Feel like the adventurers of old when you stay in a safari tent. These days they come with comfy beds, stylish decor and even en-suite bathrooms. By Magriet Kruger
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, near Oudtshoorn
A pathway leads between the pool deck and the safari tents at Sweet Thorn Eco Lodge, Gamkaberg Nature Reserve. Picture by Magriet Kruger
Everything at Gamkaberg speaks of the comfort and style you’d associate with a first-class luxury camp, from the earth-toned interiors to the hammocks strung up in the chill zone. But here you can relax on your veranda or take a dip in the plunge pool without paying an arm and a leg. And you can do so in the knowledge that you’re touching the Earth lightly. Each camp’s eco pool is filtered by reeds rather than chemicals. Creature comforts are provided for by solar power, gas appliances and eco toilets. The reserve’s commitment to green technology earned it a place in the top 5o list of Africa’s Finest, a book on the most sustainable tourism lodges on the continent.
Good to know: Gamkaberg also matches luxury lodges when it comes to privacy. The reserve has four eco lodges (tented camps) and each is rented out in its entirety, so you’re guaranteed total seclusion. With its honeymoon suite-style tent and wraparound deck, the new Xami lodge is perfect for couples.
Rates: From R1,130 for the two-sleeper Xami lodge to R2,600 for the eight-sleeper Tierkloof lodge. Contact CapeNature Central Reservations on +27 (0)21 483 0190 or www.capenature.co.za
Camdeboo National Park, near Graaff-Reinet
Camdeboo might be home to the Valley of Desolation, but there’s nothing cheerless about this tented camp. In fact, the communal braai area is ideal for long fireside chats. Choose between four rustic furnished tents, each sleeping two campers and equipped with a braai, fridge and two outdoor chairs, for a night under the Karoo’s bright stars. Known for its sweet solitude and giant dolerite pillars, Camdeboo boasts some 250 bird species. What better way to wake up than to their dawn chorus? Be sure to hike the 1,5km Crag Lizard Trail for the best views of the Valley of Desolation and Karoo landscape.
Rates: R742 for a two-sleeper tent. Contact SANParks Central Reservations on +27 (0)12 428 9111 or www.sanparks.org
Inanda Dam and Resort, near Durban
Raised on stilts, the spacious safari tents at Inanda Dam look out onto the shimmering water. Picture by Tate Drucker
This tented camp offers a bush break within easy reach of the big city and without the need to sacrifice comfort. Each four-bed tent boasts an en-suite bathroom, inviting armchairs and soft white linen. The dining area on the veranda looks out over the dam’s sparkling waters and thanks to your own kitchenette, fridge and braai, there’s no need to budge from the spot. But don’t miss out on what the reserve has to offer. Inanda is a playground for adventurers, with water sports, fishing, picknicking, birding and ravine forest hikes. Read more in the spring 2018 issue of Wild magazine.
Each safari tent sleeps four people in comfort. All the fun of camping without any of the hassle! Picture by Tate Drucker
Good to know: Leave enough time to enjoy Inanda Dam. You can rent a canoe to explore on your own steam or climb aboard the Spirit of uMngeni and enjoy being ferried around. An hour-long dam cruise costs R140 an adult, R75 students and pensioners, R50 schoolchildren. Departures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 in summer.
Rates: R1,200 for a four-sleeper safari tent. Contact Inanda on +27 (0)31 766 9946 or www.msinsi.co.za
Marakele National Park, near Thabazimbi
Take your time drinking in the view from your safari tent in Tlopi Camp, Marakele National Park. Picture by Karin Schermbrucker
These lavish tents on the banks of Tlopi Dam are fully furnished, with a kitchen and private bathroom. The main attraction is the private deck, which looks across the water to the iconic outcrops of the Waterberg. With a built-in braai and a dining area, the deck is where you’ll want to spend most of your time, watching for animals that come to drink at the dam and enjoying the spectacular sunsets. Marakele is home to endangered Cape vultures and a drive to the top of the massif, where you can watch them ride the thermals, comes highly recommended.
Good to know: Marakele National Park has two tented camps. Bontle Rest Camp is situated in the woodlands section of the park and includes four family safari tents sleeping four people each.
Rates: From R1,468 for a two-sleeper tent. Contact SANParks Central Reservations on +27 (0)12 428 9111 or www.sanparks.org
Hi
Having been a keen angler and often visited Inanda dam in the past our last camping stay was all but a natures’ paradise which we normally look forward to. It seems Inanda and other KZN Msinzi resorts such as Hazelmere have become a “party animal haven ” with music concerts blaring loud music for hours into the day and night. What is Msinzi policy with regards to this? Are they so short of funds they need to attract music concerts and loud car clubs which are alcohol and rowdy behavior fests causing untold harm to the natural habitat of birds, animals and other wildlife. The precence of 50-100 m gill nets has also been observed of late in both Inanda and Hazelmere which is a clear indication that the management of these resorts is not being policed properly. No wake zones in fish breeding areas are no longer respected by jet skis and powerboats which will lead to drastic decline in fish populations. Please respond to my concerns failing which I will make a concerted effort to highlight my concerns with Durban tourism, my fellow angling associates publications and fishing clubs which all support your organisation. I am not alone in my concerns and would appreciate feedback to pass on to various fishing tournament organisers.
Yours Sincerly
Adrian Cullingworth
We have forwarded your concerns to Msinsi.
We were a first time visitor to Marakele National Park in August this year ( 2018) – and it certainly will not be the last. The tented camp at the dam offered us all that we needed, except for out first night when gale force winds blew and the rattling and clinking and clanking of the sructure kept us awake most of the night. BUT we did not get wet nor did the wind get in. The thrills of “Rolls Royce” camping. The peace and serenity of the venue and camp site was tranquil and much appreciated. Also the number of vehicles in the park was great. Of course we were there mid week and out of season that did help.
Game observances were generally good, but not having been before we could not compare to a previous visit, but as stated we will be back.
The cleanliness of the park impressed, and roads are in good condition. A BIG plus.