Camping & hiking

Camping and hiking gear in South Africa: prices and what to check

Updated 4 November 2026

In South Africa, a 20 to 30 litre daypack costs about R 742 to R 1,117, a 55 to 70 litre hiking pack about R 2,334 to R 2,899, and a 3-person tent R 1,095 to R 2,699. These are approximate prices, according to sellers' websites in November 2026. To get offers for the kit you need, post a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Rules at parks and campsites

Camping in national parks follows the SANParks rules and regulations, and private campsites set their own rules, such as curfews and no pets. Local camping by-laws require a camping register to be completed and signed before a permit is issued, so check this when you plan where to pitch. Wildlife rules also vary: campsite notices often mention baboons and monkeys, so keep food sealed and the tent closed. The seven Leave No Trace principles for South African hikers, including disposing of waste properly, are a good guide.

Season and sleeping bags

Summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. A sleeping bag is rated for a season, so buy one for the months you will camp in. Check the season rating on the listing and ask the seller to confirm it before you pay.

Specifications, units and delivery

Packs are sold by volume in litres, tents by person count and floor size in metres, and fridges by litres with 12V or 220V power. Weights are in kilograms. Ask whether the seller delivers to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria or Gqeberha, and whether the warranty runs for three years from purchase, as some listings state.

What to write in your request

Name each item, the intended use (day hikes, multi-day trips, car camping or bike touring), the season rating and the capacity in litres. For a tent, give the number of people. Say whether you want new or used, then add your budget in rand and your delivery city.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe what you need in your own words in the chat, and you can add a photo. The AI reads the request, asks for missing details and looks through sellers' websites and price lists in South Africa, then shows the prices and businesses it found. Registered sellers reply in the chat with their price, terms and delivery, and your contact details stay hidden until you choose to share them. For more gear, see sports and leisure.