Experience the raw magic of the African bush with an immersive stay in a luxury tent, surrounded by free-roaming wildlife and scenic vistas.
There’s nothing quite like a South African safari. Sweeping landscapes, gorgeous lodgings and impeccable service combined with incredible animal species make for a truly unforgettable adventure. At the top of every safari enthusiast’s wish list is the chance to encounter Africa’s famed Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) in their natural habitat, a feat easily achievable in South Africa, one of the rare places on Earth where all five can be spotted in a single day. Renowned as one of the world’s premier Big 5 safari destinations, South Africa owes its status to exceptional conservation areas and national parks.
The country offers a collection of design-forward, eco-conscious safari lodges, each providing indulgent luxury and ensuring remarkable game-viewing opportunities year-round. There is one type of accommodation however, that provides an immersive stay unlike any other – and that’s a glamping safari. Turning traditional camping on its head, luxury tented safaris have fast become a chosen type of travel, where delicious cuisine, proximity to nature and comfortable lodgings await lovers of the African bush. From the lesser-known Waterberg region to the famed Kruger National Park, South Africa has a spectacular selection of glamping safaris just waiting to be discovered.
Glamping Safaris in KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu Natal is often considered a traveller’s dream with its subtropical climate and natural environment that lends itself to adventure and exploration. Located in the southeast of South Africa, with a long shoreline on the Indian Ocean, it’s a hugely diverse region offering a melting pot of cultures, traditions and experiences. Characterised by an abundance of exciting game-viewing opportunities, historical journeys, cultural excursions and exhilarating water-based activities, there’s no shortage of exciting getaways in this province – glamping safaris included.
Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a luxury tented retreat situated in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, a well-known Big Five safari destination in KwaZulu Natal. Built as an eco-friendly lodge, Rhino Sands Safari Camp is unique in that it offers guests an authentic safari experience in traditional East African-style canvas tents. Set within the lush riverine forest, the camp is designed to offer guests a way to reconnect with nature in a peaceful, fully-equipped setting. With only four luxury tents, guests are guaranteed a personal and exclusive safari experience in spectacular surroundings, where private decks host to splash pools overlooking the bush await.
Glamping Safaris in The Waterberg
The Waterberg region in northern South Africa is a mountainous and biodiverse area known for its many wilderness safari camps, Big 5 private reserves, excellent birding and for being a malaria-free getaway destination that’s not too far from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, and Gaborone (Botswana). The region is popular amongst nature lovers and anyone interested in going on safari to see some of South Africa’s most rare and threatened fauna and flora. Within this region, the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is a large area spanning over 650,000 hectares and comprising private game reserves and spectacular safari escapes.
Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp
Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp is an intimate glamping retreat located in the greater Mabula Private Game Reserve, situated in the stunning Waterberg region. The 12,000 hectares of malaria-free bushveld is home to an astounding selection of large mammals, including the Big Five, and with surrounding savannah plains and towering mountains, guests are in for a truly immersive escape in the African bush. Accommodating only 10 guests in five luxuriously appointed and elevated tents, the Kwabufesi Tented Safari Camp blends seamlessly to its bushveld surroundings offering an authentic safari experience for small groups, couples or families travelling together.
Elephants Crossing
Elephants Crossing is a luxury safari camp tucked away within the captivating and diverse Welgevonden Game Reserve, in the Waterberg region. Known as one of South Africa’s most impressive game reserves, Welgevonden Game Reserve offers rich game viewing of The Big 5, a substantial population of white rhinos, nearly 400 distinct bird species, and much more. The scenic Elephants Crossing camp offers an intimate, private safari experience with just three Luxury Tents and one Tented Suite (each sleeping 2), and a four-sleeper Bush Villa perfect for friends or families traveling together.
, and a main lodge area with a bar, dining area, lounge and indoor fireplace.
Glamping Safaris in Greater Kruger
Considered one of the largest and oldest safari areas in South Africa, the Greater Kruger region is made up of Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Timbavati and many other private reserves. It is one of the best places to view wildlife, experience guided walks and explore some of the wildest areas in the country. Exploring the Greater Kruger Park through safaris opens doors to an extraordinary array of opulent game lodges, immersive glamping safaris, engaging activities, and guided tours, all converging to craft an extraordinarily unforgettable wildlife experience.
Bushveld Bivouac
Bushveld Bivouac is a captivating self-catering, fully serviced, off-the-grid bush camp situated on a 300-hectare farm in the Greater Kruger region. Redefining a glamping safari, Bushveld Bivouac’s four spectacular tented platforms on a hill called Phezulu offer a unique combination of luxury and bushveld charm. Named after the majestic Seringa tree, the three-platform setup includes an entertainment deck, a sleeping deck, and a bathroom deck with a romantic outside bath overlooking the GaMashishimale hills. Experience the pristine bush environment with the sides of the tents rolling up, providing an open-air experience. Accommodating two guests, all tents feature either separate single beds or a decadent king-size bed.
RETURN Africa Pafuri Tented Camp
RETURN Africa Pafuri Tented Camp is a scenic glamping safari in the Northern Greater Kruger. Settled between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, this land is rich in biodiversity and is home to baobabs, fever trees, big cats and huge herds of elephants. 19 luxury tented suites stretch along the river, each linked by raised wooden walkways. Private viewing decks, en-suite bathrooms (with indoor and outdoor showers) and huge beds with crisp linen offer guests absolute comfort while enjoying the sights and sounds of the wild African bush. A bush bar, large swimming pool and an outdoor dining area offer everyday entertainment, and there’s plenty of space to unwind beneath the towering Jackalberry canopy which shades the expansive decks.
Bundox Explorer Camp
Bundox Explorer Camp is an intimate, eco-luxury tented camp in Balule Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger region. The camp offers an intimate and private experience in nature, with just four cottage-style luxury tents perfect for small groups or couples. Although simplistic, the luxury tents are equipped with all the comforts needed for a fuss-free safari; flushing toilets, cold tap showers, and bucket showers are filled on-demand with hot water. The Balule Nature Reserve is home to the Big 5, and guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities at Bundox Explorer Camp. These include game drives, walking trails through rugged Lowveld terrain and along the Olifants River, stargazing, mobile spa treatments, boma dinners and sundowners.
Nkomazi Game Reserve
Nkomazi Game Reserve is a private wildlife area, located south-west of the famed Kruger National Park. It is surrounded by vast mountains, river valleys and large grasslands – which stretch over 15,000 hectares and give way to a hugely varied ecosystem. This area is known for its abundance of wildlife and birdlife, making it the perfect safari destination for those seeking something more intimate. Nkomazi Game Reserve is host to just 14 luxury tents, all wonderfully situated on the banks of the Komati River. The tents provide a sought-after safari glamping experience with all the comforts of home, and feature private river-facing decks, spacious king-size beds, lovely relaxation spaces and luxurious outdoor baths and showers.
Simbavati Trails Camp
Simbavati Trails Camp is a truly unique experience, offering a luxury-yet-back-to-basics walking trails camp located in a secluded area of the Timbavati Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger region. A stay here is all about immersive safari walks with expert guides, where guests will be able to explore an unspoiled, unfenced wildlife area home to spectacular African landscapes, elusive species, and the Big Five. With only four tents sleeping up to eight guests at a time, Simbavati Trails Camp is intimate and simple in design yet comfortable. The camp has no WiFi or cell phone reception, allowing guests to fully connect with nature in the heart of the bushveld.
Bundox River Lodge
Bundox River Lodge is a luxury tented safari lodge in Balule Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger. Offering guests a sought-after sense of peace and privacy in nature, Bundox River Lodge boasts just four glamping safari-style tents that provide an authentic and intimate experience. Each glamping tent has been designed to blend wilderness adventure with modern comforts and style, featuring a private deck overlooking the beautiful Olifants River. As the sun sets, the communal area transforms into a cosy gathering space with campfires under the stars, sundowners and delicious meals.
Glamping Safaris in Great Karoo
The Great Karoo lies to the north of the Swartberg Mountains, and covers more than 400,000 square kilometres – an area larger than Germany! The Great Karoo is unique as it encompasses some of the most ancient lands in South Africa dotted with spectacular sights. Attractions include an array of Big 5 reserves, historical towns such as Graaf Reniet and Clarens, and the incredible Camdeboo National Park – formed hundreds of millions of years ago, and one of the great natural wonders of the world.
Samara Plains Camp
Experience uninterrupted nature at Samara Karoo Reserve’s newly-introduced Plains Camp, where you can escape from modern distractions and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Situated in the Plains of Camdeboo in the Eastern Cape, this unfenced eco-camp offers four luxury tents, sleeping a total of eight people, and is completely off the grid, with no Wi-Fi or electricity, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted wilderness experience. Samara Plains Camp pays special attention to reconnecting with nature through expertly guided walking safaris that unveil the often-overlooked intricacies that remain hidden from a vehicle’s perspective. This includes animal tracks, blossoming Karoo shrubs, ostrich eggs, and an array of beetles, as well as tracking wild cheetah on foot — all contributing to the day’s remarkable discoveries.
Roam Explorer Camp
Roam Explorer Camp, tucked away within the vast expanse of Roam Private Game Reserve, is the perfect location for travellers seeking the ultimate wilderness camping experience. What sets Roam Explorer Camp apart is its exceptional location in the heart of the ancient and endless semi-desert landscape of the Great Karoo – characterised by the backdrop of the Swartberg Mountains, flat-topped koppies, rock-filled valleys, and dry riverbeds dotted with acacia scrub. Accommodation at Roam Explorer Camp consists of five explorer tents, each interlinked by clear pathways and dotted around a central area with a fire pit and a dining/seating area for meals under the stars.
Experience a South African safari like never before and book a wild glamping escape with Conservio today!
