Budget-friendly camping spots

CAMPING is making a comeback this holiday season. Jennifer Morris, the owner of Travel Savvy, said she has seen an unprecedented demand for camping over the last few months.

“I believe that camping is staging a comeback. It’s a cost-effective way to explore South Africa at a time when travellers are looking for highvalue, low-cost adventures. It’s also a good option for travellers wishing to socially distance, and a holiday option unlikely to be affected by lockdown regulations,” she said.

Here are some budget-friendly camping spots to visit:

Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve, KZN

Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve, located 20km from Pietermaritzburg, boasts two camping options: electrical and non-electrical. Electrical campsites are designated spots with a power supply, whereas the non-electrical campsite allows guests to pitch up their tent in an open area. Adults pay R150pp/pn for an electrical campsite and R127pp/pn for the non-electrical one. Children under 12 pay half price. Travellers also have use of the swimming pool, children’s play area and picnic spots. ● Visit www.msinsi.co.za/albertfalls/

Protea Hotel by Marriott Karridene Beach, KZN

Protea Hotel by Marriott Karridene Beach offers a familyfriendly camping experience for the entire family. CLINTON MOODLEY

Just 20 minutes south of Durban, it offers a range of activities, including mini-golf, squash courts, trampolines, table tennis, three swimming pools and a gym. It is also close to Illovo beach.

Travellers pay R360pp/pn and R195 for children under 12 during peak season from December 18. Amenities at the campsite include electricity, ablution block and use of the hotel facilities. ● Visit www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/durka-protea-hotel-karridenebeach/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19a255-54ba596febe2

Warmbaths, A Forever Resort, Limpopo

Located in Limpopo, just a twohour road trip from Johannesburg, Warmbaths, A Forever Resort, is the ideal camping spot. The resort offers caravan and camping sites, equipped with a power supply and ablution facilities.

Rates start from R370 for a site for a night and R260pp/pn. Children younger than 3 years stay for free.

Campers get access to the swimming pool. The resort also offers a slew of activities, including horse riding and game drives, at an additional cost.

● Visit www.foreverwarmbaths. co.za/

Warmbaths, A Forever Resort

Silwerstrand Caravan Park in Robertson, Western Cape

Situated on the banks of the Breede River, the Silwerstrand Caravan Park in Robertson offers some of the most incredible views for campers.

Campers can indulge in a variety of water activities, ranging from canoeing, fishing and other boat activities.

Adults pay R145pp and children under 12 pay R75. Camping costs include electricity, shower facilities and access to the swimming pool. Call 023 626 3321.

Berg River Resorts, Western Cape

The Berg River Resort, 60km north-east of Cape Town between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, offers a range of activities for the entire family.

Prices range from R320 to R1 000 depending on the number of people and date of travel.

Each campsite has a braai area, 15 amp plug point, communal ablution facilities and access to the 3,5m deep Olympic pool and kiddie’s pool. Canoeing, waterslide and putt putt at an additional cost.

● Visit www.bergriverresort. co.za/