Splurge
Tented Adventures
The Glamping experience that Tented Adventures offers consists of snug accommodation in sturdy canvas-constructed tents. The best thing about this experience is that you don't need to sacrifice comfort for the roughness of outdoor adventure. Fortunately for fanatics, Tented Adventures is currently at two destinations: Pilansberg and the mighty Kruger National Park. These "camps" are made up of eight safari tents; each equipped with comfortable beds, luxurious linen, camp chairs, electricity, carpeted flooring and large windows with mosquito nets. Tents are made up of two single beds and are equipped with a fan to cool you down in summer and electric blankets to warm you up in winter.
Details: here
Jackalberry Ridge
Situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park (yeah, it's a drive and a half but worth it), Jackalberry Ridge is just the place if you’re looking for the ultimate glamping experience without skimping on luxury. Take your pick from 20 tented camps, all complete with wooden floors, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, viewing decks and spacious king-sized beds in the main bedrooms. Talk about camping bliss! You can either stay in a one bedroom (four sleepers) or a two bedroom (six or eight sleepers), depending on how big your clan is. And as for the entertainment side of your trip, head to the Kambaku Golf Course, enjoy a pamper session at the Slide Spa or be daring and experience a few eco-adventures.
Details: here
La Provence D’Afrique
Meet La Provence D'Afrique - Magaliesberg's very own French Connection. This hidden gem is a wonderful venue for a group of people wanting to have a break away from the city. La Provence D'Afrique took an old vintage ‘chef truck’ and did it up as a pub supplying the necessary beverages such as ports, sherries, hot chocolates, and Irish coffees to guests. At the bottom end of the street at the big fireplace, they've placed 3 big leather couches, within walking distance of the glamping sites. Amenities include hot showers, double beds dressed to the nines, and room service as well as self-catering on demand.
Details: here
B’sorah Luxury Tented Camps
Privacy is the name of the game when it comes to B'sorah in Magaliesberg. Each tent's location is handpicked; leaving you with your own view and surrounding bush, while experiencing complete privacy. The surroundings provide a romantic and peaceful atmosphere as time stands still in this quiet part of the world. Visitors can also expect queen sized beds, en suite bathrooms with stone-clad showers, solar powered electrical points and lighting, and a deck with kitchenette and a private braai area. Above and beyond the accomodation there is plenty to do in the area such as game drives, nature reserves and the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.
Details: here
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Bush Willow Tented Camp
The awesome thing about Joburg is that no matter in which direction you drive, you will find untamed wilderness within an hour ... and we can't talk about camping without mentioning a trip to Muldersdrift. 40 minutes from town you will find the Bush Willow Tented Camp. Stay in one of 10 fully furnished walk-in tents that house four to six people. Explore all that Muldersdrift has to offer, like The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (which is about 20 minutes from Bush Willow) or the new Lion Park (which is down the road from the camp).
Details: here
Malonjeni Guest Farm
Not even an hour's drive from Jozi lies Meyerton, home to the Malonjeni Guest Farm. Stay in one of the two camp sites that boast a swimming pool, tuck shop and, a sports bar (so you won't miss out on any of the PSL or Curry Cup action). Malonjeni Guest Farm is also the grazing ground to several wild animals, like wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. Take a game drive within the farm (or a game walk for the more adventurous - just be careful of the wildlife, though).
Details: here
Rametsi Eco Game Farm
Two and a quarter hours' drive from the City Of Gold you will find Rametsi Eco Game Farm. Enjoy your stay at this game farm situated close to a picturesque dam. The camp sites all have electricity points so you won’t feel too far removed from the city. Take your pick from 4×4 trails, hiking paths and canoeing.
Details: here
Honourable Mention
The Kreef Hotel
The Kreef Hotel rears its beatitude face for only one long and dusty weekend a year. In some circles, it is known as the godfather of glamping in South Africa and has been home and safe-haven to many Oppikoppi festival goers. Hot showers, big bacon breakfasts and clean toilets - this is the reason why the Kreef Hotel has become a legend. We salute you, Kreef Hotel. Do yourself a favour and book your Oppikoppi experience with the Kreef Hotel.
Details: here
Jackalberry Ridge – Marloth Park, Mpumalanga
Situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, Jackalberry Ridge is just the place if you’re looking for the ultimate glamping experience without skimping on luxury. Take your pick from 20 tented camps, all complete with wooden floors, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, viewing decks and spacious king-sized beds in the main bedrooms. Talk about camping bliss! You can either stay in a one bedroom (four sleeper) or a two bedroom (six or eight sleeper) depending on how big your clan is. And as for the entertainment side of your trip, head to the Kambaku Golf Course, enjoy a pamper session at the Slide Spa or be daring and experience a few eco adventures.
Details: jackalberryridge.info | [email protected] | 072 057 3447 | 3884 Olifant Drive, Marloth Park
Homtini Guest Farm – Garden Route, Knysna
How about escaping to the forest? Or better yet, how about escaping AND glamping it in the forest? Homtini Guest Farm offers a few luxury tented lodges perfect for a family adventure or even a romantic rendezvous for two. The family tents sleep four, have a campfire, a shared kitchen and a shower that boasts the best views around. And at dinner time, you have your own private braai area to cook up some vleis and roast some marshmallows. The couple’s tented lodges include beautiful views with en-suite bathrooms and a veranda for some late-night stargazing.
Details: www.homtini.co.za | [email protected] | 072 727 8717 | Farm portion 185, Leeuwenbosch, Rheenendal, End of Rheenendal Road, beginning of Homtini Pass, Rheenendal, Knysna.
Ngama Tented Safari Lodge – Hoedspruit, Limpopo
One of the best things about living in South Africa is that we have the bushveld ready and waiting not too far from home. So, whenever we need a quick getaway to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature, the bush is just there. So, if you’re up for a glamping weekend, why not book a stay at the Ngama Tented Safari Lodge? Just imagine settling into a spacious tented chalet in a natural setting, feeling the light breeze on your skin and hearing the sounds of wildlife right on your doorstep. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Also, each tented chalet has its own bathroom en suite, separate shower, an outside shower for more of an authentic camping bushveld feel and private deck.
Details: www.ngamalodge.co.za | [email protected] | 074 587 8351 | Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo.
Glen Eden Ranch – Montagu, Western Cape
You could easily book you and your loved ones into a comfy cottage at Glen Eden Ranch in Montagu for a quick (self-catering) getaway, but where is the adventure in that? Not only do they have a selection of cottages and a House On The Hill, they also have a glamping experience like no other. Book a Protea pod (sleeps four people), a hand-made gypsy wagon complete with a small seating area, a tepee tent (with two single beds) and a private pod containing a bathroom with a shower, a small kitchen and a stoop with dining furniture. And to reconnect you with Mother Nature, outside there's a braai and fire pit with tree stump seating, perfect for those late nights around the fire.
Details: www.glenedenfarm.co.za | 071 100 2782 | Ruigtevlei, Rietvlei Number 1, Montagu.
Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp – Waterberg, Limpopo
You haven't experienced truly luxurious glamping until you've been to Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp. Their stunning tents, all named after each of the Big Five, make for the ultimate bushveld getaway without having to rough it. Each tent has comfortable furnishings, African décor, a full bathroom that includes a shower and large stone bath, and, of course, the pièce de résistance – stunning views from your own private deck, making it the ideal spot to enjoy an intimate dinner for two or to gaze into the bright, starry Limpopo sky. And on top of this amazing glamping escape, there's plenty of on-site activities to keep you busy, from horseback and quad bike safaris to guided stargazing and bush walks.
Details: kwafubesi.com| [email protected] | 011 516 4367 | Bela Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
Ndaka Safari Lodge – Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
No safari getaway is complete without game viewing and safaris, the soothing sounds of the wildlife and a luxurious tent with all the bells and whistles. Ndaka Safari Lodge offers guests an authentic African experience with their luxury safari tents that overlook the beautiful plains and a small waterhole. The tented camp is within walking distance of the main lodge – the closest being only 40m from the reception area, dining room, swimming pool and bar. And to make your stay extra comfortable, the area is malaria free, there's a backup generator in case the power goes out, and there's free uncapped wi-fi so you can keep in contact with loved ones and post your glamping adventure pictures all over Facebook and Instagram. Roughing it has never been easier.
Details: www.ndaka.co.za | [email protected] | 036 940 0087 | Nambiti Game Reserve, Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
Marataba Safari Lodge – Thabazimbi, Limpopo
At Marataba Safari Lodge, glamping has just got better! Other than the magnificent views and the stunning, natural setting that surrounds you, their exquisite tents are simply breathtaking. Each of their 15 canvas-and-stone tented suites are tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. The attention to detail is impeccable, but you have to visit to experience it for yourself. And there are children's activities and baby-sitting services available, free wi-fi in guest areas and full-range catering.
Details: www.marataba.co.za | [email protected] | 014 779 0018 | Marakele Park, Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Looking to treat the love of your life to a unique and romantic escape? HillsNek Safari Camp in the Eastern Cape is just the place if you're looking for a bushveld haven for just the two of you. Just imagine relaxing in a luxurious tent surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the bushveld – how much more romantic could it get? Their four extravagant tents are all linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways and each boast an en-suite bathroom and an intimate outside shower. With all the canvas windows rolled up, appreciate the beauty of nature from the comfort of your comfy bed or while soaking in a bubble bath. And if you're up for being adventurous, there are plenty for activities to enjoy, including a game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle, stargazing, river cruising, guided bush walks and birding.
Detail: www.hillsneksafaris.com | [email protected] | 082 324 3484 | HillsNek Safari CampEastern Cape.
