Is pitching a tent not your idea of having a good time? Would you rather arrive at a destination where you can simply relax on the patio and admire the view? And do you want most of the creature comforts from home? Then glamping sounds like your ideal vacation! These structured tents are perfect for your next romantic getaway or break from the city. TravelGround rounded up some of our favourite glamping destinations and you’ll be surprised to see what they all offer — from game drives and outdoor showers to relaxing spas!

Zwartkloof Adventures Tented Camp, Limpopo

This family-owned retreat in the Waterberg biosphere offers luxurious accommodation for a unique wilderness experience. Each luxury safari tent boasts a four-poster bed, free-standing bath and outdoor stone shower where guests can truly enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The remote treehouse overlooks a waterhole and is ideal for couples looking for a private and romantic retreat. The daily game drives, relaxing spa treatments, lounges, bush walks and swimming pools will make it difficult to leave this Bushveld paradise!

 Simbavati River Lodge, Mpumalanga

This family-friendly lodge is situated in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. The luxury tented rooms on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River each has a private viewing deck where guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush, an outdoor shower, eco-friendly amenities and airconditioning. Timbavati houses more than 40 mammal species, including the Big Five and a large variety of birds. Experience a Big-Five game drive in the morning and late afternoon on 12 000 hectares of rich wilderness! The game drives, all standard meals and drinks are included.

Bundox Safari Lodge, Limpopo

Bundox Safari Lodge is located on a small conservancy near Hoedspruit and is within arm’s reach of the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. But you would want to spend most of your time at this private reserve with a unique bush spa, safari activities, relaxation areas and a swimming pool! The tents are nestled among trees and bushes where guests can completely immerse themselves in nature. Some of the tents feature en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers and others make use of the ablution facilities.

West Coast Luxury Tents, Western Cape

West Coast Luxury Tents offers you a relaxing getaway on a private beachfront farm halfway between Dwarskersbos and Elands Bay on the beautiful West Coast. There are three luxury tents that accommodate two to four guests, are furnished with double beds or twin beds, and have en-suite bathrooms. Each tent has a kitchenette that is fully equipped and a braai area, and the firewood and ice are supplied for extra convenience. When you’re not relaxing around the braai fire, you can walk the 500 metres to the 40-kilometre-long unspoiled sandy beach where you’ll find numerous breeding pairs of black oystercatchers and their nests, especially during the summer months – how exciting!

Muluwa Lodge, Mpumalanga

Muluwa Lodge lets you experience the best of the Lowveld on a peaceful wildlife estate. The convenient amenities of the luxury safari tents will ensure a comfortable stay and guests can marvel at the most beautiful Bushveld sunsets from the private wooden decks. Muluwa Lodge offers a great dining experience with a restaurant on the premises — breakfast and dinner are included and picnics and light lunches can be arranged.

Zululand Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

This privately-owned tented camp is set on a 200-hectare wildlife conservancy bordering the Phinda Game Reserve. The fantastic viewing deck offers sweeping views over the Msinene River Valley and surrounding bushveld. Birdwatchers can spend hours meandering the riverine forests or simply sit back on the tent’s deck and stare through their binoculars. Each structured tent is fully equipped for a relaxing night’s stay. It has its own en-suite bathroom and guests are welcome to make use of the central lodge area where they can put their feet up.

Camp Oryx, North West

Camp Oryx is located on a game farm in the heart of the Kalahari. The luxury tents are furnished with the option of twin beds or a king-size bed and have en-suite bathrooms, bar fridges and tea- and coffee-making facilities. For those who want to prepare their own meals, there is a fully-equipped communal kitchen and an entertainment area with braai facilities, but a delicious breakfast and dinner are included and prepared by the on-site chef. Take a dip in the swimming pool overlooking the waterhole, head out on a game drive or a guided walking trip, or explore the trails with a four-wheeler!

Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge, Gauteng

Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge is perched on the Witwatersrand Mountains and offers spectacular views of the valley and the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, just about 40 kilometres from Hartbeespoort Dam. Luxury self-catering accommodation is available in three six-sleeper tents. Each tent has two bedrooms with twin beds, a bathroom and a living area with a double sleeper couch and a fully-equipped kitchen. The tents open onto balconies with outside seating areas that overlook the braai area and the mountain range. Book a sundowner scenic drive or head out on the Sable Hiking Trail next door to explore the beautiful bush. 

Ngama Tented Safari Lodge, Limpopo

A true African bush experience awaits at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge in Hoedspruit. This family-friendly lodge neighbours Thornybush Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park where you’ll definitely spot the Big Five! The tented suites offer tranquil escapes for guests who want to get away from it all while experiencing the best of Africa. Indulge in the luxurious facilities, like the sundeck around the pool, boma and the guest lounge. Or just sit back and admire the birdlife around the waterhole!

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, North West

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp is the perfect getaway from Johannesburg and Pretoria, close to the Hartbeespoort Dam. This eco-friendly retreat is on a 1600-hectare farm of dense bush, grasslands and riverine vegetation next to streams. You’ll feel like you’ve completely escaped the concrete jungle in this natural environment. The luxury tents are equipped with outdoor kitchen facilities for a secluded escape. The handpicked locations of the tents will also add to the peaceful experience and guests can sit quietly on the deck and admire the Magalies bushveld.  

There you have it! No need to stand in the sun for hours pitching a tent and causing a tiff, you can simply book and show up at one of these glamorous establishments and enjoy a well-deserved holiday!

Feature image: Zululand Lodge (TravelGround) 

This was originally written by Daniëlle Terblanche and updated by Nanje Lourens.