Shangri-La is an evocative name, conjuring up a paradise: a place of unspoilt beauty where worries and stresses are unknown. The name and place were invented by British author James Hilton, in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon; it describes a mystical valley at the western side of the Kunlun Mountains in Tibet.
A Piece of Paradise
SA’s version is found in lush green bushveld just four kilometres from Hartbeespoort Dam. The venue boasts 20 private campsites and eight bush campsites − each surrounded by trees with thick, green grass or brick paving underfoot.
On their website, you’ll find a map of the camp terrain, which clearly indicates that you can choose between a very private stand for two people, or a more open campsite if you have friends and relatives joining you. Each of the 20 private campsites has its own ablution facility, with shower – which was one of the main attractions for us. We quite enjoyed the fact that hot water was readily available at any time of day, and we appreciated the privacy. The ablutions can be locked, which makes it safe and convenient to unpack toiletries before going sightseeing.
An undercover built-in braai facility, a food preparation area, a refuse bin, plug points, an open air boma and a water-tap were features that added bonus value to our camping weekend. Each site even has an open-air shower, one which makes you feel that you are having a shower under a waterfall.
