your practical field guide
Camping A - Z
Keen on camping? We cover everything you need to know before you set off. From ablution blocks to ziploc bags, here's our practical A to Z guide to camping.
A to Z
🚿 ablution blocks
all rest camps that offer camping sites have public ablution blocks with toilets, basins, and showers. these are cleaned twice daily, and are designed to accommodate all campers during their stay. rock up prepared with a pair of shower slops, a caddy for toiletries, and comfies.
🔥 braai (barbeque)
braaiing is a beloved part of the Park experience. most camps provide designated braai areas with stands. you may only use wood that is purchased inside the park - bringing your own wood from outside is strictly prohibited to prevent the spread of pests and disease.
📋 camp rules
each camp has a set of rules that is displayed at the reception. these typically include speed limits, noise curfews after 21:00, no feeding of animals, and no climbing on fences or structures. ignorance of the rules is not accepted as an excuse. be mindful of others, always.
🌧️ dry (ing)
the Park's raining season can complicate camping, and leave everything damp and soggy. the best way to stay comfortable is to ensure that your socks, bedding, and towels are dry. Most camps have laundry facilities with industrial dryers that can be used at a small cost.
⚡ electricity & power
most rest camps offer powered campsites with 220v south african plug points. power outages do occur — bring a torch or headlamp. some remote bushveld camps have limited or solar power only. check your specific camp before packing appliances. camp shops do sell connections and plug points.
⚠️ fences & boundaries
fences around the camps are electrified. never lean on, climb, or attempt to cross any fence inside the park. fences are there to separate you from wild animals and are there for your safety. children must be supervised at all times near fenced boundaries, especially at waterholes and viewing areas.
🕐 gate times
gate times change seasonally and are based on sunrise and sunset. in summer, gates open as early as 05:30 and close as late as 18:30. in winter, camp gates open at 06:00 and close at 17:30. always confirm times for your drives on the info boards in camps, and on the SANParks website.
🏥 health & hygiene
the Park is a malaria area. take prescribed prophylactics, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleep under a mosquito net where possible. drink bottled water if you are unsure of the tap water quality. and again, don't forget those shower slops!
🕷️ insects & creepy crawlies
shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on - scorpions and spiders love dark, warm spaces. check your bedding in your tent, and do not leave food uncovered as it attracts insects and small animals. ticks are common in the bush - do a full body check after any walking activity.
😄 just have fun
camping is supposed to be fun. don't let it become a fight. being prepared is the best way to avoid any kind of conflict. we also recommend that you lean into the rustic, quiet luxury of being in the bush, with only canvas separating your from the elements.
👀 keep your eyes peeled
while the camps are fenced, it's always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled. the camps are safe places, but it's always a good idea to invest in a lock for your tent and keep your valuables locked in the car. locks also deter monkeys from unzipping tent flaps.
🗑️ litter & waste
when you're camping and preparing your food on the braai, it's tempting to fling food scraps and fruit peels into the bush. litter attracts animals to camp fences, which is dangerous for both wildlife and visitors. use the bins provided, and if you see litter, pick it up. leave no trace.
🔥 matches & fire
cooking on a braai involves matches, fire starters, charcoal, and wood. when you're braaiing in the bush, often surrounded by dry grass, it's important to be vigilant. be sure to avoid lighting a fire if there is a breeze, and extinguish your braai once you are done cooking.
🌿 nature
there is no denying that camping enthusiasts love to be in nature. it's a common interest for many people who visit the Park. it helps to be mindful and respectful of this. many campers are likely to greet you, or strike up conversation about what animals you have seen, and your experience.
🚙 overlanding
you may find yourself surrounded by overlanding enthusiasts. you too can be this person. if you're an international visitor, you can rent a fully prepped rig for your camping trip. stocked with everything you need, it's an exciting and convenient way to explore the Park.
⛺ pitching your tent
rest camps that have camping facilities offer designated spots to pitch your tent. depending on the camp, these spots are somewhat removed from the day visitor areas. once you have checked in, you can pick your spot and set up. find a flat surface that has some shade, and respect the boundaries of each site.
🤫 quiet hours
the Park is a serene place. quiet hours are enforced at all rest camps, typically from 21:00 to 06:00. loud music, generators, and excessive noise during these hours are prohibited. the bush has its own soundtrack and many people are there to rest - respect it and your fellow campers.
🧊 refrigerator
campers don't have access to communal refrigeration. the best way to keep your food (and drinks) cold and fresh is to hire a camping fridge. these can be connected to the power points at the campsites, or within the boots of most SUV and 4x4 vehicles.
🛒 supplies
if you are camping, supplies are best sourced outside the park. while the Park shop does stock basic food and supplies, a grocery shop pre-trip is always helpful. basic first aid supplies are also recommended i.e. plasters (band aids), disinfectant, antibacterial cream, and over-the-counter stomach medication.
👟 trainers
keen on a walk? in the main rest camps, visitors have access to trails that run along the fence line. a closed pair of shoes is always a good idea if you're going to take a walk in the long, bush veld grass. they also come in handy if you're walking to and from the ablution blocks at night, and want to avoid stepping on creepy crawlies.
🐒 unattended food
never leave food unattended outside - not on a braai stand, a camp table, or in an open vehicle. monkeys, baboons, and birds are opportunistic and will take food in seconds. baboons, in particular, can become aggressive if they associate humans with food. we recommend storing all food away securely.
🐍 venom & poison
because camps are high foot-traffic zones, the chances of spotting a venomous snake or poisonous scorpion/spider is slim but not impossible. if you do see a snake, report it immediately to the camp's reception and they will remove it. LED torches help to spot scorpions at night, so keep one handy when walking around.
🧻 wet wipes
want to keep your camping bits and bobs tidy? we recommend wet wipes and kitchen roll. if you're camping with littles, wet wipes are great to keep sticky fingers and sandy feet clean. easy to use on camping tables and surfaces, we guarantee that you'll thank us for this tip!
🎒 x-tra preparation
the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be. carry a basic first aid kit, pack sunscreen and a hat, bring binoculars for game viewing, and have a printed or downloaded copy of your booking confirmation. mobile signal is not guaranteed.
🎲 yahtzee & other games
board games, card games, and books, make for the ideal campsite entertainment. when you're not on your game drives, there is nothing better than a family game of 30 seconds. bonding, quality time, and mental rest is the name of the game when it comes to camping in the Park. make the most of it. trust us.
🤐 ziploc bags
ziploc bags seem silly but they are essential for waterproof storage, and can be used to organise small gear, packing snacks and leftover food. think granola, nuts, biltong and crisps. they also make packing easy when you need to find the nitty gritties like pegs, cable ties, and medication.