Magnificent Family-Friendly Glamping Spots in South Africa

If you love the idea of camping: the great outdoors, the fresh air and the wide-open spaces, but prefer the luxury and style of hotels or other self-catering accommodation options, then Glamping is the ideal holiday activity for you and your family. Expect a wondrous family holiday, surrounded by the peace and serenity of mother nature, in a luxurious tented camp. Although I risk sounding cliched, glamping simply is the best of both worlds.

Love camping? Be sure to read our post on 50 Family Friendly Camping Spots in South Africa. 

Family-Friendly Luxury Camping (Glamping) in South Africa

Here is our list of phenomenal family-friendly glamping spots:

Glamping in the Western Cape

AfriCamps Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is probably one of my all-time favourite family holiday destinations – it has so much to offer! This camp is situated on one of the largest working Ostrich farms in the area and it offers its guests direct views of the Swartberg mountains, a unique farm experience any kid will enjoy, as well as game viewing.

Contact: https://www.africamps.com/farm/oudtshoorn-klein-karoo/

AfriCamps at Kam’Bati, Swellendam

The Sonderend River and Breede River meet on this farm situated about 20km’s outside Swellendam, offering adults and children alike a variety of water-related fun, and the camp itself can be found in a quiet patch of forest close to the river – the ideal location for any nature-lover. Expect uninhibited family adventure with a variety of activities on offer, ranging from canoeing and mountain biking to fishing.

Contact: Kam'Bati 

AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve, Robertson

Tanya and family were lucky enough to go on a weekend getaway to this amazing reserve last year (read about our 48 Hours in Robertson) and loved it:

“Glamping is exactly what you might imagine it to be.  Instead of a stretcher on a dusty piece of land, you have a luxurious bed to sleep on.  Instead of public ablutions with broken shower heads and wet floors, you have a lovely, private en-suite bathroom.  Instead of a one-bedroom family unit, you have two private enclosures.  They got the details right, all the way down to the wall sockets catering for two-point plugs.  Having settled in, we explored one of the two amazing trails on the farm, leading us up and over the foothills, to a beautiful dam in the valley.”

Escape the hustle and bustle and indulge in nature-related family activities such as walking, hiking, birding, fishing, swimming and paddling.

Contact: https://www.africamps.com/farm/africamps-at-pat-busch-robertson/

Montagu Guano Caves Resort, Montagu

Not only does this family-friendly resort offer 5 cottage style luxury tented units, ideal for a family of 4, expect endless fun with activities such as swimming, horse riding, hiking trails, fishing, an animal touch farm and tractor rides.

Contact: http://www.montaguguanocave.co.za/

Glen Eden Ranch, Montagu

Situated on the Glen Eden Farm which can be found on the famous Route 62, a mere 14kms from the picturesque town of Montagu, Glen Eden Ranch offers a unique glamping experience in pods, a handmade gypsy wagon and a tepee tent. Private bathroom facilities, a kitchenette and braai facilities available.

Contact: http://www.glenedenfarm.co.za/glamping/

Glamping in the Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park

Situated near Port Elizabeth, this park is home to the Big 7 (rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, sharks & whales) and offers guests excellent game viewing and marine eco-tour opportunities. The Addo Rest Camp has 2-sleeper luxury safari tents available, with communal ablution facilities and a communal equipped kitchen.

Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/

Amakhala Game Reserve

This privately owned Big 5 conservancy is situated in the Malaria-free Eastern Cape and offers a variety of accommodation in the form safari lodges and tented camps:

HillsNek Safari Camps is a 4 star rated, family-run lodge set on the banks of the Bushman’s river offering magnificent views, privacy and tranquillity.

Woodbury Tented Camp is another intimate family-run luxury camp offering secluded en-suite tents situated around a canvas and thatch main dining and lounge area.

Contact: http://www.amakhala.co.za/

Glamping in Limpopo

Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp, Mabula Game Lodge

Surrounded by bushveld, these permanent tents offer privacy and an unmatched ‘in-the-wild’ feel all within comfort and luxury. Guided game drives, a splash pool and a restaurant are available on site.

Mapungubwe National Park

The Limpopo Tented Forest Camp situated within the Mapungubwe National Park and Heritage Site offers 2-sleeper forest tents with built-in kitchens and ablution facilities. Family-friendly activities in the park include game drives, guided walks, game viewing, bush braais and birding as well as heritage tours.

Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/mapungubwe/

Marakele National Park, Waterberg

Situated in the Waterberg mountains, this park is home to a Cape Vulture colony and offers excellent birding and game viewing opportunities, morning and sunset game drives and guided walks, as well as a 2-night 4x4 eco trail for the more adventurous at heart. Bontle Rest Camp and Tlopi Tented Camp both offer 2- and 4-sleeper safari tents equipped with private bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/marakele/

Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park

Situated in the above-mentioned Marakele National Park, this lodge offers luxury tented suites, each tent offering a private deck with unmatched views of the surroundings, air-conditioning, and private bathroom facilities. As this is a lodge, a kitchen is not provided. The lodge has a swimming pool and spa facilities available.

Contact: https://www.marataba.co.za/

Kruger National Park 

This world-renowned park boasts over 2 million hectares of undisturbed natural beauty and wildlife, is home to the Big 5 and offers the following family-friendly activities: game drives, birding, picnic spots, swimming pools, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and much more. The park offers various safari tents, some of which have communal kitchen and ablution facilities and others which are fully equipped with luxurious trimmings.

Contact: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/

Glamping in the North West

Pilanesberg National Park, Bojanala

Situated a mere 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, this park offers its guests unique experiences such hot air balloon rides and day trips to the popular Sun City resort. Further to this, expect loads of game viewing opportunities, guided game drives and game walks, birding (including a walk-in aviary), as well as picnic spots.  Self-catering safari tent accommodation can be found in the 3* Manyanye and Bakgatla Resorts.

Contact: https://www.pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/

Glamping in Gauteng

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, Magaliesberg

Situated in the Magaliesberg bushveld, a mere hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, this eco-friendly retreat offers luxury tented self-catering accommodation along a tranquil stream. A variety of activities and excursions can be arranged, including a trip exploring the sights and sounds of Hartebeespoort Dam.

Contact: http://www.bsorah.com/

Image Credit: All images sources from the relevant websites.