CAMPING
PITCH
YOUR TENT,
LOSE YOUR ROUTINE
BY BYRON LUKAS
November is that glorious time of year when the weather warms up, the year starts winding down, and everyone develops a serious case of“ I need to get away”.
Luckily, South Africa has no shortage of places where you can swap traffic for trees, emails for campfires, and your alarm clock for birdsong.
There is something wonderfully therapeutic about camping. Maybe it is waking up with the sun instead of a WhatsApp notification. Maybe it is coffee brewed over a little gas stove, or the smell of breakfast sizzling while someone argues about who forgot the firelighters.
Whatever the reason, camping has a way of reminding us that life does not always need to happen at Wi-Fi speed.
November is also a brilliant month to dust off the tent before the peak festive-season madness begins. Across the country, campsites offer everything from simple grass pitches beneath towering trees to glamping setups where you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing a proper bed, hot shower, or Instagram-worthy bathroom.
For those chasing water, coastal camping is hard to beat. Imagine waking up within walking distance of the beach, spending the afternoon swimming or exploring, then returning to camp as the sun begins to dip.
Inland, mountain escapes offer cooler air, hiking trails, and the kind of silence that makes you realise just how loud the city normally is.
And then there is the braai.
Because what would a South African camping trip be without one? Pack the boerewors, chops, garlic bread, and something cold, and suddenly that R50 packet of marshmallows becomes a five-star dessert.
Add a camping chair, good company, and a decent playlist, and you have the recipe for a weekend away. The trick is not to over-plan it. Leave room for lazy mornings, spontaneous swims, and afternoon naps in the sun.
Before heading out, check the weather, campsite rules, and fire restrictions, especially as summer conditions can change quickly. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, warm layers for evenings, and enough water.
Most importantly, leave the campsite exactly as you found it.
So, this November, perhaps skip the hotel for a night or two. Pitch the tent. Look up. You might discover that switching off is the best getaway of all. IB
TENT BRANDS TO KNOW Tentco: A familiar South African outdoor brand, with practical camping tents and canvas options. First Ascent: Known for outdoor gear and lightweight tent options for campers who want something more compact. K-Way: A popular choice for accessible camping and hiking gear, available through Cape Union Mart. Oztrail: A useful brand for family camping, gazebostyle shade, and larger campsite setups.
NOVEMBER 2026 / INBOUND SA 85