Are you looking for a getaway to get a little closer to Mother Nature? Consider heading to a tented camp for some peace and quiet. Tented Camps (also known as glamping) have become a significantly popular accommodation choice for a nature getaway, without sacrificing luxury. We’ve combed the country for 10 tranquil tented camps with all the modern-day trimmings you need for the ultimate comfortable camping experience, but with all the peace and quiet an off-the-grid getaway has to offer:

Agama Tented Camp, Namaqualand

Namaqualand is greatly known for its colourful wildflower palette and Agama Tented Camp is situated in the heart of this floral kingdom, only 20 kilometres from Garies. These tented camps offer an unexplored part of the Namaqua beauty where small game and oryx roam free and the sunsets and stars feel just a touch away. Guests can gather around the fire in a traditional boma to socialise or cool off in the swimming pool. 

Tent types: freestanding tented units each suited to accommodate 2 people

Facilities: Each tented camp has its own private bathroom, spacious deck and gas heater. A home-cooked, farm-style dinner and full English breakfast are included, and free Wi-Fi is available in the dining area.

Activities: hiking, swimming, birdwatching and mountain biking

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, North West

Hidden along a tranquil stream in the Magalies bushveld, are B’sorah’s eco-friendly luxury tents. The 1600-hectare farm consists of dense bush, open grassland and riverine vegetation and offers guests an eco-friendly retreat of complete privacy with only the sounds of nature during your tranquil escape. Please note that only children 6 years and older are welcome.

Tent types: luxury tents each suited to accommodate 2 people

Facilities: Each solar and gas-powered tent is equipped with a queen-size bed, linen, towels, a gas heater, soap, shampoo, a kitchenette on the deck and a private braai area. Parking is available on the premises.

Activities: Visit the historical and natural landmarks of Hartbeespoort and Magaliesberg, or go hiking and cycling.

West Coast Luxury Tents, Western Cape

Within the popular West Coast, between Elands Bay and Dwarskersbos, lie these luxury tents on a private beachfront farm with no access to the public. Guests can stroll along 40 kilometres of unspoilt sandy beaches, which are also accessible with a 4×4 vehicle, and admire the African black oystercatchers and their nests.

Tent types: tented units on wooden stilts, each suited to accommodate 2 to 4 people

Facilities: Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet, a kitchenette, and a braai area. Pets are welcome if arranged in advance.

Activities: fishing, cycling, swimming, birdwatching, mountain biking and horse riding.

Nkambeni Safari Camp, Mpumalanga

Nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, close to the Numbi Gate, Nkambeni Safari Camp provides guests with an up-close-and-personal wildlife experience on an exclusive 11500-hectare private concession. The tents are designed to leave a small footprint and prioritise comfort for an all-around unforgettable African Bushveld ambience. 

Tent types: safari-style tents accommodating 2 people each, with fold-out beds available for children

Facilities: Each tent has air-conditioning, an indoor and outdoor shower, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.  Guests can also make use of the main lodge’s lounge, swimming pool and well-known restaurant on the premises.

Activities: morning and afternoon open-vehicle safaris, self-drive game viewing, guided bush walks and night drives, and golfing at local courses

Hamiltons Tented Safari Camp, Mpumalanga

Hamiltons Tented Camp offers a luxury safari stay without the crowds and boasts a true ‘out of Africa’ experience amongst ancient Jackalberry trees in the Kruger National Park. The elegance is a fitting counterpoint to the breath-taking beauty of the wilderness and the camp is designed in such a way that it invites nature indoors.

Tent styles: luxury safari tents with raised timber walkways that are linked to the main lodge 

Facilities: Each tent features mosquito nets, a slipper bath and secluded outdoor shower, private deck, air-conditioning and a linked intercom service.

Activities: open-vehicle safaris, self-drive game viewing, guided walks, spa treatments, swimming, birdwatching, and picnics

Bundox Explorer Camp, Limpopo

Bundox Explorer Camp is an eco-luxury tented camp in the Balule Private Nature Reserve, located within the Big 5 territory of the Greater Kruger Park. The tents offer full-board accommodation ideal for couples or small groups and are simplistic, yet equipped with all the modern amenities required to ensure a comfortable stay. Here guests can listen to the laugh of hyena and the roar of the lion while watching the sunset on the Bushveld horizon. 

Tent types: cottage-style, free-standing canvas tents accommodating 2 people each

Facilities: Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with a hot-water bucket shower, and the main lodge boasts an open-air boma, plunge pool, social lounge and a stocked bar.

Activities: morning and sunset game drives, guided walks along the Olifants River, birdwatching, mobile spa treatments, and stargazing

Letsatsi Game Lodge, Free State

Letsatsi Game Lodge is magnificently nestled between the hills and valleys of the Southern Free State. This game lodge has been designed, constructed and furnished to fit in with its natural surroundings and offers various observation decks to take in the spectacular views. It’s the perfect getaway destination for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and stunning scenery.

Tent types: canvas tents with thatched coverings sleeping 2 people each

Facilities: Each tent is equipped with twin single beds, a wardrobe, electricity, tea- and coffee-making facilities and electric blankets. Guests have access to communal ablution facilities.

Activities: horse riding, fishing, cycling, game drives, guided walks, mountain biking, and swimming

Simbavati River Lodge, Mpumalanga

Simbavati River Lodge is a tented camp built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the heart of the world-famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The tents offer generous bush or river views from private viewing decks, and they are spaced far apart to ensure privacy.

Tent types: luxury safari tents sleeping 2 people each

Facilities: Each safari tent features air-conditioning, an inside and outside shower, and a deck that overlooks the bush. Guests have access to a communal lounge, bar and boma at the main lodge.

Activities: swimming, game viewing, game drives, and bird watching

Frontier River Resort, Northern Cape

Situated on the banks of the Orange River, Frontier River Resort offers luxury tented accommodation in the tranquillity of the Northern Cape. This tented camp is situated only six kilometres from the Vioolsdrift border post, making it a perfect stopover en route to Namibia.  

Tent types: self-catering tented chalets suited to accommodate 2 or 4 people

Facilities: Each tent features air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom and tea- and coffee-making facilities, and all guests have access to a communal boma kitchen with a built-in braai.

Activities: hiking and swimming

Ndzhaka Tented Camp, Mpumalanga

Ndzhaka Tented Camp is a rustic tented retreat in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. This camp is unfenced and electricity-free to ensure back-to-basics bushveld living. Ndzhaka is located near a dam with an abundance of wildlife activity around the camp — never a dull moment! The dining area under the age-old Jackalberry tree is the perfect place for sociable nights around the open fire.

Tent types: safari tents set on raised wooden decks

Facilities: Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a gas geyser, a private patio, and solar or paraffin lanterns.

Activities: game viewing, birdwatching, guided walks and swimming

There you have it! Ten tranquil tented camps under South Africa’s starlit skies for a relaxing, luxurious and comfortable camping getaway! 

Main image: Bundox Explorer Camp