MY 12-year-old son Joshua perfectly summed up our family’s feelings about Yellow Sands as we drove into the resort two weeks ago. “I love this place,” he said excitedly as we made our way to our campsite which was nestled in the thick coastal bush just a stone’s throw from the beach.
In fact some families have been returning to the resort each year for nearly 40 years. I have a similar relationship with Yellow’s, as the park is affectionately known by many, and have many happy camping memories from the 80 s when I went there with my parents in our old Jurgens. I’d like my children to build a similar bank of happy memories.
Our holiday this year was initially planned for the Easter weekend but after seeing the rainy weather forecast we postponed for the following weekend. Camping with young children in wet weather is not much fun and as it turned out it was the best decision we could have made. The following weekend we had four days of the most unbelievable weather. Temperatures were in the mid to high 20s and there was very little wind. I couldn’t recall when last East London enjoyed such excellent weather for so many days in a row. We made the most of it and spent the majority of our days at the beach, the resort’s biggest drawcard. It must rank as one of the best along the Eastern Cape coastline.
Bordered by the Kwelera River on one side, Yellow Sands offers safe bathing . It’s a popular destination with surfers and has a break for most skill levels. Other activities include boating on the river, paddling, snorkeling, fishing, mountain biking or simply relaxing.
Most appealing though is the fact that Yellow’s allows children to be good at being children. Too often these days their attention is transfixed on electronic gadgets like smart phones, iPods, hand held game console s and television. For the four days we were at the park the kids built sand castles, played in the waves with their boogie boards and rode their bikes around the park until the tires were bald. Not once did they complain of missing Cartoon Network or Disney XD and when the kids are happy, the parents are happy.
With the resort boasting around 170 grassed camp sites, out of season you can pretty much take your pick of sites ranging from those with spectacular ocean views to more secluded and private ones nestled among the trees and coastal bush.
The majority of sites are quite large and each is electrified and has a nearby water point. I found the ablution facility neat and tidy and it had showers, toilets and a bath. A scullery was also available as are laundry facilities.
While the Easter weekend and December holiday periods are the two busiest times for Yellow’s, its only for the latter period that booking is a must due to demand.
Over December a swimming pool is available to the public, a tuck shop selling the basics is open and movies are shown on a big screen.
Although strictly a campsite, a six-sleeper self catering option is currently available.
For more information visit the Yellow Sands website at www.yellows.co.za or phone 043 734 3043.
l This trip was hosted by Yellow Sands. If you’d like your Eastern Cape accommodation establishment featured in the Saturday Dispatch e-mail Andrew Stone at
Yellow Sands paradise
In fact some families have been returning to the resort each year for nearly 40 years. I have a similar relationship with Yellow’s, as the park is affectionately known by many, and have many happy camping memories from the 80 s when I went there with my parents in our old Jurgens. I’d like my children to build a similar bank of happy memories.
Our holiday this year was initially planned for the Easter weekend but after seeing the rainy weather forecast we postponed for the following weekend. Camping with young children in wet weather is not much fun and as it turned out it was the best decision we could have made. The following weekend we had four days of the most unbelievable weather. Temperatures were in the mid to high 20s and there was very little wind. I couldn’t recall when last East London enjoyed such excellent weather for so many days in a row. We made the most of it and spent the majority of our days at the beach, the resort’s biggest drawcard. It must rank as one of the best along the Eastern Cape coastline.
Bordered by the Kwelera River on one side, Yellow Sands offers safe bathing . It’s a popular destination with surfers and has a break for most skill levels. Other activities include boating on the river, paddling, snorkeling, fishing, mountain biking or simply relaxing.
Most appealing though is the fact that Yellow’s allows children to be good at being children. Too often these days their attention is transfixed on electronic gadgets like smart phones, iPods, hand held game console s and television. For the four days we were at the park the kids built sand castles, played in the waves with their boogie boards and rode their bikes around the park until the tires were bald. Not once did they complain of missing Cartoon Network or Disney XD and when the kids are happy, the parents are happy.
With the resort boasting around 170 grassed camp sites, out of season you can pretty much take your pick of sites ranging from those with spectacular ocean views to more secluded and private ones nestled among the trees and coastal bush.
The majority of sites are quite large and each is electrified and has a nearby water point. I found the ablution facility neat and tidy and it had showers, toilets and a bath. A scullery was also available as are laundry facilities.
While the Easter weekend and December holiday periods are the two busiest times for Yellow’s, its only for the latter period that booking is a must due to demand.
Over December a swimming pool is available to the public, a tuck shop selling the basics is open and movies are shown on a big screen.
Although strictly a campsite, a six-sleeper self catering option is currently available.
For more information visit the Yellow Sands website at www.yellows.co.za or phone 043 734 3043.
l This trip was hosted by Yellow Sands. If you’d like your Eastern Cape accommodation establishment featured in the Saturday Dispatch e-mail Andrew Stone at
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos