Matt Davison
There is no bigger thrill for many wildlife and nature lovers than the complete immersion in natural surroundings paired with getting up close to their favorite animals. Choosing the best time to go to Cape Town and its surrounding region holds the perfect range of safaris for a large group of tourists every year.
With some of the best game parks and reserves in the country located near Cape Town, guests are offered the ultimate safari adventures. And when it comes to luxury safaris, there are few options that come close to the extraordinary experience of glam camping, or glamping in South Africa.
Glamping Accommodation Near Cape Town
Glamping is the pinnacle of having modern luxury and rustic wildlife adventures all wrapped into one amazing package. It offers guests upscale amenities built into rustic and boutique style tents, cottages, suites, and more.
For our list of the best safari glamping spots in the Western Cape and near Cape Town, we have divided our choices into three categories:
- Luxury Glamping Spots
- Family-orientated Glamping Spots
- Affordable Glamping Spots
Luxury Glamping in the Western Cape
When it comes to glamping, these three sites blend unique luxury with some truly amazing comfort activities and attractions, which make for unforgettable luxury glamping.
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Location: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Getting lost within a dry ravine surrounded by incredible natural rock formations under the crystal clear skies of the Karoo, is a picturesque getaway in itself already. Add to this several luxury tents constructed in a horseshoe shape throughout the ravine, and the end result is Dwyka Tented Lodge.
Dwyka offers guests 9 luxury tents each including an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and a stunningly beautiful private timberwood deck with a jacuzzi.
Kuganha Tented Camp, Western Cape
Location: Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve
For epic views of the South African wilderness and close encounters with the Big 5, all whilst lounging in your own private canvas lodges, then Kuganha is a perfect choice. Located ideally to provide guests with memorable views of the Karoo mountains, this luxurious tented camp is built among beautiful Acacia trees.
Offering guests a wide selection of accommodation options, Kuganha’s luxury 66 square- foot tents include a private patio and dining pergola. They also come with a splash pool, and a private deck with lounge chairs.
Tented Eco Camp
Location: Gondwana Game Reserve
There can be multiple goals for any safari experience, but what makes the Tented Eco Camp so special is its approach to conservation. Built to include a complete 360-degree view of both the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains. Nestled amongst perfectly maintained Cape Fynbos, the solar-powered luxury tented campsite is any wildlife fanatics’ dream.
Beyond the conservancy aspects of the Eco Camp, the campsite includes outdoor covered patios with en-suit bathrooms. Guests of the Eco Camp also have private guides offered by 2 expert field guides and meals prepared by a private chef.
Family Glamping in the Western Cape
Featured next are our three picks for glamping sites near Cape Town that incorporate unique and idyllic wildlife experiences tailormade for you and your family.
Africamps at Pat Busch
Location: Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
Indulging in a true African glamping experience is quite easy with the multiple glamping sites curated by Africamps. Pat Busch features a tranquil wilderness environment entrenched in undisturbed fauna and flora.
With eye-catching views of the mountains and the sweet melodies of over 100 bird species, there are few family getaways quite like this.
Africamps offer visitors a choice of 10 boutique tents, each of which includes en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, an indoor fireplace, and air-conditioning. Also offered to guests are both laundry and babysitting services.
West Coast Luxury Tents
Location: Dwarskersbos (one hour and 50 minutes from Cape Town)
Where the beautiful sandy beaches of the western coast meet the unique and colorful fynbos, lies the perfect glamping getaway. Glamping in West Coast Luxury Tents which are located on the doorstep of a private beach area ensures a truly inspiring and mesmerizing encounter with nature.
The uniquely designed tented camp areas include a private patio and terrace, en-suite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. To top it all off there’s also access to a private beach.
Tented Lodge at Botlierskop
Location: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Nestled right in the middle of the renowned Garden Route, there is an air of serenity and attunement with nature to be found within the Tented Lodge inside Botlierskop. The ultimate family-orientated escape, your family will be treated to open-air tennis courts, horseback guided safaris, canoeing, and guided game drives, to name a few.
Botlierskop offers 21 tented suites, with each suite having a private deck (that has a private outdoor shower), en-suite bathrooms, and access to the Junior Ranger Programme.
Affordable Glamping in the Western Cape
The Western Cape also offers a number of top-notch glamping sites that won’t break your bank. These two sites bring upscale luxury in-line with affordability and entertainment.
Africamps at Stanford Hills
Location: Stanford Valley
What makes Stanford Hills extra special is what it offers to its guests, while treating them to breathtaking views of the Klein River Mountains in the core of an immaculate wine farm. Situated perfectly with views of a beautiful dam and the endless Stanford Valley, the tented luxury offered by Africamps here, just tastes better.
At Stanford Hills, Africamps offers visitors a choice of 10 boutique glamping tents all of which have an outdoor deck and braai area. The tents all have air-conditioning and an indoor wood fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and en-suite bathrooms.
Adventurer’s Escape
Location: Kuthumba Eco Nature Reserve
For pure tranquility amongst the Tsitsikamma forest, the accommodation offered by Adventurer’s Escape is second to none. Taking in the absolutely mesmerizing views of the forest vistas, guests can delve into several activities provided by the reserve.
These include several animal parks (Monkey Land, Birds of Eden, and The Elephant Sanctuary), access to two wildlife rehabilitation centers, and much more.
Accommodation is split between 1 glamping tent and 1 luxurious wooden cabin. Both of these have wood-burning fireplaces, lounge areas, a wood-fired hot tub, and en-suite bathrooms.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cape Town Safari Glamping Spots
It’s easy to see that the best African safari glamping spots can be found close to Cape Town. These sites offer incomparable luxury and epic wildlife and nature escapes, ensuring that guests have trips that will stay with them forever.
Each site has a unique flavor that makes all the sites on our list worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for luxury, a family-focused vacation, or affordable and fun excursions you’ll find it all near Cape Town.
Tip: Find out more about some truly amazing day trips from Johannesburg and all-inclusive African safaris for some more inspiration.
