Mahai Campsite

Mixed feelings about this campsite.Positives:- Beautiful scenery, absolutely stunning environment- Very conveniently located, close to all the nice trails in the park- 15-20 min walk to the Cascades, for swimming in nature- The renovated ablutions are amazing - best shower I've ever had at any location in SA- Friendly staff- They do a good job at keeping the baboons away- A shop that sells wood & basic food items- A freezer at the campsite to useNegatives:- Not a lot of shade - there are some sites that are shaded but those don't have grass anymore, and most sites get sun most of the day - and we've seen gazebos being thrown in the air because of the wind- Some sites are very small - I don't recommend camping here when it is fully booked- The braais are in terrible condition - bring your own- There is supposed to be 'no loud noise & music' but there were multiple groups playing music all day - with the base sound easily being heard from the other side of the campsite... When we reported this to the staff (multiple times) not much changed and we were even told 'as long as it is quiet after 9 pm'- The 24-hour on call manager did not pick up their phone- Multiple groups of people would collect firewood from the bushes- Kids walking around the campsite speaking very loudly at 5 am - no parents in sight- A large group of young people (from camp4life.co.za) getting completely wasted at the Cascades, spoiling the fun for othersOverall, a campsite with a lot of potential, but bad management. They don't really seem to care nor understand that certain rules need to be enforced to make sure that everyone gets to enjoy the beauty and the peacefulness of the park!

Very clean and well maintained.Close to many hiking trails.Laundry available.Communal ablutions and scullery with hydroboil.Many shaded and grassy stands with or without electricity. Tap close by. Build in braai stands.

The location of this campsite is really what makes it amazing. It is located on a grassland at the foot of the mountains and stroll in and direction would allow you acces to various hiking routes. For the most part the park is well maintained, but sadly things seem to be slowly wearing over time. Some of the bathrooms had access to hot water and some did not. Some of the braai facilities were broken, some of the bins were broken and the majestic trees that covered the area has not been pro-actively replaced.All of this is however very small compared to the majestic views and hiking paths that wind its way into the mountains. Take note that there are baboons in this campsite, so make sure tonsecure tents before hiking. Also the bridge into the campsite is in disrepair, so google maps will direct you in the wrong way for the last part of the journey.

The campsite is located in a picturesque setting in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Visitors to the site will be able to enjoy a variety of day walks that are suitable for all fitness levels. The walking trails take visitors through lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and majestic mountains, allowing them to experience the beauty of nature up close.One of the standout features of Mahai Campsite is its grassy area, which is perfect for children to run around and play.Overall, Mahai Campsite is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in the heart of nature. I would highly recommend this campsite to anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors and wants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Amazing Campsite, the area is located in the mountains makes for a spectacular environment. Facilities are neat, clean well maintained, showers or hot everything you want from a campsite. Well worth travelling the distance well worth making it one of your places to visit.

Tranquility at its best, well maintained and secure

This camp is one of the best kept National Camp sites in South Africa with wonderful trails for all levels of fitness and experience. Still one of my favorite places to visit whenever I'm in the Darkensburg!

Beautiful camp site with friendly staff! The views are stunning. Neat ablutions

Excellent. Very good facilities. Hot water in the showers and washing stations. Do note that if it rains and you get soaked... THERE IS A TUMBLE DRYER. It takes R5 coins and costs R15 per load. They are also very accommodating and pay attention to their guests. My group went on a hike and got back late, and our absence was noted by the managers. Makes hiking much more secure. The scenery is amazing too. 20min walk to the cascades to have a swim.

As regular campers, we are always on the lookout for new places to do our thing". On a visit to the Royal Natal Reserve we decided to have a good look at the Mahai campsite. For once there is indeed an Ezemvelo campsite which is not poorly maintained. We were really impressed by the facilities. It looks like an ideal spot for families. Mountain biking