7 WATERSIDE CAMPSITES in Mpumalanga
My maiden name, Van der Merwe, means ‘from the stretches of the River Merwede’ (in Holland). I like to think that this explains why I’m so attracted to bodies of water – rivers, lakes, dams, ocean. Or maybe it’s because our own bodies are half H20. Growing up in Nelspruit (now Mbombela), weekends often consisted of outings to nearby streams, pools and cascades. On the Panorama Route, around Sabie and Graskop, we were spoilt for choice when choosing a waterfall for a family picnic – Lone Creek, Bridal Veil or Horseshoe, to name a few. I remember birthday parties spent splashing in Mac Mac Pools, and pretending we were at the beach at Barberton’s ‘seaside’ – a stretch of white sand near water in the nature reserve. We’d laze about on my dad’s catamaran for entire Saturdays at Da Gama Dam near White River – fishing, swimming, braaiing. Having recently moved back to my home province, I went in search of campsites that are a hop, skip or step away from a river or dam. There is an option to suit everyone, even if all you desire is sundowners next to a babbling brook.
1 FOR GAME AND BIRDLIFE
HENK VAN ROOYEN RESORT
This municipal campground is in Marloth Park, a town and 1500-hectare wildlife sanctuary between Komatipoort and Malelane. Only a fence and the Crocodile River separate it from Kruger National Park.
The resort’s name comes from the farmer who donated the land to the municipality to create this popular recreational area; accommodation is highly sought-after during school holidays, especially in
