Mpumalanga – Secluded Campsites in Mountains & Forests

Quiet camping in Mpumalanga means forests, waterfalls, and misty mountains without the tour buses. This is where you go for tranquil campsites tucked into the Drakensberg escarpment, Blyde River Canyon foothills, and Lowveld farms. The best spots are intentionally small, not busy, and deeply peaceful — no loud music, no generators after 9pm. If you want quiet, not noisy camping with hikes, rock pools, and serious stargazing, Mpumalanga delivers.

• Camp INC.158 – Wakkerstroom
• Afpak | Barberton
• Balule Satellite Camp — Olifants area, Kruger National Park
• Maroela Satellite Camp — Orpen area, Kruger National Park
• Malelane Satellite Camp — Malelane, Kruger National Park
• Tegwaan Country Getaway – Campsite — Waterval Boven / Emgwenya

“Quiet” in Mpumalanga means something different than in the Karoo or the Wild Coast. Here, peace comes with a view.

Mpumalanga is known for its dramatic escarpment, the Lowveld, and the Panorama Route. It’s one of South Africa’s most visited provinces. That’s the problem. The popular spots are packed. But if you know where to look, there are still places where the only sound is the river, the wind through the trees, and maybe a fish eagle calling in the distance.

The camps on this list are the exceptions. They’re not the overcrowded resort-style sites. They’re the ones where you can actually hear yourself think.

Camp INC.158 in Wakkerstroom is a small operation with just a handful of sites. It’s in the heart of a country village, known for birdwatching and mountain views. No parties, no loud music, no pets. Just peace and quiet.

Afpak Camping near Barberton sits on a riverbank, about 10km outside town. It’s a family-friendly spot, but there’s one thing you need to know – swimming in the river is not allowed due to crocodile sightings. That’s not a joke. That’s the reality of camping in the Lowveld.

What you’ll find here:

• Mountain views – both camps offer stunning scenery, from the Wakkerstroom hills to the Barberton river valley
• Birdwatching – Wakkerstroom is famous for its bird hides and photography opportunities
• Basic facilities – don’t expect luxury. These are functional, peaceful sites
• Access to town – both are close enough to shops and restaurants if you need supplies

What you won’t find:

• Prices – they change too often, and I’m not a booking engine
• Crowds – these are not the big, busy resort camps
• Luxury – both are basic, and that’s the point

A few things to know before you go:

• Camp INC.158 has strict rules – no parties, no pets, no loud music. The quiet is enforced.
• Afpak has quiet hours from 20:00 – and small pets are allowed with prior arrangement
• Wakkerstroom is a birdwatching hub – you can walk to bird hides from the camp
• Barberton is hot – the Lowveld gets proper summer heat. Plan accordingly.
• Both are accessible – no 4×4 required for either site

These are not “luxury” campsites. They’re the places where you go to escape the noise, to sit quietly with your camera or your thoughts, and to remember what peace actually sounds like.

Scroll down to see the full list. Each camp includes a Google Maps link, contact details, and a quick summary of what makes it quiet. If you’ve been to any of these – or know of one I’ve missed – drop me a message. I’m always looking for new spots to add.

FAQs About Quiet Camping in Mpumalanga

Do these campsites allow pets?

Camp INC.158 does not allow pets under any circumstances [citation:1][citation:2]. Afpak allows small pets with prior arrangement – you must contact them before booking [citation:6][citation:8]. Note that some third-party sites may incorrectly state otherwise.

Which Mpumalanga campsite has the strictest noise policy?

Camp INC.158 explicitly bans parties and loud music [citation:1]. Afpak enforces quiet hours from 20:00 and prohibits loud music after that time [citation:6][citation:8].

Do I need a generator at these campsites?

Camp INC.158 has power points at each site – bring a 30m extension cable [citation:1][citation:2]. Afpak does not have clear generator information available, but both camps have basic electrical facilities so a generator is likely not needed.

Do I need a 4×4 for these campsites?

No. Both camps are accessible to all types of vehicles. Camp INC.158 has tar road access all the way [citation:1]. Afpak is approximately 10km outside Barberton on the R40 [citation:3][citation:5].

Are there any crocodiles at these campsites?

Swimming in the river at Afpak is not allowed due to crocodile sightings [citation:6][citation:8]. This is a real safety warning – take it seriously. Camp INC.158 is in the mountains and does not have this risk.

What’s the best time of year to camp in Mpumalanga?

April to May (autumn) and September to October (spring) offer the most pleasant weather [citation:13]. The Lowveld (Barberton area) gets extremely hot in summer. Wakkerstroom is in the highlands and can get cold in winter with frost at night.

Quiet Campsites Mpumalanga Map

Looking for off-grid farm stays and tranquil river camps? Explore our guide to quiet camping in the Free State.

Seeking bushveld escapes and serene countryside retreats? Check out North West’s quiet camping spots