Your Camping Holiday in South Africa

Whether you crave open landscapes to feed your mind or mountain country to stimulate your emotions, there is a place for you on the South African map. A camping holiday is not about the equipment or the planning; it’s about the journey, the destination and the adventure.

 What destination features interest you? Is it jaw dropping scenery, stunning seascapes or the mysteries of the forest? Are you following a bucket-list, or wanting to see some of the Earth’s last great wilderness areas? For many it’s about the activities – how to keep your kids busy and what you can do to forget about day to day worries and live in the moment.

 Here are some of the most popular destinations for a camping holiday in South Africa:

  

The Eastern Escarpment

Do you long to get in touch with mountains, canyons, or waterfalls?
The Blyde River Canyon area is just the place for you. Choose among several camping sites and remember to visit the must-see places: God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Pilgrims Rest.

The Kruger National Park

Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is the holiday of your dreams?
The world-renowned Kruger Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. It has many delightful camps.

The North-East Coast

Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso, St Lucia: all of these places have camping sites with good, tidy facilities. You will stay close to the beaches and get a chance to visit the nearby game reserves abundant with wildlife. Activities include turtle nesting tours, whale watching, game viewing tours, fishing, kayaking, hiking, etc.

The South and Wild Coast

If you yearn for the bustle and the excitement of holiday crowds, you should opt for a camping site near popular holiday resorts such as Margate. Others will head for more secluded sites on the South Coast. Or, even better, head further south to the Wild Coast. Having successfully resisted the onrush of property development, the Wild Coast community is now concerned with the proposed highway construction and strip mining. So, visit it while it is still in its unspoiled beauty!

The Drakensberg Mountains

Lush greenery in the summer, all hues of yellow, red and brown in the autumn...
Whatever the season, camping in the Drakensberg is an unforgettable experience. You can set base in one of the many camping sites and venture onto day trails; you can hike with a tent on your back and sleep in the mountains; you can even sleep in a cave (do book ahead of time, or you may find “your” cave already occupied).

The Great Karoo

The stark beauty of the Karoo semi-desert is best enjoyed from one of several good camping sites. Spending a night or two out in the South African great wide open is a must, because the Karoo is one of the best places in the world for star gazing.

The Garden Route

This part of South Africa has it all: giant yellowwood forests, lagoons, gorges, sandy beaches, rocky headlands... Set your tent in a camping site near the coast, in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness or Mossel Bay, and immerse yourself into the beauty of the Garden Route.

The Western Cape

In this area, you will find camping sites situated along the coast, in the mountains and at several dams and lakes. When in Western Cape, visit the Table Mountain, Cape Point and, of course, at least two or three wine farms.

The West Coast

Surfing in summer and a carpet of flowers in the spring: that, in a nutshell, is why the West Coast is a favourite among surfers and nature lovers. There are several good camping sites in the area.

Interesting Facts About the Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls have been billed as the Greatest Falling Curtain of Water on this Planet, making it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

• The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world.They are not the widest waterfall or the highest waterfall but with all dimensions taken into account, including almost the largest flow rate, they are considered to be the biggest curtain of falling water in the world.
  
  
  

•  The Victoria Falls are 1700m wide and are made up of five different “falls”. Four of these are in Zimbabwe and one is in Zambia. They are known as The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and Horseshoe Falls in Zimbabwe and the Eastern Cataract in Zambia
  
  
  

• At its highest point, in March/April, it is estimated that 500 million litres of water per minute flow over the Victoria Falls. During the dry season, it can be as low as 10 million litres. The 1958 flood of the Zambezi saw the Falls reach record volumes of over 770 million litres per minute. Only the Iguazu Falls rivals the Victoria Falls in these terms (its record being only slightly less, at 750 million litres per minute) but a dam has decreased this, although the Boyoma Falls (formerly Stanley Falls) in Congo (formerly Zaire) has a higher total annual flow. 
• The spray created from the plunging waters, forced up and out from the gorge, rises some 400m to 800m into the air, and can be seen from 30 to over 60 kilometres away, and is best witnessed in the cool hours of the early morning. As the water droplets condense they fall as localised rain, creating rainbows and supporting the rainforest on the opposite side of the gorge, which is especially well developed opposite the Main Falls on the Zimbabwe side.

Southern African Safari

Africa is a dream destination for travellers. It offers everything from thrilling action-adventure to sheer, indulgent opulence. African Safari Experts take the guesswork out of planning your journey, while the comprehensive African Safari Guide puts the fun into finding out where you want to go and what you want to see. 

 Africa's wide range of destinations means a multitude of different holiday experiences in both East Africa and Southern Africa. Some of the most popular include Big 5 Safaris in the Kruger National Park; wildebeest migration safaris in the Masai Mara and Serengeti; gorilla trekking in the forests of Uganda and Rwanda; beach holidays in Mauritius, the Seychelles and Mozambique; and cosmopolitan 'world-in-one-city' experiences in Cape Town.

 

  And then there's where to stay. From boutique guest houses and 5-star hotels to tented safari camps and beach resorts, accommodation in Africa is as varied as its landscapes and caters for every type of holiday from super-romantic honeymoons to family-friendly getaways. 

 

 The same could be said for the types of holidays and safaris on offer in Africa. Whether you're looking for a combination tour packed with highlights or a specialised safari in a single location.

Real Colinial Elegance The Victoria Falls Hotel

Built in 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel was the very first hotel to be built in Victoria Falls. The hotel exhudes original colonial Edwardian charm but recent refurbishments offer guests the modern comforts one would expect from a luxury hotel.

The Victoria Falls Hotel perfectly depicts the era of grand travel. The corridors of the hotel reflect the historical link to the era in which is was created with drawings, paintings and photographs of the major political figures of the day adorning the walls.

Victoria Falls Accommodation:

 

The rooms at the Victoria Falls echo its rich colonial heritage and are decorated accordingly. All the rooms have air conditioning, digital satellite television and a safe.

There 161 rooms which are broken down as follows:
37 Standard rooms,   58 Traditional rooms,  48 Deluxe rooms including 2 interleading rooms for families

7   Junior suites, 4   Honeymoon suites, 1   Royal Suite.

 Facilities in each room include:
 Digital satellite television, A safety deposit box,  Bath, basin and shower,  Bar fridge (in deluxe rooms and suites only ), Hairdryer,  Air conditioning,  Smoke detectors & sprinkler system,  Telephone,  Shaver socket
 Complimentary early morning tea & coffee,   En-suite bathroom ( toilet, bathtub and shower)

 

Top Activities to enjoy around the Victoria Falls Hotel:

 

Visit the Victoria Falls rainforest, Zambezi River Cruise, Hogh Tea at the Stanley Terrace at Victoria Falls
Beauty Salaon, Elephant back safari, white river rafting, Bungy jumping, Zip line, Helicopter flight of Angles
Steam Train Trip

Franschhoek Wine Tram

Discover the Vineyards of Franschhoek

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history.

 

 

 

:The Blue Line Strips:

Franschhoek Village : World renowned for its spectacular beauty, Franschhoek Village rests invitingly amongst the breathtaking mountains in the Cape winelands and serves as the departure point for the tour. 

  La Bri

: One of the first of nine farms granted to the Huguenots in 1688. Today it is a vibrant boutique winery. Visit the cellar door to experience this mix of old and new and enjoy their award winning, signature styled wines. Join them for a bespoke chocolate and wine paired tasting of Belgium chocolates hand crafted by a local chocolatier and carefully selected by their wine maker to complement and accentuate the wine’s characteristics or savour local estate cheese from Dalewood, a perfect companion to their wine.

 Holden Manz : Positioned in the most beautiful corner of the Franschhoek valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and enclosed by two rivers, the Estate offers award winning wines, al fresco dining in the midst of the vineyards and an exclusive country house retreat in the manor house. Visit the Estate for wine tastings, picnics, lunches and dinners and find a bit of heaven on South African soils.

Dieu Donne : Located high on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, a cool climate combined with the rocky soils of weathered granite create a unique terroir for wine making. Visit the wine tasting facility, enjoy a glass of wine on the upper terrace while soaking in the scenery or dine at the exceptional ROCA Restaurant overlooking the picturesque Franschhoek Valley.

  Chamonix : Situated on the eastern mountain slopes of the fertile Franschhoek Valley, the wine estate was originally part of the first farm, LA Cotte, granted to the Huguenots in 1688, of 290 hectares. Chamonix boasts some of highest planted vineyards in the Cape producing a range of premium wines that capture the essence and splendour of the estate.

Rickety Bridge : This celebrated 18th century winery is a popular destination in the Cape winelands with its long winemaking history, award winning wines and sophisticated tasting centre. The rich land of the Rickety Bridge estate can tell many tales of the past, but the wine making has a focus on the future and today is undoubtedly one of the most progressive boutique wineries in the Cape.

Grande Provence : The 300 year old Heritage Wine Estate, voted in the top 100 wine estates in the world, offers a unique 5-star experience that is testament to period grandeur and contemporary luxury. Here, Cape Dutch architecture blends harmoniously with modern design. While touring the grounds guests can visit The Tasting Room and enjoy the multiple award winning wines, The Jonkershuis, The Gallery, The Restaurant or The Shop or simply enjoy the views from The Sculpture Garden. Upon arrival, you will be transported by a vintage farm tractor to the estate.

Cape Town Beaches....

With it’s white sand, million dollar views, clean water and unbelievable African sunset, Cape Town has some of the beautiful beaches on the planet.
The city is unique in having two oceans – the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic which meet at the spectacular Cape Point.

 

On the western Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, lie its most beautiful and trendy beaches. This is also unfortunately, the cold water side – though there are days when it’s swimmable.
The busiest and most glamorous beach in Cape Town is Clifton which lies between Sea Point and Camps Bay, relatively close to the city centre. With a spectacular backdrop of the mountain and some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, this is where the jetset and celebs play.
Clifton is actually a collection of four beautiful but small inter-linked coves each with their own character, named (surprisingly) 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach. 4th beach – for the uber-cool and beautiful – is the busiest. Clifton is unforgettable for sundowners.
A bit further south is the beautiful Camps Bay. The beach is safe, clean and family friendly. It’s good for frisbee and beach games, or just hanging out. While stretch of lawn behind the beach is perfect for picnics. Also famous for it’s “strip” – Victoria Road adjacent to the beach – which is packed with lively cafes and restaurants, the perfect place for lunch, sunset cocktails or an evening meal.
Next door you’ll find the tiny Bakoven surrounded by big boulders – an amazing setting, zealously protected by territorial local residents.
 

Still further South is Llandudno, without doubt, the best beach in Cape Town. The white crescent shaped beach lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain offering spectacular views in every direction. The water is clear and tropical blue. The vibe is laid back. And because it is relatively far from the city – about 20 minutes by car – and there is very little parking, Llandudno is unspoiled by tourism.
Further south you’ll find the impressive Noordhoek and Scarborough, also worth a visit.
North of the city still on the Atlantic side is Blouberg and it’s associated beaches, highly underrated and with the classic Cape Town postcard views. Also famous for wind and kite surfing.
On the warm Indian Ocean side Boulders is the must see beach. Part of a conservation area that is home to the African Penguin, it is made up of a number of coves surrounded by large boulders. Get there early and you can claim your own private beach and spend a day hanging out with the penguins. A truly memorable beach day.

Muizenberg Beach, a famous seaside resort of yesteryear, with its brightly coloured Victorian beach houses and considerably warmer water, is also worth a visit.
There are many more great beaches to choose from in Cape Town, but these should keep you busy for a few weeks. And remember to pack your suntan cream, the Cape sun is brutal.

AMAZING AFRICAN MAMALS - HIPPOPOTAMUS / HIPPO

APPEARANCE

The Hippopotamus a massive, semi-aquatic mammal with a mass of up to 2, 5 tonnes. The Hippopotamus is typically a slate brown colour to muddy brown, with purplish hues often visible. A massive animal, it measures 1500mm in height at the shoulder and has a length of 4310-5160 mm, of which about 560mm is tail. The eyes and nostrils protrude, allowing the animal to see and breathe while otherwise submerged in the water.
A Hippo's teeth are shown in yawning to warn potential competitors and are used for self defense from each other or enemies. The teeth are the hippo’s most valuable weapon and can bite a medium-sized crocodile in half.

 

DIET

 The Hippopotamus is strictly a vegetarian. They require a large amount of energy and therefore need a food source that is in rich supply. If they were carnivorous, there would be more competition for food, thus requiring more energy to get it.
Its diet consists mainly of terrestrial grasses and they may eat up to 68 Kg of grass a night. At dusk, Hippopotamuses leave the water and sometimes walk as far as 8km inland to graze on short grass, which is their main form of sustenance. The 2 essential requirements of a hippo is water deep enough to submerge in and a good supply of grassland nearby.

BREEDING

Breeding occurs in water where large males are buoyant and their weight and size aren’t fatal to the cow. This could also be dangerous for the male as his hind legs aren’t strong enough to support him. The male becomes very aggressive during this act and will often lash out or attack other bulls that are close by (sometimes including the young male offspring of the concerned cow)

BEHAVIOUR

Hippos are usually found in large social groups called rafts, of which there is one male and many females and their young. Dominant males are very territorial, but will occasionally accept other males as long as they are submissive and show no interest in the females.

They sleep in or alongside the water during the day and at night forage for grass close to the water. They are strong and fast swimmers, and will attack when wounded or agitated. The fact that it is responsible for most human fatalities and injuries in the wilds renders it the most dangerous mammal in Africa.

It is a myth that the mother carries her calf. What happens is that in cold conditions a young hippo will rest the front part of the body onto that of an adult to sunbathe, due to their smaller body mass the young body will heat faster than adults.