Camping with a Motorcycle Part 2

My husband relaxes in our campsite shortly after arriving at Mahai

Last week I posted about our motorcycle trip and had many interesting comments. Here is part two:

Once we’d packed up camp in Golden Gate National Highlands Park which I posted about here, we travelled to the Northern Drakensberg where we had booked into Mahai Camp. Mahai is a beautifully situated campsite featuring 120 large campsites nestled along the Mahai River with magnificent mountains forming the backdrop.

Once again, when my husband and I arrived here, we were conspicuous by our minimalist set –up. While making our bed inside the tent (two sleeping bags opened and zipped together to form a double covering) I heard my husband greet the two gentleman camped next door. They were elderly brothers and wealthy farmers from the Northern Cape. The first thing of them said to hubby, was: “Engelsman, jy het die regte idée”. Translated this is: “Englishman, you have the right idea.” Checking out their camp a few minutes later, where their womenfolk were cooking up a storm which made my mouth water, I saw what my husband’s newly-made friend was talking about. They had two four-wheel drive vehicles, an off-road trailer, a caravan, a tent and an awning which housed the kitchen area.

Mahai campsite is situated on the Mahai River.Indigenous bush surrounds the camp and huge pine trees provide shade and protection. The mountains rise up in the background

We arrive, we set up camp, we relax ...
Our tent (the little red one in the foreground) looks miniscule compared to the sprawling set-up of our neighbours behind it

Just beyond the campsite, a concrete pathway runs through the indigenous bush along the Mahai River. A gentle amble along here (suitable for wheelchairs or baby strollers) yields abundant birdlife and very interesting flora.

There are a number of hikes into the mountains ranging from a 1, 5km (<1mile)> (38 3/4 mile) severe 4-5 day escarpment traverse.

The Park’s name was changed from Natal National Park to Royal Natal National Park after the British Royal family’s visit to South Africa and this specific park in 1947.

My husband poses on the bridge across the Mahai River, patiently waiting for me while I take photos

Deer, although wild, wander around the campsites completely unafraid
Packed up and ready to go!

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