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Have you ever considered camping in the small town of Hoedspruit? Known as 'The Safari Capital of South Africa' it surely lives up to its name. The town is a buzz with activity & that holiday feeling is in the air! Unlike the rush of city life, here life slows down with the sight of open safari vehicles heading to a game drive, caravans & trailers off to their next camping adventure. Traffic is slowed & occasionally stopped with the crossing of the resident warthogs.
Located within close proximity to Hoedspruit, one can experience a true bush camping getaway surrounded by wildlife, or one can opt for a more leisurely holiday caravaning at a resort located at the foot of the magnificent Drakensberg mountains. Surrounded by the beauty of the lowveld, there are activities to suit everyone, from hikes & trails to boat cruises, hot air ballooning, flights over the Blyde Canyon or sundowners beside a crackling fire beneath the stars as you ponder over a longer stay
- Trevor Jooste,
SA Campsites
This vibrant region is home to a variety of campsites that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, providing unique experiences for every traveller. While there are many outstanding options, this section highlights campsites that provide more tailored experiences.
Something a bit more intimate, Camp Nguni is Bushwillow Creek's private campsite, situated among trees and offering beautiful views of a large watering hole. The intention is to facilitate a closer connection with nature and provide a serene setting for quality time with loved ones.
The site accommodates up to eight tents, including rooftop options and caravans, making it perfect for groups. While individual bookings are possible, a base rate allows you to reserve the entire camp even for just two people.
Features:
For those who appreciate nature, adventure, and a touch of risk, this is an ideal destination. However, if you prioritise comfort and connectivity, this may not suit you. The experience here is about escaping the hustle and embracing the peacefulness of the bushveld. The surrounding areas offer sightings of the big five, while in camp, you may encounter zebras, sables, giraffes, impalas, kudus, buffalos, hyenas, and warthogs. Enjoying the natural sounds of the environment is central to the Maru Djembe camping experience, which epitomises the essence of bush camping.
Features:
Situated 27km from Hoedspruit on the Guernsey road next to Klaserie dam the caravan park is an ideal break-away for a magnificent bushveld experience. Located centrally, the caravan park is just around the corner from the Kruger National Park for a day trip and a short drive from most of the activities in the area.
Features:
Swadini is surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, tucked into the Drakensberg peaks along the banks of the Blyde River. This is really the resort for those big family camping and caravanning trips. Big pools, green lawns and beautiful mountains. Explore the excellent hiking trails in the area as the Blyde River canyon has some of the best trails in South Africa. The resort is also located only 35 kilometres from 75 kilometres from the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park for an amazing day trip of animal watching.
Camping and Caravanning in the Kruger National Park is an experience on another level! The rustic feel of the campsites calms the soul and provides the perfect stage for the bushveld feel to take over. Birds singing and dancing all day only to be echoed at night by the roar of the lions or the calls of the hungry hyenas!
From Hoedspruit there are two amazing campsites within reach, possibly the tw best campsites The Kruger National Park has to offer.
One of the most rewarding, adventurous and troubling parts of camping can be the cooking. Whether it is on gas, an open fire, or induction for the fancy ones, it is usually a tug of war between convenience and flavour. So strap on your head torch and let us give you some tips about cooking at a campsite!
Yes, fire can be made at Kruger Campsites, but only in the designated facilities. Braai and fire facilities have been built for campers to use while at the campsites. It is frowned upon if you make a fire outside of these dedicated areas as it can be a risk of wildfire, please be cautious and pay attention to your surroundings. If you are not allowed to make a fire for whatever reason there will be signs or you will be told by one of the KNP employees.
Yes, campsites are equipped with a braai (bbq) stand and grid to use to cook. It is a good idea to have your own braai grid just in case there is no grid supplied at the campsite for some unfortunate reason.
Hoedspruit has many different shops you can visit to buy food for your camping trip either before or along the way to your campsite.
Pick n Pay and Spar are the most popular for fresh foods and other ingredients. You can also visit one of the many butcheries for meat and biltong treats. For the location of stores, a quick Google search will provide you with directions.
You can buy wood at most gas stations in Hoedspruit. Some butcheries and supermarkets sometimes supply bags of wood. If you are lucky you might even find bags of wood being sold at the side of the road very cheaply. You can also buy charcoal at shops such as Pick n Pay and Spar. The Outdoor Shop sells amazing bags of dry hard firewood, but only when available. Pop in and check if they have some in stock. Firelighters are also needed to start your fire which you can purchase at most stores in Hoedspruit.
Hoedspruit has a variety of restaurants including Spur, Wimpy, The Hat and Creek, The Brewery, and many more. All restaurants range in price and the experience you are looking for. A quick Google search will be a helpful resource to determine what restaurant will suit your needs.
Stokbrood
Made on an open fire
Stokbrood is a South African staple. Stokbrood translates literally to stik-bread. Traditionally stokbrood is made by wrapping the dough around a skewer and roasting it over an open fire. Enjoy it either as a side to your plate, or as a bread to dip as an entre’
https://www.thegardener.co.za/lets-braai/braai-recipes/stokbrood/
Braai Broodjies
Made on an open fire
Braai broodjies might confuse the international traveller at first, but trust us when we say these “toasted sandwiches” are as South African as you can get. Many braai experts will debate the most true ingredients for the perfect braai broodjie, but you can’t go wrong with a classic cheese, tomato and onion, hot off the coals!
https://www.bespokelifestyle.no/recipes/south-african-braai-broodjies/
Braai Pie
Made on an open fire
Ultimately the King of the bread-on-fire concept is the Braai Pie. The idea is very simple, but maybe the most difficult to pull of. Sheets of puff-pastry, filled with cheeses and meats. It’s that simple to literally put a pie on the braai!
Want to take the adventurous path of camping, but don't know what you need or where to shop? Take a look at what Trailpac has to offer. Trailpac is perfect for you if you don’t want to commit to buying all your camp gear just yet. Trailpac camping gear is available to you for renting and is guaranteed to have exactly what you might need for your camping adventure.
Whether you're seeking heart-pounding escapades or tranquil moments in the easy going lowveld, Hoedspruit promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa's wild frontier. All the campsites are within close proximity to the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park, allowing for an amazing number of adventure activities in the area. So lace up your hiking boots and traverse the rugged trails of Blyde River Canyon, where ancient cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a backdrop of unparalleled beauty. Feel the thrill of encountering Africa's iconic wildlife up close on a safari through the legendary Kruger National Park, where the call of the wild echoes across vast savannahs and dense woodlands.
Hoedspruit beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts with its array of camping spots and activities. From the tranquillity of the bushveld to the excitement of wildlife sightings, there's something for every camper.
Embrace the spirit of adventure, explore the hidden spots near Hoedspruit, and indulge in the rich flavours of South African cuisine over a crackling campfire. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, Hoedspruit promises unforgettable memories! So pack your bags, venture into the wild, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Hoedspruit's off-the-grid camping adventures!
Author, Wild About Hoedspruit Co-Director
Johann brings two decades of expertise in technology seamlessly interwoven with a passion for tourism. His career reflects a drive for the confluence of development and conservation projects across the African continent.
WILD ABOUT HOEDSPRUIT is the main online information hub for all things Hoedspruit South Africa. By listing with us, you not only get a prime advertising platform for Hoedspruit residents, but also all incoming visitors and surrounding communities.
