Wagendrift Dam

So, on the long weekend 18 - 21 March we did the 2hr sprint up to Estcourt in the KZN Midlands to go camping at Wagendrift Dam.

This was my first trip to Wagendrift so I was rather looking forward to a new experience.  Although the heavens opened as we stopped on our site, and emptied it's contents into the back of my open bakkie, I was still very optimistic about having an epic camping weekend.

And I wasn't wrong.  There where 6 of us on the one site, 4 in a caravan (and Jerry Springer didn't arrive), and 2 in the tent, and there was more then enough space.  Our site was also right on the water so the boat was tied up right in front of the site.  What a pleasure.

Wagendrift forms park of KZN Wildlife ezimvelo, and is one of the cheapest camping options at R70.00 pppn including electricity.  The site's are spacious and well maintained, the ablutions are clean and there's hot water.  Fortunately the campsite wasn't full as there is only one ablution block and i doubt it has the capacity to accommodate the masses.  But it did serve us well and we all had hot showers and where able to flush away whatever needed flushing, and that is always a good thing in my book.

This is what i woke up too every morning so it was a 'Tough" weekend.  Glassy water, perfect for skiing.  And glorious sunshine.  It really was fantastic weather in an amazing setting.

We took a drive into Estcourt, which is only 6km's away.  So if you forget any important camping ingredients, help is not too far away. Estcourt has everything you would need, but don't expect massive Pick n Pay's or a Makro.  The Spar is your best bet, and has all the basics.

I was expecting to be competing with the beer soaked ski-boat owner all week end, but too my surprise there where no more then 5 boats on the water at any one time, and Wagendrift has plenty space to keep everyone happy.

The fun came at around 4:00 every afternoon when the weather turned nasty.  Howling wind brought driving rain that lasted no more then two hours, and left clear skies and cool evenings.  So make sure all your gear is strapped down and secured properly, otherwise it will be blown away.

So, if you're looking for a spot to go camping, and you're tired of the run-of-the-mill stuff, then i would recommend Wagendrift as an awesome alternative.  It's close enough, and very well priced, and unless you have kak camping gear and a kak sense of humour, you are guaranteed to enjoy it.