As I looked out of the car window, I could hardly contain my excitement. The lush greenery of the Blyde River Canyon welcomed us with open arms, and I could already feel the sense of adventure in the air. My husband, and our two kids, were equally thrilled as we embarked on our four-day camping trip in this breathtaking natural wonder.

We had spent some time planning this trip, researching the best campsites and packing our gear. As we arrived at the campsite, we were in awe of the stunning panoramic views that surrounded us. The towering cliffs, the glistening river, and the vibrant flora painted a picturesque scene that took our breath away.

Preparation for this camping adventure has been quite a task, with a long list of items to pack. We made sure to bring our sturdy camping gear, including a spacious tent, warm sleeping bags, portable stove, and cooking utensils. We also packed plenty of food, snacks, and water for our four-day trip, as well as insect repellent, sunscreen, and first aid supplies.

We quickly set up our tent and organized our campsite. The kids were eager to explore, so we decided to take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. The trail was well-marked, and we marveled at the beauty of the indigenous plants and the sound of the rushing water as we hiked along. The kids were thrilled to see monkeys swinging from the trees and brightly coloured birds fluttering overhead. After reaching the waterfall, we splashed around in the refreshing water, feeling the mist on our faces.

As the day turned to evening, we gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. The kids eagerly recounted their adventures of the day, and we laughed together as we reminisced about the monkey who had cheekily tried to steal our snacks. The night sky was a canvas of stars, and we lay on the ground, gazing up in awe of the constellations.

In the afternoons, we went on nature walks, identifying different plant species and learning about the unique ecosystem of the canyon. We spotted dassies, a type of small mammal that is endemic to the region, scurrying across the rocks, and the girls were thrilled to see them up close.

On our third day, we ventured on a longer hike to a viewpoint that promised breathtaking vistas of the canyon. The trail was more challenging, but the girls were determined and eagerly embraced the adventure. We hiked through dense forests, crossed rocky paths, and scrambled up steep slopes, but the effort was rewarded when we reached the viewpoint.

The view from the top was simply awe-inspiring. We stood on a precipice, gazing out at the vast expanse of the canyon spread before us. The verdant valleys, the dramatic cliffs, and the meandering river below created a spectacle that left us speechless. We sat there for a while, taking in the beauty of nature and reflecting on the privilege of being able to experience such wonders.

On the last morning, we pack up our campsite, making sure to leave no trace of our presence in this pristine wilderness. With a tinge of sadness, we bid farewell to Blyde River Canyon, but our hearts are filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Checklist

1. Tent (with stakes, guylines, and rainfly)

2. Sleeping bags (one per person)

3. Sleeping pads or air mattresses for added comfort

4. Camping chairs or portable seating

5. Portable camping stove or campfire cooking equipment (if allowed)

6. Cooler or ice chest to store perishable food

7. Non-perishable food items (such as canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and snacks)

8. Cooking utensils (pots, pans, spatula, knife, cutting board, etc.)

9. Plates, bowls, cups, and utensils for eating

10. Water bottles or hydration system

11. Headlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries)

12. Lantern or campfire starter for lighting

13. Insect repellent and sunscreen

14. First aid kit (including bandages, antiseptics, medications, etc.)

15. Camping or hiking gear (backpacks, daypacks, trekking poles, etc.)

16. Clothing suitable for outdoor activities (including rain gear, warm layers, and extra socks)

17. Campsite reservation or permits, if required

18. Map, compass, or GPS for navigation

19. Camera or smartphone for capturing memories

20. Entertainment options (books, games, cards, etc.)

21. Trash bags for packing out trash

22. Fire starter (matches, lighter, or fire starter)

23. Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

24. Camping chairs or portable seating

25. Cash or cards for any fees or expenses

It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and any camping regulations or restrictions in Sabie Blyde River Canyon before your trip to ensure you are well-prepared.

Cleaning a tent is an important part of maintaining its longevity and functionality. Here are some general steps on how to clean a tent:

1. Set up the tent: Find a clean and open space to set up your tent, preferably outdoors. Make sure the tent is fully extended and all zippers and doors are open to allow for proper cleaning.

2. Shake out debris: Shake the tent vigorously to remove loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. You can also use a soft brush or broom to gently sweep away larger debris from the tent walls, floor, and rainfly.

3. Spot clean: Use a mild solution of water and a gentle soap, such as camping-specific or non-detergent soap, to spot clean any stains or dirty areas on the tent. Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or other abrasive cleaners as they can damage the tent's fabric coatings.

4. Rinse: After spot cleaning, rinse the tent thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. You can use a hose, bucket, or a clean sponge to rinse the tent. Make sure to rinse off all soap from the tent walls, floor, rainfly, and other parts.

5. Dry: Once the tent is rinsed, shake off excess water and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat as it can damage the tent fabric. Make sure the tent is completely dry before packing it away to prevent mildew or mold growth.

6. Pack it up: Once the tent is dry, carefully fold or roll it up, making sure to avoid sharp creases that can weaken the fabric over time. Store the tent in a dry, cool place in a breathable storage bag or sack.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care as different tent materials and designs may require specific cleaning methods. It's also a good idea to check for any repairs that may be needed, such as seam sealing or patching, before storing the tent for an extended period of time.

By properly cleaning and storing your tent, you can help extend its lifespan and ensure that it's ready for your next camping adventure.

Word association game

The simple version of this game can also go in the campfire games for kids and families category.

1. One person starts by saying a random word out loud e.g. “campfire”.

2. The next person says a word associated with campfire e.g. “wood”. (If they said firewood then this would not count as “fire” was used in the first word.)

3. Person 3 says a word associated with wood e.g. “furniture”. And so-on.

4. Players are out of the game if they repeat a word (or part of a word), pause for too long to think about a word, or say something that the rest of the group deems unrelated to the previous word. 

5. At the start of the game everyone picks a random word and keeps it to themselves.

6. The aim of the game is get someone else to say your word by steering the words / theme toward the word you have chosen.

7. But don’t focus too closely on your word as everyone else is also trying to get you to say their secret word!

8. Once someone says someone else’s secret word they are then out of the game.

In the pond, out of the pond

1. You’ll need one caller and everyone else will need to sit in a circle around the campfire with their hands on the tops of their thighs.

2. The caller will say one of three things, in no particular order:

   • “In the pond” — everyone puts their hands forwards into the circle (the pond!)

   • “Out of the pond” — everyone puts their hands in the air above their heads

   • “On the bank” — everyone puts their hands on their thighs

3. If anyone moves their hands to the wrong place or at the wrong time then they are out of the game and have to sit on their hands until there is only one person left in, who is the winner!

1. Who around the campfire do you think would be best placed to survive a zombie apocalypse?

2. Describe someone in your family in two sentences.

3. What’s your spirit animal?

4. What is something you’ve accomplished that’s important to you?

5. Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

6. What are some of the things that make you feel like weeping?

7. Will you raise your children more or less strictly than you were raised?

8. What’s one body part you wouldn’t mind losing?

9. It you could travel to any place in the world for one week, where would you go and why?

10. If you could whisper one statement into the President’s ear, what would it be?

11. What one quality do you look for most in friends?

12. It you had 1,000,000 bucks to spend for the benefit of others, what would you do with the money?

13. What is the most amazing place you’ve ever visited?What’s your most memorable camping trip?

14. If you could ask your pet (or someone else’s pet if you don’t have one) 3 questions, what would they be?

15. Do you think the problem of global warming is being exaggerated? Why or why not?

16. What’s the silliest thing you’ve been tricked into believing?

17. What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?

18. If someone only saw your Spotify or Netflix accounts, who would they think you are?

19. If you could swap places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

20. What’s the most frustrating thing a person can do when you are talking with them?

21. What’s the best prank you’ve ever played on someone?

22. If you got arrested, what crime would you have committed?

23. What is your favorite environment to camp in and why? Forest, Desert, Mountains or Beach/Island?

24. Do you prefer to get up and watch the sunrise or watch the sunset?

25. In a zombie apocalypse, what would be your weapon of choice? And why?

26. What’s one item you don’t leave the house without when you go camping?

27. If you had to pick one animated character as your forever sidekick, who would it be?

28. If your life was a movie, what would the title be?

29. If the person to your right was a food item, what would they be?

30. What was the happiest day in your life so far? What happened?