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12 campsites visited – it’s all about the adventure in a Conqueror

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There’s something about being a Conqueror Commander owner – it’s not about your status, or just being a caravaner taking a break… it’s a lifestyle and all about the adventure.

The amazing thing about the Conqueror range of caravans is the look, the ruggedness, even simply the colour blending in with the African scenery around you. You can actually park your Commander anywhere and it will be an adventurous photo!

Our travelling experience has also proved that people are more prone to looking twice at a passing Conqueror than any other brand of caravan, it simply has that adventure and prestigious look to it.

As we age and get less flexible to open the master bed and access it, we might have to rethink our off-road Conqueror vs road caravan option, but for now it’s working well for us.

Since we’ve purchased our Conqueror Commander, we have explored Botswana and travelled to many campsites in South Africa. Our Elephant Sands photo was recently chosen as the cover page for Conqueror Owners Club Facebook.

The majority of campsites we have visited have been relatively safe with the knowledge that there is security patrolling and good lighting at your campsite. At some stages we were the only campers on site.

Some good advice though: Always ensure you get the contact details of security or person in charge when booking into your site in the event of an emergency arising.

We purchased air horns which we keep close to us at night. We have them in our rooftop tent as well. The sound of the air horn blaring will alert someone and at the same time surprisingly deafen the intruder (and you too!).

Sensor lights on the outside of the caravan to warn you of any movement.

In the past year we have done many camping trips with our Conqueror Commander – here are a few that we have stayed at:

ELEPHANT SANDS (Botswana)

A favourite spot of ours and you are always guaranteed a close encounter with elephants. Wild camping with no power points or water facilities.

The ablutions are very basic but do offer some entertainment in the shower as the elephants slurp water from the trough at eye view for you to enjoy.

The restaurant serves basic menu, the viewing deck overlooks the waterhole, and there is a swimming pool available to guests

THEBE RIVER SAFARI CAMP (Kasane, Botswana)

A grassy camp right on the banks of the Chobe River. This spot is enjoyed by Overlanders as well.

Electricity and water points are available, and the ablutions are clean. Campsite No. 4 offers a sheltered thatched roof.

There is a swimming pool on site to cool off on those how Botswana days.

The restaurant has recently been upgraded and offers the best pizza in town.

Why we chose a Conqueror Commander:

  • Access to off-roading routes we could access easier than a road caravan;
  • Independent suspension makes it easy to tow offroad and on some of our challenging tar roads;
  • Solid, robust construction makes it maintenance free when travelling on and off-road;
  • Quick to set up and have that first refreshment of the day quicker than setting up a road caravan;
  • Power & water systems make wild camping much easier, especially with a proper solar system onboard;
  • Outdoor shower and basin
  • Huge bed
  • Concept of the outdoor kitchen design
THE HOT BATHS (Citrusdal)

One of the best camping sites we have visited with the lure of the hot springs, huge hot and cold swimming pools, and jacuzzis on site.

Our site was right alongside a freshwater stream, which added character to our campsite.

Although there was no grass on the site, there are lots of shady trees to park under.

Electricity and water points available. Restaurant and small shop on site with great menu to explore.

KONINGSKOP CARAVAN PARK (Citrusdal)

Beautiful campsites situated on a private rooibos and citrus farm – the owners are welcoming and clearly take pride in their property.

The caravan park offers green lawns and shady trees, with water and electricity points at each site.

The ablutions are neat and clean.

There is a swimming pool and dam available to swim in, and a mountain bike route if you prefer to stay on land. Restaurant available on site (but at this stage only open on weekends).

There is no cell coverage at Koningskop unless you are close to reception, but a wifi voucher can be bought for internet access at your campsite, which worked well.

The mountains provide an interesting landscape with rocks balancing there for years.

KARDOESIE N7 CARAVAN PARK (Citrusdal)

Situated in the Citrusdal area, located above the Kardoesie Restaurant / Farm stall, the campsite has beautiful green lawns with views over the Citrusdal mountains.

You will feel welcome from the moment you arrive – upon check-in you will be handed a small brown bag with your own loo paper and garbage bag. A complimentary bag of wood is also then delivered to you.

The ablutions are clean, and there is a washing up area. Kardoesie also offers a porta-potti disposal unit.

If you feel like getting active, there are mountain biking and hiking trails available. Feeling more energetic, go for a game of paintball!

Afterwards you can cool off in the big swimming pool

GANSBAAI CARAVAN PARK

This basic yet comfortable caravan park is situated right at the seaside (although we felt the sites are a bit small).

The seafront sites are the best, as long as the wind doesn’t blow.

There are 2 separate ablutions depending on which part of the camp your site is on. Water and power points available.

Gansbaai town offers everything a holidaymaker will need.

Our caravan and camping improvements

  • Serviced the bearings, handbrake and suspension to avoid any surprises in the middle of nowhere;
  • Fitted solar panels on the roof of the Conqueror;
  • Fitted shadow awnings on both sides, making for an even quicker setup than before;
  • Fitted a smaller shower cubicle so you don’t need to set up the whole back tent when only staying for short periods;
  • Fitted brackets in the rear hatch doors for storing the wheel spanner and braai tongs, jaffle, etc;
  • Upgraded the tap fittings for the hot/cold water system (these have been changed in later models);
  • Upgraded the gas fitting for the stove;
  • Fitted a small TV on a swing arm next to the electrical panel;
  • Added a eggshell mattress on top of our matress;
  • GUANO CAVES (Montagu)

    A rustic yet well-organised resort in between the Montagu Mountains.

    Management are very welcoming and accommodating compared to the local camp in town!

    Although not all the campsites are grassed, most offer shady trees.

    The ablustions are extremely clean and tidy!

    It can get pretty hot in Montagu in Summer, but there are beautiful pools on the property to enjoy.

    A petting zoo for the children available too.

     

    IKAIA RIVER LODGE (Keimoes)

    Ikaia is situated along the Orange River and is a good stopover if you are on your way to Namibia or Botswana.

    Loads of campsites are available on grassy green lawns offering shade under palm trees, right next to the water.

    You can even get a site with private ablutions.

    If you are tired after a long day’s drive and not in the mood to light the braai fire, try the restaurant on site.

     

    MIDWEST CARAVAN PARK (St Helena Bay)

    This is a municipal caravan park situated almost right on the shore with beautiful views over the Atlantic.

    Sites are quite sandy, but are equipped with electricity as well as water points. Braai areas are provided, and some of the sites have trees for shade.

    The communal ablution facilities (spacious and spotless) have showers and toilets.

    Midwest Karavaanpark is just 50 m from the beach for swimming and fishing.

    Management most welcoming and eager to please. Basic supplies can be purchased at the little coastal town.

     

    MOUNTAIN BREEZE (Stellenbosch)

    Sandy, pine leafy campsites situated within woody trees with clean ablutions, swimming pool and trampoline.

    Electricity & water points available.

    Mountain Breeze is located centrally to allow easy exploration of Stellenbosch, Somerset West & Strand.

     

    VAN STADENS RESORT(Port Elizabeth)

    Still one of the most popular campsites along the Garden Route, Van Stadens offers grassy campsites with a few sheltered spots.

    The lagoon offers safe bathing, huge sand dunes for hiking up and sandboarding down.

    Many of the sites fronts the tranquil Van Stadens River estuary. There are sand-boards, peddle-boats, paddle skis and canoes for hire.

    For the kids there are trampolines, swings, table-tennis and snooker available.

    Several ablution facilities are available throughout the camp. Laundry facilities available too.

    A small shop on site offers basic supplies such as firewood, fresh bread, ice, meat, ice cream, and sweets.

     

    GARIEP DAM FOREVER RESORT

    If you’re driving between Cape Town and Johannesburg, this is definitely a worthy stopover… or even better, stay for a few days!

    The ablutions are some of the most impressive you will find when camping.

    There are also private luxury sites with your own ablution which have recently been upgraded.

    Camping sites options include concrete slab, electricity & water points with small kitchenette attached to ablution too. Most sites are grassy and some offer more shade than others.

    The swimming pool is huge with lots of activities for everyone to enjoy.

     


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