Pic Credit: Pixabay
Published by: Halaal Travels
Guest author: Waseem Nanabhay
Disclaimer: Please note this is a campers experience. Your camping experience might be very different. Please use this post for information purposes only and be sure to do your own research prior to your camping trip.
When was the first time you went camping?
The very first time was in 2019. We went to a place called Monateng Safari Lodge. It was quiet and a good place to start for those who are looking to go out camping for the very first time. We had some late night visitors outside our camp in the form of Tarantulas and that experience on our senses in the dark was truly a little taste of what camping entails. For those who are debating comparing a room to a tent, we were quite at home knowing that dishes were washed in the dishwasher in our private kitchen adjacent to our site.
What made you want to try out camping?
The cost of a hotel room in comparison to a site for 6 people was the major factor in opting for camping. The experience of something different was also intriguing.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to begin camping?
Spend the extra money and invest in a good canvas tent. Don’t buy a nylon tent. The cheaper alternative and lightweight tents would persuade anyone to buy one. Although the gear never seems to come to an end, invest in a trailer or hire one. It makes the camping experience much better. You can also leave your gear in the trailer and use as you need.
Also if you are from a conservative family or have Pardah requirements, choose the Private Ablution Camping sites.
What is the most comfortable bed/ sleeping bag in your opinion?
Invest in Disc-o-Beds. They are amazing. Easy to assemble beds and the space between the floor and bed allows for extra gear to be stored under the bed. For those who wish to camp in the heat of the African Sun, invest in a good reflective cover above your tent. It reduces the temperature of your tent quite considerably. Also the key is that the tent is a place to sleep in. If you go camping, you are there to enjoy the outdoors. By doing this you spend less time in the tent when it gets uncomfortably hot during the day. The most important part of camping is sleep. Make sure you are comfortable and warm enough. Ensure that there are no Mozzies or Spiders/Scorpions in the tent. There are products for Scorpions.
What was your biggest fear prior to going on your first camping experience?
You read camping horror stories of how the tent fell apart in a gust of wind or after a cloud burst. So the worry when picturing a dark cloud above has to be the greatest fear I had. But that fear soon dissipated when my tent withstood the rain and kept us all dry and safe. Like I said, always camp in Canvas. I would say that the “C” in camping stands for “Canvas” and the “G” stands for “Gear”. If you have the right Canvas and the right gear you will overcome any situation while camping.
What advice do you recommend when it comes to insects and camping?
Choose spots with Gravel or Concrete Sites. While Grass sites adds extra comfort under your feet while you in the tent, it also means that there are more insects around the entrance of your tent on the ground. Research suggests that UltraViolet Lights don’t really work on the Mozzies that bite. It does kill thousands of insects however per night that are harmless to you. The number one rule is keep the tent closed when insects are out and about. Enter and exit the tent as fast as you can. And Always inspect the tent while everyone is in and ready for bed for Mozzies that might have made their way in. An inspection of a few minutes could be the deciding factor in you having a good camping experience. And always place lights away from your entrance. If you are using lights, invest in the yellow lensed lights that attract less insects.
Have you been camping with your kids and how old were they when you first went camping?
Yes. My youngest was only 18 months. My eldest was 9. And my second was 6.
The younger the better. Kids have this natural inclination towards tents. I remember making tents in my bedroom as a child using every bedsheet I could get my hands on.
Any other tips you would recommend?
Get each camper their own headlight that has a red light option. This way they can navigate at night without insects flying into their faces. Take the plunge and Go Camping! Research as much as you can on the best products out there. I cannot stress enough the importance of a Canvas Tent.
In the electrical department, you need good lighting. Taking your bedside lamp is always a good cheap option. Have an extension cord. Pack as warm as possible. It does tend to get cold even during summer nights. While Airbeds are a great option as they are easy to pack and quick to assemble. They get really cold to sleep on during cold nights. If you are using an Airbed insulate yourself properly by placing a thermal sheet between your body and the bed. Always carry a Medical Kit.
In the furniture department, you will need at least one table. Use this table as a food station during meal times. Get a flask that keeps drinks warm for at least 24 Hrs. Knowing that you can enjoy that late night tea or coffee in the tent when you are too lazy to boil tea outside the tent is a dream.
Best places you would recommend for anyone wanting to go on their first camping experience?
Monateng Safari Lodge is a good place to start. The private bathroom with a bath is amazing. The kitchen has a nice fridge/freezer as well as a dishwasher. The kids will be kept entertained as well. Dinokeng Resort is also an amazing place with great facilities.
About the author:
Waseem Nanabhay, born and bred in Joburg CBD. I enjoy sports like cricket and soccer. I built my very own pool table which I use as a table tennis table and dining room table. I am an Aalim/ Hafiz and Qari. I finally run my own Madrasah after 15 years of service at 3 Institutes. I focus specifically on Private Ablution Camping sites, which many term as Glamping. There aren’t many around in South Africa, but amongst the few that do cater are absolute gems. From the amazing views of the Drakensberg Mountains to the Crisp Air of the ocean. From sites just outside the hustle and bustle of Joburg to the bush where you are visited by wild animals. From sites that are a kids dream come true with waterslides and entertainment together to sites that are off the grid to connect to nature instead. Whatever you looking for there is a camping spot with private Ablution facilities out there. Even a site with a private jacuzzi. Some camping hacks are also posted on the Instagram page.
Instagram account: Camp_life_sa