Needing an escape from the city but not looking to rough it out in the wild? Or perhaps you need a compromise between friends or lovers not knowing whether they prefer camping like our forefathers or snuggling up with a stupendously comfy duvet? These venues are the best and favourite spots for glamping in the Western Cape.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]
WOLWEHOEK PRIVATE RESERVE
Wolwehoek came to fruition when the founders saw a necessity to break free from modern-world worries and woes and reconnect with nature and its elements. In 2019 they set out to find a prime piece of land that was untouched by man and curated it to remain a nature reserve. The property they found; Wolwehoek.
Surrounded by tall mountains and breathtaking views, this glamping site has a harsh yet gracefully beautiful environment, a mere two and a half hours drive outside of Cape Town.
As the venue is set in Montagu, it is an ideal rock-climbing area with hiking and mountain biking trails and is known as a pristine spot for bird-watching. The mountain bikers tend to use the main road through the reserve, but there are also other possible routes indicated on a map provided by the venue. For hikers, there are four mountain peaks to choose from for that awe-inspiring view.
Wolwehoek glamps in style as the main luxury tent is kitted out with a fully equipped kitchen, a bedroom with a study area, a large bath, an outdoor shower, and even a lounge that houses a Chesterfield sofa. For more information on the stylish reserve, follow the link here.
Where: Farm 105, Wolwehoek Keisie Valley, Montagu
When: Always open
Website: wolwehoek.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 079 159 6401
Facebook: @WolwehoekPrivateReserve | Instagram: @wolwehoekreserve
FIREFLY FALLS
Firefly Falls is suitable for travellers of all sorts, from campers and budget travellers to families and couples needing more creature comforts. These are available in glamping tents and cabins.
Firefly Falls owns 3ha of forest with a tributary running through it all the way down into the Salt River system. The tributary has a high drop-off section that turns into a beautiful waterfall when the venue and its surrounding areas have had enough rain.
Situated near The Crags, which is a well-known venue with adventure activities such as kloofing, bungee jumping, hiking, forest quad booking, mountain bike trails, animal sanctuaries, and even wine farms.
Another great quality of Firefly Falls is its packages. Their packages are ideally designed for large groups such as weddings and corporate functions, or for smaller celebrations like birthdays.
Where: Loredo South Rd, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
When: Always Open
Website: fireflyfalls.co.za | Email: [email protected]| Tel: 071 869 7505
Facebook: @FireflyFalls | Instagram: @firefly.falls
MELOZHORI GAME RESERVE
Melozhori Private Game Reserve offers natural wilderness with luxurious and secluded accommodation options to relax, unwind and rejuvenate in nature.
With only four unique and spaciously positioned accommodation options, guests are completely secluded and immersed in a pure natural wilderness. Take game drives with expert guides, a relaxing hike, exhilarating mountain bike trails, a sundowner picnic in the veld, or a long soak in a wood-fired hot tub under a Milky Way of stars without dangerous predators or malaria.
For our glamping readers, we would recommend The Treehouse accommodation. It opened in September 2022 and is a magically romantic couple’s escape. The unit is isolated from other units and houses a built-in hot tub and fantastic views. The package includes a game drive per two-night stay, as well as free rein to enjoy unguided walks, hikes, or mountain biking.
Where: R317, Bonnievale, Stormsvlei, Overberg
When: Always open
Website: melozhori.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 778 6233
Facebook: @Melozhori | Instagram: @melozhori
CHERRY GLAMPING
In the valley of Elgin, awaits a natural wonder known as Cherry Glamping. As the name suggests, you can rest assured that the venue will accommodate your need to connect with nature whilst enjoying the luxury and comfort of the modern man.
Cherry Glamping is famous for being the accommodation favourite during the Ride The Cape cycling experience. Naturally, the venue offers ample trails for guests to wander or cycle as they stumble upon free-roaming animals such as Gazelle, Zebras or Bontebok.
There is a minimum booking over weekends. This package includes the main house and at least 12 tents. Because of this, Cherry Glamping is the prime glamping spot for year-end functions, conferences, corporate getaways, mini-festivals, birthday parties, or unique weddings in the forest. The venue caters to as many as 150 people in one stay.
Bring your friends or colleagues and make an event out of it as you relax in a hammock, unwind next to their fire pit, ponder life’s meanings next to the pond, or practice gratitude as you absorb the breathtaking view of the Elgin Valley.
Where: Cherry Glamping, N2, Elgin
When: Always open
Website: cherryglamping.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 788 9837
Facebook: @CherryGlamping | Instagram: @cherryglamping
GONDWANA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The name of the reserve, Gondwana, derives from the Gondwana Landmass that existed 240 million years ago. The only tangible and visible evidence of the landmass is the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains, and this venue wants its guests to bestow their eyes on the beautiful wonders of the continent split.
Remotely located in the centre of the private game reserve, the luxury and solar-powered tented camps warrant a unique experience with nature and the surrounding wildlife. Booking a stay in the glamping tents of the Gondwana Private Game Reserve means guests get to enjoy the professionalism of personal guides on their game drive or viewing, along with a private chef and housekeeper at their stay. Basically, this means that guests don’t have to bring their own food as the private chef sorts out the breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Unfortunately, children under the age of six are not allowed. However, parents with older children can let them enjoy the Junior Ranger programme for kids. This is where they learn all about the surrounding wildlife and the traits of the local rangers.
Remotely located in the centre of the private game reserve, the luxury and solar-powered tented camps warrant a unique experience with nature and the surrounding wildlife.
See here for more regarding the tents.
Where: R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale
When: Always open
Website: gondwanagr.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 762 1543
Facebook: @Gondwanagamereserve | Instagram: @gondwanagr
AFRICAMPS
AfriCamps is all about boutique glamping at the most beautiful working farms and estates in South Africa. Their guests can explore and unwind in the great outdoors, experiencing everything from biking and hiking to seclusion and serenity, all while staying comfortably in fully equipped boutique tents.
With camping sites stretching as far and wide as Cederberg to Wilderness, AfriCamps is considered one of the leading boutique glamping and camping companies. Their Boutique Glamping Tents are 75 square metres of luxury, with fully equipped built-in kitchens and an additional private braai and picnic patio space. Please read here for more detailed specs on their Boutique Glamping Tents.
The camping sites generally are dog-friendly venues that allow one dog per glamping tent. Please be sure to check, as individual venues may have different rules. See here for more on the various locations all around Western Cape.
Where: Country wide
When: Always open
Website: africamps.com | Email: [email protected]| Tel: 021 300 5694
Facebook: @africamps | Instagram: @africamps_sa
SOUTHERN YURTS
Southern Yurts offers a perfect glamping opportunity suiting a full range of getaway requirements. Whether guests are looking for a quick midweek escape, a secluded space for two, or a full retreat into nature with family and friends this accommodation offers something for everyone.
With three Yurt accommodations to choose from, each Yurt comes equipped with a private wood-fired hot tub, self-catering kitchen, bathroom, and braai area.
The farm itself has a range of activities, including marked and mapped hiking trails, trail running, bird watching, and a small farm dam with a kayak and canoe. Guests are also more than welcome to jump in the waters and cool their summer bodies with a quick swim in the dam. Fishing is also available at the farm dam, but it is worth noting that it is strictly catch-and-release only. The fishing permits, rods, and gear must all be arranged before the activity. So, best to do so as you make your accommodation booking.
If guests would like to explore the surrounding areas and activities such as wine tasting (Beaumont Wine Farm), zip-lining (Cape Canopy Tours), horse-riding (Kleinmond), farmer’s markets (Hermanus and Elgin), and more, are all within a 35-minute drive. Whilst Southern Yurts accommodation is self-catering, Sundowners, Dinners, and Breakfast Baskets can be arranged prior to arrival.
Where: 113/7 Van der Stel Pass Botrivier, Cape Town
When: Always open
Website: southernyurts.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 076 060 7424
Facebook: @SouthernYurts | Instagram: @southernyurts
WOLFKOP CAMPING VILLAGES
Situated in the gorgeous valley of Citrusdal, with spectacular mountain views and the beautiful Olifants River, Wolfkop Camping Villages boasts an unforgettable experience through camping and glamping. Whether you’re a lover of the wild or a cuddler of comfort, Wolfkop has you covered.
What you can expect to find under the Bedouin is a canvas tent equipped with a 3/4 thick high-density mattress, cotton percale bedding, blankets and towels. There is also an additional braai grid with utensils, chairs, tables, electric lights, a fridge, a kitchenette and the works.
The Wolfkop Camping Villages offers a variety of fun and entertaining activities thanks to the surrounding elements of the venue. From exploring the valley on horseback or hiking through the nature reserve to canoeing in the Olifants River, the adventures are endless. For those looking to submerge themselves a little more in the waters, slap-packing packages are on offer, along with tours down the Olifants River through bodyboarding as the fun method of transport.
Where: 59 Voortrekker St, Citrusdal
When: Always open
Website: wolfkopcampingvillage.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 260 4822
Facebook: @WolfkopCampingVillages | Instagram: @wolfkopcampigvillages
TENIQUA TREETOPS
Teniqua Treetops is a 3-star self-catering resort granting an authentic indigenous forest getaway. This family-friendly accommodation has received accolades issued by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa for birding and hiking.
Ideal for true lovers of nature and seekers of adventures, Teniqua Treetops sets out to preserve the pristine Knysna Forest. Meaning, guests might receive some house guests of their own. With snakes, bugs, bats and spiders being part of the ecosystem, it is only natural that they might accidentally stumble into your accommodation. The venue asks that guests must not harm the friends of the forest if they do happen to intrude. Simply call the staff and someone will attend to remove them for you.
The showers and baths are all graced with gorgeous views of the Knysna forest and are completely secluded thanks to the lush forestation. So, do not fret. No other guests will be able to see you, it is only the critters of the surrounding forest that might take a peek out of curiosity.
Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the peaceful sound of birds singing away in the forest, or enjoy the finer things in life at the art gallery. For the children’s entertainment, Teniqua Treetops offer a petting zoo. There are also two trails and a walk down to the river for the adventurers. Once you make it to the Karatara River and rock pools, feel free to jump into the water and reward yourself with a cool swim.
Due to the isolation of the venue, the closest shop to this off-the-grid getaway is a 20-minute drive in the ever-popular small town of Sedgefield. So, guests are advised to stock up on necessities prior to their arrival.
Feel free to find more information on the website by clicking here.
Where: Teniqua Treetops Farm 203, 71 Elandskraal Sedgefield, Sedgefield
When: Daily: 8:30am – 5pm
Website: teniquatreetops.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 551 1117
Facebook: @TeniquaTreetops | Instagram: @teniquatreetops
GRYSBOKKLOOF PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
A stone’s throw away from Montagu resides a private nature reserve that offers one-of-a-kind luxury glamping tents. Situated on the mountains, Grysbokkloof Private Nature Reserve boasts a fantastic view providing an ideal off-the-grid getaway from everyday life.
The road leading to the Glamping Tent is a gravel road. So, guests are implored to drive a high-clearance vehicle. The Glamping Tent on offer at the Grysbokkloof Private Nature Reserve come fully stocked with one king-sized bed, two single beds, a hammock, a boma braai area, and an outside bathtub.
Due to the reserve being a self-catering venue, guests have to bring their own food, drinks, ice, firelighters and firewood. However, one bag of firewood is complimentary, and in case one runs out of bags, the venue sells firewood as well.
The glamping tents might not be a perfect family-friendly activity for parents with toddlers as children under the age of six are not allowed. It’s also worth noting that it might be safer to leave pets at home due to the wild animals in the area.
Where: Grysbokkloof Private Nature Reserve, Montagu
When: Always open
Website: grysbokkloof.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 076 403 2025
Facebook: @Grysbokkloof | Instagram: @grysbokkloof
