Valentine’s Day might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still go away to one of these incredible campsites!

…fishing
Go here: Msikaba Camp
On the edge of Mkambati Nature Reserve, Wild Coast
For a raw, wild ocean experience, this place really is hard to beat. The campsite is on the edge of a 50 km-long marine protected area; the reefs are unspoilt and the marine life here is exceptional – for spearfishing, it’s simply out of this world. An added bonus – there is a vulture colony nearby, and it’s a really special experience to watch these magnificent birds. The tents here are provided and there’s a large communal kitchen. 
From R390 pn pp sharing
Pondobeachcamps.co.za

…open spaces
Go here: Witsand Nature Reserve, Kalahari
Rolling white sand dunes rise from red Kalahari sand, and out here the dunes emit a strange roaring sound when the sand is disturbed… It’s hauntingly beautiful. Here, you can set up camp under magnificent camel thorn trees and animals are likely to wander straight past your tent. The fresh drinking water straight from the dunes is delicious. Be warned though, as the road here tends to be quite badly corrugated.
From R250 per stand (min two people)
witsandkalahari.co.za

…family holidays
Mountain Splendour
Eco Resort, Central Drakensberg 
It’s difficult to decide what it is that makes Mountain Splendour such a brilliant destination for families… The playground is exceptional; there’s a swimming pool and slide; a network of mountain biking and running trails that start at the resort; there’s a skills bike park, book exchange, board games, table tennis, volleyball courts… The
list goes on. Plus, the views of the Drakensberg are stunning, and there is space, space and more space. For those not so big on camping, thereare glamping tents and chalets too.
Sites from R155 pn; day rate from R196 per adult and R98 per child
mountainsplendour.co.za

…night skies
De Hoop CampSite
Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld National Park
The De Hoop campsite is a peaceful 12-site spot on the banks of the Orange River, a wonderful place to fish and swim. The birding here is excellent, and at night the stars are absolutely mind-blowing. Be sure to download an app such as SkyView, Night Sky or Star Walk 2 – interpreting the skies through these apps will add extra layers to your experience. You’ll need a vehicle with high ground clearance to reach this site – and if you’re towing a trailer, it’s best to be in a 4×4.
From R275 pn per site
sanparks.org

…nature and beaches
Cape Vidal campsite
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Cape Vidal truly offers the best of both worlds. From the campsite, just over the towering dunes, there is an astounding, wild beach that stretches on and on
for kilometres, while inland from the campsite there is a large game reserve that’s teeming with animals. In the campsite itself you can expect to see red duiker, bush buck, hyena and honey badger (but be aware – the monkeys can be a nuisance). The road to the campsite is tar, so it’s easy access for all vehicles. 
From R350 pn per site
isimangaliso.com

Words by Narina Exelby
Photography: Unsplash, Courtesy images