My Unforgettable Camping Adventure in Mokala National Park

It was a day filled with excitement and anticipation as I embarked on my first-ever camping trip to the enchanting Mokala National Park. The thought of immersing myself in nature and exploring its hidden treasures had me buzzing with joy.

As I arrived at the park, I couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that surrounded me. Towering mountains stood tall against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, while lush green meadows sprawled out before me, inviting me to explore their beauty.

The campground was nestled amidst this picturesque setting, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. I pitched my tent under the shade of a magnificent oak tree, eager to settle into my temporary home in nature.

Once I had set up camp, I wasted no time in setting off on an adventure. Mokala National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and I was determined to catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures that call this place home.

As I ventured deeper into the park, my senses were overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of nature. The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, and every rustle in the leaves had me on edge, hoping to spot a curious animal peeking through the foliage.

And then, it happened. A group of graceful giraffes emerged from behind the tall grass, their long necks swaying elegantly as they moved. I stood in awe, humbled by the beauty of these magnificent creatures. It was a moment I will cherish forever.

But my adventures didn’t end there. I decided to embark on a hiking trail that promised stunning vistas and a chance to witness the raw power of nature. As I climbed higher, the panoramic views unfolded before me, showcasing Mokala National Park in all its glory.

The sight of a mighty waterfall cascading down a rugged cliff took my breath away. The sound of rushing water echoed through the valley, creating a symphony of nature that reverberated within me. It was a reminder of the incredible force that shapes our world.

As night fell, I returned to my campsite and gathered around a crackling campfire with fellow adventurers. Stories were shared, laughter filled the air, and a sense of camaraderie bonded us together. It reminded me that, in nature, we are all interconnected.

As I retired to my tent that night, filled with a sense of wonder and contentment, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact that nature has on us. It has the power to rejuvenate our spirits, spark our curiosity, and remind us of our place in the universe.

My first camping trip in Mokala National Park was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the sense of connection that I felt with nature will remain etched in my memory.

If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you in awe and longing for more, I urge you to explore Mokala National Park. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. So pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let nature work its magic on you.

My parents had never been camping before, so I thought it would be a great idea to give them a taste of the outdoors. To my surprise, the experience turned out to be even better than I expected. The memories we made will last a lifetime.

Wow, I can’t believe how lucky I am! I’m here with my parents on their very first camping trip, and I’m feeling absolutely thrilled!

I’ve been working at Getaway for over two years, and I’ve grown to realize that camping is a big deal, especially for white folks. I gave it a shot when I joined journalist Melanie van Zyl on assignment. It was an exhilarating experience, and Melanie made it look effortless. That’s how I learned my first camping lessons, albeit of the rooftop variety, and they stuck with me. However, in my culture, leisure travel is still relatively new, and there are several reasons for this.

When I was younger and visited my gogo in Ndunduma, KwaZulu-Natal, my siblings, cousins, and I would all have to sleep on the floor because there wasn’t enough space or beds in the house. Even today, there are families who live that way, and I understand why people of color aren’t quick to hop on the floor. It’s not something we’re accustomed to.

Alright, folks. Here’s the thing – I had this wild idea. I thought, why not take my parents camping for the first time? I mean, camping is such a big deal in South Africa and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. Plus, spending quality time with my parents in the great outdoors sounded like a dream come true. And hey, no offense to my siblings, but this adventure was going to be just Mom, Dad, and me.

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of camping. My parents, well, they haven’t really given it a try. Okay, my dad did once, but it was more of a wild adventure than a proper camping trip. He told me about this time in 1974 when he and three other couples decided to go camping at Lovers Rock Family Resort in Magaliesburg. They didn’t have much experience or equipment, but they had plenty of meat for a bonfire. The only catch was that they weren’t allowed to stay inside the campground because of apartheid, so they had to make their own makeshift shelter.

Ah, nature. It has a way of making me disconnect and unwind.

I’m meeting up with Teagan Cunniffe, a photographer for Getaway, and Marshall Rinquest, our camping expert. Marshall is a permaculture specialist and camp master from Greyton in the Western Cape. The drive is long but peaceful, and we may have taken a wrong turn or two. We call Mokala National Park for directions: “Are you facing the sunset?” they ask. Turns out we are, so we keep going, guided by the setting sun. The sky is ablaze with hues of burnt orange, yellow, and pink as the sun bids us farewell. The promise of a tranquil night hangs in the air, accompanied by the sweet melodies of birdsong.

After nearly seven hours on the road, we finally reach Mokala National Park, where the embrace of the wilderness awaits us. Stretching our tired feet, we follow Marshall as he scouts for the perfect spots to set up our tents. Then, I hear it – my dad’s unmistakable laugh. And there he is, holding hands with an ouma, both grinning from ear to ear. My dad has a knack for languages and can speak nine out of the eleven official ones. “This is Auntie Pulane,” he introduces us. “Hoe gaan dit, Ouma?” I greet her in Sesotho. Ouma’s real name is Anna Marie Pistorius, but she prefers to be called Pulane.

Getting everything ready for an amazing breakfast.

When I see my mom, I can’t help but smile. We greet each other with a warm hug and chat like best friends. My grandma, Ouma, is in her mid-seventies and she and her best friend, Ouma Annatjie, along with their husbands, spend six months of the year traveling in their big caravans. They love camping in different parks across South Africa and even in neighboring countries. It’s like having a second home on wheels! I’m always excited when they come back and tell us stories about their adventures.

Today, Ouma takes us on a tour of their caravans. They are parked in a way that they face each other, creating a little community. Each caravan has a spacious veranda outside, where they can relax and enjoy the fresh air. The tables outside serve as their makeshift kitchens, complete with everything they need. Ouma Pulane shows off her potjie pot, a traditional South African cooking pot, and Oupa proudly displays his braai stand, where he prepares delicious grilled food.

Ouma Pulane tells us about a great deal they enjoy at Mokala National Park. From Sunday to Thursday, during the low season, pensioners like them get a 60% discount. It’s an amazing opportunity to explore more and save some money at the same time. I have to admit, it sounds like an incredible way to spend your retirement days.

As we say goodbye, Ouma Pulane says, ‘See you tomorrow’. She turns around and walks away, leaving me with a sense of admiration for their adventurous spirit and the wonderful bond they share.

My dad’s in charge of setting up the tent. It’s this huge, vibrant orange Coleman Signature 7-Person Instant Dome that’s really easy to assemble and take apart. He says it’s like a home, though it’s not exactly, but I get what he means. Meanwhile, my mom and I are inflating our air mattress and getting everything organized, making our little space really cozy. My mom looks so peaceful with a happy smile on her face. Before we came here, she had so many questions and worries. “What if it starts raining? I don’t like lightning, especially when there are trees all around. And what about the bathrooms? Do I have to go in the open field? And what about my morning coffee? Do I have to make a fire first? I love having a cuppa in the morning…” But luckily, we brought all our home comforts with us, so everything’s just fine.

There is something truly special about being out in nature, surrounded by breathtaking views, and enjoying a delightful game drive. It’s a moment that fills me with joy.

My dad always knows how to make the most of these adventures. He announces that it’s time for “wine o’clock” and declares that he will take charge of the braai, an occasion that doesn’t happen often. As long as someone starts the fire, Marshall graciously steps up to the task. There’s a special bond between the two of them.

As the night deepens, we find ourselves getting lost in the magic of the moment. My mother, Marshall, Teagan, and I share uncontrollable laughter as my dad shares stories from his past, all while the meat sizzles on the grill. He proudly wears a colorful African-print apron and oven glove set he purchased in Ghana. Teagan has lent him a headlamp, which he wears on his head.

In a moment of reflection, Marshall remarks, “I truly believe that camping can change your life. There’s something about sleeping outdoors and reconnecting with nature that every person needs.”

Here we are, sitting beneath the twinkling stars, surrounded by the crisp, refreshing air that leaves me breathless. We gather together, reminiscing, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing our stories. As we sip on our wine, the connection between us grows stronger. All of us are here: Teagan, a young colleague from Durban; Marshall, a descendant of the Khoi tribe, who was nurtured in the beauty of the Sonderend Mountains and their healing properties by his wise grandfather; my dad, a street-smart and resilient businessman from Soweto, who defies the odds with his limited education; my mom, the embodiment of gentleness and compassion who selflessly spends her time caring for our family; and myself, doing my best to navigate through this journey called life. In this moment, none of our identities or backgrounds matter. We are simply at one with nature, held in its loving embrace.

My dad and I were on a game drive, seeing the incredible wildlife through a whole new lens. There were plenty of warthogs grazing that caught our eye as we drove by.

We woke up in the morning, getting ready for the game drive. “My sleeping bag was so cozy,” my mom says, “and the blow-up bed provided such comfort that I didn’t miss my own bed at all.” I felt the same way. During the drive, we spotted fascinating creatures like the tsessebi, black wildebeest, white-backed vulture, and roan antelope. We also saw many beautiful plants native to the area. After driving for about an hour, we stopped at a stunning picnic spot, where we enjoyed some fruit under a massive tree. The anticipation of spotting animals at any moment had us all on edge.

Back at camp, we had a delicious breakfast. My mom cooked up a satisfying batch of beans, a classic camper’s dish, along with pork bangers, tomatoes, and boiled eggs. While my parents relaxed in their camp chairs, overlooking the watering hole and reading their books, I felt grateful to be here with them as a family. Things haven’t always been easy after their divorce, but being in this beautiful place together felt special.

Just then, Ouma Pulane joined us, and we chatted about the weather. It turns out there was a visitor outside my dad’s tent the previous night, and both Ouma Pulane and my dad tried to figure out who it was by examining the footprints. Unfortunately, they couldn’t come to any conclusions.

I had the most incredible evening with Marshall. He showed me how to bake bread, and we had a delicious veggie potjiekos, as he’s a vegetarian. It was such a relaxed atmosphere, and we ended up having deep conversations about politics and the benefits of medicinal marijuana. We decided to call it an early night, and as I lay down on my pillow, I could hear the gentle sound of raindrops on our tent. Soon after, the heavens opened up, and we were blessed with a beautiful rainfall. The thunder made its presence known, adding to the magical ambiance of the moment. I was lying right next to my mom, and I scooted closer to her, enjoying the warmth of her body. In that moment, I felt like the luckiest girl in the whole world.

Camping tip:
If you’re not sure if you like camping and don’t want to spend money on camping gear, you should try Camping Khapela first. They provide a butler service, so all you have to do is pack your bags, show up, and relax. I went on a trip with my younger brother to Mountain Sanctuary Park in Magaliesburg with the founder, Karabo Sepharatla. Unfortunately, our butler forgot to mention that we needed to bring our own pillows and blankets, so we had to make a quick stop at the Pep store in Mooinooi. Besides that little mishap, it was a fun and easy way to give camping a try. Karabo also made the most delicious potjie I’ve ever had. The cost of the trip depends on where you want to go. For a trip to Magaliesburg, it’s R1800 per person for two nights, and they provide breakfasts, dinners, and snacks along the way. You can contact them at 0718173945 or visit their website campingkhapela.com.”

Get ready for your trip

But wait, before you head out:
As we were leaving the park, I couldn’t help but reflect on the preparation for this adventure. It was no small feat, especially for someone like me who is new to this whole thing. Thankfully, Cape Union Mart came to our rescue, making the process a breeze and providing us with all the necessary gear. However, I must admit, for the regular South African, it can be quite a financial burden at first. Yet, after unloading the car and immersing myself in the whispers of nature, I realized that every penny was well worth it.

Getting there: To get to Mokala National Park, you’ll need to travel about 70 kilometers south-southwest of Kimberley. When I went, I took the route through Bloemfontein to get there and then the route through Klerksdorp on my way back. The roads are pretty easy to drive on, but stay alert because there are a lot of trucks on that route. If you need to take a break and fill up your tummy and your tank, there’s a Wimpy in Ventersburg in the Free State, which is about 238 kilometers from Joburg. It took me about six-and-a-half hours to drive from Johannesburg to the park. If you’re coming from Cape Town, you’ll have to drive around 904 kilometers west on the N1, and it’s about 895 kilometers from Durban. When you arrive at the park, you have two entrances to choose from: Lilydale Gate and Mosu Gate. I recommend going through Lilydale Gate because the road is currently being leveled, so it’s easier on your tires. But if you do choose Mosu Gate, just take it easy.

Here’s what you need to know:

Before you start your adventure, it’s good to know that there’s a small shop at the reception where you can buy drinks and other essentials like dish-washing liquid. Keep in mind that the ground is quite hard, with very little grass, so it’s a good idea to bring something soft to sleep on. Oh, and there’s no petrol station on the grounds, so make sure to fill up your tank before you arrive. If you need to make a booking or have any questions, you can call 0124289111 or visit the website sanparks.org/parks/mokala.

What you should bring:

Insects can be a pesky problem, so don’t forget to pack some insect repellent. If you want to save some money, you can make your own repellent by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. For a stronger solution, you can skip the water. The ablution facilities are top-notch, with spacious showers and separate bathrooms. They’re cleaned every day, and they even provide toilet paper! We stayed in unit two (CK6) at the Motswedi Camp Site. The units are pretty similar, but our neighbors in unit one had more shade and privacy because of the surrounding trees. However, the trees didn’t have many leaves, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella. The summer months can get scorching hot! There’s a communal kitchen with a two-plate gas stove and a fridge, but you’ll need to bring your own cutlery and crockery. Just a heads up, there are no power points, so make sure to bring a pot or plunger for your morning tea or coffee. Lastly, there are braai facilities, but you’ll need a table. We used a Coleman 70 Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler, and it worked like a charm to keep our food and drinks nice and cool.

Here’s what you can do:
Why not go on a game drive? At Mosu Lodge, they offer four game drives throughout the day. You can go in the morning, during the day, at sunset, or even at night. If you’re interested, you can also see ancient rock engravings that are over 2,000 years old. And if you’re staying at Lilydale Rest Camp, you can try your hand at catch-and-release fly-fishing. Just make a booking at the reception.

Looking for a place to eat?
Head over to Mosu Restaurant, located at the back of Mosu Lodge. From there, you’ll have a great view of the parklands and you might even spot some tortoises roaming around. They have a delicious dish called the good old Russian and chips, which is a big hit. Ouma loves it so much that they have it every time they visit. If that’s not your thing, they also have homemade venison pies that are a customer favorite. And if you prefer something else, don’t worry. They have plenty of options on their à la carte menu. Just make sure you book your table in advance.