The weather in Cape Town is warming up, much like our desire to shed our winter cocoon and embark on outdoor adventures. Just how far emerged in nature is up to you, I, for one, enjoy indulging in all the luxurious comforts while being surrounded by the great outdoors, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Adrienne Bredeveldt.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the thrill of camping with the comfort of a hotel then you should definitely keep reading. But before we go on, check out things to do in Franschhoek in winter.
Also read: Explore the natural beauty of Western Cape’s mountain passes
Step away from frenzied city life and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature without sacrificing comfort.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a 1-night stay in a tipi chalet for 6 people in the Overberg – R640. Get it here.
The Western Cape has a wide range of glamping options to suit your needs. From luxury treehouses nestled in the treetops to cosy yurts with stunning views of the mountains, you’re sure to find the perfect glamping spot to make unforgettable memories.
Canvas Collective Africa
Canvas Collective Africa offers a unique travel concept that merges exceptional cuisine with ultimate comfort in wild, untouched areas selected for their natural beauty.
Their luxury tents are exclusively crafted with high-quality canvas materials to provide the perfect upmarket retreat for discerning adventurers. Inside the canvas walls, a luxurious sanctuary awaits, complete with top-of-the-line amenities.
Activities at Canvas Collective include fishing at the dam, paddleboarding and a guided walking trail. You can also explore the biking trails, though you will need to take your own bikes.
- Website: canvascollectiveafrica.com
You should also check out the top places to visit along the Garden Route.
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Nestled within a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine, embraced by striking rock formations and a beautifully weathered landscape, lies the opulent Dwyka Tented Lodge.
The accommodation is both luxurious and private, with nine spacious tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private deck featuring a heated plunge pool that epitomises the romance of a pioneering wilderness adventure.
The activities at Dwyka Tented Lodge include a classic safari experience with a 4×4 game drive in search of wildlife as well as exquisite spa treatments.
The lodge also boasts a boma for unforgettable dining experiences under the stars.
- Website: sanbona.com/accommodation/dwyka-tented-lodge
Also read: Camping spots in Cape Town and surrounds to relax and unwind
Gondwana Pioneer Trail
Explore the Big 5 and breathtaking Fynbos on Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail. The ultimate slack-packing adventure where your luggage is moved daily between three luxurious tented camps, allowing you to explore the landscape with just a light day pack.
Each exclusive camp consists of four exquisitely appointed bedroom tents, accommodating a maximum of eight guests with ensuite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the beautifully furnished bar, lounge, and dining tents, as well as the cosy fireside boma areas.
The fully inclusive package includes luxury accommodation, a 2-day guided walking safari, game drives and all meals and beverages, including packed lunches for the trail.
- Website: gondwanagr.co.za/accommodation/pioneer-trail
Make sure you also discover craft beer breweries on your next trip to the Garden Route.
The Dome at Misty Mountain Reserve
The unique luxury dome at Misty Mountain Reserve is nestled in the heart of the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest, perched dramatically 230 metres above sea level on a stunning escarpment surrounded by nature.
This stargazing accommodation takes glamping to the next level with its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Turn off the lights and gaze at the African night sky, you may catch a glimpse of a shooting star.
Whether you choose to lounge on the air bed with a good book or indulge in a relaxing soak in the tub, the dome promises an unparalleled relaxation experience.
- Website: mistymountainreserve.co.za/copy-of-lake-side-tented-lodge
Why not also explore some getaway havens?
Treedom Villas & Vardos
Embark on a journey to a land of enchantment and adventure, leaving reality behind at Treedom Villas and Vardos.
Each vardo is a unique masterpiece of artistry and building craft with its own fascinating story. The self-catering vardos are nestled on the beautiful coastline of the Garden Route, offering more than just a wagon experience.
At Treedom, you’ll find an abundance of activities to indulge in, such as detoxing in the outdoor sauna, unwinding in a heart-shaped pool, or savouring a delicious dinner.
With everything conveniently located at your doorstep, your getaway on the Garden Route is sure to be flawless!
- Website: treedomvillas.co.za/Our-Vardos
Also read: Immerse yourself in the outdoors with these 5 activities
Africamps at Pat Busch
Located just outside Robertson, AfriCamps at Pat Busch is situated in the magnificent Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. The reserve spans over 2 000ha and is teeming with spectacular mountain fynbos, streams, mountain dams, birdlife and a variety of animals.
The glamping tents are nestled in the heart of the Cape fynbos, offering stunning views of the Langeberg mountain range against a backdrop of a lush green valley.
Guests can enjoy delicious breakfast and braai baskets filled with locally sourced ingredients, which can be cooked in the tent’s fully equipped kitchens or on the braai.
The possibilities on the property are endless, including several walking trails, bird watching, bass fishing, swimming and paddling in the farm dam.
- Website: africamps.com/farm/africamps-pat-busch-robertson
You should also check out outdoor activities for the family.
Southern Yurts
SOUTHERN YURTS is located within the stunning Diepklowe Nature Reserve. The Forest View Yurt is situated on a gentle slope that offers a breathtaking view of the nature conservancy and is perfectly placed to take in stunning sunrises and sunsets.
This accommodation is far from ordinary, providing an exceptional and comfortable stay. You can bask in the peaceful and serene environment from your private wood-fired hot tub, located just two steps from your yurt entrance.
Guests staying at the Forest View Yurt have complete access to the Porcupine Hills Guest Farm during their stay. The farm offers a variety of activities, including marked hiking trails, trail running, bird watching with provided bird books and binoculars and a small farm dam featuring a canoe and kayak for guests to enjoy. Fishing (catch and release) is also an option at the farm dam with prior arrangements for renting fishing rods and gear.
- Website: southernyurts.co.za/forest-view-yurt
Leopard’s Kloof Camp at Wolwehoek Private Reserve
Leopard’s Kloof Camp is located deep in the mountains, in a secluded valley, providing guests with an authentic explorer’s experience from a bygone era. The camp offers all the luxuries needed for a comfortable adventure in the mountains.
Follow the walkways around the camp to reach the pool equipped with a wood-burning heater that doubles as a hot tub. The braai area and outdoor lounge offer a large braai and a pizza oven.
Leopard’s Kloof is entirely off-grid and operates on solar energy to power lights inside and outside, as well as a fridge. There are no electrical appliances or plug points in the cabin.
The camp provides guests with plenty of activities to enjoy during their stay. With 520ha to explore, hikers can choose from four mountain peaks and are provided with a map indicating hiking routes. Guests can keep an eye out for ancient aquatic fossils that become exposed due to erosion on the higher slopes of the mountains. The valley is home to various bird species including owls, eagles and falcons, making it perfect for bird watching.
Mountain bikers can explore the reserve using the main road and are provided with a map indicating possible routes.
- Website: wolwehoek.co.za
Platbos Forest
Experience the best of glamping amidst the lush Platbos Forest at the eco-friendly and off-the-grid forest camp. There are five private accommodation options to choose from, all providing guests with a rustic and comfortable experience that immerses them in the forest environment.
For those interested in trees and birds, there is an indigenous forest trail waiting to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding pathways and experience the wonder of this ancient Lowland Afromontane Forest, featuring trees that are estimated to be over 1000 years old.
The forest is situated on a gentle slope, making it suitable for moderately fit individuals. Depending on your speed, you can finish the entire trail in one to two and a half hours. The trail is divided into loops, giving you the option to walk all or just part of it.
- Website: platbos.co.za
Teniqua Treetops
Teniqua Treetops provides a unique and adventurous experience for nature lovers. The Treetop suites are crafted from a blend of tent canvas, wood and glass, and are built on stilts nestled in the magnificent Knysna Forest, offering breathtaking views of the Karatara Gorge and the Knysna Forest.
Every treetop suite is discreetly positioned on the forest’s edge, ensuring absolute privacy.
Guests can take a leisurely stroll down to De’ Adder Padda, the on-site bush pub, to enjoy a drink while children play on the jungle gym or chase the ducks, chickens, peacocks and peahen. There are also horses at the resort.
For those seeking a bit of friendly competition, challenge your partner or friends to a game of pool, darts, or foosball. You can also explore the forest on foot or take a refreshing dip in the cola-coloured rock pools down in the gorge.
- Website: teniquatreetops.co.za
Cape {town} Etc discount: A camping experience for 2-nights with 4 people in Bergriver – R525 (Valued at R700). Get the deal here.
Also read:
Picture: Platbos Forest Reserve / Facebook
Instagram Picture: Anastasia Shuraeva / Pexels
