Time to Dust Off Your Tent: Camping Season Is Back Again
As the last cold front whispers through the highveld and South Africans begin to thaw from their winter routines, there’s a familiar shift in the air - Spring is almost here, and with it, an open invitation to explore. It's no coincidence that Sho’t Left Travel Week, South African Tourism’s much-loved annual campaign, returns from 8 to 14 September 2025 just as we emerge from our seasonal hibernation.
Traditionally, South Africans tend to stay close to home during the colder months, but once the days start warming up, the travel bug bites again. This year, Sho’t Left is encouraging locals to rediscover the joy of camping and caravanning - an experience that’s more accessible (and more luxurious) than many imagine.
Whether you're after peace and quiet in nature, quality time with family, or a fun weekend with friends, camping offers the kind of low-pressure, high-reward getaway that doesn't break the bank - or your back.
Camping, Made Easy
Forget the days of struggling with tent poles and sleeping on the cold ground. Today, many campsites around Gauteng and Limpopo offer assistance with tent setup, and some even provide fully equipped tents, so you can just show up and enjoy.
For those who want to invest in their own gear, a decent starter kit - tent, chairs, and basic cooking gear - can be found for under R3000. Stores like TentCo, a top supplier of outdoor equipment, are great places to begin if you’re keen to build your own camping kit.
Prefer to travel light? Ramoswe Lodge within the Forever Resort Bela Bela is a prime example of how easy group camping can be. For just R600 per person per night, you and up to nine friends can enjoy a pre-arranged campsite complete with a swimming pool and lapa - all less than two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It’s the perfect base for braais, stargazing, or simply catching up around the fire.
Take the Road Less Travelled (in a Motorhome)
If setting up camp isn’t quite your thing, why not take the experience on the road? Maui Motorhome Rentals offers fully equipped mobile homes from just R2000 per day, designed to sleep up to four people comfortably. No special licence needed - just a standard Code 8 driver’s licence, and you’re off.
With built-in kitchens, bathrooms, lounge areas, and storage, these motorhomes let you travel in comfort without the hassle of daily packing and unpacking. It’s like combining a road trip with a boutique hotel on wheels - perfect for families, couples, or adventurous groups of friends.
Prefer Luxury? Try Glamping
For those who love the idea of being close to nature but refuse to sacrifice comfort, glamping is the answer. At the Little Mongena Tented Camp in Dinokeng Game Reserve, you’ll find all the charm of camping, minus the roughing it. Each of the ten luxury tents comes with air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a private en-suite bathroom. Plus, the view over the dam is something out of a travel magazine.
It’s a romantic, rejuvenating, and hassle-free way to immerse yourself in the wilderness - without getting a speck of dirt on your clothes.
A Sho’t Left for Every Style (and Budget)
Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a curious first-timer, or someone who just wants a weekend outside the city, Sho’t Left Travel Week makes it easy and affordable. With discounts of up to 50% on travel packages, accommodations, and experiences across the country, there’s no excuse not to take that well-deserved break.
And the best part? You don’t need to cross any borders. South Africa is full of hidden gems, charming campsites, and beautiful landscapes waiting to be explored - often just a short drive from home.
So this Spring, grab your friends, pack a cooler box, and make your way to a place where the Wi-Fi is weak, but the connections are strong.
For these and more affordable experiences, visit shotleft.co.za to explore your own beautiful country and create unforgettable memories. After all, It’s Your country. Enjoy It. Cause nothing’s more fun than a Sho’t Left.