Camping at Cape Vidal: Tips, Tricks, and Scary Visitors

Discover Cape Vidal camping in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Packing tips, facilities, and stories of hyenas, honey badgers & leopards at camp.

Walk on clean sandy beaches at Cape Vidal

If you’ve ever dreamed of falling asleep to the sound of the waves while knowing that somewhere nearby a leopard might be stalking its prey or waking up to the sound of a hyena or honey badger trying to get into the dustbin, then camping at Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is for you. 

Cape Vidal is one of those magical places in South Africa where the bush meets the sea. It’s part of the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and it offers a rare mix: unspoiled beaches for long walks, snorkelling and fishing, game drives through coastal forest and grasslands, and a campsite where the wildlife sometimes comes a little too close for comfort. 

In this post, I’ll share some of the things you need to know to make your camping adventure at Cape Vidal unforgettable — from booking your spot to what to pack, plus a few insider tips about the unexpected visitors you might meet at night. 

Why Camp at Cape Vidal? 

Cape Vidal isn’t your average campsite. Where else can you go snorkelling in warm Indian Ocean waters in the morning, and then spot rhino, buffalo, or even leopard on a game drive that same afternoon? 

Cape Vidal is a paradise for nature lovers: 

 • Beach lovers will find golden sands, tidal pools, and great fishing spots in Cape Vidal reserve. 

You can walk along the beach to the lighthouse or take a walk north along endless stretches of unspoilt beach. You do need to keep in mind that this is a wildlife resort so while walking along the beach, you could encounter several dangerous animals. (We found leopard tracks on the beach.) 

Photo by Francesco Ungaro

Snorkelling during low tide is also a very popular pastime at the Cape Vidal campsites, and this can keep young and old engaged for hours. Several operators in St Lucia offer snorkelling tours for those who do not have their own or are just a little apprehensive about the rip currents at Cape Vidal beach.  

 • Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the surrounding wetlands and forests at Cape Vidal. 

Four of Big 5 are present at Cape Vidal

Now, this I can attest to. There are only a few routes you can drive in the park, but if you drive slowly enough, you will find jewels along the way. Even if you drive the same route twice in a row, you will find different animals. For example, friends of ours had been going to the Cape Vidal reserve for many years. In all their time visiting they managed to see one elephant. During our trip in 2024, we came across a large herd of elephants with babies and all. This was magical. 

 • Birders can tick off numerous coastal and inland birds due to the estuary that forms part of Cape Vidal reserve. 

Birdlife is prolific at Cape Vidal

Depending on the season that you’re going to Cape Vidal, you will find numerous different bird species in the reserve. They range from larks in the savanna to the elusive (and yet to be photographed by me) Narina Trogon. The small (and some not-so-small) lakes offer an abundance of waterbirds, regardless of the season. 

 • And for families, it’s a destination that caters to mom and dad and kids’ needs. 

Planning Your Trip to Cape Vidal: Booking & Permits

Cape Vidal is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and bookings fill up quickly during school holidays and long weekends. You will do well to book well in advance by sending an email to camping.capevidal@kznwildlife.com. You’ll also need to pay conservation fees and fees per vehicle, but these are fairly reasonable. 

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (May–August): Cooler, less humid, with fantastic whale-watching opportunities. 
• Summer (November–March): Hot and humid, but this is turtle nesting season — an unforgettable experience if you’re lucky enough to see it. 

Campsite Facilities at Cape Vidal & What to Expect 

The campsite has sandy, powered sites, clean ablution blocks with hot water, and no braai stands. This was the case in August 2024, but I have heard rumours that the facilities had deteriorated somewhat in the last year. There are no grass stands – you are camping just on the other side of a dune. Shade is decent in some areas, but not everywhere, so a gazebo is a good idea. 

Campsites at Cape Vidal are sandy and have some shade.

Now, here’s the fun part: you’re camping in the wild. That means monkeys will definitely try to raid your food, and they are very resourceful and lightning quick. According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso, the Cape Vidal campsite is only fenced to keep the elephants out of camp. So, in essence, you are camping in a game reserve that hosts a myriad of predators (leopard, jackal, hyena, etc.) without a fence (no lions). Jip – truly wild camping. 

If you want to learn more about our nightly encounters with hyenas and honey badgers, watch out for the next post. 

Don’t let this scare you off — it’s part of the Cape Vidal adventure! Just be prepared: 

• Always lock food away in your car or trailer. (And no, a plastic container in your tent is not sufficient. See our encounters above.)
• Don’t leave cooler boxes or braai leftovers outside. I have heard first-hand tales of how hyenas came into camp in broad daylight and took a well-secured camping fridge off the rails of a camping trailer, tore the aluminium open to get to the meat. You must lock everything away securely. Just placing it inside the tent is NOT enough and can be dangerous. 
• Keep your distance and never feed the animals. 

 Please note that the shop at Cape Vidal stocks only the essentials. You would do well to buy everything you need in St. Lucia about 30km from the campsite. St. Lucia also hosts a myriad of tour operators, deep fishing charters, snorkelling operators, birdwatching tours, restaurants and a Shoprite and Spar.  

What to Pack for Camping at Cape Vidal 

Here are a few things that can make or break your trip: 

• A sturdy freezer, cooler and plenty of ice blocks (there are no fridges).
• A good and reliable torch. Brighter is definitely better here.
• A gas cooker or braai grid (wood and charcoal are sometimes available, but can run out). There are no fireplaces, so you must bring your own braai or equipment to make fire in the sand. 

A good torch is invaluable for camping at Cape Vidal

• A shade gazebo or tarp. 
• Snorkelling gear for the bay. 
• Strong tent pegs — coastal winds can be fierce. 
• Binoculars and a camera for wildlife. 
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, and hats. 
• Dry bags for phones and cameras in case of sudden coastal rain. 

Things to Do Around Cape Vidal 

• Snorkelling: At low tide, the bay transforms into a safe, shallow aquarium full of tropical fish. 
• Game drives: Explore the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso for rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, reedbuck, and the occasional elephant. 
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for eagles, flamingos, and the elusive Narina trogon. 
• Fishing: With the right permit, you can surf fish or launch from the beach. 
• Beach walks: Endless stretches of wild coastline to explore. 
• Seasonal sightings: Whales breaching in winter, turtles nesting in summer. 
• Crocodile farm: Pay a visit to the crocodile farm just outside the entrance gate to Cape Vidal. Pamphlets are readily available everywhere to get the feeding times and operating hours for the public. 
• Boat rides on the estuary: Several boat operators offer paid rides on the St. Lucia estuary, where you can spot a lot of wildlife from the boat. 

Safety & Environmental Tips for Camping at Cape Vidal

• Swim and snorkel only between one hour before and one hour after low tide and in designated areas — currents can be strong. 
• Avoid walking alone after dark and always carry a strong torch when you have to venture outside.
• Secure your food against monkeys, honey badgers, and hyenas. 
• If you see a leopard, hyena, baboon or honey badger near camp, stay calm and give it space. 
• Drive slowly: nyala, bushbuck, and warthog often cross the road unexpectedly. 
• Respect the park rules: no loud music, no litter, and definitely no feeding wildlife.

 A Personal Note about Cape Vidal

One of my favourite Cape Vidal memories was climbing the dune in the campsite that gives access to the beach and sitting on top, sipping coffee and watching the sun rise. There is something magical if you dig your toes into the cool sand and watch the gulls traverse the sand seeking the occasional unlucky crab. 

Quick Reference Guide for Cape Vidal

• Location: Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal 
• Nearest Town: St Lucia (±30 km) 
• Access: Tar road. 
• Facilities: Campsites with power, ablutions, no braai stands. Wooden cottages nestled in coastal forest.
• Wildlife Hazards: Monkeys, baboons, honey badgers, hyenas, and the occasional leopard — keep food secure.

Final Thoughts About Camping at Cape Vidal

Camping at Cape Vidal is an adventure like no other. Where else can you snorkel with tropical fish in the morning, watch rhinos on a game drive in the afternoon, and fall asleep to the sound of waves mixed with the calls of hyenas at night? With a little preparation — and a healthy respect for the wild visitors — your trip will be one for the books. 

Have you camped at Cape Vidal? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

Catching Trout in South Africa on a Budget - Skurweberg Trout Hideaway

Skurweberg Trout Hideaway in Mpumalanga is an exclusive Luxury Trout Lodge Between Badplaas and Machadodorp. Here you can indulge in luxury self-catering accommodation in the Skurweberg Mountains of Mpumalanga, South Africa while casting flies to rainbow, brown and golden trout.

The Skurweberg Mountain Pass meanders through the mountainous area just outside Machadodorp in Mpumalanga, South Africa and offers breathtaking scenery to the nature enthusiast. The Skurweberg Mountains in the Mpumalanga Highlands was named after the ancient sandstone outcroppings, which apparently dates back to the Godwana period. Some of the flora found in the area includes yellowwood trees and a variety of aloes. About three quarters of the way down the pass from Machadodorp to Badplaas, Skurweberg Trout Hideaway's sign is on the left. 

Accommodation at Skurweberg Trout Hideaway

Skurweberg Trout Hideaway is the epitome of exclusivity as only one group of people is allowed at the lodge at any given time. No day visitors are allowed and guests have exclusive use of the earth dam and fly fishing in the Upper Boshoekspruit River.

Accommodation consists of a three-bedroom lodge, two of the bedrooms have en suite facilities and a third bathroom is shared. A sleeper coach in the living room provides accommodation for an additional two guests bringing the capacity of the lodge to eight people in total.

Friendly and competent staff services the lodge twice daily and all possible amenities are present. The kitchen is fully equipped with microwave, stove, fridge, freezer, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.

Comfortable couches in the living room makes watching television or lounging around the fireplace a pleasure. Outside the lounge, a wooden deck runs the length of the lodge and the wooden patio furniture is perfect for watching the sunset over the earth dam and surrounding mountains.

Turning left out of the sliding doors of the lounge, a thatched lapa contains a built in fireplace for barbecue as well as a garden table and sufficient chairs. A large fridge with freezer compartment provides extra space for preserving the day's catch.

Fly-Fishing for Trout at Skurweberg Trout Hideaway

Anglers can cast their flies to the rainbow, golden and brown trout, either in the one-hectare earth dam or in the three kilometer stream of the upper Boshoekspruit. The lodge affords a perfect view over the earth dam while the stream is a short walk away.

Two wooden jetties' facilitates long casts to the trout visible in the clear water of the dam. No artificial barriers limit the flow of water in the stream, but a few well-placed rocks create natural pools for trout to hunt and spawn. All trout caught are paid for per kilogram upon departure from the lodge.

Other Activities at Skurweberg Trout Hideaway

Besides fly-fishing for trout, guests can go for hikes on the property and picnic at the 90 feet tall waterfall a short walk upstream from the earth dam. The birdlife is prolific around the lodge and will keep avid birders occupied for hours. The property is safe and children can explore the surroundings on foot or by mountain bike.

Where is Skurweberg Trout Hideaway

From the N4 highway between Johannesburg / Pretoria guests should take the turnoff towards Machadodorp. Drive through the town and follow the signs indicating the road to Badplaas. Once tourists start descending the Skurweberg Mountain Pass, they should keep a lookout for the signpost on the left at a cluster of eucalyptus trees.

Bookings are essential to secure accommodation at Skurweberg Trout Hideaway, as accommodation at the lodge is fully booked well in advance.

Another trout lodge in the area is Waterfall Mountain Trout between Badplaas and Carolina.

Accommodation and Facilities at Berg-en Dal Rest Camp

Rest Camps in Southern Kruger National Park

Most tourists on vacation in South Africa try to include a visit to the famous wildlife park. With modern rest camps and comfortable accommodation, the popularity of the Kruger National Park increases every year.

From Gauteng, the rest camps in the south of the Kruger National Park, namely Berg - en Dal, Pretoriuskop, Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge and Biyamithi are the most accessible and therefore also the most popular. Tourists must reserve accommodation well in advance, as even the campsites are fully booked over weekends.

Facilities at Berg - en Dal Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park

Berg en Dal rest camp nestles close to the town of Malelane, which is on route to Mozambique.  Tourists often overnight in the camp for a day or two before proceeding to the sunny beaches of Mombasa. Mountainous terrain surrounds Berg en Dal Rest Camp and hence the humidity causes pleasant temperatures even during the cold winter months. The Matjulu Stream borders the one side of the camp while dry riverbeds and a dam forms the other borders.

When designing the outlay of Berg en Dal rest camp, management kept the disturbance of the natural vegetation to minimum and large trees provide a shady environment for tourists. This also leads to the local wildlife, especially Vervet Monkeys, running riot inside the camp.

A shop in the rest camp provides basic amenities as well as a selection of books, clothes and curios. The restaurant overlooks the river and dam where elephants and other animals often quench their thirst. A paved walkway provides excellent game and bird viewing in front of the restaurant and reception, while the Rhino Perimeter Walk, a hiking trail inside the fence, teaches tourists more about the local trees and flowers. The trail also caters for visually impaired people with information available in braille.

During peak tourist season, management screens wildlife documentaries in an open theatre under the African skies.

Other facilities in Berg en Dal Rest Camp include:

A filling station proving unleaded and lead replacement petrol as well as diesel
A Laundromat
An internet cafe
Cafeteria
Post box
Basic first aid assistance
Auditorium and conference center
Swimming pool

Accommodation at Berg en Dal Rest Camp in Kruger National Park

Accommodation at Berg - en Dal is varied and caters for all tastes.

The campsites are shady, the ablutions and kitchen units clean and well maintained and the staff servicing the campgrounds are friendly. The kitchenettes provide boiling water to guests twenty-four hours a day. All the campsites have electrical access points, but tourists should remember to buy a blue caravan adapter, as the power points do not accommodate normal electrical plugs. The shop sells these adapters, but may run out of stock during peak holiday seasons and tourists should rather bring their own.

Several 3-bed bungalows, mostly built towards the dry riverbed, offer self-catering accommodation to tourist. The beds are brick - built into the face brick interior of the bungalows with comfortable mattresses. These bungalows are essentially two-roomed units with an open plan kitchenette and bedroom and a small bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. They are fully serviced with the camp providing linen and cutlery.

Family cottages provide accommodation for six people in face brick buildings. Each family cottage has two bedrooms and two bunk beds in the lounge. These units have two bathrooms with a shower and bath and are fully serviced.

The J Le Roux and Rhino guesthouses are luxury units built in prime locations of the rest camp and accommodate six and eight guests respectively. With multiple rooms, bathrooms, and limited channel DSTV, these units are extremely popular with international and local tourists alike. All the units, except for the campsites are air-conditioned and fully serviced on a daily basis.

The Kruger in Africa remains one of Southern Africa's prime tourist destinations and no holiday in Africa is complete without a visit to the famous national park.

Bookings for accommodation at Berg en Dal Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park are essential and may be made eleven months in advance.