We often nowadays refer to the good old days and how much simpler they used to be. Well then how about we take a holiday the way the folks used to in the good old days? That’s right, get the whole family together, pack the car, hook the caravan and head to the coast. And where better to head than the charming little village of Onrus in Hermanus.

A popular choice for holidays in South Africa, Hermanus pulls out all the stops with great shops, plenty of things to do and a shining list of sunny beaches. The beautiful town of Hermanus situated between majestic mountains and the deep blue waters of Walker Bay, holds two Blue Flag beaches and a number of others peppered with people during the balmy summer days.


Image courtesy of gone-fishing.co.za

Luckily when heading to Onrus for your holiday by the coast, you don’t have to worry about driving too far as the village has its own white sandy beach, a number of small businesses and great restaurants within walking distance. And best of all is the Onrus Caravan Park.


Image courtesy of panoramio.com

This great camping and caravanning spot hugs the coast from Haarderbaai all the way to Vermont and prides itself in its cleanliness. The well-kept grounds and clean facilities ensure a great stay and one of the main reasons for its popularity and annual returning guests. The grounds include 300 tent and camping sites, laundry and bathroom facilities, braai (BBQ) facilities, safe parking and is decorated with Milkwood trees that offer both protection from the wind and shade from the strong African sun.

All settled in and unpacked you can now settle down with a cold drink and let the kids ride their bikes around the grounds and maybe even make some new friends. Or pack a picnic basket and head down to the stunning Onrus Beach for the day. Pick a great spot and enjoy the day basking in the sun, swimming, building sandcastles and watching the kids splash around in the lagoon mouth or body boarding in the shallows. It’s time to sit back, dig your toes into the sand and enjoy the sight of red, blue and yellow, and the smell of sun tan lotion and ocean spray.


Image courtesy of Onrus Beach Facebook Page

As the day wears on and the snacks run out, why not head over to the Milkwood Restaurant located right on the beach. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal without leaving the beach completely and also keep an eye on the young ones if they insist on staying in the water or tanning. Be sure to also keep an ear out for the ice cream man’s bell for a proper summer treat after lunch.

When everyone finally has a golden glow and the waves have tired you out, head back to the camp for a late afternoon nap or to simply wash the sea salt off and lather on some after-sun. Then it’s time to simply sit back and draw the last warmth from the day as you start up the grill or fire for dinner.


Image courtesy of Milkwood Restaurant

The nearby shops and restaurants are there for your convenience in the event that you forgot to pack extra firewood or don’t feel like cooking or braaiing that evening. For those who prefer to keep busy during their holidays can head into Hermanus and browse through the various shops, art galleries and markets. The truly active can make use of the town’s long list of kayaking, hiking, whale watching and other outdoor experiences on offer.

When making Onrus your chosen camping holiday destination, you can be assured to enjoy a vacation like in the good old days with all the amenities of the present day.