The beauty of camping lies in its ability to connect you to nature as you explore diverse landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you’re nestled in the Drakensberg mountains, camping along the Garden Route, or simply enjoying the wildlife in the Kruger, there are several ways in which you can make your experience memorable.
Unsplash/Kevin Ianeselli
If you’ve just developed an interest in camping and are searching for ways to enhance your experience, look no further.
Here are a few tips to consider as you enhance your experience:
Plan for success
Planning is absolutely important for a memorable and enjoyable experience. Like all outdoor adventures, it is extremely important to check the weather forecast before you go camping.
Having an idea of the weather conditions you will encounter is very helpful, especially during winter. When you know just how low the temperatures are expected to drop, you will be better prepared in terms of clothing and supplies.
During your planning process, ensure that you are well organized. Make a detailed list of everything you will need in order to avoid forgetting some essentials.
Pack with comfort in mind
Doing your best to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible can elevate your overall experience.
For example, the quality of your sleeping bag can either make or break your camping experience. Thus, it helps to invest in a strong and comfortable sleeping bag with the appropriate temperature rating. Make sure that you also pack comfortable pillows.
In order to relax comfortably during the day, pack a chair that is comfortable and padded for support.
Lean on layering
Moments spent under the night sky can be quite chilly. As such, it helps to dress in layers. This also gives you greater control over regulating your body temperature.
Make sure your base layer is moisture-wicking in order to keep your skin dry. You can then add an insulating middle layer, as well as a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer. Add and remove layers accordingly when necessary as you move through the activities of the day.
Be intentional about leaving no trace
Practice responsible camping by following the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. This means cleaning up after yourself, disposing of waste properly and respecting the environment.
Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Always make it a point to stick to marked trails to minimize your impact. Doing so forms part of sustainable camping can make your experience more meaningful.
Plan fun activities
Ultimately, having something fun to do can make all the difference. Make sure that you bring something to keep you busy as you relax. For example, you could read a novel, do some journaling, draw or even paint.
To enjoy the outdoors on a deeper level, consider hiking or stargazing. After all, South Africa’s clear skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities, especially in remote areas away from city lights.
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