Camping and caravanning bring back wonderful memories.
Nothing is as rejuvenating for the soul as a trip to the great outdoors – to be out in the open air and appreciating what nature has to offer.
There are many adventurous seniors who embark on leisure holidays under canvas, but let’s try and entice those who like the idea, but think that camping or caravanning are out of reach now that they have reached their more senior years. Take heart – camping and caravanning have many advantages. For one, it is not an expensive holiday and modern camping/caravanning comes as a very pleasant surprise and the kind of holiday that is well worth the thought and contemplation.
Gone are the days of sleeping on the hard ground, washing in cold water in less than clean ablution blocks, and walking miles to get water for the kettle. With some careful research, a little planning, and a nod in the right direction by YEI (!), it is very feasible to organise your camping/caravanning trip to suit your pocket, align it with your interests, and have some serious fun!
Let’s look at 5 camping and caravanning sites that provide a variety of benefits and savings to retirees, seniors and pensioners.
Thandulula
Southport, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Thandulula is situated on the KZN South Coast, 9 km north of Port Shepstone – only 5 minutes away from pristine beaches and the warm Indian Ocean, where you can experience the phenomenal Sardine run during June/July, do spectacular dolphin and whale watching cruises, discover beautiful hiking trails or even enjoy a game of golf. If you are looking for something different and if camping is new to you, visit Thandulula without sacrificing comfort or safety. This is luxury camping with a difference! The safari tents are built on wooden decks – each tent is fully equipped with its own bathroom, kitchen with 2 plate stove and oven, fridge, microwave, all eating/cooking utensils, plus each tent has its own braai area. All the facilities are there – all you have to take is your own food, beverages, clothes and beach towels. Plus Thandulula offers seniors an excellent pensioner discount on all bookings of 2 nights and longer A daily cleaning service of the tent is an added bonus to make sure you can really relax in style
Click here to read about Thandulula in its listing on the You’ve Earned It website.
Nature’s Rest
Eastern Cape
Nature’s Rest will do exactly as its name promises: Take you back to nature, while you relax and enjoy the lovely environment. Relax on the lagoon or sit on the banks of the Zamnyama river and watch the river run into crystal clear pools all with beautiful views of the tall rocky cliffs. Take a short walk to the bathing beach or just relax in and around your Rondavel or Caravan. Whatever you decide to do, be assured that you will not want to leave this tranquil holiday spot. Nature’s Rest has 35 semi-shaded grass caravan and camping sites with all the facilities that you need on a camping or caravanning holiday. Their discount to pensioners is available throughout the year, and in addition, they offer monthly rates for caravan sites for pensioners.
Click here to read about Nature’s Rest in its listing on the You’ve Earned It website.
Mount Park Guest Farm
KZN Midlands
Mount Park Guest Farm is a hidden gem situated in a natural forest in the Kwazulu Natal Midlands. Mount Park offers a limited number of grassed caravan sites set in a peaceful and tranquil area around a 170 year old Oak Tree next to a running stream. Their passion is to provide affordable comfortable accommodation, with good old-fashioned hospitality; without compromising quality; where wonderful memories can be made. With walks through indigenous forests, a beautiful rambling garden estate, a trout dam plus a restaurant, Mount Park is a must if a trip to the KZN Midlands tickles your fancy. Mount Park offers a seriously good pensioner discount on a midweek stay – definitely worth a look!!
Click here to read about Mount Park Guest Farm in its listing on the You’ve Earned It website.
Ou Skip
Melkbosstrand, Western Cape
Ou Skip Holiday Resort is situated 22 kms from Cape Town in Melkbosstrand is and one of the largest caravan parks in the Western Cape. It is considered to be one of the perfect getaways on the west Coast with an incredible view of Table Mountain from the holiday resort. If you would like to get the camping feel without investing in camping equipment, consider their Bush Camp which comes with all the facilities that one needs when camping or caravanning. Ou Skip also has 206 level grassed sites – perfect for that caravan or camping holiday. Plus you can enjoy a pensioner discount all year round.
Click here to read about Ou Skip in its listing on the You’ve Earned It website.
Morgan Bay Hotel
Wild Coast (45 minutes from East London)
Enjoy all that the magnificent Wild Coast has to offer here at the Morgan Bay Hotel. Nestled between a mile of unspoilt beach and breath taking cliffs, you will be spoilt for choice on ways to spend your day. Other than comfortable and relaxing accommodation, beauty spa, beach boutique and a restaurant and pub, Morgan Bay has a caravan park and camping facilities right on the Inchara Lagoon’s edge – you can set up camp under a shady tree with the beautiful beaches just a short walk away. All sites have electricity and braai facilities and are in close proximity to the separate ladies and men’s ablutions which are serviced every day. Coin operated washing machines and tumble dryers are available. A lovely bowling green is situated at the heart of the park. This sounds like a place that will create long lasting memories. And Morgan Bay Hotel offers a substantial pensioner discount out of season.
Click here to read about Morgan Bay Hotel in its listing on the You’ve Earned It website.
this will be great if more caravan parks will participate especially in the Western Cape & coast / Garden Route area’s- inland in the same area’s as well as Northern Cape .
the pensioners are always on the move to the winelands in the cape – Robertson, Montagu etc and up to the Kalahari area’s – Upington, springbok area’s – Namibia route from the Cape.
Good day, me and mi wife worked over seas and we are now back on early retirement and want to tour the country with our caravan. Is there any places that offers discount in this case of early retirement – long stay, up to a month or longer?
Hi Frik
Thanks for your enquiry. Take a look at the Camping and Caravanning in South Africa listing on the You’ve Earned It website – the link is https://youve-earned-it.co.za/site/camping/ – we are sure you will find some good options here. And always ask for the pensioner discount – to our knowledge, all of these camping and caravanning sites offer pensioner discounts. Just click on the links and you will find further information.
Warm regards
YEI