Go off-the-grid on your next trip

In the days of old, being environmentally friendly entailed pitching a tent, lighting the fire and having an icy shower. But, you no longer have to give up on your creature comforts to stay green. We rounded up some off-the-grid park stays where your impact on Mother Nature is minimal.

Vhembe Wilderness Camp – Mapungubwe National Park

Tucked away on a ridge within a valley and with only four units, Vhembe is a great option for a secluded breakaway. While rustic, each unit comes with beautiful views and private braai areas.

Energy: Solar lights and a gas stove.

Note:  Unfenced camp with shared fridge in the communal kitchen.

Cost: R825 for two people.

Mountain Cottages – Mountain Zebra National Park

Take in the park’s atmosphere by booking one of two secluded and rustic mountain cottages. Tucked away in the rocky surroundings, you are bound to experience tranquillity.

Energy: The kitchen has a gas stove and gas-powered fridge/freezer. Hot water shower is gas-powered.

Note: Access only with 4×4 or 2×4 with diff lock. Ablutions are outside, but the unit is fenced.

Cost: From R893.85 for two people, but up to 10 can be accommodated. One room has a double bed, and the other two single beds. There is a room with six bunk beds, but own bedding is required.

Afsaal Cottage – Karoo National Park

Visitors are guaranteed peace, tranquillity and thousands of stars at the former shepherd’s hut 35km from reception. The unit even has its own private waterhole.

Energy:  Solar lights, gas for cooking, gas fridge and shower.

Note: Toilet separate, but unit is fenced.

Cost: R858.50 for two people. Arrangements can be made for two additional stretchers for children.

Narina Bush Camp – Addo Elephant National Park

Spend some time in a magical forest on the banks of the Wit River with the Zuurberg Mountains as your backdrop.

Energy: Paraffin for hot water, gas stove and fridge, solar lighting and water, paraffin lamps.

Note: High clearance vehicle required to get there.

Cost: From R1190 for four people. Up to eight can sleep in four tents.

Overseers Cottage – Table Mountain National Park

This cottage high up on the “other side” of Table Mountain is exclusive, but there is a catch – it is only accessible on foot. Arrangements can be made to transport your luggage up to the top, though.

Energy: Gas geyser, stove and paraffin lamps.

Note: No vehicles allowed.

Cost: R 2760 for six people, but the unit can accommodate up to 16 people.

Rhenosterkop – Agulhas National Park

Stay on one of the oldest farms in the Strandveld, established in 1742. Beautifully restored, these units give you the opportunity to experience the farming lifestyle.

Energy: Solar lighting and gas for cooking, hot water and refrigeration.

Note: Rhenosterkop is 31km from the lighthouse.

Cost: R780 for two people.

De Zyfer – Tankwa Karoo National Park

Most of the options in the park qualify as off-the-grid, but De Zyfer Cottage is truly special. An old farm house, this unit offers accommodation in the traditional sense

Energy: Gas stove, lanterns and candles for lighting. Solar power runs the fridge. Make a fire for hot water

Cost: R750 for two people.

Jo-Annes B Cottage – West Coast National Park

This latest offering is situated next to Jo-Annes Beach Cottage and has recently been revamped to accommodate four people.  It is also the ideal point from which to exploring the park’s scenery.

Energy:  The fridge, geyser and stove are gas and electricity is solar.

Note: Water comes from a well and is safe to drink.

Cost: From R1400 for four people.

Wilderness camps – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

All six wilderness camps in the park fall in this category and offer visitors an exclusive stay in an unfenced area. Urikaruus is our choice.

Energy: Solar fridge/freezer, solar lights and gas-heated water.

Note:  Bring your own drinking water and firewood.

Cost: Riverside Cabins from R1630 for two people.

Tree house – Mokala National Park

Spend a night in the branches of an old camel thorn tree while you watch game at the waterhole.

Energy: Gas freezer and burner. A gas geyser heats water.

Note:  Unfenced.

Cost: Priced from R1270 in low season for two people.

Oranjekom Gorge Cottage – Augrabies Falls National Park

Enjoy spectacular views on the edge of the spectacular gorge. The unit is situated underneath the Oranjekom viewing deck.

Energy: Gas stove and solar power for lights.

Note:  Ablution facilities are not inside unit. There is also no fan or air-conditioning.

Cost: R1600 per night for two people.

Gannakouriep  – /Ai/Ais- Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

These stone and canvas structures are situated far from civilization and you are sure to enjoy the surroundings. There are four units available.

Energy: Gas stove and solar powered fridge and geyser.

Note: Bring your own drinking water and firewood.

Cost: R800 for two people. 

Boulders Bush Lodge – Kruger National Park

Most bush camps and wilderness trail camps in the Kruger qualify. For a family or group getaway, pick Boulders, about 25km from Mopani Rest Camp.  The lodge is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking its own waterhole.

Energy:  Solar power and gas geyser.

Note: The unit is unfenced.

Cost: R3270 for four people (max 12)

Urikaruus – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Get an even better experience of this sandy paradise by booking a night in one of the six popular wilderness camps. There will never be more than eight people per camp, which makes it an exclusive experience.

Energy: Solar lights, gas geyser and gas stove.

Note: Supply own drinking water and wood. Camp is unfenced.

Cost: R1630 for two.

NOTES: 

Prices are subject to change and depend on the season

Additional rates charged for extra adults and children differ between parks.

Daily conservation fees are not included in the price.

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Words and photograph by René de Klerk