Camping with South Africa Nomads: Where do you sleep along the way?

During your camping road trip with South Africa Nomads, you'll sleep in your own 4×4 Suzuki Jimny with a rooftop tent at the most beautiful spots in South Africa. You'll drive along the spectacular Garden Route and settle at campsites that we've carefully chosen in nature or by the coast. No mass tourism here, just small-scale places that sometimes feel almost private for our travelers. The campsites are intimate and often have that charming, cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. In this article, you'll find out exactly what to expect during your road trip through South Africa.

A question we often get: is it safe to camp in South Africa? It's understandable to wonder about this. The good news is that all campsites are secured and fenced. You definitely won't feel trapped, but there is usually a gate with 24/7 security at the reception. Friendly people keeping an eye out day and night. If there's no security, the campsite is monitored by cameras and secured with a fence.

You don’t have to worry about big wild animals. Lions and elephants stay in the game parks, not at the campsites. Baboons and monkeys might occasionally wander onto the grounds. They're mainly interested in your sandwiches and chips. So, never leave your stuff or food lying around, because baboons are smarter than you think and love to raid an unattended tent. Keep everything safe in your car and you won't have any trouble.

Most campsites are nestled in nature: by a lake, next to a river, or surrounded by palm trees. In some spots, you can hear the birds chirping in the morning, while in others, you can dip your toes in the water. As soon as you unzip your tent, you're right in the middle of nature and often treated to a stunning view.

In the evenings, the campsites become magical. With minimal light pollution, you can see the starry sky like you've probably never seen before. On clear nights, there's a good chance you'll spot the Milky Way, an impressive band of stars stretching across the entire sky. Just remember to bring earplugs, as crickets can be quite loud at night. For some travelers, it's a soothing sound of nature, while for others, it's a reason to pop those earplugs in.

Along the way, you'll sleep twice right by the sea. You'll hear the wind rustling against the tent fabric, the calm and rhythmic sound of the ocean crashing on the beach, and sometimes you might even hear seals playing in the distance. It's a lovely sound to drift off to sleep with.

In just a few meters, you'll be at the ocean. In Hermanus, one of the best places in the world for whale watching, you'll stay next to a tidal pool. This is a naturally formed pool created by the rocks in the ocean, sheltered from the big waves. You can start your day with a refreshing dip in the clear sea water, surrounded by sea anemones and little fish. And if you're lucky, you might spot whales swimming by from the beach during whale season. Tip: watch the sunrise from the tidal pool for a perfect start to your day.

When you say wine, you say Franschhoek. This famous place in the wine region near Cape Town is our favorite spot for wine tasting. You'll find stunning wineries with Cape Dutch architecture, dozens of vineyards stretching up to the mountains, and a charming center where you can enjoy delicious meals in restaurants that combine French flair with South African hospitality.

You’ll be sleeping among the vineyards, literally. You set up your tent among the vines and fall asleep with a view of the mountains surrounding Franschhoek. The campsite has an eco-friendly little pool where you can cool off during the day, and zebras and antelopes roam the grounds. It’s truly a special place. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip through South Africa, with a glass of Pinotage in hand as the sun sets behind the vineyards.

Each campsite has clean sanitary facilities with hot showers and toilets. Usually, these are shared facilities, but at the end of your trip, you'll even have your own private bathroom. You can enjoy swimming in various places: some campsites have a pool, others are located by a river or have a tidal pool. It's refreshing after a day of driving in the South African sun.

Almost all campsites have electricity, so you can easily charge your phone, camera, and power bank. Except for one campsite, which you'll be informed about in advance. This way, you can fully charge all your devices beforehand and make the most of your power bank. Luckily, your car has a power bank that can stay charged even without an electricity supply.

Almost all campsites have a braai (barbecue) area where you can cook delicious South African meals in the evening. A braai under the starry sky with a glass of wine is a must-do during your trip through South Africa. Some campsites can even organize a braai for you, so you can relax and enjoy the delicious food prepared by local chefs. Most campsites are also within Uber or walking distance of restaurants.

The beauty of camping during your South Africa Nomads road trip is the balance between adventure and relaxation. During the day, you experience the most amazing adventures: surfing, hiking, wildlife spotting, wine tasting. But in the evenings, you return to your campsite, fire up the braai, cook a delicious meal, and share stories about your day.

Each campsite has its own character and charm. Sometimes you fall asleep to the sound of crickets, other times to the crashing waves of the ocean. Sometimes you wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains, other times to mist slowly lifting off the water. If you have any questions about your accommodations, feel free to reach out to us via email.