Camping

K-Way Panorama tent

Camping is often the easiest way to accommodate yourself when hiking in more remote areas. I am a firm believer in “more is more” when it comes to camping.

Camping done correctly can be an awesome experience: I have managed to accumulate quite a large range of gear to achieve this aim. Know what is available at the campsite and in the nearest town.

Possibly the worst thing that can happen to you is your neighbours. Trying to enjoy your surroundings is difficult if you have noisy / messy / drunk / aggressive neighbours. So if people arrive at the site next to yours and start packing the half-drum braai with ice and alcohol, try to move to another site!

The second most challenging aspect is the weather! Wind and rain can turn your experience into a true nightmare.

If you are able to choose a site it’s worth giving some thought to the following:

  • distance to ablutions: avoid being too close and on the path fellow campers use to get there
  • proximity to roads: avoid being on a site next to the entrance to the campsite
  • trees: offer shade from the sun and shelter from the wind
  • grass: minimises dust and dirt being tramped into tent

General:

Petzl Tikkina 2 Headlamp
Petzl Tikkina 2 Headlamp
  • Camping chair
  • Dop Stok
  • Solar shower
  • Refuse bags
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal toiletries
    • liquid soap works best
    • shampoo & conditioner
    • sunscreen
    • moisturiser
  • Basic first-aid
    • head-ache tablets
    • disinfectant
    • plasters
    • burn dressing
    • needle, tweezers
    • Imodium
    • anti-inflammatory
    • eye-drops
    • allergy tablets
  • Gazebo

Sleeping:

K-Way Zermatt 950 Eco sleeping bag
K-Way Zermatt 950 Eco

Kitchen:

Cadac No.10 Flat pot
Cadac No.10 Flat pot

Groceries

  • Breakfast
    • Eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, bread
  • Cheddar, onions, tomatoes & bread to make braai-broodjies / jaffles
  • Braai meat
  • Veg for the braai (pre-wrapped in tin-foil)
    • potatoes / sweet potatoes
    • butternut
    • garlic
  • Chutney, worcester sauce (for breakfast & meat marinades)
  • Coffee, tea, milk, sugar
  • Heavy-duty tin-foil
  • Cooler boxes with loads of ice
  • Paper plates & serviettes
  • Beer, wine, brandy (for coffee)
Venue Cell Reception Shop Privacy Electric points Braai Swimming Dogs
Algeria Yes No Yes Yes Yes River No
Beaverlac No Yes No River Yes
Clanwilliam Dam Municipal Park Yes No Yes Dam
De Bos Yes No No No Pool No
De Vasselot Rest Camp Yes River No
Die Mond No No Some No Yes River No
Diepwalle Camping Decks Yes Yes Yes No No
Driehoek No Yes Yes Some Yes River No
Ebb and Flow Yes River
Kliphuis No No Yes Yes River No
Kromrivier No Yes Dam No
Matroosberg Yes Yes No Yes
Mount Ceder No Yes Yes Yes River No
Sanddrif No Yes Yes Yes Yes River No
Nuwerust Rest Camp No Yes No Some Yes Pool No
Yzerfontein Caravan Park Yes Beach

Privacy: are the sites marked off

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