South African Firewood for Home & Braai

A little firewood know-how

A warmer home. A better braai. Your kind of fire.

New to South African hardwood? You do not need to memorise tree names. Start with what you want your fire to do, then pick the wood that fits.

First, what is a braai?

It is South Africa's way of cooking over a fire, and making time to gather around it. Think of it as a barbecue with the fire itself playing a starring role. The glowing coals cook the food; the company makes the evening.

Wood fire burning in a covered braaiCooking grate and pot beside the wood fire in a braai

For your home: quick warmth or a longer fire?

Heating a living room with a wood stove or fireplace? Swarthaak is worth a look when you want a fire that is easier to get going, perhaps for a shorter evening. Kameeldoring is the option to explore when you want a slower-burning fire and lasting coals. Your stove, log size, airflow and how dry the wood is will also affect the result.

How does it compare with familiar Dutch firewood? There is no honest winner against every local option. A well-dried local hardwood can be excellent. The appeal here is a different choice of fire: easier lighting with Swarthaak or a longer burn with Kameeldoring. Compare wood by dryness, suitability for your appliance and the way you actually use it, not by country of origin alone.

For the braai: cook on the fire you enjoy

Want to light the fire and get a smaller braai underway? Start with Swarthaak. Planning a leisurely cook where you value a bed of coals and sustained heat? Kameeldoring may be a better fit. Neither is the 'best' wood for everyone; the right one depends on your cooking pace and setup.

Using a Dutch barbecue? Check that it is designed for wood fires. Let the wood burn down to suitable coals before cooking, and follow the barbecue maker's instructions.

For quicker fires

Meet Swarthaak

Swarthaak firewood logs supplied by Hardehout NL

Also known botanically as Acacia mellifera. In the store's firewood guide, it is described as lighter and easier to ignite. Consider it for quick warmth, smaller fires and everyday braais.

You might choose it if: getting a fire started without a long wait matters most to you.

Buy Swarthaak

For a longer fire

Meet Kameeldoring

Kameeldoring firewood logs supplied by Hardehout NL

Known botanically as Vachellia erioloba. This is the choice to consider for a longer, hotter burn and a good bed of coals, especially when a slow braai or an extended fireside evening is the plan.

You might choose it if: keeping the fire going matters more than getting it going fast.

Buy Kameeldoring

Not sure yet? Match the wood to the moment.

  • A quick evening fire: start by exploring Swarthaak.
  • A longer stove or fireplace session: explore Kameeldoring, provided your appliance accepts the log size.
  • A casual, smaller braai: Swarthaak is an approachable starting point.
  • A slow meal over coals: take a look at Kameeldoring.

Fire behaviour varies with moisture content, log size, airflow and equipment. Use only suitable, properly dry firewood in an appropriate stove, fireplace or barbecue; follow the appliance instructions and local rules. Species descriptions are general guidance, not guaranteed burn times or heat ratings.