In the latest copy of Getaway, you’ll find our top list of off-the-grid campsites across South Africa. This is my favourite assignment of the year – it always guarantees exploring crazy beautiful landscapes, sitting around fires at night and long drives with good company. What could be better?
Some of the campsites had mountains, some had bush and some had breathtaking views. Some were surrounded by rocks and some were visited by the occasional elephant in the night. Find out exactly where we travelled to in the November issue, out of shelves now. In the meantime, here are some of the snaps we took on the road.
Our first stop had skyscraper trees and a river that flows along white beach sand.
And then it was off to Kareedouw area, a good 8 hours away. The long drive was worth it when we arrived in time for this view.
The impromptu stop that happens when light turns golden.
Attempts at making the perfect braaibroodtjie. Maybe we should have read this recipe post first.
Cold mountains shrouded in cloud greeted us on the next leg.
Inching the latest Landrover up the hill, careful not to scratch the rims of the tyres on jutting rocks. Fellow journo Melanie did a sterling job!
Dark night skies. We travelled in the beginning of spring and braved frigid nights. The things we do for you, oh valued readers.
Dawn, and welcome warmth to go with a toasty cup of coffee and endless views.
The canola was in full force. We travel for our stories more than two months before the issue goes to print, which was lucky in this case as it made for splendid driving scenery.
Free champagne tasting at Twee Jonge Gezellen farm in Tulbagh – yes please! So good that we ended up buying a few bottles before continuing our journey.
Warming up after another cold night.
Rows of enamel coffee cups made for quaint and functional decor.
And then it was back to Cape Town, stopping when we saw patches of wildflowers.
For the last leg we visited KZN and our first stop was the magnificent Drakensberg.
A walk down to the nearby river made for the ideal sundowner spot. Unintentional finds are the best!
Evening descended, but thankfully, it was much warmer in this part of the world.
After the mountains, it was into the bush.
And to one of my favourite reserves (you’ll have to read the issue to find out where).
Camping beneath the trees, sunlight filtering through the smoke of our fire… this was the last stop before heading back to Durban, and it couldn’t have been a better choice.
Fare thee well, giraffe. We’re off to the airport!
Find our top off-the-grid campsites in the November 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.
Our special green issue features the best off-the-grid campsites, fantastic holiday stays in Wilderness, an affordable jungle trail in Borneo, incredible eco-lodges in Zanzibar and our Green Wine Guide is finally out with winners!
This article, Behind the scenes photographs from camping off-the-grid, was originally posted on the Getaway Blog by Teagan Cunniffe.