Breath on the Nyl

There aren’t many campsites to choose from within a 15 km radius of Mokopane, but now you can pitch camp at the brandnew Nyl River Bush Camp.

The bush camp is at Moorddrift, the same farm where the Nyl River Bush Lapa’s chalets have been in existence for 20 years.

The campsite is set up 150 m past the chalets among the natural vegetation and next to the Nyl River. Half of the stands are slightly closer to the water, with the rest just behind them. Every two stands share a tap, each has its own braai area (with a grid), and the power points work with Fredlin plugs. You don’t camp on soil but on gravel patches with wild grass around it.

The bathroom also houses the dishwashing sink, laundry room, and flush point for cassette toilets.

There’s a small pool (3 x 6 m) next to the river – it’s up to 1,8 m deep.

The 2 500 ha land is also home to several game species: you’ll probably see giraffe, impala, blesbok, and zebra – even nyala, sable antelope, springbok, and waterbuck. You can drive around the farm to look at the animals, or make arrangements in advance with the owners to show you around – it’s free.

Of course, you can also go hiking or cycling, but the area is known for its birds, so bring binoculars. You’re also welcome to see if you can hook a kurper, carp, or catfish in the river.

There’s cellphone reception but no WiFi, and the last 2,5 km after turning off the R101 between Mookgopong and Mokopane is dirt road. But it’s in good condition and you’ll be able to tow your road caravan without any problems.

For the shops, you have to drive to Mokopane, but wood is available at R50 per wheelbarrow.

The farm has belonged to the Smit family for more than a century, and in addition to the accommodation, they also farm with game and bonsmaras. The Moorddrift dairy is theirs. GPS S24.252714 E28.974521 Price R400 per stand for four people; thereafter R50 pppn (max six people per stand). Contact 066 457 2789 or 082 923 2949 nylriverbushcamp.co.za martmeri@moorddrift.co.za