Camping in Gauteng? Gauteng is the smallest of the provinces – barely encompassing Johannesburg, Pretoria and Vereeniging before flowing over its western boundary into North West and to the east into Mpumalanga.
It’s also the busiest province, arguably the wealthiest, and probably the one for whom weekend escapes are possibly the most vital (all that weekly angst, stress and traffic doth fairly strained individuals make).
Finding a good site for camping in Gauteng that is NOT inundated by all and sundry is something akin to hens’ teeth…
Camping is something Gauteng and the North West are not known for. Whilst they don’t have the beaches of the coast, they do have mountain ranges, bushveld and incredible weather all year round.
Every family needs a campsite they can call ‘home’. For this reason it’s time to dust off the tent, haul out the ground sheet, stock up on wood and pack the cooler bag. Before summer is history.
It’s easy for Gautengers to head to the North West, particularly for weekends. Most of the Magaliesberg lies in the North West – one of the major escapes for weekends – with popular campsites like Klein Paradys (Brits), and the ATKV Buffelspoort at Hartbeespoort Dam more often than not bulging at the seams.
Which is why we’ve put together a list of sites for camping in Gauteng and the nearby North West that, though not as well known, will give you access to new weekend experiences guaranteed to lower the blood pressure and rekindle your love of the great outdoors.
PS: don’t forget the head lamps…
I Wanna Go Camping! Camping in Gauteng and the North West Province
Leadwood Safari Camp in Hammanskraal
The Leadwood Safari Camp is a private eco-camp located in the Dinokeng Big 5 game Reserve, just 40 minutes drive from Pretoria and one hour from O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Leadwood Safari Camp consists of 5 glamping units that can each accommodate 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12. All Glamping tents are furnished with a king-size bed and can be prepared with an additional 2 child-only mattresses for 2 children.
Each glamping units has a private bathroom. Each of the units also includes a wood-burning hot tub. Each of the units features a kitchenette equipped with a 2-plate gas stove, fridge-freezer, cutlery, and crockery.
The units also feature dining tables, outdoor seating, and a fireplace. Guests are provided with access to communal amenities such as a lapa, swimming pool, and parking area.
Bushbabies Camp in Hammanskraal
Bushbabies Camp in Dinokeng consists of camp sites and a tented camp. The camp sites have electrical and water connections, own private ablutions and a boma. Choose from the shaded campsites or the executive sites that are 30 metres from the watering hole alongside the perimeter fence.
We also offer dome tents with double or single beds, or an adventurous rooftop tent on two camping sites, which is a favourite among young explorers. The tented camps are equipped with cutlery, crockery, a bar fridge, linen and towels, and each has its own private ablution and boma.
A sparkling communal pool and lapa area for everyone to enjoy and a kids play area with a splash pad is perfect to entertain young guests. Pack your child’s bicycle so that they can join in the fun and explore the fenced lodge on their own.
Bushwillow Tented Camp in Muldersdrift
This is an easy weekend escape in Muldersdrift, just half an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Surrounded by indigenous bush and set right at the foot of the Zwartkops Mountains on the banks of the Blaauwbank River, Bushwillow is a small tented camp that offers ten walk-in tents that sleep between four and six people each.
Add to this hot indoor showers, and a small kitchenette, with meals eaten and prepared under a thatched boma, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried the ‘don’t take your own (tent)’ lifestyle before.
Expect a heated swimming pool, river fishing, bird watching and nature walks and a wonderful night’s sleep. Larger team building, wedding and corporate groups (the camp can take up to 60 people) can also be accommodated.
Adama Artistic Chalets & Teepees
Situated inside the Dinokeng Game Reserve, the Teepees are beautifully unique and artistically decorated units. This is the perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups of friends wishing to unwind and relax in nature.
This property is not suitable for groups of 10 or more.
The units have fully equipped kitchens and private bathroom facilities (towels and linen are provided). The units have private braai bomas as well as a patio. All units have electricity and parking. There is a communal swimming pool for guests to use.
The Indian style Teepee is set inside a private boma. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. There is an undercover dining patio off the kitchen.
Thorn Tree Bush Camp in De Wagendrift
Thorn Tree Bush Camp offers guests camp sites in an ideal destination for those who love nature. We can be found inside the borders of the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve and are close to Pretoria and about 100km away from OR Tambo International Airport.
They offer you a variety of gauteng camping options, for hassle free camping, whether a short or long stay. Options range from two-man to eight-man tent camps, or pick one of our bush campsites (with its own private bathroom) if you’d rather prefer your own equipment.
Each tent camp has its own charm, a kitchenette, and own braai, cosy firepit for those crackling fire side camping stories.
Tent camps have fire-pits and/or braaiers with equipped kitchenettes, bedding and bath towels are included. Please bring swimming towels with, as that is not provided, to enjoy our cold-water swimming pool.
Idwala Le Ingwe in Hekpoort
Idwala Le Ingwe Tent is a self catering tented bush camp sleeping up to six guests in Hekpoort. There are two bedrooms furnished with a King-size bed or twin beds if preferred. A sleeper couch in the lounge area sleeps the additional two guests.
The rustic bathroom is fitted with a large shower, toilet and basin. Linen and bath towels are provided.
There is an open plan kitchen with a built in hob, pots pans, fridge / freezer, cutlery, crockery etc. At this site for camping in Gauteng, the comfortable living area has lovely views an there is a dining table where you can enjoy your meals.
Outside there is a deck with a table and chairs overlooking the valley and Magaliesburg mountain range. In front of the tent on ground level there is a private built in braai area.
B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp in Hartbeespoort Dam
Situated in Hartbeespoort Dam, B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp offers comfortable accommodation. During your stay you may be able to spot numerous animals including antelope and warthogs. From here guests are near to the Lion and Safari Park.
B’sorah Luxury Tented Camping in Gauteng offers a tent with comfortable furniture. The tent is furnished with a Queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
The tent is equipped with an outdoor kitchen on the deck and consists of a two plate stove, fridge / freezer, cutlery, crockery and tea / coffee making facilities.
There is a BBQ / braai area and a heater for the cold winter nights.
TangleWood Nature Estate in Potchefstroom
TangleWood Nature Estate is located on the banks of the Boskop Dam and offers fabulous camping accommodation. While here you can enjoy angling, kayaking, bird watching and a host of other activities at the dam.
Boskop Dam lies adjacent to a nature reserve. The Boskop Mall is located 2km’s south of the camp site and here you will find all essential amenities.
Choose from a variety of camping options where you can enjoy a pre-pitched tent set up, rent just the tent or come and set up your own tent.
Choose from sites with or without power. While here you can make use of the onsite pub, which offers a variety of refreshments and a big screen TV. We have firelighters, wood and charcoal as well as a few emergency items available to purchase.
Guests have the use of a washing up facility with hot water and a communal fridge / freezer. Please don’t forget to bring along your own cooking, eating utensils and cleaning products.
Soetvlei Glamping in Rustenburg
Soetvlei Glamping is situated at Soetvlei Guest Farm in Rustenburg, a private tranquil farm located 22.5km from central Magaliesburg. Soetvlei Glamping has two tents to choose from. Each tented stand can accommodate two guests and is furnished with a double bed and access to a shared bathroom fitted with a shower toilet and basin.
The tent for camping in Gauteng has a patio with a lock-up area overlooking a boma BBQ / braai area. Pots and pans are supplied, as well as cutlery, crockery and braai facilities. There are no fridges or cooking appliances.
Kedu River Lodge
Kedu River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Vaal River and offers a relaxing, peaceful and secure environment away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The lodge provides guests a choice of self-catering units and camping facilities.
The Teepee Tents accommodate two guests and the air-conditioned cabins accommodate up to seven guests. Each of the units has a private bathroom with a shower. The kitchens are equipped for self-catering with a 2-plate stove, microwave and fridge.
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