The Best Glamping Getaways in The Western Cape

As life becomes louder, busier and more chaotic, escaping into nature – without having to forego creature comforts – has never been more appealing. An irresistible combination of indoor luxury and the great outdoors, glamping offers the best of camping (spectacular views, swims in rockpools, peace and quiet…) without its well-documented downsides (pitching tents, shared ablutions, dusty tents…).

The demand for luxury camping accommodation in the Western Cape has seen a proliferation of glamping offerings of all shapes and forms – from canvas-sided cabins in the woods to riverside safari-style tents – perfect for any season. So pack a puffer and hit the road!

Camp Canoe

Where Franschhoek
Distance from CT 45 minutes
Setting Reminiscent of an old-school summer scout camp (right down to Tupperware in the kitchen), the aesthetic of Camp Canoe is playfully retro and utterly gorgeous. Pitched among lush fynbos, olive trees and boulders on the rustic side of the Simonsberg Mountains at Boschendal, seven tents around a sparkling dam take centre stage. Far removed from the wine estate’s foot traffic, guests are encouraged to switch off, unwind and reconnect with nature. Waking to birdsong from the comfort of a sumptuous bed, before embarking on a day of little adventures (be it epicurean or outdoorsy) is a special kind of luxury. You might want to stay put, though – the setting and views are lovely, and hammocks and a hot tub do tend to encourage idling the hours away.

The lodgings

• 7 tents with king-size bed (or twin beds) and luxury linen
• ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• fully equipped kitchen with Smeg induction stove
• indoor seating area with fireplace
• viewing deck with outdoor seating and Weber braai
• hot tub
• air-conditioning
• complimentary wood, charcoal and ice
• picnic, braai and breakfast boxes to order

Things to do

• paddling and swimming in the dam
• picnics on the jetty or in nature
• hiking trails
• mountain-biking trails
• horse-riding
• The Werf restaurant, deli and farm shop
• wine-tasting on site, and nearby

Good to know House Canoe, the “clubhouse” dining area and kitchen, is available to book for bigger groups.
Child friendly? Yes, on request
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per tent
Cost From R3 400 per tent per night
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Dwyka Tented Lodge

Where Near Montagu
Distance from CT 3 hours
Setting Hidden off the beaten track of Route 62, Dwyka Tented Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is surrounded by striking 350-million-year-old rock formations and built around the horseshoe bend of a dry ravine. The 62 000-hectare wilderness area offers wide-open Karoo plains, sightings of the Big Five, unusual flora and ancient Khoisan rock paintings to discover. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a romantic, luxe safari experience. After a day of exploring and magical animal encounters, enjoy a spectacular sunset, a wonderful dinner and night skies filled with stars.

The lodgings

• 9 luxury tents with king-size bed
• ensuite bathroom with shower and freestanding bath (plus outdoor shower)
• private deck with a heated plunge pool
• minibar and tea/coffee station
• air-conditioning
• main lodge with a lounge, fireplace, satellite TV, open-air dining boma and wine cellar

Things to do

• two game drives per day
• guided walks
• bird-watching (with seasonal lake/wetland boat cruises)
• stargazing with telescopes
• relaxation retreat with spa treatments

Good to know Look out for regular SA residents’ and winter specials. Rates include all meals, activities, on-drive snacks and selected beverages.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? At the main lodge
Sleeps 2 per tent
Cost From 14 910 per person sharing per night
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Wolwehoek Luxury Camp

Where Near Montagu
Distance from CT 2.5 hours
Setting Wolwehoek Private Nature Reserve is a wonderfully isolated haven far removed from ordinary life, where birdsong, fynbos plains and stunning accommodation set the scene for an unforgettable off-the-grid escape. Hidden in the untouched Keisie Valley of the Klein Karoo, “secluded” is only the tip of the iceberg when describing it. There is just one glamping unit, Leopard’s Kloof, and what a magnificent camp it is, decorated with an evocative old-time explorer’s feel (including a brass bed with mosquito netting, a Chesterfield sofa and a telescope).

The lodgings

• king-size bed with luxury linen
• freestanding bath with a view, plus outdoor shower
• fully equipped kitchen
• lounge and dining table
• outdoor lounge and braai area with pizza oven
• wood-fired hot tub (plunge pool in summer)
• 12-metre super-hammock
• firewood included

Things to do

• hiking trails
• rock-climbing
• birdwatching
• mountain-biking
• stargazing

Good to know The escape is completely solar-powered, with no plug points, and only reachable by 4×4/SUV.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Guests will need to drive to a wifi hotspot
Sleeps 2
Cost From R3 300 per night
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Tula Retreat

Where Near Calitzdorp
Distance from CT 4.5 hours
Settings Your adventure begins when you’re ferried across a dam to your own private encampment on the water’s edge – it’s the only way to access this retreat, and nothing but rolling hills behind it, which means you will have utter privacy. The glamping set-up consists of an open-plan sleeping and living area, and a separate fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area about 100 metres away – all of it drenched in views. It’s off-grid, with LED and lantern lighting, solar power and “fire” power – think braais, cosy fireplaces indoors and out, and a hot tub. It has everything you need; just bring your food and drinks… and a favourite companion.

The lodgings

• extra-length king-size bed with luxury linen
• ensuite bathroom with slipper bath, plus additional bathroom with shower
• outdoor shower and wood-burning hot tub
• lounge with fireplace and tea/coffee/drinks cabinet
• deck with table, sun loungers and hammock
• outdoor/bush kitchen with gas stove and oven; and fridge
• dining table and firepit/braai area
• books, board games and yoga mats

Things to do 

• swim or paddle in the dam (canoe and SUP board supplied)
• boat cruises
• jetskiing and waterskiing permitted (BYO gear)
• fishing from the dock
• birdwatching
• hiking in the surrounding valley

Good to know Staff are on call from 8am to 6pm each day. Next year a “caravan” room sleeping two will be added to the camp.
Child friendly? Teens only
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2
Cost From R4 300 per night (minimum two-night stay)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

The Gaia Sanctuary

Where Buffeljagsrivier, near Swellendam
Distance from CT 2.5 hours
Setting This organic permaculture farm on the Breede River, with pockets of rare renosterveld and milkwood forest, offers something different. Guests can stay in a brilliantly designed A-frame structure that’s the epitome of a “tiny home” – the bed is up a ladder on a mezzanine, and the living area has a side that opens out onto the deck for indoor-outdoor living (and doubles as a shade canopy). There is also a cosy bell tent on a deck, the ideal romantic retreat for couples. Gaia is a place to get back in touch with Mother Nature and a simpler lifestyle, close to nature – it’s offgrid (no plug points so you will literally “unplug”), the water comes from mountain springs, and there’s nothing but greenery, birdsong and river sounds all around. Cue idyllic days of lilo-floating, fishing and exploring, and bonfires by night.

The lodgings

• 1 A-frame glamping cabin with queen bed + 2 single sleeper couches
• 1 River cabin with double bed + bunk bed + private outdoor shower
• 1 boho bell tent with 2 single beds (or 1 double bed)
• compost toilet between the bell tent and river cabin
• communal glampsite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets
• communal glampdeck with dining table + kitchen facilities
• private braai area (A-frame cabin)
• gas heater and paraffin lanterns
• shared Glamp Deck with kitchen (eco cooler box), large dining table and bar area
• 2 communal braai areas, firepit and jungle gym

Things to do

• swimming in the river
• paddling on the river (canoes to rent)
• farm walks and hikes
• picnicking
• fishing
• holistic healing sessions
• farmers’ market, museums and more in Swellendam (20 minutes)
• wine-tasting nearby
• nature reserves nearby

Good to know There is also a timber River Cabin with a double bed and bunk bed, and a private campsite (bring your own tents, gear, everything).
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
Wifi? No
Sleeps 2 – 4
Cost A-frame cabin: from R1 610 per night
Bell tent: from R800 per night
Minimum two-night stay
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Southern Yurts

Where Bot River
Distance from CT 1.5 hours
Setting In Diepklowe Nature Reserve, this unique glamping option is surrounded by nothing but mountains, streams, bountiful flora and birdlife. The yurts, made from wooden beams draped in canvas on raised flooring, are attractively decorated and offer all the comforts of a luxury chalet. Each site features a variety of structures and features for comfortable living, evoking an enchanting nomadic encampment. With hiking trails and walks on your doorstep, and a farm dam to splash in, this getaway will appeal to couples, groups of friends, and families of all ages. There are three private yurt sites, two of which can be combined; Forest View is the most secluded and ideal for couples.

The lodgings

• king or double beds, plus daybeds or sofa beds for kids
• outdoor (yet enclosed) bathroom with a hot shower
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
• indoor fireplace
• outdoor seating and braai area
• private wood-fired hot tub
• pizza oven, hammock and sundowner deck (at Forest View)
• solar power and chargers
• firewood and basic kitchen supplies included

Things to do

• visit the Secret Forest
• walking and hiking trails
• swimming and paddling at the dam (kayak and canoe provided)
• catch-and-release fishing (gear to rent)
• birdwatching (books and binocs supplied)
• Bot River wine route
• horse-riding nearby
• mountain-biking nearby
• Cape Canopy zipline nearby

Good to know Breakfast, sundowner, dinner and pizza baskets can be ordered, as well as readymade meals for heating up.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (R100 per pet)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per yurt
Cost Forest View: From R1 850 per night (sleeps 2)
Malachite or Kestrel: From R1 250 per night (for 2); R1 650 (for 4)
MAKE A RESERVATION

Tented Lodge at Botlierskop

Where Garden Route
Distance from CT 4.5 hours
Setting Halfway between George and Mossel Bay, with views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the Outeniqua Mountains on the other, this 4 500-hectare game reserve immerses visitors in the wild beauty of this magnificent part of our country – with a luxe safari edge. The hilltop Tented Lodge has spacious, romantic safari tents equipped with hotel-level comforts, joined to the main lodge by a raised wooden walkway. There are myriad ways to enjoy the wildlife (including four of the Big Five) – on game drives, on horseback or on foot, and “veterinary safaris” where guests can help with conservation tasks. For younger guests, there is a wonderful Junior Ranger programme and kids activities.

The lodgings

• 30 tented suites (Luxury with Fireplace, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Superior and Executive)
• king-size four-poster bed (can be split into singles) and day bed for children
• ensuite with freestanding bath and shower, plus outdoor shower (except Luxury suites)
• lounge with fireplace
• minibar and tea/coffee station
• smart TV with Netflix (in Superior suites)
• furnished deck with river and mountain views
• private jacuzzi (in Executive suites)
• air-conditioning

Things to do

• guided game drives and bush walks
• horseback safaris and outrides (pony rides for kids)
• catch-and-release fishing
• luxury picnics at the dam
• rimflow swimming pool at the main lodge
• floodlit tennis court (with gear to hire)
• pampering and heated pool at Fijnebos Spa
• The Fireplace restaurant and bar on site

Good to know Rates can be breakfast only, half-board, full-board or all-inclusive. Conservation fees (R530 per tent per stay) are not included.
Child friendly? Yes (from 6 years old)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per tent (plus 1 or 2 kids)
Cost From R12 210 per tent
Children (ages 6 – 11 years) pay half the adult rate
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

AfriCamps at Stanford Hills

Where Stanford
Distance from CT 2 hours
Setting The lush green meadows and rolling hills of Stanford are rural bliss personified, and it’s here that AfriCamps has pitched 10 of its boutique two-bedroom tents in the foothills of the Klein River Mountains. Some tents overlook a beautiful farm dam, while others have views of fynbos-covered slopes (from August to November, the proteas are in bloom). The wine farm on which the camp is situated offers tastings, farm-fresh platters and authentic Portuguese food, giving it the added attraction of being a foodie destination.

The lodgings 

• 2 extra-length queen-size beds, with a kids’ bunk bed above one
• ensuite bathroom with rainshower
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
• indoor seating area with fireplace
• furnished deck with braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• air-conditioning
• cook-your-own breakfast and braai packs delivered (at an extra fee)

Things to do

• swimming and canoeing in the dam
• two hiking and mountain-biking trails
• bass fishing in the top dam
• wine-tasting onsite
• Casa Cello restaurant onsite
• horse-riding on the farm
• river cruises nearby
• restaurants, shopping, markets and more in Stanford (10 minutes) and Hermanus (25 minutes)

Good to know There are single-parent specials (child stays free), 3-night specials, and pensioner specials.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (one dog per tent)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 5 per tent
Cost From R1 740 per night for two adults
R295 per extra adult; R195 per child (up to 16 years old)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

AfriCamps at Doolhof

Where Wellington
Distance from CT 1 hour
Setting Glorious Boland scenery is on show at this beautiful wine estate, nestled between the Groenberg and Limietberg Mountains at the foot of the spectacular Bainskloof Pass. Enjoy the sounds of the trickling Kromme River from the comfort of your outdoor hot tub, explore the farm and surrounding Winelands, breathe in the fresh mountain air… You have a choice of settings here, with six boutique two-bedroom tents pitched on green lawns beside the river, and 10 tents on a hillside amid towering peaks. If you’re keen to combine your twin passions for wine and nature, this is the ideal base.

The lodgings

• two extra-length queen-size beds, one with a kids’ bunk bed above
• ensuite bathroom with rainshower
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
• indoor living room with fireplace
• furnished deck with braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• air-conditioning
• cook-your-own breakfast and braai baskets delivered (additional fee)

Things to do

• vineyard hike and mountain trail
• river walk with picnic spots (baskets to order)
• labyrinth for walking meditation
• mountain-biking (including a kids’ trail)
• wine-tasting (complimentary for AfriCamps guests) and lunch/platters on site
• Mila Restaurant on site
• e-bike rentals on site
• spa treatments in your tent
• horse-riding nearby
• hiking and fly-fishing nearby
• Wellington and Paarl wine farms and distilleries

Good to know Basic necessities, like water, ice and firewood, are available on site. Look out for the single-parent specials (child stays free), 3-night specials, and pensioner specials.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 5 per tent
Cost From R1 740 per night for two adults
R295 per extra adult; R195 per child (up to age 16)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Oakron@Patatsfontein Stay

Where Near Montagu
Distance from CT 2.5 hours
Setting Patatsfontein is a fruit farm in a valley just outside of town, and part of the Pietersfontein Conservancy. Sheltered by ancient oak trees, with magnificent views of the Wabooms Mountains, this glamping tent raised on stilts is a wonderful couples’ bolthole. Inside, the aesthetic is more Karoo cottage than “safari”, furnished with old-style Cape furniture, homely touches (such as snug blankets) and crisp bed linen. The elevated deck is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise with a mug of coffee in hand, while at day’s end a hot tub in the garden awaits…

The lodgings

• queen-size bed
• ensuite with freestanding bath with a view, plus outdoor shower
• fully equipped kitchenette with gas stove
• open-plan living and dining area
• deck with outdoor seating
• firepit
• wood-fired hot tub
• board games
• portable fan

Things to do

• farm walks and activities
• picnicking (baskets available to order)
• fruit picking in season
• 4×4 route on site
• hiking and mountain-biking on site and in the area
• swimming in a nearby dam
• hot springs (16km away)
• restaurants, shops and market in Montagu (22km away)
• wine route

Good to know There are two other similar glamping tents, called Aloeron and Buckron. The gravel road to the farm is not suitable for dropped suspension (sport) vehicles.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? Yes (additional R300 cleaning fee)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2
Cost From R1 750 per night
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

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