Tamboti Camp, Kruger National Park
Tamboti Rest Camp is a small camp within the Kruger National Park. The park is popular among locals and tourists because of its comfortable stilted tents, all located along a river bed. Enjoy a fire in the evenings, but keep an eye on the fence as the hyenas are bound to come scavenging. The camp also has a birding hide from which guests can take in the scenery and spot some of the hundreds of bird species in the park.
This camp offers some of the most affordable glamping options available in the country, but remember that you’ll need to pack most of what you’ll need, including food and drink – follow our easy safari guide to ensure an unforgettable stay.
Rates: From R580 / £33 per tent per night
Tamboti Tented Camp, Kruger Park, South Africa, +27 13 735 6355
Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp, Thornybush Game Reserve
Each of the luxury tents in the Chapungu Camp in the popular Thornybush Game Reserve all overlook the vast African bushveld. There are only eight camps, ensuring privacy and a total escape from city life – still affording luxuries and comforts most guests desire. The tented camp is a short walk from the Thornybush Game Lodge where guests will find fine dining options as well as a spa. All rates include dawn and dusk safaris, without which your trip would be incomplete.
Rates including accommodation, all meals, tea, coffee, snacks, safaris in open game vehicles and optional bushveld walks: R4 688 / £268 per guest per night.
Village d’Afrique, Limpopo
Village d’Afrique is found within the Shakila Safari Bush Camp in the Waterberg district of Limpopo. The area boasts a beautiful mountain range and is a site rich in archaeological and paleontological findings. The lodge has four beautifully decorated luxury tents, each with a private viewing deck, the perfect spot for sipping cocktails while watching the sun set.
Rates: From R1 200 / £69 per unit per night
Village d’Afrique, Shakila Safari Bush Camp, PO Box 4042, Modimolle 0510, South Africa, +27 87 808 3379
Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati
Tanda Tula is an unfenced safari camp, and is the ideal place to get close to nature, while still enjoying many luxuries. Each of the 12 en-suite luxury tents has a magnificent view and include a large bath, outdoor shower and a deck where guests can spend mornings watching the sunrise. The camp’s chefs are happy to cater for any individual dietary requirements, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Rates including tented accommodation, laundry, daily game drives and bush walking activities, all meals, soft drinks, local beers and spirits, house wines and game drive activities: R 9 750 / £558 per person per night sharing
Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Kruger Park, South Africa, +27 15 793 3191
Courtesy of Tanda Tula
Roamers Rest, Balule Parsons Big 5 Nature Reserve
Roamers Rest, home to the Big Five game:game: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and white rhinoceros, is found in the Greater Kruger National Park on the Balule Parsons BIG 5 Nature Reserve. The reserve offers guests unparalleled wildlife sighting opportunities and the camp’s views of the Northern Drakensberg mountain range are awe-inspiring. There are three unfenced luxury safari tents at Roamers Rest; one sleeps four guests while the others sleep two. This is the perfect getaway for families and couples alike.
Rates including accommodation, welcome drinks on arrival, breakfast, light lunch and three-course dinner, one or two game dives per booked day (depending on rate package chosen), tea and coffee, housekeeping and WiFi: From R1 670 / £96 per adult per night.
Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa, +27 13 735 4000
Honey Bee Suite, Platbos Forest
This is possibly the greatest glamping option for those keen on nature and sustainable living. The Honey Bee Suite is an eco-friendly and private accommodation option situated in the ancient, indigenous Platbos Forest in the Baviaanspoort Hills. This is the ultimate way to get off the grid while still enjoying the simple luxuries associated with a relaxing holiday. Guests have complete privacy in the middle of the forest and can enjoy hikes, wine tasting, whale watching and more, in the surrounding area.
Rates: R850 / £49 for up to two guests; thereafter R90 / £5 per person
Courtesy of Platbos
Ndzhaka Camp, Manyeleti Game Reserve
When you’ve visited Ndzhaka Camp in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, chances are you’ll return. The camp borders with the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and Timbavati Private Nature Reserves and is unfenced, meaning animals roam freely through it. If seeing the Big Five is on your bucket list, this is the place to go. The camp is fully-catered and although rustic, still offers everyday comforts in the heart of the bush.
Rates include fully catered accommodation and two game drives per day: R2 280 / £130 per person per night
B’sorah Luxury Tented Camps, Broederstroom
Situated in the Magaliesberg Mountains, the reserve is close to Johannesburg and Pretoria and offers the ultimate weekend escape from the city. Each of B’sorah’s luxury, eco-friendly safari tents is private and set on its own unique spot within the camp. The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre is close by and a must-visit when in the area. There are also many adventure activities and nature reserves nearby, ideal for day trips.
Rates: From R1 100 / £63 per unit per night
B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, Farm Bassora, Broederstroom, 0240, South Africa
Courtesy of B’sorah Luxury Tented Camps