Glamping is the perfect way to enjoy nature’s benefits without compromising on luxury. In the Western Cape, the demand for luxury camping options has skyrocketed, leading to a wide range of glamping choices. Whether you prefer canvas-sided cabins in the woods or tents by the river, there’s something for you. So why not pack your bags and immerse yourself in nature in style? In fact, I’ve put together a list of my top picks for the best glamping time in the Western Cape. Don’t hesitate to grab your puffy jacket and embark on this memorable adventure.
1. AfriCamps at Karoo 1 in Hex River Valley
First things first, the location for AfriCamps is a winner! It’s in the legendary Hex River Valley, on the outskirts of the Great Karoo. A stunning rock pool on the side of a ravine is reached by 13 glamping tents scattered across the area. Surely, floating in this water while gazing at the vast blue sky and rugged rock face is pure happiness.
Karoo 1 combines access to a beautiful environment and peaceful solitude with the extra pleasure of its hotel amenities. These include a sizable swimming pool, a restaurant serving delectable Karoo cuisine, and a bar for drinks. On hiking and mountain bike routes, discover unusual animals and plants. Alternatively, take in the scenery from the outdoor wood-fired hot tub adjacent to your upscale tent.
Extra-long queen beds are available in the bedrooms and one of them features a single bunk bed over it. Additionally included is a fully equipped kitchen with a gas stove and a bathroom with a rain shower. At an extra cost, braai baskets and make-your-own breakfast options are offered. The lodges also have an elevated patio, timber hot tub, and an inviting living and dining area with a fireplace.
AfricaCamps is child-friendly as well as dog-friendly and sleeps 5 people in each tent. While at this glamping site in Western Cape, you may go walking, hiking and picnicking. If you’re keen, mountain biking and swimming in the Kloof rockpool are also available. On the farm, tractor rides and animal spotting await. Lastly, Visit Matjiesfontein for an adventure or go on a day safari to Aquila Reserve.
Book AfriCamps – Booking.com
2. Camp Canoe in Franschhoek
The completely autonomous Camp Canoe takes centre stage at Boschendal Wine Estate. It is tucked away among beautiful fynbos, olive trees, and rocks on the rustic side of the Simonsberg Mountains. While here, you are urged to re-establish your connection to nature.
The design is very stunning and wonderfully vintage. In fact, it evokes memories of a bygone summer scout camp. Certainly, it’s a luxury to wake up to the sound of birds while lounging in a plush bed. Now imagine setting off on a day of outdoor or culinary mini-adventures afterwards. Though the location and views are excellent, with the tents edging a glittering dam, you might want to remain put. Hot tubs and hammocks certainly seem to promote lazing around for hours on end. It goes without saying that this glamping site should be on your bucket list!
Providing a king-size bed (or two single beds) with stylish linens, Camp Canoe easily accommodates two adults. In addition to a walk-in shower, a fully functional kitchen is included in the price of the tents. The tents also include a hot tub, air conditioning, and a patio with outdoor seats and a Weber braai. On top of all that, you get your very own internal seating room with a fireplace. Best of all, wood, charcoal, and ice are all included.
Similar to AfriCamps, Camp Canoe offers picnicking, dam paddling and swimming, hiking and mountain biking. Wine tasting and horseback riding are also available on-site. Evidently, this is the best place for adventurous glamping in the Western Cape!
More accommodation in Franschhoek – Booking.com
3. Tented Lodge at Botlierskop Game Reserve
The 4,500-hectare Botlierskop Game Reserve is located midway between the towns of George and Mossel Bay. Its Tented Lodge dazzles with views of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean on opposite sides. Consequently, it offers you a luxurious glamping experience that allows you to fully appreciate the Western Cape!
The hilltop Tented Lodge offers 23 roomy, contemporary safari tents furnished with all the conveniences. Moreover, each tent includes a king-sized bed! Additionally, the executive suite has a private jacuzzi and sleeping sofa that accommodates two kids. Every suite, except the luxury suites, has a private patio with views of the river. The suites also include a deep oval bath and an outdoor shower. You also have access to a minibar, tea and coffee-making amenities, heating, air conditioning and electric blankets. If you book the superior suite, you get a smart TV with Netflix!
To fully witness the Western Cape’s wildlife, go on a game drive, horseback safari or bushwalk. Veterinarian safaris and the superb Junior Ranger programme are excellent wildlife-spotting activities to engage in. Do you want a calming activity instead? How about catch-and-release fishing? Luxury picnics near the dam and a floodlit tennis field with tennis equipment for rent are also available. For a more wellness-oriented experience, pamper yourself at Fijnebos Spa which has a heated pool and gym. Thereafter, visit and grab a bite at the fireplace restaurant on site.
Book Botlierskop Game Reserve – Booking.com
4. Dwyka Tented Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Dwyka Tented Lodge in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a spiritual location tucked away off Route 62’s trodden path. In fact, it is surrounded by spectacular 350-million-year-old rock formations and built around the horseshoe bend of a dry ravine. Ancient rock drawings created by the Khoisan people, who originally lived here, are found at numerous locations around the reserve. Essentially, this is the perfect location for you if you are looking for a romantic, opulent safari experience. Why? Because Dwyka is a 58,000-hectare Big Five wilderness region with expansive Karoo plains.
Each of Dwyka’s nine amazing tents houses two people. Furthermore, each tent features a patio with a heated plunge pool and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. A minibar, tea and coffee-making amenities and air conditioning are also available in the tents. Moreover, the main lodge features an outdoor eating area, wine cellar, fireplace, and satellite TV.
Game drives, thoroughly guided walks, bird viewing, stargazing, and a relaxing retreat with spa services are some of the top activities at Dwyka. Certainly, glamping at this Western Cape lodge will be nothing short of an adventure!
Book Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – Booking.com
Explore the Wild Western Cape
As you can see, glamping in the Western Cape is a bucket list-worthy activity. I mean, how else can you explore the province’s wildlife while having state-of-the-art amenities at your disposal? Certainly, not by watching the National Geographic Channel! Are ready to bask in the glory that glamping in Western Cape provides? Then book your adventure today! While you’re at it, why not try yoga & wine in Cape Town? Have a wonderful time!
