Looking for a great spot to spend the night? Don’t miss these five destinations, newly updated with pictures, on the Points of Interest database. Submit your visual memories and help others experience the best the continent has to offer.
The Tracks4Africa Points of Interest (POI) database is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a road trip. As part of T4A’s GPS maps, the waypoints show where you can find those things travellers depend on, like fuel stops, picnic sites and, of course, accommodation – campsites, lodges, hotels and guesthouses.
But not only does the POI database offer you the lowdown on accommodation across Africa, it also features actual traveller pictures. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing pictures of the place they’ll be staying? All the more so when you know you’re seeing the real deal.
Have a look at some exciting POIs with newly added pictures to give you a good idea of what to expect:
Shakati Private Game Reserve
Situated on the banks of the Mokolo River in the heart of Limpopo’s Waterberg Biosphere, Shakati Private Game Reserve is just two and a half hours’ drive from Johannesburg. You’ll love the many different settings in this one gorgeous reserve, from rocky ridges to open plains and tranquil river. It’s a good destination for a large gathering of family and friends: up to 18 guests can be accommodated in three chalets. Each chalet has two bedrooms, lounge, fully equipped self-catering kitchen, bathroom, outdoor shower and braai area.
Wildlife: Giraffe, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, leopard, jackal
Contact: +27 (0)82 410 1808
Activities: Night drives, 4WD trails, guided hikes, mountain biking, fishing, stargazing, birding
Extras: landing strip, restaurant, swimming pool
Puros Ngatutanga Camp
If ever you are heading to Namibia’s Kaokoland, this enchanting community campsite (with six spots) under the protective shade of big Ana trees is worth the visit. With ablutions (choose between a hot or cold shower), braai facilities and even a bar, you can relax while refuelling for your next destination. Take note that a 4WD is not negotiable and you would be wise not to travel with a trailer. And if you travel on your own, a satellite phone is a must.
Wildlife: Elephants, giraffe, rhino, kudu, zebra, ostrich
Contact: +264 (0)81 455 8180
Activities: Game drives, guided walks, trips to local villages
Good to know: No cellphone reception
Tips: Be cautious of elephants wandering through the camp. It’s not advisable to swim in the river due to crocs.
Mbudi Campsite Khwai
Just outside Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Khwai area, you can set up camp next to a tributary of the Mbudi River. It’s a gorgeous and natural setting – birdlife is impressive and wildlife come and go as they please. Choose between four sites with shared ablutions that offer hot showers and toilets. Make the most of your time here and explore the area on a mokoro, the locally made canoe used to paddle on the Okavango Delta.
Contact: +267 (0)73 681 757
Highlights: Kunene River, Epupa Falls, Rooidrom (an iconic landmarker)
Intundla Game Lodge and Spa
Part of the Dinokeng Game Reserve, situated some 55km from OR Tambo International Airport, Intundla offers a luxurious bush fix for weary city dwellers. Put your feet up at the bush spa for some well-deserved pampering, or take a dip in the swimming pool while admiring the area’s rolling hills. The lodge has 37 en-suite thatched chalets clustered around a shimmering lake, plus a honeymoon suite for special occasions. Find peace and quiet away from it all – a few nights here will definitely leave you recharged.
Wildlife: Big Five
Contact: +27 (0)12 735 9913
Activities: Game drives, hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, birding, stargazing, abseiling, archery
Good to know: Children are welcome.
Tip: The closest town is Hammanskraal.
Sani Top Chalets (Sani Mountain Lodge)
How many travellers can say that they have enjoyed a drink at the highest pub in Africa (elevation 2,874m)? Or ridden a mountain pony along the roof of South Africa and Lesotho? Or played with snow in a winter wonderland? These are just some of the experiences you can tick off at Sani Top Chalets. It’s fair to assume that this part of the world gets icy cold during winter months, but fear not. All en-suite rondavels have fireplaces.
Contact: +27 (0)73 541 8620
Activities: 4WD trails, wine tasting, hiking trails, mountain biking, horse trails, fishing, birding
Good to know: Passports are required to enter Lesotho.
Share your know-how
Contribute to Tracks4Africa’s Points of Interest and help others to travel Africa informed. Register now on the T4A website to submit your pictures or comments.
The co-ords are not given, which is the MOST IMPORTANT INFO.
Hi John
Tracks4Africa is not very keen on publishing GPS coordinates – its happened too many times that people copy them incorrectly, and get routed in the wrong direction and then blame T4A. For each listing/POI in this blog article, if you click on the name, it takes you to a landing page for more info on that place, and a small map that you can zoom on. You can then on another session open our website and go to our Africa Map. If you zoom in around that same location you will get a better visual idea of the roads, area etc. Our GPS maps will obviously route you to these places, as they are all on our database.
I have had a drink at Africa’s highest pub and it was not At the Sani, it was Simion Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia!