Claustrophobic buildings. Standstill traffic. Loud sirens. Life in the city can take its toll. Sometimes it gets so hectic, you just want to get in your car and drive to the nearest escape. Fortunately, in Cape Town, you can. There are wonderful camping spots that won’t break the bank and are close enough that one tank of petrol will get you there and back.
1 Table Mountain National Campsites
Seeing Table Mountain is one thing; living in its shadow is another. South African National Parks have opened campsites in various locations of the table Mountain National Park for you to enjoy. From Signal Hill to Cape Point, these sites allow you to be one with nature – be it near the mountain or the sea. All the sites offer hot water, comfortable beds, open fires, fully equipped self-catering communal kitchens and dining areas, and communal bathrooms. Bonus: bedding is included so all you really need to bring is your food and a sense of adventure. You can choose from Smitswinkel near Cape Point, Slangkop near Kommetjie and the sea, and Orange Kloof, which is nestled in a forest near Hout Bay.
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Where Cape Point, Hout Bay and Kommetjie, Table Mountain National Park
Cost R545 – R725 per night
Contact +27 21 7127471, [email protected], sanparks.org
2 Slanghoek Mountain Resort
Swap out tall buildings for mountains in the stunning Slanghoek Mountain Resort. A mere hour and a half from Cape Town, it’s tucked away in the Slanghoek Valley and offers great facilities for both camping and caravanning. The camping area is situated between the vineyards on the banks of the Slanghoek stream, there’s a huge lawn to relax on, a playground for the kids and a swimming pool for a quick dip. For those who need their tech no matter where they are, there are power points so you can charge, snap and share your time away.
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Where Slanghoek Valley
Cost R600 – R700 per night
Contact +27 23 344 3138, slanghoekresort.co.za
3 Kogel Bay
If you love the sea, you’ll love camping in Kogel Bay with its breathtaking beach that’s perfect for a swim. The drive to the resort is wonderful, filled with stunning views of the sea and mountain. Kogel Bay is situated between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els, a mere one and a half hours away from Cape Town. It’s a largely undeveloped coastline, making it a perfect escape from the city. Set up your tent close to the beach (but not too far from the ablution blocks) then make full use of the braai facilities on offer.
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Where Clarence Drive, Gordons Bay
Cost R111 – R169
Contact +27 21 850 4172, [email protected], capetown.gov.za
4 Secret Falls
If you’re looking to get lost for a while, there’s no better place than Secret Falls. Almost two hours away from the CBD, you truly leave the city behind when visiting. Secret Falls is nestled in the foothills of the Winterhoek Wes Mountains so you’ll need a 4X4 to get to the campsite. There’s no electricity at the camp at all but you can enjoy a hot shower. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll revel in the hiking trails and the waterfall just a short walk away. There are 10 campsites in total, including one that accommodates 12 people plus dogs are welcome so bring Fido along for the ride.
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Where Portion 3, Die Ster 377, Winterhoek West, Tulbagh
Cost R1 700
Contact +27 82 393 4704, +27 83 709 0390, [email protected], secret-falls-tulbagh.com
5 Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway
Located on a working fruit and wine farm in Rawsonville, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway has plenty of options for your camping getaway. There are 11 camping sites, some with electricity and others without. All sites have access to hot water and you’re provided with two bags of firewood to get things started. Choose from a site near a stream or on open lawns then indulge in a number of activities from mountain biking to fishing.
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Where Dwarsberg Farm, Rawsonville
Cost R690
Contact +27 23 349 1919, [email protected], trouthaven.co.za
This is an affiliated post by Suzuki.
Photography Courtesy image, Archives