Who says you have to rough it when on a safari break or making the most of the great outdoors?
A glamping holiday offers the best of both worlds – the rare opportunity to get unbelievably close to nature and completely, blissfully, away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life. The bonus is that you can do so without scrimping on any of the non-negotiable luxuries you'd come to expect from a boutique five-star hotel stay. Plus, nothing spells safari elegance quite like the romance of a luxury safari tent.
Provided a stable high-speed wifi connection isn't a non-negotiable (although be sure to check with the lodge), the aesthetic décor of these glamping spots and exclusivity of the genuinely breath-taking surroundings will surely make up for any intermittent phone signal.
Glamping offers a truly unforgettable and unique way to experience the beauty of South Africa.
Some luxurious glamping getaways in South Africa
Here are some of the Flight Centre team's favourite glamping spots in South Africa:
The romance of a classic safari
If you're craving the sights, sounds and scents of the African bushveld, climb in the car for a leisurely road trip to the Kruger National Park.
Hamiltons Tented Camp offers a breath-taking 'Out of Africa' classic safari style atmosphere. The camp is nestled within the private Mluwati concession west of Kruger, overlooking the N'waswitsontso River, where the Big Five often pass through.
Privacy is guaranteed with just six exquisitely appointed tents situated on raised decks overlooking the river. Take in the sights and sounds of the river from your slipper bathtub, outdoor shower and private deck and enjoy dinner under the starry African sky. It's akin to stepping back into the romantic yesteryear of safari travel.
What makes it special:
- It's an adults-only camp, so ideal for romantic getaways and honeymoons.
- The camp is unfenced so you could enjoy magnificent sightings without even stepping outside.
- There is blissfully no cell phone reception.
Floating above the treetops
Enjoy a glamping getaway in one of South Africa's lesser-known parks, Madikwe Game Reserve. It's unspoilt and tranquil and perfect for an idyllic escape. Snuggle up in one of the 12 tented suites of the Thakadu River Camp set in the treetops overlooking the Marico River. Come nightfall, enjoy a dinner under the stars in the outdoor boma.
The 12 on-site tented suites are ideal for all guests from families to honeymooners.
What makes it special:
- It's a beautiful choice for families with select family suites available.
A rose-infused retreat
Check into the luxurious Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa near Hazyview and enjoy the sights and scents of relaxing in excellent tented suites overlooking the Sabie River.
What makes it special:
- The retreat is situated on a working fruit and rose farm.
- The spa offers relaxing treatments infused with the scent of roses. Pop in for a spa treatment.
Bela Bela’s best kept secret
Make the journey to Safari Plains in Bela Bela with the spectacular Waterberg Mountains as your backdrop and feel your cares drift away as you ease into the rhythms of the camp. The lodge is ideally situated only a few hour's drive from Gauteng.
What makes it special:
- Choose from 20 luxuriously appointed tents, each commanding wonderful views of the natural, indigenous bushveld. Tented suites ensure privacy and exclusivity and offer private decks, sunken baths and everything else you may need for the most comfortable stay.
- It's perfect for romance and families alike. The family-style safari and luxury tents consist of a second bedroom with two twin beds.
A place away from time
Kapama Private Game Reserve describes itself as "a place away from time" in the Greater Kruger. The surroundings are unbelievably beautiful and tranquil – nestled between the Blyde River Valley and Kruger National Park. There are four luxuriously appointed camps.
What makes it special:
- The ten glamping safari tents of the Buffalo Camp are situated high above the treetops. This is as close as you could get to live with the local wildlife.
A different view of the Garden Route
Enjoy the Garden Route from a different perspective – high above the treetops. Sandwiched between Mossel Bay and George on the stunning Garden Route, lies Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. The reserve offers discerning travellers gorgeous 21 tented suites, perfectly spaced apart for privacy and making the most of their river and mountain surrounds.
What makes it special:
- Soak up the views of the Moordkuil River meandering lazily past, while you relax in exquisitely appointed 4-poster beds, deep oval baths or an outdoor shower.
- The reserve is just a 4.5 hour drive from Cape Town making for a perfect weekend getaway from the city.
Click here to view all our Glamping deals
Contact a Flight Centre Travel Expert today.
