Survive Load Shedding with our Autumn Campout Guide to Off-the-Couch or Off-Grid Camping: How to Camp Like a Legend (Even Without Power)
Let’s face it—when Eskom does its thing and the lights go out (again), you’ve got two choices: complain and scroll Twitter until your phone dies… or embrace your inner survivalist and make it an adventure.
Whether you’re heading into the wild for a proper off-grid weekend or pitching a tent in the backyard to distract the kids from the WiFi drought, we’ve got the gear, the attitude and the Autumn Campout Guide to help you ride the blackout like a boss. This autumn and winter, don’t just brace for load shedding—own it. Welcome to your Autumn Load Shedding Survival Campout Guide, designed for real South African conditions, real cold nights, and real hungry campers.
No Power? No Problem. Let’s Jump into the Basics of Our Autumn Campout Guide
South African autumn and winter nights are chilly enough without the electricity ghosting you. But just because you’re temporarily off-grid doesn’t mean you have to eat cold cereal by candlelight. The secret? Heat. Glorious, primal, fire-starting heat. And maybe something sizzling over it.
When you’re roughing it—or faking it in the backyard—make sure your gear is working harder than the Eskom hotline.
Keep the Lights On (Sort Of)
Darkness hits differently when it’s cold and you just stepped on a Lego. From the depths of the Drakensberg to your slipper-shuffle through the garden, light = life. And ideally, light you don’t have to charge on 2% battery at 11pm.
This autumn, light the night right:
- Lumos FP100 Headlamp – Because using your phone torch until the battery dies is so 2022.
- OZtrail UFO Tent Light – More glow, less drama. Turns your tent or lounge fort into a flying saucer of chill.
Bonus tip: keep one of each in your camping gear box and another in your load shedding emergency drawer. Being the person who actually remembered to pack lights? Now that’s power.
Backyard Glamping or Living Room Lodge?
Camping doesn’t have to mean “backache by dawn.” You can absolutely chase the adventure and a solid night’s sleep—whether you’re deep in the bush or 3 steps from your fridge. Comfort camping is a thing. And frankly, it’s a vibe.
Enter the cosy crew:
- Air Bed Queen – Float into sleep like royalty (until someone opens a door and you drift into the hallway).
- Kingsford Sleeping Bag or Kingsford Junior Sleeping Bag – Stay warm, snuggly, and smug about it.
- Afritrail Beach Lounger Folding Padded Mat – Not just for the beach. Works great as a sun patch nap throne or blackout chill pad.
- Tasman 2-Person Dome Tent – The compact yet comfortable shelter for two. Quick to pitch, built for South African conditions, and perfect for backyard explorers or campsite legends in the making.
Great sleep is the real flex. These comfort-focused items are perfect for winter weekend getaways, indoor camping setups, or backyard sleepovers with the kids. Don’t settle for “camp hard” when you can “camp soft.”
Shower Like a Champion (Even When Eskom Says No)
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to smell like it. And while indoor plumbing might be ideal, solar showers are the unsung heroes of the power cut. Pair that with a portable toilet and you’re winning winter, blackout or not.
Stay clean, even when your geyser ghosts you:
- Companion Pioneer Solar Shower – Harness the power of the actual sun (because it’s still more reliable than the grid).
- Toilet Chair – 120kg – Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean your dignity has to.
From deep in the wild to faking wilderness in your yard, this is the shower solution you didn’t know you needed. Plus, there’s something truly empowering about yelling ‘shower’s warm!’ during Stage 6.
Eat Like You’re on a Cooking Show (But in a Blackout)
Food tastes better outside. That’s science (probably). When it’s cold and there’s no electricity, a good hot meal becomes sacred. Make yours legendary with the right tools for off-grid cooking.
Feast without fear:
- Ozpig Series 2 Portable Wood Fire Stove – Not just a stove, a statement. Grill, boil, fry, and flex. Your neighbours will smell the smoky glory and weep.
- Dangrill 57cm Kettle Grill – For the braai enthusiast who doesn’t need power to prove a point.
- Campfire Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle 2.5L (Red) – She whistles when she’s ready. Just like your mom.
- Campfire 11-Piece Enamel Cookware Set – Everything you need to make a five-star meal (or a very satisfying can of baked beans).
Don’t let load shedding kill your chef spirit. These essentials let you stir, simmer, and serve—even if you’re working by UFO light and headlamp. Be it braaiing at a campsite or boiling water for coffee during an unexpected blackout, these cook-up champions help you bring the heat. And the flavour. And the “how are you still functioning like this?” looks from your neighbours.
Bonus points if you make flapjacks on the OZpig.
Top Tips for Off-Grid & Backyard Camping in SA
South African winters come with all the vibes: frosty mornings, starlit skies, and the sweet silence of no WiFi. But they also come with the occasional “oops, the power’s gone again.”
Here are a few survival hacks to keep things fun and frustration-free:
- Layer Up – It’s autumn, and South African nights don’t mess around. Bundle like a burrito.
- Game On – Stock up on cards, board games, or the art of telling actually good ghost stories.
- Cook Once, Eat Twice – Make a big batch of stew/chili/braai leftovers and reheat on your OZpig like a true legend.
- Use Load Shedding as an Excuse – “Sorry, can’t join that Zoom. I’m… reconnecting with nature.”
You don’t need electricity to make memories. Just a bit of gear, a spark of imagination, and the boldness to camp through chaos. Whether you’re off-grid in the mountains or mid-blackout in your lounge fort, you’re doing it right.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need the Grid to Have a Good Time
Camping in South Africa doesn’t have to be a summer-only thing. With the right gear, a bit of planning, and a solid emergency pack, autumn and winter can be some of the best times to unplug and unwind. From no-power campsites to couch-camping during Stage 6 load shedding, it’s all about mindset—and maybe a whistling kettle or two.
So go ahead. Embrace the chill, fire up the OZpig, switch off the stress, and light up your off-grid game.
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