Gone are the days when camping meant roughing it—or at least, that’s no longer the only way to sleep under the stars. While some still relish the ritual of pitching a tent and cooking over an open fire, a new wave of nature-lovers is trading in ground mats for plush bedding, campfire beans for chef-prepared meals, and zips for the quiet hum of a bedside wine fridge.
Enter glamping—where the wilderness meets creature comforts. From dreamy desert stays in the Northern Cape to tucked-away vineyards in the Overberg, we’ve rounded up some of South Africa’s most surprising glamping spots. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the great outdoors or simply looking to level up your next escape, these off-the-beaten-path gems deliver the best of both worlds—wild beauty, minus the backache.
AfriCamps at Pat Busch (Robertson, Western Cape)
Picture/AfriCamps
Wine-country glamping hits its stride at this peaceful escape tucked between mountains and vines. Each tent boasts a private hot tub, air conditioning, and a built-in braai area—ideal for sunset sipping and soaking.
Why you’ll love it:
Surrounded by 2,000 hectares of fynbos and birdlife, with easy access to wine farms and hiking trails.
Best for:
Couples, wine-lovers, or families needing a nature break.
Glamping touch:
Fully equipped kitchens and fluffy duvets.
Cherry Glamping (Elgin Valley, Western Cape)
Picture/Overberg Info
Nestled in a working cherry orchard, this glampsite fuses luxury with forest vibes. Large canvas tents are kitted out with real beds, bedside lamps, and heaters for chilly valley nights.
Why you’ll love it:
A private hot tub under pine trees feels like something out of a Scandinavian dream.
Best for:
Romantic getaways, group retreats or even forest weddings.
Glamping touch:
Wood-fired hot tubs and options for catered meals.
Sondagskloof Glamping (Stanford region, Western Cape)
Picture/Poplar cabin/Sondagskloof
You’ll find this hidden valley gem off a gravel road near Stanford, surrounded by small-batch vineyards and silence. Off-grid tents come with queen beds, crisp linen, and front-row views of the Overberg.
Why you’ll love it:
Understated and unspoiled—ideal for digital detoxes or nature journaling.
Best for:
Solitude seekers or couples in need of serious R&R.
Glamping touch:
Vineyard-side decks with hammocks and solar showers.
Little Mongena Tented Camp (Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng)
Picture/Bush Breaks
Situated on the serene banks of Mongena Dam within the Big 5 Dinokeng Game Reserve, Little Mongena offers an intimate and upscale safari experience. Each luxury tent is equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks overlooking the water. Guests can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, relax by the infinity pool, and indulge in gourmet meals prepared on-site.
Why you’ll love it:
Combines the thrill of Big 5 game viewing with the comforts of a boutique lodge.
Best for:
Romantic getaways, special celebrations, or travellers seeking a luxurious bush escape.
Glamping touch:
Air-conditioned tents with modern amenities and stunning dam views.
Ngama Tented Safari Lodge (Hoedspruit, Limpopo)
Picture/Ngama Lodge
Draped beds, lantern-lit dinners, and giraffes that occasionally wander past your deck—this is safari glamping done right.
Why you’ll love it:
Combines Big 5 thrills with the intimacy of a boutique lodge.
Best for:
Honeymooners and wildlife photographers.
Glamping touch:
On-site massages and outdoor bubble baths.
Rhino Sands Safari Camp (Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal)
Picture/Rhino Sands
Hidden deep in the lush wilderness of Zululand, this five-star eco-glamping escape brings luxury and conservation together. Each tented suite opens onto a private deck with its plunge pool and panoramic bush views.
Why you’ll love it:
An intimate, all-inclusive experience with just a handful of tents, meaning you’ll never feel like a tourist.
Best for:
Honeymooners, quiet luxury seekers, and conscious travellers.
Glamping touch:
Outdoor bathtubs, custom-made furniture, and gourmet meals around the fire.
Woodbury Tented Camp (Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape)
Picture/Amakhala
Nestled along the Bushman’s River within the Amakhala Game Reserve, Woodbury Tented Camp offers an authentic yet comfortable safari experience. Each spacious tent features en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and stunning views of the surrounding bushveld.
Why you’ll love it:
Combines the thrill of Big Five game viewing with the comforts of luxury accommodation.
Best for:
Couples seeking a romantic getaway or families looking for an immersive wildlife experience.
Glamping touch:
Elegant safari tents with modern amenities, communal dining under the stars, and guided game drives.
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Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp (Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape)
Picture/Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Set within South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Loapi redefines luxury glamping. Each of the six tented homes is designed for ultimate privacy, blending seamlessly into the vast savannah landscape. Guests enjoy personalised service, including a dedicated house manager and chef, ensuring a bespoke safari experience.
Why you’ll love it:
Combining exclusivity with sustainability, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the Kalahari.
Best for:
Discerning travellers seeking solitude, luxury, and a deep connection with nature.
Glamping touch:
Private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and panoramic views of the Korannaberg mountains.
!Xaus Lodge (Kgalagadi, Northern Cape)
Picture/Booking.com
A remote, community-owned lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where cultural immersion meets pure desert luxury. Expect soul-stirring silence, stargazing, and a real connection to place.
Why you’ll love it:
It’s one of South Africa’s most authentic, sustainable desert experiences.
Best for:
Stargazers, culture seekers, and off-the-grid explorers.
Glamping touch:
Decks overlooking a salt pan and immersive San heritage walks.
Forest Edge Nature Lovers’ Retreat (Knysna, Garden Route)
Picture/Forest Edge
In the heart of the forest near Rheenendal, these self-catering cottages and glamping-style wooden cabins offer lush surroundings and total tranquillity.
Why you’ll love it:
Birdsong, misty mornings, and fireflies—real-life forest magic.
Best for:
Families, solo creatives, and all-around nature lovers.
Glamping touch:
Outdoor showers and hammocks among ancient trees.
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