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.  

Kruger Park : Planning a Camping Trip

Nothing gets you closer to nature than pitching a tent under an Acacia tree. Listening to night fall and the awakening of the nocturnal animals makes you realize you are but a small piece of the creation. This is food for the soul.

It’s no surprise then, that many people actively search for an excuse to get to the bush. I often hear comments like “The Kruger isn’t bush anymore” and “There’s too much luxury at the Kruger Park to be a true bush experience”. While both statements might be true, I’m a firm believer that experiences are clouded by perspective.


If your normal day consists of sitting behind a desk in a posh office, relaxing on the deck of a guesthouse or cottage in the Kruger will feel like roughing it – simply because it’s different. For me, regardless of where I stay, as long as I can hear and see the African bush, I’m happy. I’ve learned that you can enjoy a holiday staying in the luxury chalet of a wildlife reserve just as much as camping in a tent. It’s all a matter of expectations.

While we’re talking about expectations, people who know me, know that I can rough it with the best of them. As long as I have something to protect me against the rain and a couple of steaks to barbeque, I’ll camp anywhere. But, you knew there was a “but” in there, didn’t you. I’ve never had to carter my camping gear to the destination without a vehicle that had a boot. Boot as in something covered. Like a trailer or caravan or simply just my LC105 EFI’s luggage compartment. (Those who don’t speak Land Cruiser language, a 105 EFI stands for Land Cruiser Station Wagon, Model 105 4500 EFI ) 

No ma’am, we are going camping at the end of the month with a LC 79 Pick Up. Like in one with cattle rails and absolutely NO luggage compartment. And no canvas cover either, because it takes too long to manufacture and we don’t have time to leave the vehicle there. So, for the first time in decades (I refuse to say how many as I will reveal my age) I have to give serious consideration about how I’m going to get my gear to my destination – preferably intact.

Still not seeing the problem? Yes, I can hear you men out there grumble. Hubby also don’t understand it. According to him I’ve never had more space to load the camping gear. Let me explain the dilemma I’m faced with:

1. We live in approximately 500 km away from the Kruger Park, which means somewhere along the road you have to allow for a bathroom stop. With the gear stowed on an open pick up, someone will have to remain with the vehicle at all times – that rules out a nice Wimpy breakfast along the way.We live in South Africa after all.

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2. As we are traveling eastwards, although it is winter, chances of rain can’t be ruled out. So anything that needs to be kept dry, must be placed in waterproof containers.That’s not so bad, is it? Mmm, considering we’re camping that includes bedding, food, cameras, laptops (you didn’t think I would leave it at home, did you?) tents (not a major issue, but try to pitch a wet canvas tent and tell me again it’s not that bad), freezer, etc. Some of these items will need BIG containers if you have to stow it away. Now we do have canvas bags to cover some of the items, so this might turn out not to be such a big deal. .



3. Then, my biggest issue. What do we do once we are inside the park? If you’re anything like me, you wait at the gate in the morning for it to open. Last night’s barbequed meat and toasted sandwiches are your food for the morning until you can stop at a picnic spot to prepare brunch. So, how do I keep the baboons and monkeys from stealing my food off the load bin? I’ve seen baboons at Balule run away with an entire cooler and scale the electric fence without missing a beat. A cooler on the back of an open vehicle will pose no problem to them.

So now I’m spending the next couple of weeks to figure out how to keep all hands off my equipment while I traverse through the Kruger Park. Once I’ve sorted the problem, I’ll update you on how I managed.

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Augrabies Falls: Budget Camping Accommodation and Luxury Self Catering Chalets

Whether you choose camping in a one-man tent or opt to stay in the self-catering chalets, the accommodation offered at Augrabies Falls National Park will satisfy the most discerning tourist.

Augrabies Falls National Park is situated in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Being a semi- arid region, the annual rainfall is low and extreme variations of temperature occur. The rock formations surrounding the Orange River Gorge add to the already high summer (January and February) temperatures, which average 41^o Celsius, and can push the daytime temperature up to 70^o Celsius. During the winter months daytime temperatures average a mild 20^o Celsius while nights hover around 0^o Celsius.

Regardless if you prefer to stay in the camping site or luxury accommodation, the best time of the year to visit the Augrabies Falls National Park is during autumn and spring. All accommodation offered by the park are within a short walking distance to the waterfall, restaurant and swimming pools. The park has a small, well - stocked shop to replenish supplies and fuel is available inside the park.

For those adventurous travellers, the resort offers activities like hiking, mountain biking, game drives and adventure sports like the Gariep 3-in-1 adventure.

Campsites at Augrabies Falls

The campsites at Augrabies Falls National Park are shady and planned well. Short wooden polls, planted close enough to each other to keep vehicular traffic out, cordon off a grass covered semi- circular area. This grassed surface is exclusively for the use of tent campers and the absence of vehicles inside the circle ensures the safety of the campers.

Caravans, trailers, auto villas and camper vans utilize the area around the grass surface on the outside of the wooden polls. These sites are gravel covered and relatively level. Huge trees provide shade for both tent campers and the caravans. All campsites have electrical outlets and a communal camp kitchen, equipped with two - plate stoves and basins for doing dishes, is placed at a central location. The ablutions include a laundry and ironing room.

A maximum of six people are allowed per campsite, with one vehicle and one tent or caravan.

Self- Catering Chalet Accommodation for Visitors to the Augrabies Falls

Augrabies Falls National Park also offers chalets accommodating two adults and two children. These air - conditioned chalets are equipped with outfitted kitchenette, bathroom, microwave oven and two single beds. A double bunk bed, which is not suitable for adults, is available for children. Each chalet has barbeque facilities outside the building and several of these chalets are adapted to accommodate people with physical disabilities.

Family Cottages for Larger Families Staying at the Augrabies Falls

These two bedroom cottages have two single beds in every bedroom and a children's sleeper couch. The open plan kitchen is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery. The lounge provides seating for six people while the bathroom contains both a shower and bath. On the outside, provision is made for holding a barbecue and the units are air - conditioned to ward off the extreme temperatures of the area. Some of the cottages are also adapted to cater for people with physical disabilities.

Tourists planning to travel to and stay over at the Augrabies Falls National Park must reserve the accommodation in advance to avoid being turned away especially in the tourist season.

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Mabuasehube with an Off-Road Caravan

As you all know from previous posts, Mabuasehube Game Reserve in Botswana, Africa,  is no place for the feint hearted. Due to the fact that there is no hotels or self-catering accommodation available, tourists must be completely self-sufficient.

Yep, that translates to CAMPING!

Now, if you’ve missed the previous post about the Mabuasehube Reserve that forms part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, here is a quick recap of the important facts:-

1. The reserve is unfenced. Yes, that means the campsites are unfenced too and visitors often find themselves held hostage by groups of lions.

2. The ablutions consist of pit toilets surrounded by a wooden snail-like structure open at the top and bottom. (If you don’t believe me about the lions, just check out the claw marks on the seats of those toilets.)

3. Mabuasehube forms part of the Kalahari Desert and the roads vary from sandy (and I do mean sandy) highways to deep rutted sandy tracks.

4. Your closest neighbours are often on the other side of the salt pan and more than a kilometre away as the crow flies.

Using an Off-Road Caravan when Visiting Mabuasehube

On our first visit to Mabuasehube we towed a Jurgens Explorer off-road caravan behind a Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DiD. It was late July after a dismal rainy season and the sand resembled the upper part of a beach where the waves never reach. You know, that part where the hot sand always get into your shoes no matter what you do.

It seemed like the best solution at the time as we could carry enough drinking and washing water as well as enough fuel for the four day stay at Lesholoago Pan. We also would be protected by something more than just mere canvas from the predators that roamed the semi-desert landscape. A fact my daughter made full use of by retiring inside when darkness fell and only emerging when morning came.

It also meant we could use our own shower as at that time, the campsite at Lesholoago didn’t have water. Over all, it was a great decision to go to Mabuasehube with a competent off-road caravan. But, as you can guess, it wasn’t all moonshine and roses.

Advantages of Towing an Off-Road Caravan to Mabuasehube 

Please bear in mind these my own experiences of using a caravan. Other people may have different opinions and you’d do well to research them before making a decision.

1. As mentioned before, we had a solid structure to protect us from the elements and predators. During winter, the nights at Mabuasehube is bitterly cold and the temperature often drops to well below zero. Having the protection of the caravan, the cold was barely noticeable inside.

2. We had ample space to carry supplies such as water, fuel and wood inside the caravan.

3. All our amenities were in one place. The caravan comes equipped with a fridge/freezer, washing basin, two plate gas stove, cutlery and crockery, king sized bed and bathroom cubicle.

4. The awning provided shade during the day and protection during the evenings against the dew. It also provided cover for the stove and washing basin.

5. It doesn’t take a long time to stabilize and you can set up camp fairly quickly.

6. The pull-out kitchen made having a cup of coffee or a quick meal along the road, easy as you didn’t have to unpack everything in order to get to the kitchen.

Overall, I loved the idea of the caravan and the convenience it offered.

Disadvantages of Towing an Off-Road Caravan to Mabuasehube

You guessed it, there is a “But” in there somewhere. Towing an off-road caravan that by its nature is a large, heavy structure, does have a number of disadvantages. I suspect many of my complaints about the caravan are of my own doing, but it just didn’t justify the hassles I experienced. Here is why I say that:-

1. Off-road caravans are heavy beasts. Empty it weighs nearly a ton and fully loaded you creep to nearly one and a half tons. Moving that beast around in sandy soil is no picnic. If you consider that my husband and I usually travel alone and that despite my size I am not the strongest person in the world, this caused many grunts and complaints along the way. Even on level tarred surfaces the sheer weight of the caravan was daunting.

Couple this weight with sand dunes not compacted and rutted and you might get this result:

Going up a large loose dune, the vehicle in front of us braked suddenly. We had to stop and the digging above was the result. In the end we had to winch both the car and caravan to the top of the dune. We were so intent on getting the vehicle out of the sand, that we stopped checking for predators after a while. On our return we found these two just on the other side of the same dune.

2. As stated before the roads are heavily corrugated at times. During our first visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the road between Askham and the entrance gate at Twee Rivieren, were not tarred. The corrugations were so bad, people were often asked to drag empty tires behind their vehicles in order to try and tame the corrugations. So our first taste of what corrugations could do to an off-road caravan came relatively early on our trip. By the time we reached Mabuasehube from Nossob, I was getting used to cleaning up inside before we could bed down for the night.

Although the Jurgens Explorer is a competent off-road caravan (and believe me if I say we tested it on a variety of terrains) the inside is still manufactured from a type of hardboard. This means that the thin wooden panels had to withstand an amount of vibration. They often didn’t. I cleaned up mayonnaise, sugar, coffee and various other stuff that simply shook out of the cabinets on the corrugations. Although these items were in closed containers, the locks on the cabinets failed and the contents were shaken out – this was before the time of clip – seal plastic containers. Cleaning up before you could set up camp, prolonged the getting settled process unbearably long after a hard day’s driving.

3. Dust. I hate dust. The clips of the slide windows on the Jurgens Explorer didn’t hold up on tough terrain and would shake the window open. Even the slightest opening allowed the dust to settle on the bedding and we had numerous nights where we had to shake out the bedding first before we could go to sleep.

4. Due to the amount of fuel and water we had to carry to Mabuasehube for consumption, we had little space for other camping equipment inside the caravan, The cabinets inside the caravan is small and being winter, we had to pack our clothes in suitcases which had to go on top of the bed. Camping chairs, table, and various other items also found a traveling space on the nicely made bed. We had to unload this first before we could get some sleep.

5. Accessing the fridge while on the road was a menace. The fridge/freezer is located under the three-quarter sized bed on the nose side of the caravan. You had to lift the bed to get to the fridge. When loaded with items, this proved to be irritatingly difficult. Even when the bed was made, you still had to lift it to access the fridge.

Now, you might say these are petty concerns, but travelling for weeks on end with the same problems, these petty concerns become major irritations. Would I use an off-road caravan to Mabuasehube again? Maybe. You have to decide what is more important to you. For me, I don’t think I’d do it again.

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Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve – Attractions and Activities

As stated in the previous post about Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve this resort in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, provides tourists on a budget holiday with many attractions and activities to occupy their time for days on end. Besides the relaxing atmosphere of the reserve and the wildlife and birds visiting the camp, even adrenaline junkies will have their fix of sorts.

What Makes Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve a Sought After Destination?

 Well, just look at what is on offer in and around the resort. You can:-
-  Go on a 36 km long 4x4 trail and traverse sand and mountain
– Take any of the numerous hiking trails in the reserve,
– bike your way through the meandering roads of the reserve,
– go game viewing and bird watching,
– visit the famous ‘Roaring Dunes’ of the Kalahari,
– go dune boarding down the red dunes of the Kalahari, 

Let’s start with the ones I personally did – ok I’m lying – physical activity is not really my style, but the rest of my family has no such qualms.

Dune Boarding at Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve




If physical activity is your passion, you can take the kids and hire a dune board (currently R110-00 per board per day) from the reception office and scale one of the fairly high dunes in the reserve. From other dune boarders (remember I’m not one for exercise) I learned that it pays to wax the board thoroughly before embarking on the downward journey.

Even if you are not into the gliding down a dune at what feels like 100 km per hour with the wind in your hair, the climb to the top is still worthwhile. The view from atop the dune is spectacular and you have a panoramic vista over the roaring white dunes.

Visist the Roaring Dunes of Witsand Kalahari Reserve




From the viewpoint you have a wonderful view of the roaring sand of the Kalahari. This is probably the most well-known feature of the Witsand Kalahari Reserve and tourists are intrigued by the sound rising from the white dunes in warm and dry conditions.

The white of the roaring sand contrasts sharply with the rest of the red dunes and although the simple explanation for the difference in colour lies in the amount of oxidation around the sand, the white sand just lends a little more mystery to the dunes.




Explore the 4x4 Trail at Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve

This is one of my favourite activities at Witsand Reserve. Approximately 20 km away from the reserve, a 36 km – long 4x4 route takes drivers over some small to medium dunes and some mountainous terrain with breathtaking scenery. The route itself is not all that taxing on either driver or vehicle, but it sure is a lot of fun. Hurtling up a dune at almost full speed, or having a ‘windgat’ driver stop halfway up a rolling dune, tends to get the adrenaline pumping and lift everyone’s spirits.



On the way to the route you’ll encounter signs like the one below which will put a premature smile on your face. For those not fluent in Afrikaans, roughly translated it means: treat all gates like your pants’ zip – zip it and close it. 

On the way to the route you can expect to see cori bustards, sociable weaver nests and if you keep your eyes open, various other semi-desert creatures.

With more than 170 bird species and various antelope and other desert creatures, combined with the exciting semi-desert vegetation, it should be clear by now, why your should take time to visit the Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve.

Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve – Location and Accommodation

Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape provides tourists with a nice stopover between Gauteng and Namibia or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The word ‘stopover’ is, however, not completely appropriate. You could easily spend a couple of days, even a week, at the reserve and never be bored. This is a must-see destination in anyone’s budget holiday as the prices are reasonable (even cheap for camping).

We used the Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve as a stopover in 2005 and stayed for only two days. In 2007 we rectified our mistake and spent a couple of days more at the resort.

Where is Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve?

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From Gauteng you take the N14 towards Upington. Just after Olifantshoek, you will find a road sign indicating the turnoff to the reserve. From here it is a gravel road and depending on the season, the road can be a little hair-raising for tourists travelling with a small sedan or normal caravan. The turn-offs to the resort is well-marked and if you happen to miss the first turn-off from the N14, you will find another one a couple of kilometers further on. Their web site www.witsandkalahari.co.za provides all the details one could require. 

Accommodation at Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve

You can choose between camping and staying in self-catering chalets. The campground is well maintained and although shade is at a premium on some sites, especially during the hot summer months, overall camping at the reserve is a pleasant experience.

Be careful during the summer months as the resort is in the Kalahari region of South Africa and the temperatures can be scorching. During winter months, make sure you have adequate blankets because although the days are moderate and pleasant, the nights can be downright freezing.

During 2007 we elected to make use of the camping facilities and being December, we had quite a bit of rain (with the inevitable leaking nylon tents) and very hot temperatures. So, check where you pitch the tent so that you don’t end up in a river of water during the night.

The self-catering accommodation is more than adequate and comfortable. Fully equipped kitchens, lounges and crisp and clean bedrooms are the order of the day.



Management of the reserve tried to cause as little disturbance to the vegetation as possible and natural bush surrounds all the chalets. You might even, like we did, get visits from Steenbuck and a variety of other animal life around the camp. They even provided a birdbath and drinking point for the animals at the chalets, so sitting on the porch and relaxing with a cold one, could be very rewarding in the early morning and early evening.

With friendly staff, adequate accommodation and plenty to do and see, this is an ideal destination for any tourist travelling through the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. In the next post I will tell you what to do and see in the area. Trust me, if you are a nature lover, you don’t want to miss out on all the activities this wonderful resort has to offer. Even the off-road enthusiast will have a blast.

Gariep Dam/Lake Gariep: Facts and Information

The Gariep Dam, formerly known as the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam is the largest water reservoir in South Africa and is quickly becoming a sought after tourist destination. With several activities in the vicinity, a holiday at the Gariep Dam will never be boring.

 

 

 

Statistics of the Gariep Dam

1. According to the Department of Water Affairs, the Gariep Dam when full has the capacity to hold 5500 million cubic meters of water and the surface of the dam covers 370 square kilometers.

2. The hydro-powerplant through which water is released to the Vanderkloof Dam, consists of four generators each capable of producing 90 MW of electricity.


3. The dam wall is 88 meters high and 914 meters long and approximately 1.73 million cubic meters of concrete was used to construct the dam wall in a gorge at the entrance to the Ruigte Vallei. 

The Town Gariepdam / Lake Gariep Village

The small town of Gariepdam, yes it is actually a town, consists mostly of prefabricated houses, which in the past housed the personnel of Water Affairs. Nowadays the houses are privately owned and occupied by people of various ages. Due to the serenity of the area, many pensioners reside in the town and it is not uncommon to see several elderly people strolling through the streets.

With a fuel station, chemist and small general dealer, the town offers the basic necessities required by the permanent residents. There is however no medical doctor in the town, but hopefully the construction of a registered old age home in the town, will change that. No doubt the clean air and surroundings, warm climate and friendly people will attract many investors in the future.

Where to Stay at Gariep Dam/Lake Gariep

Tourists can choose between luxury hotel accommodation, self catering accommodation and camping when visiting Lake Gariep. With various levels of luxury, the accommodation at the Gariep Dam will suit anyone’s particular needs.

A few of the establishments offering accommodation are:
1. de Stijl Hotel;
2. Forever Resorts Gariep;
3. The Glasgow Pont Hotel;
and numerous other B&B’s.

With activities like gliding, sailing, mountain climbing, river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and many more, it’s no wonder that the popularity of this little town in the Middle Karoo grows by leaps and bounds.

Photographs for Wildlife Enthusiasts

In a previous post I mentioned the stunning photographs taken by Morkel Erasmus, a photographer in South Africa. His blog SAFFAscapes is gaining traction and rising in popularity in both the photography and wildlife spheres.

He recently got his own website where he showcases his photo’s. Although the web site loads a bit slow, it is certainly worth the wait. With wildlife-, landscape-, birds and small creatures photo’s, Morkel inspires the nature lover to get out there and see this for him/herself. The best part of the web site is that you can order most of the photo’s as stock images to use.

From his photo’s it is clear that Morkel is completely in love with the subjects he photographs and he is not shy to show it through his pictures. On his blog, he often tells his readers what settings he used and how the photo was taken, which is great for any amateur who wants to try and copy the photo (it might be quite impossible to get it as good as he does, but we can only try). So, take a look at the site and tell him what you think.

(Oh, and in case you were wondering – I don’t the man from a bar of soap – I just LOVE his photos.)

Pilanesberg Nature Reserve - 5 Things to Seek

The Pilanesberg Nature Reserve resides in a volcanic crater with a diameter of 27 kilometers and is surrounded by six mountains. It  is the 3rd  biggest reserve in South Africa and was established in 1979. Today, tourists flock to the reserve as it is known to be the one reserve where Africa's Big 5 animals can be found with the least amount of trouble.

But what should the visitor look out for, except the animals and beautiful scenery? Here is five things every visitor should do or see when visiting the Pilanesberg Park:

1.    Visit the Manyane Complex at Pilanesberg

The Manyane complex is the head quarters of the North West Parks & Tourism Board. There you will find a walk-in aviary with over 80 species of birds. Besides being informative, children love seeing the birds up close and observing their behavior. Allocate enough time to browse through the aviary as you will probably see birds you never get the opportunity to observe in the wild.

An à la carte restaurant, shop and bar provides delicious meals and a great selection of memorabilia to purchase. Children are entertained at the swimming pool, jungle gym and mini-golf while parents can take a relaxing stroll along the self-guided hiking trails in the Manyane area.

2.    Malatse Fenced Hide

Here the man-made dam and weir prevent erosion from damaging the ecology and shows off the management of the park's commitment towards conserving the environment and enticing wildlife back to this dry area in the park. Tourists spending some time at the hide might be rewarded with sable, eland and sometimes even rhino.

3.    Ratlhogo Fenced Hide

The Ratlhogo hide is situated in a wetter part of the Pilanesberg Park as indicated by the Karee trees surrounding the area. Game is abundant around the hide and tourists can expect to see kudu, bush buck, water buck and several bird species while spending some time in the hide.

4.    Mankwe Lake View Platform

This platform is about in the center of the Pilanesberg Park and offers tourists the opportunity to view an array of water birds. Crocodiles and Hippo reside inside the lake and tourists rising with the birds will have a spectacular view of the sunrise from the platform. The platform is fenced and visitors should attempt to spend some time viewing the domed hills surrounding the park from here.

5.    Fish Eagle Picnic Site

The picnic site is fenced and was once an Iron Age Kraal site which was easily defendable and close to water. The picnic site is surrounded by Acacia trees, Bushwillows, Tamboti and Marula trees. With views of the interface of three habitats (rocky outcrop, hillside and water) this is an excellent spot to enjoy a light brunch or picnic while driving through the reserve.

  When all is said and done, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve may have congested roads during weekends and peak season and may have some of the worst behaved elephants, but it remains a popular place for tourists to observe the true African bush.

Soccer World Cup Opening Ceremony

I have to admit, I was one of the sceptics hoping the 2010 World Cup Soccer opening ceremony goes well, but doubting that it would. I am so glad that my hopes were confirmed and my doubts squashed.

The ceremony was well planned, presented and executed. The true African flavor depicted the spirit of Africa well. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that the organizers chose to end the program with Shakira and not someone like Yvonne Chaka -Chaka who is the true spirit of Africa, but that is a personal choice.

From the amount of spectators present it was clear that everyone enjoyed the opening as much as us who did not have the priviledge of attending. What a spectacular event - well done Africa!

Camping Tips for Tsendze Camp in the Kruger National Park

Tsendze is the newest addition to the rest camps in the Kruger National Park. This camp is, however, not suited for the first time camper not used to camping in the wild.

The facilities at Tsendze Camp close to Mopani Rest Camp, is basic, although extremely well-maintained. These is no electricity, no shop, no fuel and no facilities except two unique ablution buildings and two camp kitchens. Gas geysers provide hot water to the showers (no baths) and solar panels drives the lights.

Camping at Tsendze is scary for the uninitiated. The campsites are private, with the surrounding bush kept intact as much as possible. This means that the local wildlife in the form of scorpions, spiders and snakes move unhindered through the camp. It is common to find scorpions roaming your campsite at night and stepping on one when you are not actively looking out for them, is a real possibility.

Keeping a few simple rules in mind, would help make your stay at this wonderful camp, worthwhile.

1. Avoid unnecessary walking around at night. Prepare the evening meal as soon as possible and relax under the bright stars while keeping your feet off the ground. Spiders and scorpions frequent the campsites at night, especially during summer, and can cause a nasty surprise to the unwary.
2. If you have to walk around at night, wear closed shoes and long pants to keep the insects at bay and avoid being bitten or stung.
3. Use a proper flashlight when visiting the bathrooms after dark. Nothing is worse than hearing a rustling in the bush next to you and not being able to see what moved in the bush.
4. Always take precautions against malaria as the Kruger National Park is malaria area.
5. Try to walk in groups if you move around the camp at night.
6. Keep the campsite area lighted as much as possible. If you can't see the spiders and scorpions it doesn't mean they are not there. Make sure you can detect any movement on the ground and in the surrounding bush.
7. Although the camp is fenced, this is no guarantee that leopard can't get into the camp. Be vigilant, especially at night and try to avoid walking alone if possible.

That said, this must be the most rewarding camp in respect of privacy and tranquility in the whole of the Kruger National Park. Visitors experiencing the "beat" of Tsendze once, will almost certainly return for more of the same. From just listening to the African bush around you to experiencing the luxury of an open air shower, Tsendze is truly an unique African experience not to be missed.

Tarred Road Between Askham and Twee Riviere

The first time I visited the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park the road between Askham and Twee Riviere was still notorious. Reports of vehicles breaking down, corrugations shaking your teeth loose and tires being towed behind vehicles were in the order of the day. To me...it meant excitement.

Bad road conditions led to few people venturing to that part of our beautiful country and those are the places I love. Nature tends to be unspoiled when fewer human footprints litter the area - a sad state of affairs, but unfortunately all too true. So, we packed the car, at that stage a Pajero and the off-road Explorer caravan (bad choice, but that is a story for another day) and set off in the middle of the night to reach Molopo Lodge at Askham where we would overnight before embarking on THE ROAD.

We reached the lodge just before sundown and thanked our lucky stars that we reserved a chalet for the night. THE ROAD had to be embarked upon well before first light if you wanted any chance of arriving at the gate at Twee Riviere by eight when it opened. So, by five 'o clock we were on our way. The road proved to be everything it was reported to be - and then some.

After ten kilometers (and more than half an hour later) I thought the Pajero would lose at least some of the wheel nuts. Anything that could shake loose, did and I shuddered at the thought of the mahem I would find inside the caravan. We drove on every possible side of the road and sometimes even next to the road, but regardless of how fast or slow or where you drove, the corrugations hammered away at the car and your body. (I suspect the idea for the Vibro Shape belt originated on this road) Dust whirled around the cars and we had to keep a substantial following distance from our companions to be able to see the road ahead.  

Just before eight we arrived at the gate of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and watched the sun rise over the huts of the Botswana Twee Rivieren camp. The sixty-odd kilometers took nearly 3 hours to negotiate. What a wonderful start to a holiday in the bush!

During 2008 we entered the Kgalagadi again from Askham, and despite rumors of the road being tarred, I still held some hope that parts would be gravel. The freshly tarred surface continued to the gate of the park and we traversed the same stretch of road in less than an hour.

Now, I may be completely wrong about this and it is purely my own opinion, but I wonder if the tarring of the road didn't contribute to the influx of tourists to the park. During the time when access to the park was still limited to a few people who didn't mind "roughing" it a bit, we experienced no traffic congestion on the main roads, no motorists driving at excessive speeds and virtually all the people we met, were there solely for the purpose of experiencing nature and drink in the unique ambience of the Kalahari Desert.

A quiet appreciation of the animals and vegetation ruled the campsites at Twee Riviere - this changed to traffic jams, tour groups and noice-filled nights. While I am all for making our national parks more accessible to everyone and wouldn't dream to shun progress, I can't help but feel a little sad that the park is following in the footsteps of the Kruger National Park and is now well on the way to becoming a more commercial enterprise. With the road between Twee Riviere and Nossob being fixed (rumour has it that it will eventually also be tarred) it feels like the last vestiges of the quiet beauty will be lost for future generations. I hope the management of the park would be able to find a balance between commercial viability and preserving the park and its riches.

That said, I continue to visit the park despite these factors and during every visit the Kalahari reveals a little more about itself. You just can't help yourself - you need to go back again and again to experience the sometimes barren and dry soil of the Kalahari Desert.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park should be on every tourist itinerary.

Wildlife Photography - 2 Must See Web Sites

Being an amateur photographer and only dreaming of taking beautiful photo's, I stand amazed at the quality of photo's these two photographers take. The photo's on the blog of Gerry van der Walt at Photo Africa took my breath away.

He recently had a guest, Morkel Erasmus,  posting an article about HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo's with an explanation of the software and how to do it.  This is amazing article with so much information, I bet you will read it at least twice and keep returning to make the information your own. (I know I will.)

The photo's alone will have you itching to pick up your camera and head for the wilderness of Africa. Please look at these sites and tell me what you think.

Tips for Camping in Africa - Why Campers Must Wear Shoes

Whether you camp in places with (Kruger National Park) or without fences (Mabuasehube and most of Africa), the animals always have right of way. And not just the Big Five, all animals. That is why you should always wear proper shoes.

Africa is no place for sissies. You probably heard this statement before, but didn't quite know what is meant by it. Let me illustrate by way of a few short tales.

As you know, I am an avid camper and the wilder it gets, the happier I am...well mostly. This means that although I enjoy the Kruger Park, Pilanesberg and other game reserves as much as the next person, the places I feel most relaxed are where nothing but canvas stands between me and the animals of the veld. If you have to traverse a few 4x4 obstacles along the way, I really enjoy myself as this means less human traffic.

Camping Tip 1 for Africa: Wear Shoes While Camping in the Wild

• Prevent Insect Bites While Camping in Africa
  

We've been visiting Balule camp in the Kruger National Park for several years now. Our holidays in the Kruger were mostly during the summer months. So besides taking prophylactics against the dreaded malaria mosquito, we also had to deal with a myriad of other six and eight legged creatures. Balule and we found this also at Shingwedzi camp, is notorious for its huge spiders running around at night. (I still can't figure out if they chase the shadows or the light.)

Although this afforded us hours of entertainment when middle aged ladies and large muscled men jump onto camping tables barely equipped to handle the loads of food on them, it stops being funny when these spiders start to target you. I'm sure they are perfectly harmless,but I have never stood still long enough to have a proper look and try and identify one. Why take the chance of stepping onto one and finding out they are as menacing as they look? Solution? Wear proper shoes.

• Wearing Shoes Helps Prevent Snake Bites While Camping
  

Snakes are also rife in the Kruger Park as well as the national parks and parts of Africa with a warmer climate. One afternoon while enjoying lunch under the tree you see on the photo, hubby and children suddenly jumped a mile high and broke several speed records trying to get away from the tree. A snake was busy making its way silently down the trunk of the tree, only a few feet from where we sat.

Imagine this at night: It is dark, with only the stars shining down on you. Somewhere in the distance a lion roars and the veld goes quiet. You absolutely have to go to the bathroom. No time to put on shoes. And then you meet one of those unfriendly creatures that zaps you on the ankle. Besides being painful and possibly lethal, your holiday will surely be ruined.

• Shoes Protect Against Scorpion Stings While Camping
  

 Scorpions tend to hide in shady places during the day only to roam around at night, early morning and late afternoon. Although few scorpion bites are lethal, they pack a nasty punch and could cause a lot of discomfort if you are far from any medical facilities or medical help.

• Shoes Protects Against Thorns While Camping in Africa
  

You may laugh at this, but have you seen the thorn of a Camel Thorn Tree? Imagine that long thorn sticking through the soft part of your foot. Besides delivering a painful sting, these thorns tend to break off inside your foot, causing infection and a slow healing process.

So don't be a baboon - wear shoes while camping and everyone will enjoy walking around in the bush so much more.