North West is home to the Magaliesberg, Pilanesberg, and Madikwe — three very different but excellent camping destinations.
Top Spots
Pilanesberg National Park — Two-hour drive from Joburg. Big 5, MalMal and Manyane camps. Excellent for families. Better value than many private reserves.
Magaliesberg — Mountain Sanctuary Park — Kloof hiking, swimming in rock pools, basic camping. Perfect weekend escape from Joburg.
Madikwe Game Reserve — Malaria-free Big 5. Mostly expensive private lodges, but communal camping options exist around the edges.
Borakalalo National Park — Lesser-known Hartbeespoort Dam area. Good birding, basic camping. Very affordable.
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve — Near Rustenburg. Small, beautiful koppie terrain. Mountain zebra, brown hyena.
---
Share your North West camping spots — especially off-the-beaten-track ones!