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Camping

Camping is an activity that can easily be enjoyed by everybody. Camping is a lot of fun as it's cheap and healthy.

Introduction to camping

Camping in the Drakensberg  is a way to get in touch with nature and get away from city life. Camping is a great way to experience the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. It also offers a base camp for hikes into the mountains.

The Campsite

The campsite layout should be well organized, with a place for cooking, relaxing and washing, none of which are right where you sleep.
 
Shelter and Sleeping

The typical camping shelter is the tent, and choosing a camping tent means knowing how many people are going to sleep inside.

Sleeping bags are essential, and they should be chosen to suit the climate and weather. If possible, use a sleeping mat under your sleeping bag for additional comfort. A great deal of temperature is lost through the ground even with a sleeping bag, so don't underestimate how far a little insulation can go.
 
Camping Supplies

Camping gear can be very basic or very complex, depending on the degree to which you want to be roughing it. Basic navigation may or may not be needed depending on what you plan on doing, but bringing a compass is always a good idea in case you get lost. Bring basic survival equipment of course, including fire-starting gear, water purification, first aid kid, bug repellent, and other essentials. Camping lights can be a nice touch, but are not necessary, although a good flashlight is a must.

Camping ethics

Plan ahead and prepare
  • Know the regulations and concerns for the area you'll be camping in. Restrictions are based on any past abuse and the special conditions of an area.
  • Camp and travel in small groups. They are quieter and do less damage.
  • Learn how to properly store your food to protect it from baboons and other animals.
  • Repackage your food into re-usable containers like Ziploc bags. Avoid tin or aluminum cans and glass. Reduce the amount of rubbish you bring by eliminating all unnecessary packaging like cardboard boxes, etc.
  • Make sure you have a way to properly dispose of your rubbish (bring an extra rubbish bag).
Dispose of waste properly
  • If it wasn't there when you came then don't leave it there when you leave! You are responsible for anything you bring. Carry out all your trash.
  • Inspect your campsite for rubbish or misplaced gear before you leave.
  • Do not bury your rubbish. Animals will dig it up or it will become exposed later on for someone else to find.
  • Contrary to popular belief tin foil and plastic bottles do not completely burn.
  • Practice "Negative Trace". Pick up rubbish that others may have missed or that were dropped by accident. Educate any inconsiderate people you encounter about Leave No Trace and low impact skills and ethics.
Leave what you find
  • Take only pictures, leave only the lightest of footprints, and bring home only memories.
  • Resist the temptation to take home souvenirs. Leave stones, feathers, artifacts, flowers, petrified wood, etc. so that others may enjoy them.
  • Leave the place you're visiting in a natural condition. You can't improve Nature. Do not alter a site in any way. Good campsites are found, not made. Don't pound nails into trees or damage live vegetation or trees.
Leave your saw and axe at home
  • Don't break or saw off branches from dead trees, live trees, or fallen trees. Use only wood that you brought with you. Don't peel the bark off trees for use as fuel. It takes many years to heal and remains an eyesore in the meantime. Don't make a fire ring with rocks. Blackened rocks are very unsightly and stay that way for many years.
  • Some areas don't allow fires or only allow fires in designated areas. Know the regulations for the area you will be visiting.
  • During dry periods it can be dangerous or against regulations to build a fire. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving an area.
Respect wildlife
  • Treat the animals you encounter with respect. Remember that you are a visitor and are traveling and camping in their backyard.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance.
  • Do not feed the animals! You will create a nuisance because the animal will develop a taste for human food, associate humans with food, and then raid our campsites to steal our food.
  • Learn how to properly store your food to protect it from baboons and other animals.
Be considerate of other visitors
  • Preserve the solitude. Respect other hikers by traveling and camping quietly. Keep radios at home.
  • Pets are best left at home. Keep them away from water sources and clean up after them. They are your responsibility. Some areas don't allow pets.
  • Base your decisions not only on how your actions will impact the environment but also how they may affect others as well.