Travel Tips

Glamping in Africa

Written by Anna-Bet Stemmet

Glamping is a buzz word that has been cropping up in travel discussions for quite a few years now. A fusion of glamour and camping, this newly developed mode of accommodation offers discerning travellers the option of experiencing untamed parts of the world without having to give up on their creature comforts entirely.

African safari destinations are particularly well suited to providing this type of accommodation. Countries like Botswana, Namibia and South Africa enjoy exceptional weather for larger parts of the year, which means that outdoor experiences can be enjoyed in certain regions all year round. Lodges and hotels will always hold their appeal, but there is just something delightfully freeing about spending the night in luxury tented accommodation. Knowing that you’re only separated from the great outdoors by a sturdy canvas flap really gives you a sense of being immersed in your surroundings.

Sound good, doesn’t it? Now the only thing you have to do is decide where to go! Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re trying to narrow down your African glamping destination options:

When do I want to go on my trip?

First things first, when are you planning to go? Once you’ve decided on your dates, you can start looking at the countries and regions that are most accessible (and enjoyable) in that time frame. For instance, June until October is a great time to visit the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, when the weather is dry and game viewing is excellent; while the best time to make your way to the Republic of the Congo is between January and February during the short dry season when road conditions are optimal, and the rainforest floor is not too slick for exploration. As such, it makes sense to decide when you want to go first, and then to consult with a travel expert who can help you pinpoint the locations that enjoy the most favourable conditions during that time frame.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

Singita Mara River Tented Camp, situated on the northern most tip of the Serengeti National Park.

What do I want to experience?

Next up, what exactly do you want to experience on your trip? Do you want to traverse the waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana in a mokoro, go on gorilla treks in the Congo, stalk the Big Five in South Africa or view wildlife migrations from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon? Perhaps you want to go on a photographic safari or go on a horseback adventure to discover the Makgadikgadi pans at your own pace. Each African country has quintessential experiences that form part of its safari repertoire. Once you’ve decided what you’d like to do on your glamping trip, you’ll be another step closer to pinpointing your ideal destination.

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Glide through the Delta waterways by mokoro

How glam do I want to go?

There’s glamping, and then there’s glamping. Certain tented camps feature private en suite bathrooms, freestanding open-air baths with hot water, crisp linen and gourmet meals served overlooking exquisite scenery, while others are more down to earth with shared ablutions and communal dining areas but take you right into the heart of the wildlife action thanks to its mobile nature. Decide if you want seamless luxury or if you’d prefer a comfortable, yet authentic African camping experience.

Highlands on the Ngorongoro Crater rim

The Highlands on the Ngorongoro Crater rim in Tanzania.

Nxabega Tented camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Nxabega Tented camp

Narrowing down your options at the hand of these question will give you excellent perimeters to decide which tented camp in Africa is best suited to the glamping experience you want to enjoy.

If you’re still feeling slightly unsure about which direction you should be headed, feel free to get in touch with our knowledgeable Ker & Downey® Africa Adventurists to find out more about the exceptional tented camps that feature on our Luxventure® trip itineraries.