ablution block and kitchen facilities, as well as electricity in the ablution area.

Children will love the farm as it includes cows that you can visit at the dairy, there is canoeing and if you bring your own bike, plenty of space for riding and hiking. The farm is also on the Midlands Meander route and is close to a series of pubs, restaurants, battlefields and bushman paintings.

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Fountain Hall Guest Farm Rates and Specials

Mount Splendour Eco Resort

Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort, Winterton, Drakensberg

You’ll find this working farm in the midst of the Champagne Valley in the central Drakensberg, its camping and caravan park set in amongst a forest of trees, manicured lawns and gorgeous views of the mountains. Here you get the experience of the mountains and a working farm wrapped up in one.

And by all accounts, they do camping in style – luxury private bathrooms, pre-erected safari tents, large, levelled electrified sites, tea on arrival and assistance in setting up camp (when you bring your own). Fridges, mattresses and beds are for hire, there is freezer space and a laundry service.