REMOTE CAMPING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

What do you need?

Remote Camping in the African bush, the peace and quiet, the simplicity, it’s wildlife and the photography opportunities it offers is amazingly unforgettable.

Been self-sufficient means that you need a proper 4X4 vehicle and would require some or most of the following equipment, depending on the area you are going to and the type of remote camping you are doing.

· air compressor and tyre pressure gauge

· braai essentials: - grid, tongs, fire lighters, matches and gas lighter, good hardy leather gloves

· bucket for washing up, clothes pegs, washing powder, washing up liquid for dishes, dish drying cloth, paper towel, tinfoil, zip locks and refuse bags

· built-in drawer system for storage of food and various items

· built-in water tank (recommend 60L)

· canvas tent – rooftop or ground tent including ground sheet

· coffee plunger, crockery, cutlery, glasses and cups

· dual battery system

· fire extinguisher

· first aid kit

· folding table and chairs

· fridge/freezer

· gas bottle

· inflatable mattress or stretchers if using ground tent

· jack and high lift jack

· jerry cans for fuel (if needed)

· jerry cans for water (if needed), purification tablets, water drinking bottles (unbreakable ones)

· jumping cables or battery pack

· long range fuel tank/ 2 tanks (preferable)

· map of the area you are going to, or GPS loaded with Track4Africa

· outdoor shower (solar or gas)

· puncture repair kit

· recovery equipment

· satellite phone

· sleeping linen / sleeping bags & pillows

· snatch strap, tow strap (2 or more) and shackles

· spade and axe

· spare tyre (preferably two) & tyre changing equipment

· spare vehicle keys (not kept in the vehicle)

· winch

· wooden block or hard rubber block (to use as chock blocks or jacking platform)

Other essentials: -

· all your charging cables and spare batteries

· animal and bird book for your region

· basic tool kit, rope ties

· cash in local currency, USD and/or Euros

· dustpan and brush (for the dust in the tent)

· hammock (if you still have space)

· hot water bottle (for those cold nights in winter), kikoi sarong

· if on any medication, take for extra days in case of delays

· leatherman or likewise

· mosquito repellents, sunscreen, toilet paper

· playing cards or small travel games (banagram / rummykub)

· seed net to protect radiator (if travelling in long grass)

· small hosepipe and fittings (to fill the water tank if needed)

· spare engine oil and spare fuses

· torch, flashlight and headlamp (spare batteries if not USB charged)

· wet wipes – lots of them!

· your photographic equipment & binoculars, battery charger/s

Pitching the ground tent

Sometimes we go roof-top tent and other times we do ground tent. When using the ground tent, find a reasonable flat and level area under some shade but be sure not to pitch your tent in the way of animal footpath.

My oasis of serenity – summer season

Winter season - it's dry but just a beautiful

Bush bucket shower

There is nothing more surreal than having a bush bucket shower in complete openness in the middle of the African bush. Sometimes elephants were strolling past on their way to the river, and one could hear the calls of the African bush.

The bush toilet - simplicity

Find your spot, dig a hole, carefully burn the toilet paper and cover the hole.

Water Crossing

Sometimes one must do a water crossing. Before crossing with your vehicle take a closer look at what you will be driving through and if needed walk through it. Ensure there is no dangerous wildlife around or in the water. Assess the water crossing and choose the best route and check for holes or drop offs which may be close to the previous main tracks that you will take.

Morning coffee break

After waking up at dawn and searching for the wildlife all whilst enjoying some good photography, that first morning coffee in the early morning sun rays is exceptional.

Stuck in Black cotton soil

Anything can happen in the African Bush and that is the reason one must be prepared for any situation, such as getting stuck in the mud. Find a strong tree from which you can winch the vehicle from. Turn on the winch and have some light tension already on the wire rope, start winching slowly and steadily. It is vital that the wire rope is winding evenly and tightly around the spooling drum. Continue pulling until the vehicle is on stable ground.

Black cotton soil which was well hidden by the green grass before driving over it.

Sundowner time waiting for the wildlife to come drink

I enjoy driving looking for the wildlife, but sometimes it is also pleasant to wait at a waterhole and watch what wildlife and birds come to drink. I have been surprised by numerous sightings just waiting at a water hole.

Evening time - Peace and quiet African bush

Freshly baked Bush beer bread

The smell of fresh bread is salivating, easy to make and one can add herbs or cheese or corn or just enjoy it plain with some butter. For the next day bread, just grill it on the grid over some coals for a slice of toast or make a toasted sandwich in a Jaffel Iron.

Bush braai - Beef fillet and mielies

Bush braai also known as Bush TV is the highlight of the evening when returning to camp. I usually cook a bit more than required for diner and enjoy the leftovers the next day, such as a mielie salad with cold sliced beef fillet.