With the rising cost of accommodation as a result of our country becoming a sought-after tourist destination, many South Africans are going camping for their annual holidays, and with good reason.

Camping offers each family member exactly what they want from a holiday. Whether it's time off from the drudge of household chores or the chance to fish beside a river, camping can offer you what you are looking for with the added benefit of spending time close to nature. Seasoned campers will tell you that the key to a good camping trip is planning, preparation and a little know-how. Without these, the trip can turn into a nightmare. Here are eight handy tips to ensure your holiday is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Choosing a tent

If you don't already own one, don't be too hasty with your decision and go for the cheapest brand. Consider your needs carefully. Small two-man tents are fine for a few days at the beach, but for extended trips your family will be more comfortable in a larger cabin tent.

If you're going backpacking you won't want a large, heavy tent to lug around so carefully consider the tent material. Canvas is durable and longer lasting while polyester can withstand the elements. Always inspect the pitched tent in-store before you buy. Check zips, doors, windows and flooring for quality and strength.

For most campers, a built-in ground sheet offers more protection from outside dirt and water but you can purchase a separate ground sheet if you need to. Practice pitching your tent at home before you leave - you may have to pitch it in the dark in unforeseen circumstances.

Choosing a spot

Don't arrive at your allocated spot and pitch the tent without a little thought. Make sure the spot you choose is as level as possible or you may find yourself in a puddle of water if the weather turns bad. Before you pitch the tent make sure you know on which side the door will open. For more privacy, make sure it doesn't face the road. Try to park your car between the road and tent and allocate an area for cooking. If you're lucky enough to have a trailer, leave as much of your luggage inside as possible and park it as close to your tent as you can. A big, shady tree is a boon in hot weather!

Building a campfire

Whether for a braai or simply for the ambience, a campfire is half the fun of camping! Always make safety your top priority when lighting a fire. Never use hazardous materials to start the fire and make sure that it is properly extinguished before you leave. Here's how to build a good one:

• Collect seasoned wood (not green or wet). Remember that in most nature reserves you will have to purchase your firewood. Sticks and twigs make good kindling while bits of bark, lint and grass make good tinder.
• Now construct a 'fire circle' of stones, placing the bits of tinder inside the centre.
• Ignite a match and light the tinder - if it is very windy stand with your back to the wind.
• As the fire starts to burn hotter, start adding more kindling.
• When the fire is burning strong, add larger pieces of fire fuel.

Birds and bees

Living alongside nature can have its disadvantages too. Make sure you pack mosquito repellents and insecticide sprays. If you do have access to electricity, burn mosquito mats. Plan to burn a few citronella candles - they offer good ambience with the added benefit of keeping the bugs away. Most brands repel small flying insects including flies.

Don't leave food out in the open especially if you are in a game reserve and there are monkeys in the area. Keep your food in your car boot or in a locked trailer - never inside the tent. If monkeys or other small game do visit your campsite make it a rule never to feed them. Animals pick up habits quickly and if fed they are likely to become pests. Snakes are found in most parts of the country, so be vigilant when walking along paths and take extra care when exiting your tent in the morning.

Surviving the weather

You may be able to plan everything, but you'll have to make do with whatever weather you get. Try not to let bad weather spoil your trip. Pack' rescue' items like board games and books just in case you have to spend a few days indoors. You may wish to pack an extra tarp to erect a cooking shelter.

Surviving the hot summer sun can also be a tough one especially if you're accustomed to air-conditioning. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water, apply a high SPF sunscreen and spend the hottest part of the day in a shady spot.

Most reputable campgrounds in South Africa have a clean water supply so you won't need to purify your drinking water. However, if you go hiking never drink water from a natural source unless you are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so. Rather take your own drinking water along.

Preventing accidents

Practise the same basic common sense procedures as you would at home. Never ever leave a campfire to burn out during the night. Always douse the flames and make sure the ashes are dead before you turn in.

If you must burn candles always place them in proper candlesticks to prevent them from falling over. Painting tent poles and pegs in phosphorescent paint will prevent accidents at night. Keep knives and fishing tackle locked away and out of reach of small children. Wear shoes when you go for a walk and never leave them out in the open... always check inside first before you put them on!

Essential items

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your car for accidents. The kit should contain a selection of bandages, burn shields and medicines. Don't forget the matches and a torch with batteries (and extras too) you may not be able to purchase them at your destination.

Make sure you pack a hammer for knocking in tent pegs. A sturdy lantern is also a good item to have - the variety that screws onto your gas braai is preferable if you won't have access to electricity. If you do, then pack an extension cord - the plug always seems to be miles away from where you need it to be. Other items include: a small fire extinguisher, a foam mattress, an extra bag of tent pegs just in case, an umbrella and a small sewing kit for fixing tears in the tent lining.

Camping tips

• Place newspaper under your roll-up mattress or sleeping bag to provide extra insulation.
• Use a child's Frisbee to support a paper plate.
• Black bags make good emergency rain gear. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag to get your head through.
• Always buying ice for your cooler box? It will last longer when covered in tin foil.
• If your backpack or sleeping bag smells musty or damp, place a wrapped cake of soap inside to combat the smell.
• If your water bottle smells musty, add four teaspoons of baking soda, shake well and allow to stand for about an hour, then rinse.
• Line your fishing tackle box with foil - it helps to prevent rust damage to hooks and other equipment.
• Need an emergency groundcover? Use an old shower curtain, it will provide adequate cover for a short period.
• Dip your matches in nail polish to waterproof them. Keep them inside a tightly sealed pill bottle.
• Pack your toilet paper in a used coffee tin then snap on the lid to keep it dry.
• If you have an old tent, don't throw it out when you buy a new one. It can be adjusted for use as a tarp, ground sheet or extra tent bag.

Published courtesy of Home Handyman Magazine.