Magalies Sleepy River

I’m not a camper (haven’t camped in more than 20 years), but when I got an opportunity to join a group at Sleepy River I grabbed the chance to bring my family with and the three of us shared a tent. Believe me when I say that’s a tense situation: just putting up the tent and filling it with stuff was most of the battle. When it came to Sleepy River itself, it had everything we needed: clean showers and toilets, an electric plug point, friendly hosts, an on-site store where you could top up on all the drinks and icecreams you crave after a hot session building camp, peace and quiet at night, a patrolling guard and dogs for security, and well-maintained camping sites with cut grass. There’s more: an actual sleepy river, a swimming pool, you’re only a ten minute drive from Magaliesburg (featuring a Spar, Wimpy and Steers), and you’re 30 minutes away from the outskirts of Johannesburg and literally anything you need. On the down side, you need to be very self-sufficient, because campers stealing toilet paper and soap from the bathrooms means you need to bring your own. Maintenance of some of the shared facilities also needs a bit more attention. Despite that, if you bring your family and whatever creature comforts make you all happy, this is a lovely safe haven that feels a lot more remote than it actually is. My last top tip (which applies to anyone camping really), bring all the torches and lights you can. It gets DARK and there’s not much in the way of ambient lighting.

Hospitality done right! Marie is most welcoming and ensures she gives you a good run down of the place. The bathrooms are clean and everything about the place is great. The perfect spot if you want to enjoy some camping in the Magalies, just a little bit away from the river bank. We enjoyed our own spot seperate from the rest of the camp under the pepper tree. Despite persistent rain, the scenery, wildlife and warm welcome made up for it. A must visit for the avid camper and nature/peace lover.

Spacious and very quiet. Clean at all times. Don Le Nomad was happy to pitch his tent here for 5 days. Very safe

Campsite with hidden gems of nature! Beautiful scenic views. Safe camping site even if it’s girls only, you alone or with your kids! Your choice you can overlook the river, or the vast. Lots to do, swimming, hiking. Great clean first class facilities with hot water! Really enjoyed my time here!! Definitely going back 👌

Beautiful campsite and very quiet. Lots of trees for shade. Peacefully walk along the river and a huge and clean pool to cool off. The ablution facilities are clean and acceptable.