An overpriced dinner at a pricey restaurant where you have to wait 20 minutes to get a seat right by the bathroom door, could never compare to a delicious meal with that special someone under the dazzling South African sky. Not only is the outdoor experience much more exciting, novel and cost-effective – it’s sure to leave a memory that lasts much longer than date night leftovers. AND the only bad service you might have to deal with is being so far away from the city you don’t have much cellphone reception.
Are you ready to turn your outdoor adventure with the one you love into the ultimate “camping for couples” weekend with Camp Master? In this article, we’ll cover some cosy camping date ideas for two and adventurous activities that are sure to keep more than just that campfire burning…
1.Set up a cosy campfire
There’s nothing that beats the atmosphere of sitting around a warm and crackling campfire with that special someone nestled under your arm. Not only does a well-constructed campfire provide a natural source of warmth for the upcoming cold months, but it also creates an intimate atmosphere where you can relax, chat and snuggle.
Stories and sentimentality just sound better when they’re shared softly next to a fire. Don’t forget to bring marshmallows for toasting and a couple of blankets to keep warm. For a truly impressive extra touch, bring a guitar to your date to serenade your sweetheart. That is if you can play it. Nobody has ever been impressed by a fumbled rendition of “Wonderwall.” Keep comfy at your campfire on this classic Camp Master picnic blanket.
2.Cook a candlelit dinner
Why settle for a boring dinner reservation at a fancy restaurant when you can cook a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars? All you need is a portable stove (or big charcoal fire and Camp Master Potjie Pot), a few cooking utensils and some delicious ingredients. Think of something simple yet satisfying, like spaghetti with homemade sauce or grilled fish with lemon and herbs – even classic boerie rolls will go down as a treat!
Don’t forget to pack some candles and a bottle of wine to set the mood, too. If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then winning over any South African object of your affection lies in a scrumptious braai. Check out Camp Master’s range of braai essentials to level up your outdoor cooking experience for this date and the many to come.
3.Go stargazing
Apart from the wide expanses of untouched natural beauty on the ground level, one experience the bush holds that you simply can’t get in the city, is a dazzling, star-filled night sky, ideal for stargazing. These are the twinkling lights we know WE want to spend long, cosy evenings taking in.
Lay down a blanket, snuggle up with your boo and look up at the sky together. You can even download apps that help you with the constellations and planets, so you can impress your date with your astronomical knowledge. Our blog on Astrotourism would be a great place to start (find it in our site’s blog section.) If you want to try reclining in even more comfort, try stretching out in a Camp Master Caravanner Reclining Chair.
4.Take a scenic hike
Listen – despite how frequently “hiking” appears in Tinder profiles, we know strenuous activities aren’t romantic for everyone. If they are up your alley (or trail!) though, there’s nothing quite like conquering a mountain with your main squeeze.
Choose a trail that suits you and your partner’s fitness level and pace, and make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Along the way, stop and take in the breathtaking views, take some pictures and admire the wildlife. If you’re not sure where to take a day hike in your area, we’ve created this nifty day-hiking guide for each province, because we know finding a hidden gem can make all the difference in creating that perfect magical mountain moment. To stash all your sweet snacks and surprises, get your hands on an ultra-lightweight Camp Master day backpack. Happy hiking, lovebirds!
5.Watch the sunrise
The best thing about sleeping in the great outdoors with your favourite human… waking up early and watching the sunrise, together. This is a great opportunity to have some quiet time together and appreciate the beauty of nature, which is a completely different experience in the dawn symphony of birdsong.
Make sure to pack a Camp Master thermos of hot coffee or tea and some breakfast treats like pastries or fruit to enjoy while you watch the sunrise over the horizon. You can even pre-make a full breakfast to tuck into, which you keep fresh and bring along in a Camp Master cooler.
6.Go kayaking or kloofing
Hiking is one thing, but for the truly adrenaline-driven pair, the outdoors is a veritable playground of thrills for you to explore, giggling and breathless, together. Kayaking or kloofing (canyoning) can be an exciting experience which is accessible in most places where you can find rivers or bodies of water in South Africa.
Rent a kayak or book a guided kloofing tour (which we recommend unless you’re experienced, as kloofs can be easy to get stuck in if you don’t know them inside out) and enjoy the adrenaline rush as you navigate through rapids, waterfalls and other natural obstacles. Make sure your partner doesn’t have any mobility issues, as these can be physically taxing if they’re not feeling 100% ready. To keep all your valuables (and snacks) dry as you navigate the nation’s natural waterways, invest in a Camp Master Dry Bag.
7.Take a road trip for sundowners
If you have access to a 4×4 and you want to explore but you’re not so big on the whole “walking places” thing, why not take a scenic road trip to a beautiful location where you can enjoy sundowners together? Pack a picnic basket with some cheese, crackers and other finger foods, as well as a bottle of champagne and a non-alcoholic drink for the driver into your Camp Master Fridge Freezer.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning South African scenery as you watch the sun go down. Did you know that due to our placement on the earth, our country’s sunsets are some of the most vivid, beautiful and long-lasting in the world? To make the experience extra comfy, stash an inflatable mattress in your boot to sprawl out and cuddle on.
8.Rent a romantic cabin
If you want to take your camping date to the next level, why not rent a cosy and romantic cabin in one of our country’s many majestic nature reserves? Many cabins come equipped with all the amenities you need, including a fireplace, running water and a fully stocked kitchen. This is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some quality time together in a peaceful and secluded setting without any sort of “rough and tumble” outdoorsy stuff if that’s not really your thing. To add to the luxury, make sure you’ve got space to bring along everything your heart might desire from home when you tow a Camp Master trailer.
Now to choose the right tent for two…
The cherry on top of your romantic couple’s camping trip is the tent you’re calling your home for the weekend, and there are a few factors you should consider when choosing the ideal tent for your needs from the varied Camp Master tent range
– Size matters: When choosing a tent, make sure to consider the size of your party. For a romantic couples camping trip, a 2-person tent should be sufficient. However, if you plan on bringing your beloved pets or extra gear for fun-filled activities, you may want to consider a larger tent. Remember, a larger tent may not be as cosy and intimate as a smaller one, so keep the atmosphere you’re going for in mind.
– Comfort is key: Look for a tent that provides enough space for both you and your partner to sleep comfortably. A tent that’s too cramped can lead to a restless night’s sleep and a grumpy significant other, which will be sure to spoil the magical mood. You should also look for a tent with enough headroom to sit up and move around comfortably.
– Weatherproofing: Check the weather conditions for your camping trip and make sure your tent can withstand the elements. Though all Camp Master tents are of the highest quality, certain items in our range are more suited to intense weather conditions. Look for a tent with a rainfly that covers the entire tent and provides adequate ventilation to prevent condensation. A tent with a waterproof floor and strong zippers is also a must. The sales assistant at your nearest Game, Makro or Builders’ Warehouse should be able to assist you in finding the perfect model for your needs.
– Easy to set up: A tent that’s easy to set up and take down can make your camping trip much more enjoyable. Look for a tent with a simple and intuitive design that doesn’t require a lot of complicated assembly. All Camp Master tents come with easy-to-follow instructions that can make the setup process a breeze. The last thing you want to be doing is starting off your camping trip with an argument about which pole goes where.
– Weight and portability: If you plan on backpacking or hiking to your campsite, weight and portability are important factors to consider. Look for a tent that’s lightweight and easy to pack down into a compact size. A tent with a stuff sack or compression sack can make it easier to carry and transport. If the weather report is on your side, you could even skip the tent altogether and go for sleeping under the stars in a Camp Master hammock!
– Style and design: While not as important as the above factors, the style and design of your tent can still make a marked difference in your camping experience. Look for a tent with a design that suits your personal taste and aesthetic preferences. A tent with large mesh windows can provide a great view of the surrounding scenery, while a tent with a built-in porch can provide extra space for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Every couple is unique and different, and your taste in tents will be, too!
Fall in love with camping…
Ignite the spark between you and that special someone like a match to a firelighter when you share the experience of nature with one another. When you choose the convenience and affordability of Camp Master gear, all that’s left in your hands is showing off that sparkling personality of yours. Create memories that last a lifetime and stock up on the essentials of adventurous romance when you visit a Game, Makro or Builders’ Warehouse near you to shop the Camp Master range.