If you’re looking for blissful camping close to JHB, look no further than Mountain Sanctuary Park. We are a family of nature enthusiasts, and my sister-in-law and family are too. We also have a wonderful group of friends who share the same need to be in nature on the regular, which makes for perfect company on a camping trip. Needless to say, we are always seeking out beautiful refuges in the heart of nature’s wonderland. Mountain Sanctuary Park happens to be a firm favourite for all of us because it ticks so many boxes:
- It is the most beautiful place to camp or rent a little log cabin with loads of trees and grassy areas
- It’s in the mountains surrounded by fresh air and beautiful views
- It has the most awesome hikes that are manageable for small kids
- There are a number of amazing rivers and natural pools to swim in, but there’s an epic swimming pool too
- It is the perfect weekend getaway close to JHB
Convenient Camping Close To JHB
In less than two hours on a Friday afternoon, we can be in the mountains setting up camp. The kids roam free, running, laughing, and expending all the energy built up on the short trip. We are already talking about the braai (BBQ) we are going to make and what we are having for sundowners. It feels like the world has been lifted from our shoulders and we can breathe freely. Instant relaxation.
Mountain Sanctuary Hikes
The best part is that primo hiking comes with this choice of camping close to JHB. You receive a map of Mountain Sanctuary Park and the associated hikes on arrival. Because we have small kids, we usually oscillate between the West Pools hike, and a short hike past the reservoir up to the bum slides. We have done other hikes, but these two are the most kid-friendly.
The highlight for us is the West Pools hike, but then taking it further upstream and walking down the river valley. It’s a total adventure from start to finish with areas that you have to swim through, loads of different pools to swim in, cliffs to jump off.
If you are an avid hiker or adventurer, I highly advise investing in a waterproof backpack. I use mine all the time. They are PERFECT for storing your phone, keys, dry clothes, camera, food, and basically anything you don’t want to get wet. I usually carry everyone’s valuables in mine, so worth having at least one to share among your crew.
Perfect Chill Spots
After a morning of hiking, we usually spend the rest of the day chilling by the pool. This spot is divine. It is flanked by loads of shady spots to sit on the shallow end (equipped with toilets too) and a beautiful wooden deck on the deep end with umbrellas and sunbeds. There is a small kiosk there selling drinks, ice-cream, and snacks. The kids keep the kiosk in great business with endless requests for treats. It is absolute bliss!
Camping is what you make it. I feel like so many people don’t give it a chance because they think it is roughing it or uncomfortable. To us, it is freedom, and we do it in style. Making sure you have all your creature comforts with you when you camp is the key. You have to be smart and resourceful when packing, and it can be the most amazing, luxury weekend getaway as close to nature as you can get.
An Affordable Weekend Getaway
Camping close to JHB affords you a whole weekend away, which is all you need to unwind and relax. Even if you’re not into camping, there are affordable accommodation options to suit everyone. We LOVE to camp and so do our kids, so we get away with a really cheap weekend of family fun. But if you need a roof over your head, there are three types of cabins or chalets that you can rent for the weekend.
Each vehicle, trailer, or caravan is charged R50 on entry, regardless of how many people are in it. Busses are charged a R300 entry levy.
Campsites
The campsites are huge, so you never feel like you are on top of other families. They usually book two or three sites together for us as they have a maximum of six people allowed per site. You can select campsites with power or without, but we usually have at least one with power so that we can charge phones, lights, or connect a camping fridge.
Campsite Specifics
- Minimum of two adults for two nights stay over the weekend
- Access to clean, well-maintained ablution facilities
- Braai area on each stand (you can buy firewood at the shop in the reception area)
- Adults charged at R200 per night on a stand with power
- It’s R150 per adult on a stand without power
- Children under 12 are charged at R120 per night
- During the week, you can get away with lower costs:
- Adults on stand with power – R180
- Adults on stand without power – R130
- Children – R80
Cabins And Chalets
There are three different cabins or chalets to choose from for your little getaway. Cosy huts, chalets, and log cabins – all with varying degrees of amenities and obviously at different costs too.
We have only ever had personal experience with the cosy huts. The one camping trip we made, we encountered the biggest thunderstorm and showers on our first night. The tent pitched by my teenage son and his friend was flooded, as was all their sleeping gear (it wasn’t a very weatherproof tent and they had pitched it in a flood path). Fortunately, the reception area was still open after the storm had passed and I was able to book a cosy hut for them to stay in. It was like luxury compared to camping and they loved it.
Cosy Hut Specifics
- Minimum of two adults for two nights stay over the weekend
- Sleeps four people in a small one-room cabin with two single beds and a bunk bed, includes bedding
- Has no toilet or shower. Cosy hut guests make use of the camping ablution blocks
- It has a braai area and braai utensils, as well as a small cooker, kettle, fridge, and basic cutlery and crockery
- They also have an electrical power point, which is really useful for camping (we used it a lot that weekend when my son stayed in the cosy hut)
- Rates over the weekend are a little more as can be expected:
- Adults per night on the weekend – R380
- Children, under 12, per night on the weekend – R200
- Rates during the week:
- Adults per night during the week – R350
- Children, under 12, per night during the week – R150
Chalet Specifics
- Minimum of two adults for two nights stay over the weekend
- Sleep between two to six people comfortably in one, two, or three-bedroom chalets
- All bedding provided
- Comes with its own toilet and shower
- Has a gas stove, microwave, fridge, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery, and electrical power points
- Rates over the weekend:
- Adults per night – R560
- Children, under 12, per night – R285
- Rates during the week:
- Adults per night – R450
- Children, under 12, per night – R220
- Additional bedding and towels available on request (prior to arrival) at an additional cost
- Servicing of chalets can be arranged at an additional R200 per day
Log Cabin Specifics
- Minimum of two adults for two nights stay over the weekend
- Sleep between two to six people comfortably in two or three-bedroom cabins
- All bedding provided
- Comes with its own toilet and bath or shower
- Has a gas stove, microwave, fridge, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery, and electrical power points
- Rates over the weekend:
- Adults per night – R600
- Children, under 12, per night – R310
- Rates during the week:
- Adults per night – R495
- Children, under 12, per night – R220
- Additional bedding and towels available on request (prior to arrival) at an additional cost
- Servicing of log cabins can be arranged at an additional R200 per day
Day Visitors For Hiking
Since Mountain Sanctuary park is so close to Johannesburg, a day visit for a hike is totally doable. You can hike, chill by the pool, and basically get the full benefit of being in nature, even if just for a day. However, when you look at the costs of coming for the day versus what you pay for camping, you might as well spend the whole weekend and get the opportunity to unwind completely.
- Weekend rates:
- Adult weekend day visitor: R150
- Children, under 12, weekend day visitor: R75
- Mid-week rates:
- Adult mid-week day visitor: R100
- Children, under 12, mid-week day visitor: R60
- Same entry costs per vehicle at R50 per car or R300 per bus
I cannot recommend Mountain Sanctuary Park enough. It’s such a beautiful space run by friendly staff. It has become a really special place for us. For magical, family-friendly camping close to JHB, you can’t fault it at all. If you’re into camping, hiking, and adventure – even better! It’s the perfect spot for you and your family.
Booking are essential, so be sure to either phone or email them with your requests:
- Website: https://www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za/
- Email: owen@mountain-sanctuary.co.za
- Phone: 0027-14-534-0114 between 8am and 5pm
