South Africa is blessed to have so many camping spot options. While most options have a tarred or well-maintained dirt road rolling up to the entrance, a few spots are genuinely off the beaten track or simply insane extreme campingtrips to embark on.
Let’s first review some tips and camping checklists before heading out on an insane South African camping trip.
Tips for Going on an Insane Extreme Camping Trip
Before heading off on a difficult camping trip that will push you to your limits, you need to prepare. After all, failing to plan is planning on failing.
You also want to plan and have potential backup options for some of the locations you’ll be heading towards.
Now, let’s go through the steps of preparation:
1. Research
Do deep research on the area you’re about to venture into. This means studying:
- Whether the terrain is difficult to navigate?
- What can the weather conditions be like (for example, flash flooding)?
- What type of wildlife issues are there (for example, baboons can be an issue with food safety)?
- And are there any larger, bigger issues?
After completing your research, you should check if any permits or permissions are required for camping access.
2. Gear To Pack
When venturing into extreme situations, you need your equipment to last. Investing in high-quality gear will give you the confidence to depend on it, whether a tent, sleeping bag, or sturdy backpack.
Also, when going on an insane adventure, you will want to have access to emergency supplies such as:
- A first aid kit,
- Proper multi-tool
- Robust flashlight
- Extra battery packs
- And solid emergency shelter options
When you go on an adventure that will test your stamina, you need reliable gear!
Always bring paper maps of the region with a compass to explore if the GPS devices fail.
3. Physical Fitness and Survival Skills
Many 4×4 adventurers forget or ignore the fact that all potentially difficult trips require campers/travellers to be physically fit.
Driving any vehicle over tough terrain is physically demanding. Drivers also need to be awake and alert when navigating obstacles. And if you need to recover your vehicle in certain situations, it always requires extra energy.
Being physically fit ensures that the driver can handle the strain of being behind the wheel for hours on end.
4. Plan To Be Self-Sufficient
There may be no toilets, shops, and electricity where you’re adventuring. This means you need to plan to be self-sufficient.
Bring along extra water, and use collapsible containers to create additional space. When packing food, make sure it is lightweight and high in calories.
Finally, inform others that you’re leaving on this trip. Tell them of your itinerary, when you’re expecting to be home and emergency contacts who can help you when something goes wrong.
Now that we’ve reviewed how to prepare, your vehicle is another element to check. Make sure to check the health of your battery before heading out.
1. Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Venturing into the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a thrilling and challenging experience that offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in Southern Africa.
Located in the Northern Cape, it extends into Nambia, an environment with extremely hot summers, freezing winters, and little rainfall. The terrain is known for rugged mountains, arid deserts, and dramatic landscapes.
To access this area, you will need a 4×4 vehicle. It is essential due to the rough terrain and lack of paved roads.
In preparation for this trip, you must ensure the vehicle is well-maintained. Also, ensure you carry spare tyres, a repair kit, and a comprehensive toolkit. Another factor to consider is to bring along extra fuel as petrol stations are bound to be few and far between.
There are multiple campsites in the Richtersveld, which include:
- Sendelingsdrift: Main entry point with basic facilities, including water and ablutions.
- De Hoop: Popular riverside campsite with basic facilities.
- Tatasberg and Ganakouriep: Wilderness camps offering more seclusion and basic amenities.
- Potjiespram: Another riverside camp that is good for exploring the northern part of the park.
But because this is the Richtersveld, you can do wild camping in designated areas. Remember to practice the principle of “Leave no trace” when camping in the wild.
Activities in this remote part of the country include 4×4 trails, hiking, boating, fishing, and viewing the unique flora and fauna.
During the months of August to October, you will be blessed to see the area transform into a flower wonderland.
Avoid exploring the region from December to February as this is the hottest time of the year.
2. Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area
As one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites, visiting the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is a blessing. A nature lover’s dream destination, it offers rugged mountainous regions, lush forests, deep jagged gorges, and wildlife.
The region’s climate is expected to be similar to a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild, wet winters.
Located in the Eastern Cape, this protected area is an extension of the Cape Floral Region, covering an area of around 553,000 ha.
A reliable 4×4 vehicle is essential for navigating the rugged terrain and river crossings.
Also, ensure your vehicle has recovery gear, spare tyres, and extra fuel.
There are numerous campsites in the area, such as:
- Geelhoutbos: It offers basic facilities, including water and ablutions, in a forested area.
- Doodsklip: Situated by the river, providing beautiful views and basic amenities.
- Bergplaas: Remote and serene with minimal facilities, perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Rooihoek: A riverside camp with stunning views and basic facilities.
Be aware that this area is considered to be highly challenging. The terrain is difficult and remote, and drivers must navigate narrow mountain passes.
3. Skeleton Coast (Namibia and South African border)
This legendary coastline is a must for all extreme adventurers. Stretching from the Kunene River in the north to the Ugab River in the south, the Skeleton Coast is a must-see for all.
This region’s terrain is coastal desert dunes, with a few rocky outcrops, salt pans, and shipwrecks. The climate is arid, with frequent fog banks, strong winds, and extreme temperatures ranging from blistering heat to frigid cold.
Accessing this part of the world requires a 4×4 vehicle, as paved roads are again few and far between. Like the other destinations on this list, you must ensure you drive a well-maintained 4×4 vehicle.
Ensure the vehicle has high ground clearance and off-road capabilities. You should also carry spare tyres, a repair kit, a comprehensive toolkit, and extra fuel, as fuel stations are sparse.
Campsites in the area include:
- Terrace Bay: The only semi-developed campsite with basic facilities, located in the southern part of the park.
- Torra Bay: Open only in December and January, offering basic amenities.
- Purros Community Campsite: Located just outside the Skeleton Coast Park, providing basic facilities and access to the park’s northern region.
Most, however, will take advantage of the massive space and do wild camping. Just make sure you do it in designated areas.
4. Cederberg Wilderness Area
The more remote sections of the Cederberg promise an exhilarating experience, with dramatic sandstone rock formations, caves, rugged mountains, and valleys.
The area’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. To access these remote areas, you will need a 4×4 and permits, which you can obtain from CapeNature.
There are multiple camping options, the most common options include:
- Algeria Campsite: A well-known site with basic facilities and access to several hiking trails.
- Driehoek: Offers basic amenities and a starting point for various hikes.
- Sanddrif: Popular for its scenic views and proximity to major attractions.
For more remote camping options, the following options are great and include:
- Wolfberg Arch and Cracks: Remote sites that require a challenging hike but reward you with stunning rock formations.
- Maltese Cross: Another remote site with iconic rock formations, ideal for wild camping.
- Sneeuberg: The highest peak in the Cederberg, offering a challenging trek and breathtaking views.
The last option is a great one.
5. The Wild Coast
Travelling through the Wild Coast region is a truly unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and more, it is a truly untamed beauty.
Located in a sparsely populated part of the Eastern Cape, this area stretches from the Great Kei River in the south to the Umtamvuna River in the north. As a subtropical region, it is hot and humid during summer, becoming mild and dry during winter.
While travelling through or close to inhabited areas, you will want your vehicle to be prepared for the worst terrain.
Also, because this isn’t a nature reserve area, you don’t need a permit to explore but be aware of local customs.
You can set up camp in deserted areas, but make sure to get permission from the locals.
Now that we’ve inspired you to go out and explore some crazy campsites, check your vehicle’s battery before embarking on a crazy adventure.
Local government body in charge of natural areas in the Western Cape.
