Wind in your hair, sand between your toes and salt on your skin – nothing beats a beach camping holiday. Boasting 2 800 km of coastline, Mzansi is blessed with more than its fair share of oceanside gems.
TIETIESBAAI, CAPE COLUMBINE NATURE RESERVE, WEST COAST
Located a pebble’s flick from a picture-perfect crescent cove, the rustic campsite at Tietiesbaai is a cult destination for fishermen and water babies – especially over Easter and Christmas. Facilities are basic, there’s no shade and the water is always icy … but this is all forgotten when the sun sets over the Atlantic and the kreef are sizzling on the braai. Situated in the shadow of a historic lighthouse, this is the rugged West Coast at its best. Bring along a kayak and go for a paddle, or pack the fishing tackle and wet some line.
There are 60 campsites with shared ablution facilities, but no electricity.
From R202.40 pn
022 7522 718 or email: ronnie.martins@sbm.gov.za
saldanhabay.co.za/pages/resorts/Tietiesbaai/tieties.html
MILLER’S POINT RESORT, CAPE TOWN
Enjoying an incredible location above a secluded beach on the especially pristine stretch of coastline between Cape Point and Simon’s Town, this tiny campsite is one of the Mother City’s best-kept secrets. The ablutions could do with a little love – but with grass, shade, beaches and even a tidal pool, you won’t be spending much time in the showers. It can get busy (and windy) in summer, but it is an island of tranquillity outside of the holiday periods.
There are 16 electrified sites, ablution facilities, braai and picnic spots, and a tidal pool.
From R138 pn
021 786 6012 or email:
seipati.sefako@capetown.gov.za
westerncape.gov.za/facility/millers-point-resort
WAENHUISKRANS RESORT, ARNISTON
With whitewashed cottages, colourful fishing boats and always-warm waters, it’s hard to beat Arniston aka Waenhuiskrans (it’s the only town in South Africa with two official names) and the adjoining traditional fishing village of Kassiesbaai. The grassy, shaded campsite is centrally located (the beach is a two-minute walk) and scrupulously maintained, making it the perfect base to explore the sea cave, which gives the town its Afrikaans name, and to visit the remains of the shipwreck from which it received its English name.
There are 101 shaded sites with power points, braais and ablution facilities, plus 22 self-catering cottages.
From R170 pn
028 445 9620 or 073 562 9989
westerncape.gov.za/facility/waenhuiskrans-arniston-resort
BUCCANEERS LODGE, CHINTSA
Just a short drive from East London, this little slice of paradise wedged between a placid lagoon and a turbulent ocean offers the best of the Wild Coast in a decidedly cushy package. A sprawling property with various types of accommodation ranging from deluxe to dorm room, the understated but comfortable campsite is a real winner. Nestled amongst dune bush and boasting a lovely communal lapa, it’s a short walk from both the beach and the swimming pool/volleyball court. The best part? Campers have access to all of the ample facilities of Buccaneers Lodge – including the pizza oven.
There are 20 campsites with serviced ablutions and a basic kitchen, but no power points.
From R120 pn
043 734 3012 or email:
buccaneers@cintsa.com
cintsa.com
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