It can’t be denied, camping under the stars or in a makeshift tent on the hard ground is somewhat of a romanticized idea, where the reality tends to fall short. While most of us like to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, we have become accustomed to certain creature comforts. A current solution to this dilemma has come in the form of ‘glamping’, where nature-lovers who don’t like to ‘rough it’ can lap up a certain level of luxury while being immersed in a tranquil, bush setting. If you’re not a fan of getting your hands dirty, then take a look at our list of the best ‘glamping’ accommodation venues in South Africa.
Buffalo Drift – Tented Camp
Buffalo Drift in Tulbagh provides a secluded getaway for ‘happy glampers’. This safari-styled camp comprises of four fully furnished tents, providing accommodation for entire families or loved-up couples.
Each tent comes with individual patios and a fully-equipped kitchenette. Furthermore, the inclusion of en suite bathrooms ensures that you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of having to run off to the ablutions in the dead of the night!
During the day, stretch out by the riverbank or take a dip in the fresh, cold water. Enjoy the temperate evenings with a braai under the stars and listen out for the thrumming sounds of nocturnal life.
Ngama Tented Safari Lodge
At Ngama Tented Safari Lodge, guests are given the opportunity to fall asleep to the muted sounds of the African bush, or survey the beauty of the landscape while soaking up in the tub.
Bordering the picturesque valleys of Thornybush and neighbouring the Kruger National Park, enthusiastic game-viewers can spend a day in the reserve spotting members of the ‘Big Five’.
Guests can choose between two or four sleeper canvas tents, each coming with an en suite bathroom and a private deck for those intimate gatherings.
If you’re looking to become more ensconced in your natural surroundings, make use of the outdoor showers. Not only will you be left feeling refreshed from being surrounded by fresh air, but you may spot some game or bird life while you’re scrubbing up.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
A stay at Hamiltons Tented Camp will provide you with understated opulence in luxury tents, all the while being surrounded by bushveld, birdlife and game.
Escape the midday heat with the suite’s inbuilt air conditioning. Have a siesta or read a book while embracing the quiet sounds of nature in the spacious tented lounge. Alternatively, cool down with a refreshing swim in the crystal-blue pool.
Couples looking to spice up their love life can enjoy romantic walks under the avenues of ancient Jackal Berry trees. Alternatively, lather up with a slipper bath for two.
Early morning risers can watch kick start their day with an invigorating, outside shower. Not only will you be treated to a majestic view of the African sunrise, but also the unparalleled sights of the Ngwenyami dam and surrounds.
Sabie River Camp
Sabie River Camp is a family-friendly resort on the water’s edge of the Sabie River, located on the outskirts of Sabie. Here you’ll be able to bond with nature without having to sacrifice any home comforts.
Sabie River Camp boasts a total of fifteen luxury safari tents. To guarantee your safety from any curious creepy crawlies, the tents are elevated on stilts and wooden platforms. This allows you to get up-close-and-personal with nature without putting you into precarious situations. The tents are spacious and are stocked up with modern facilities, including non-communal ablutions and a kitchenette.
During the day, take a trek up to Sabie Falls. You’ll hear the roaring sound of cascading water before you actually bear witness to its beauty. Alternatively, take the family on a drive to visit God’s Window or the Blyde River Canyon – landmarks that provide you with a picturesque setting and beautiful views.
Wind down in the evenings with drinks and a braai under the boma.
Agama Tented Camp
Set in the heart of Namaqualand, guests to Agama Tented Camp can gaze upon their vast, idyllic surroundings.
With the camp being set up in a secluded kloof, one can enjoy the offerings that nature provides while simultaneously being set apart from the bush.
Relax and rekindle your spirit on the outside patio where wooden chairs have been placed at your convenience. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the early mornings while keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of life in the thickets of bush and trees.
Game-viewers who are looking to venture out of the camps can do so with a scenic drive during the early mornings and at dusk. Upon the drive, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of buck and small mammals, including duiker and meerkat.
Slanghoek Mountain Resort
Slanghoek Mountain Resort, located in the quaint town of Rawsonville, provides guests with luxury, self-catering tents with state-of-the-art facilities under a canopy of ancient oak trees.
Children can enjoy an afternoon of swimming in either of the two pools or test out their acrobatic skills on the trampoline and jungle gym.
For the walkers and nature nutters, an hour-long walk to the Lookout Point provides you with wraparound views of the Slanghoek Valley.
Oewerzicht Farm Cottages
Couples or friends looking for a novel experience can enjoy a stay in one of the fully furnished, safari-styled tents on the Oewerzicht Farm in the Greyton Valley. These tents are situated on the embankment of the Sonderend River, providing you with the rushing sounds of water as you turn in each night.
The tent is equipped with a stocked kitchenette, a private bathroom and an outdoor terrace with a braai facility. Either warm up a hot soup inside during winter or enjoy a warm summer evening around the braai.
If you’re a seasoned glamper, let us know of your glamping experiences below!
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