In July of 2023, we decided to do something a bit different from our normal bush wild type of camping. So, we visited Dinokeng, Sondela and Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and we still had to pack in the morning, leaving Nelspruit only around 11 and arriving at Tau gate, to enter Dinokeng, just before 4 o clock in the afternoon.
This was winter which meant it got dark quite early, which in turn made us decide that on this trip we will not go on our normal afternoon drives, but rather enjoy our campsite in the late afternoons.
The Campsites at Kyleu have a large dustbin a braai and a Fire pit. Warm water is provided by a gas geyser. You get your own private dishwashing area. A proper and clean shower, flush toilet, and a basin. The site was cleaned daily when we were there.
For the more adventurous there are proper self-sufficient sites available as well. These are spaced further apart, but have no ablution, meaning no water. You will have to be completely self-sufficient.
The road network. I must say it was very confusing at first. The most or best roads are 2-track gravel roads. Some do have rocks and you will need a high clearance vehicle at the least. But overall, when we got the hang of it, it was quite pleasant.
The Arlington Brewery has become one of our favorite places in Dinokeng. It is a very easygoing place with entertainment for the kids and their food was really good.
We enjoyed Kyleu so much that we ended up extending our stay with them for a few days before packing up and heading to Sondela.
Before leaving Dinokeng we got some supplies at the properly stocked shop.
After the check-in process at Sondela, we arrived rather late at our campsite. We had to stay in the normal, powered campsites, as the bush camps were not available. The bushcamp was actually one of the reasons we wanted to visit Sondela
Sondela was through and through a completely different experience than what we had at Dinokeng and Miane enjoyed it the most
We went to Sondela to stay in their bush campsites, which were not available, and secondly to try out their 4x4 obstacle course.
The course is not a difficult one, but it was nice to freshen up on all the basics again.
Their shop was also pretty well stocked with everything you could need on a trip away from the city.
The campground is quite large but there is not much space between yourself and your neighbor.
Each site has a dishwashing area with a large dustbin and a braai stand. It does get cleaned daily.
The private ablutions are kept very clean and there is also a larger communal ablution that is also kept clean at all times.
You can go for a plunge in a swimming pool at the campground whilst the wildlife will come to visit you. Be careful as they are very tame.
Our next stop was Mabalingwe. We have been to Mabalingwe a few times before and Mabalingwe, in its own way, is a destination focussed on family and fun, mixed with the excitement of the bushveld and wildlife.
It is quite a difficult task to get proper information on the bushcamps, but to our understanding and per the website, there is the Kalahari bush camp that offers permanently fixed tents. The Pitsi bush camp, also with units provided, and then the 4x4 bushcamp, with campsites. This is where we attempted to go. If anyone can give us some more information, please leave a comment. It will be highly appreciated.
The campground at Mabalingwe is also very large and to our understanding, it can get booked out over weekends and holidays. This will mean you are going to be right on your neighbor. The ablution facilities were kept clean, even though there weren’t many campers when we were there. The bar and swimming area is well located in the center of the campsite, and there is a playground to keep the kids busy. All of this said, we will definitely return and stay here at a busy time. The vibe will surely be amazing.
One of the very well-known bars is in Mabalingwe. The Kalahari Oasis bush pub. A lot of our time was spent here. The vibe is amazing, and the staff, as well as the people visiting are all like-minded and very friendly.
00:00 Intro
01:20 Dinokeng Game Reserve
04:53 Kyleu Bush Camp
06:56 Dula Nokeng
14:08 Arlington Brewery
17:27 Veldjie Rondom Picnic Site
20:25 Sondela Nature Reserve
22:58 4x4-Obstacle Course
26:47 Sondela Campground
29:29 Mabalingwe Nature Reserve
30:20 Kalahari Oasis 4x4 Bushcamp
36:23 Mabalingwe Caravan Park
40:20 Kalahari Oasis Pub