SANParks.org Forums

Mgoddard suggested I start this thread - so here goes!

Any practical hints and tips for making camping or caravaning in SANparks a more comfortable experience welcome.

1. To make the awning slide easily into the channel try rubbing a candle along the edge of the canvas (and a Wonderwielitjie helps too)

2. You don't need to remove the awning every time you move camp - flipping it over the top of the caravan and tying it securely to the handles on the side/front works for moving within a park - not sure it would be a good idea on the open road though!

Thanks EJ, I hope all those seasoned campers come forward and give us lots of advice

What is a "wonderwielitjie"

It is sold at caravan shops. A small gadget that fits in the awning channel and has a wheel attached. You thread the rope from the awning through (need a long rope, so may have to tie extra on) and then you can pull on that like a pulley while feeding the awning into the channel. Much easier when coping alone.....

Rubbing a bar of sunlight soap against the canvas also works very well.

I have done a lot of caravaning in the Cape (especialy Tsitsikama in spring )where wind dictates much of the time . Learnt a few measures .

- To lessen the strain on the guy-ropes splice and tent grommet run the rope down along the pole about 150 mm , then do a blanket stitch so that there is a loop around the pole from which the rope emerges to the peg . You can now pull the rope up as tight as possible because it is pulling on the pole directly and not around the peg at the top .

- to reduce the "swaying / rocking" of the van in high wind , use ratchet tie-downs running downwards from the 4 corner moving handles to pegs in the ground and pull them up tightish . The increase in downward force means the van stands more stable on it's corner jacks so it can't rock .

- in KNP I only use free standing gazebo's so that on the last night these can be taken down (quicker) for an early morning start .

- all the fridge/ freezer , coolboxes , plastic food bins have got little snap hasp locks fitted so that no primates can open them .
These "snap hasp locks" are mini versions of the trailer lid lock levers and hardware stores stock them .
For the life of me I don't know why the camp managers don't put them on the fridge doors of the bungaloes .

- put those model rubber snakes around your camp and on the roof . makes primates wary .

Thanks mikev, but this is all a bit Greek to me will have to ask SO to explain and show me how

I do the rope around pole trick - and as my awning only has one rope at each point I have made extra ropes so I can have 2 ropes at each point pulling at approx 90degrees from each other for stability. I made a loop at the end of the extra rope which just slips over the top of the pole where it protrudes through the eye.

My awning also does not have side poles at the top, just corner poles. Fellow campers here have shown me separate 'eye' pieces which can be bought to put into the end of the full tent frame poles so I can use them with the awning corner poles. Now I will be able to make up sides for the awning when I get home and check on length.

Thanks for the rachet/handle idea!

For cool boxes etc I use a suitcase tie of the sort used round luggage for flights. A bungee rope can also be useful.

A net curtain fixed at the door of the caravan helps to keep bugs out - and is also useful if in the tented accomodation as they don't have screen doors!

And shoebags to keep small items easily available but neatly stowed away are very useful.

Keep sharing ideas - they spark off others!

Lets try and explain the rope around pole trick beter , it's simple when you try it .

The guy rope (or ropes) are hooked to the top of the pole sticking through the grommet of the tent fabric . One end is free and is going to the stormpeg and then it will be drawn up tight . That's the normal way that I hope you visualize .

Now rather before you take the free end to the peg , run it down the pole , hold it loosly with your left thumb , swing the whole rope around the back of the pole making a loop around the pole which you complete by pulling the end through the rope above your thumb ( a blanket stitch ) and then pull the rest of the rope through to the peg . It is not a knot so comes loose easily . The tension from the peg on the rope pulls on the loop around the pole .

Make it easier still...

This is what a wonderwhiel looks like


And this is what the ropes look like when tied as mikev suggests


It helps when you are set up and can photograph it!

I have taken 2 litre coke bottles (Most 2 l bottles will do), cut off the bottom (obviously after having consumed the contents) , drilled a hole through the lids, and used them to shield my electrical plugs from rain and dew, especially where one cable is plugged into another because it's too short to reach from the electrical box to the camp site.

1st off dont go thinking im into Necrophelia or anything because im bringing up such a dead and old thread.

But Im looking to get into camping as IMHO camping is the best way to experience the park. Im going to have to start off going the tent root as a caravan just wont fit into my budget right now.

So I just wanted to get suggestions on what tent I should get(I would like atleast a 4 sleeper) and where I could get one from in JHB?

How much are you willing to spend?
How much transport space do you have?
How long are you planning on using it?
Which 4 people will be using it?
Are you prepared to buy 2nd hand?

Have a look at the thread under "Chit Chat" titled "Camping Equipment Owned ..."

Hi Spargish
It took us four tents later to learn the lesson. We are only two people and kept buying small tents with a seperate gazebo (for the kitchen). To prevent our gazebos taking off in flight in the Kruger was another story, so two gazebos later we got clever. We bought a two roomed tent (Lagoona Diner family tent), so now one room is the bedroom and the front room is the kitchen/lounge for the rainy days. This works like a bomb. Just remember if you go to the Kruger during rainy season, that the storms are quite fierce, so storm straps over your tent is a good idea. Enjoy your trip, we're going again in September, Decembers are a bit brutal

Thanks for the replies every one

Well I Dont want to rush into getting the tent, I would be very open to a 2nd hand tent. The what I am willing to spend is a tough one as I would rather spend more money to get quality that will last.

I think there might only be 2 of us using it, but at times maybe 4 people. I do like the idea of a multi-roomed tent though. If I did decide to go in december I would probably splash out and stay in a cottage or bungalow due to the heat and rain.