Thanks to a partnership between Isuzu Motors South Africa and 4x4 Megaworld you can kit your bakkie (or mu-X) out from front to back at dealer level with a bull bar, spotlights, full suspension overhaul, snorkel, dash plates and an RSi canopy that can be converted into the ultimate camping kitchen. The RSi smart kitchen includes a 2-plate gas stove and cutlery, crockery, a stainless-steel kettle and more, for four people. You can pick and choose from a range of approved accessories from the 4x4 Megaworld catalogue and if you are a new buyer all the added accessories are covered under your warranty and it can be financed with the vehicle purchase.
If you want the full Monty and really want to go all out for your next camping adventure, 4x4 Megaworld can be your one-stop shop as they also stock drawer systems, lighting, recovery gear, fridges, storages accessories and more.
And with summer approaching, what can be better than a camping getaway next to the beach?
10 Coastal Camping Spots in South Africa
Northern Cape
Kwass se Baai Namaqua National Park: You will need your 4x4 to access this camp site and it will be a good idea to deflate your tyres as the road to Kwass se Baai are very sandy. With only four camp sites, two enviro-loos and no showers you will definitely be roughing it but it is solitude at its best, and right on the beach. What more do you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?
Western Cape
Malkoppan Lamberts Bay: Situated between nature and the ocean, Malkoppan is the ideal escape for those who want to throw a fishing line in the water, go diving, surfing or just take a long stroll along the beach. And, this is one of the few camp sites in South Africa that is also pet-friendly, so there is no need to leave Fluffy at home.
Tietiesbaai (Cape Columbine Nature Reserve): Make yourself ready for some epic sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and of course, along this rocky coastline, you can expect the water to be ice cold. The camp sites offer only the basics and you can walk along the coastline, go fish or head to the picturesque town of Paternoster for a day out.
Buffalo Bay Caravan Park: The beach is right on your tent’s door step when you camp at Buffalo Bay and besides working on your tan, you can snorkel, fish, swim, go boating, surf and spot dolphins from the shore while the Goukamma Nature Reserve with its variety of hiking trails is just up the road.
Victoria Bay Caravan Park: This small coastal hamlet of Victoria Bay is all about the beach and also a popular surfing spot. Who knows, you might even see Bianca Buitendag – a South African professional surfer – here in action where she grew up. Needless to say, swimming, fishing, walking or searching for whales from the comfort of your camping chair (as the camp sites give you an elevated view of the ocean) are all things that should be on your to-do list.
Eastern Cape
Storms River National Park: Escape to the Garden Route, where the smell of coastal forest lingers in the air and the white foam of stormy waves crashes against the rocky coastline of the first marine protected area in South Africa. You can spend your days snorkeling, tackling one of the many hiking trails – including the Otter Trail if you are up for a five-day challenge – or face your fear of heights at the Bloukrans bungy.
Double Mouth Nature Reserve: Tucked away behind the Morgan Bay cliffs is a jewel of a caravan and camping site. You can even go on a treasure hunt at Double Mouth Nature Reserve where carnelian beads, money cowries and shards of broken Ming porcelain can still be spotted on shore – if you are lucky – which all came from a ship that ran aground in the 17th century.
Kwazulu Natal
Zinkwazi Lagoon Beach & Forest Resort: Picture yourself setting up camp in a lush riverine forest where are you are surrounded by tropical palms, golden beaches, flowering trees, a 7 km-long untouched lagoon and birdsong. Ain’t that the epitome of camping bliss and the perfect way to activate holiday mode? It is almost hard to believe that all that (and more) is just 80 km from the busy streets of Durban.
Sodwana Bay Camp: Pristine, untouched beaches going on for kilometer after kilometer, warm Indian Ocean water perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing and incredible for diving and snorkeling as you explore an underwater paradise of wonder, are all within arm’s reach from the Sodwana Bay camp sites. The camping ground is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where a world of activities awaits such as guided walks, estuary boat cruises, kayaking, horse riding and more.
Mabibi Beach Camp: Here’s another camping site that is off the grid, small and private. There is no drinking water or electricity and you will need a 4x4 to reach Mabibi, but the reward is a beautiful beach, shallow reefs for snorkeling and every year loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest close by. It is the real wilderness and Lake Sibaya is also not too far away where you can spot hippos and crocodiles.
Some Camping Essentials to Remember
If your tent, caravan or the back of your bakkie is your home away from home, there are a few essential items you should never leave behind. And luckily, thanks to the ample space you have in your Isuzu vehicle, you never have to leave your holidays favourites behind… there is always space for an extra friend, your dog, the surf boards or the bicycles.
To kit out your sleeping space you will need a tent, a good mattress (that will not result in backache), and comfortable bedding (because no one likes getting tangled up in a sleeping bag). A breathable ground sheet in front of your tent can help you to keep most of the dirt out and lining your tent’s floor with foam tiles or a thin foam mattress will help with insulation.
If you don’t have a built-in kitchen in your bakkie’s canopy – or perhaps you are travelling in your Isuzu mu-X – you will need to set up a temporary kitchen. Get durable and comfortable camping chairs and a foldable table that doesn’t take up a lot of space. Don’t forget the braai necessities: a tong, a grid, a braai-resistant pot to keep the food warm on the coals and of course some wood and whatever you need to get the fire going. Remember to pack a gas stove and all the pots and pans you will need as well as utensils, crockery, and some cleaning supplies.
Never leave home without mosquito repellent, a multi-tool, sunscreen, some form of light, a smart tool kit with all the basics, cable ties and duct tape for just-in-case, extra rope, a hammer, a basic first aid kit, an air pump for your mattress, recovery gear if you tackling a 4x4 trail and a power supply.
