Campervan with family in South Africa

first of all, you don't say if you are s.african or not - or what your experience is - it makes a difference

i traveled for 5 weeks on my own last fall in s.africa, which included renting a car for 2 difference places, traveling by bus and train, and time in the western, northern, and southern regions

crime IS a problem, and there's no point in saying otherwise - BUT i did stay at campgrounds that were used by locals of the fairer skin, and some of them had campers. however, i'd venture to say they lived in the area or not far

the problem is mostly if you broke down - and you could - you'd be a sittin' duck

most folks in s.africa blame illegal immigrants for the crime (ain't it the same everywhere??) but whoever is to blame doesn't matter if you are sitting on a lonely road all alone and someone w/a gun comes along...

don't do it, friend. if you want to go, go, s.africa is great, is wonderful and i'll definitely do it again but i did my best not to be alone or at least as little as possible - and at the same time i watched what the locals did and tried to do the same - and no, they don't meander around in campers all around the country - tho the east might be a little different, again i didn't go there

let us know what you decide and if you do decide to go in a camper, please let us know that also (or have your next of kin let us know)....

best of luck,
easybreeze

Me. my wife and 2 children did the same 3 years ago. No problem, as long as you park in a reputable camperpark or camping ground. Now we live in South Africa. Since two years. Nothing bad has happened yet.
One mainly has to be carefull. You don't want to stop near or in a township after dark. Try to be modest in showing off wealth, although any tourist will probably be considered wealthy.

Info and support concerning camping in the Western Cape

There are plenty of SAns with kids pulling caravans on the roads. I haven't driven a camper but I've driven around a lot of SA as an ad hoc tourist with pots and pans in the back of a VW. For safety you need to observe some rules IMO. Always plan where you are going and have reservations whenever possible. Arrive with plenty of daylight left in case of problems. Don't drive at night. Get a cell phone. Don't stop at remote places to admire the view. Drive defensively, bad drivers are the biggest hazard in SA.
I think camper rentals are pretty expensive. Driving a car and staying in self-catering places may be cheaper and more comfortable than hiring a camper.

All good advice.

Make sure you stay in a recognised caravan site and you will be fine.

The caravan site here are fantastic, my favourite is the one at Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park, it is right by the sea you will hear the waves crashing all night, it also has a fantastic swimming pool right by the sea.

Sites in the National Parks at Addo and the Mountain Zebra Park great also.

Book ahead particularly over weekends and school holidays as they are very popular with South Africans.

South African Tours and Safaris