Definitive SA bush camp list

[Christoff]

Hi Folks,

I've put together a list of all the (nice) bush camps in SA.

Let's maybe qualify "bush camps" as well; let's say campsites that are as natural, off the grid as possible and at the very least separated from each other (i.e. not the traditional shared camp ground setups).

This is what I have so far, I would greatly appreciate suggestions (or corrections if some of these aren't that great). I will edit as we go.

Map; http://bit.ly/38okZa1

You can submit new campsites here; https://goo.gl/forms/TRvKA5pTJ2oUA0nI3

My reviews of these campsites; https://www.youtube.com/getoutgo

I also have a more detailed Southern Africa map but this one is a paid service as this is turning out to be a full-time job to maintain... http://getoutgo.co.za/campsites-map/

Cheers,
Christoff

[Epinephrine]

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to put together a list of all the (nice) bush camps in SA (will do Southern Africa later). Let's maybe qualify "bush camps" as well; let's say campsites that are as natural, off the grid as possible and at the very least separated from each other (i.e. not the traditional shared camp ground setups).

This is what I have so far, I would greatly appreciate suggestions (or corrections if some of these aren't that great). I've marked ones that I haven't been to personally with question marks. I will edit as we go.

Gauteng
Kyleu
MooiPlasie bushcamps
Willemsrus (sort of)
Danielsrust (sort of)

Limpopo
Matamba
Sondela Tambuki
Somabula
Waterberg Wilderness
Bontle campsite, Marakele National Park (sort of)
Tsendze Rustic Camp (sort of)
Coral Tree Campsite?
Zwakala Campsite?
Limpopo River Lodge Campsite?
Mazhou campsite, Mapungubwe (sort of)

Mpumalanga
Buffalo Gorge Wild camp

North West
Botsalano Game Reserve
Molopo Game Reserve

Freestate?

Kwazulu Natal
Doornkraal, Ithala Game Reserve?
Mabibi??
Northern Cape
Kokerboomkloof
De Hoop
Nossob Premium

Western Cape
Hermit’s Wood?
Kruistementvlei?
Greyton Eco Camp?

Eastern Cape
Bokmakierie?


Cheers,
Christoff

[Fishing1]

Not sure if Greyton eco camp has been revamped, last year it wasn't exactly a calm bush experience there was a migrant worker camp at the entrance and the camp admin was a bit of a shambles, one part of the ablutions were being renovated and the other half was wild with rats

[Piet the Camper]

Hi

Great Idea

Add Devoetpadkloof Bush camp to the Mpumalanga list, very very nice camp site

[Pieterk]

Blouberg Limpopo,
5 campsites only. No power or shops

[Bogaards]

You can add Bsorah to Gauteng

- No facilities, only a longdrop.
- Only 2 campsites far away from each other.

[Christoff]

You can add Bsorah to Gauteng

- No facilities, only a longdrop.
- Only 2 campsites far away from each other.

Thanks! this one? http://www.bsorah.com/magaliesberg-bush-camping/

[JHutton]

Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary definitely worth a visit near Mokopane

[Christoff]

Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary definitely worth a visit near Mokopane

Been there and it was quite nice aside for the one day where we had 7 guys appearing out of nowhere supposedly looking for their cattle and asking all sorts of questions of the farm and who owns it etc. One of the workers took them away on a bakkie after we informed the owner

Maybe just me being paranoid but I didn't like that much...

[Karrooseun]

Nice initiative. Subscribed.

[Jors55]

Bendito Ranch bush camping near Mokopane (Limpopo).
Only 3 secluded private bush camps.

[Diversions]

The two "exclusive" camp sites (numbers 17 and 18 ) at Bonamanzi in Hluhluwe are well worth a visit. (Well they were the last few times that we went there but things change rapidly these days).

Edit: These two sites are remote from all the other camp sites (and each other), totally secluded with water and electricity but no noise or fence. Each of these sites has its own basic but private ablutions.

[MrTolbos]

Eastern Cape

#6, #11, #12, #13 and 14 of Bruintjieskraal (in the mouth of Baviaanskloof) is pretty rustic, although most of them have a flush toilet and either a ‘donkie’ or gas geyser for hot water in the shower. But if you don’t like a hot shower you can swim in the river ;p On those numbers you are on their own and you don’t see your neighbors.




Then there’s a couple of more rustic campsites in the Gamtoos valley and Baviaanskloof that is very rustic. You can see the neighboring stand, although I have yet to see other people there since the campsites are either unknown or are not advertised at all.

[Bogaards]

Thanks! this one? http://www.bsorah.com/magaliesberg-bush-camping/

Yes, you are welcome to PM if you need more information.

[Kooskop]

Used to really enjoy Secret Falls outside Tulbagh but see they are closing to the public and will only be open to 4x4 clubs from 2019. De we qualify as a 4x4 club?....

[visconeng]

Subscribed. I like the idea.

[Christoff]

Do we qualify as a 4x4 club?....

Surely

[andrewdjulyan]

Used to really enjoy Secret Falls outside Tulbagh but see they are closing to the public and will only be open to 4x4 clubs from 2019. De we qualify as a 4x4 club?....

Thats really sad to hear.

[Peter Betts]

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to put together a list of all the (nice) bush camps in SA (will do Southern Africa later). Let's maybe qualify "bush camps" as well; let's say campsites that are as natural, off the grid as possible and at the very least separated from each other (i.e. not the traditional shared camp ground setups).

This is what I have so far, I would greatly appreciate suggestions (or corrections if some of these aren't that great). I've marked ones that I haven't been to personally with question marks. I will edit as we go.

Gauteng
Kyleu
MooiPlasie bush camps
Willemsrus (sort of)
Danielsrust (sort of)
B'sorah 4x4 Safari bush camp

Limpopo
Matamba
Sondela Tambuki
Somabula
Waterberg Wilderness
Bontle campsite, Marakele National Park (sort of)
Tsendze Rustic Camp, Kruger National Park (sort of)
Coral Tree Campsite?
Zwakala Campsite?
Limpopo River Lodge Campsite?
Mazhou campsite, Mapungubwe (sort of)
Modumele Wilderness and Molope Bush Camp, Blouberg Nature Reserve
Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary
Bendito Ranch bush campsites

Mpumalanga
Buffalo Gorge - Wild camp
Devoetpadkloof - Bush camp

North West
Botsalano Game Reserve
Molopo Game Reserve

Freestate?

Kwazulu Natal
Doornkraal, Ithala Game Reserve?
Mabibi beach camp
Bonamanzi "exclusive" camp sites (no 17 and 18 )

Northern Cape
Kokerboomkloof
De Hoop
Nossob Premium

Western Cape
Hermit’s Wood?
Kruistementvlei?
Greyton Eco Camp? - Bad reviews?
Secret Falls Tulbagh (4x4 clubs only though)

Eastern Cape
Bokmakierie?


Cheers,
Christoff

Just about every farm has a Bush camp in the E Cape ..for starters ..Then there are the Addo Camps in the remote sections ..The Fish River Reserve sites etc etc etc ..This list looks very incomplete especially as far as E cape goes ..Where and what is Bokmakierie Camp ..Never heard of it. By the way De Hoop is in W Cape on the coast and not in N Cape unless you are referring to Richtersveld?/ and I doubt whether Nossob Premium can be termed a Bush camp ..Its behind a fence , has access to shops , Has Electricity and its own Kitchen and Bathroom all squashed together with other sites along a fence ..Glamping at its best ..Rooiputs and Polentswa yes

[visconeng]

Just about every farm has a Bush camp in the E Cape ..for starters ..Then there are the Addo Camps in the remote sections ..The Fish River Reserve sites etc etc etc ..This list looks very incomplete especially as far as E cape goes ..Where and what is Bokmakierie Camp ..Never heard of it

That is why the OP put it on the forum, for you to contribute

You can add Hilstone lodge in Limpopo. West of Mapungubwe. Donkie, open showers & flush toilet. Lots of shade.