NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS

Love to (gl)amp but can’t pitch a tent to save your life? No worries, the structure is all ready and waiting for you at these luxury tented camps in South Africa and Namibia – and many other mod-cons besides. Choose one to suit your style, budget and favoured location. By Vanessa Rogers.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
Where: Greyton, Western Cape
What: Oewerzicht – the Safari Tent option
How much: R700 per night for 2 guests
The detail: Oewerzicht is a working, family-owned fruit farm, located just nine kilometres outside the ‘metropolis’ of Greyton – oh, yes, it’s no longer a dorpie! A popular wedding and ‘special events’ destination nestled on the banks of the Sonderend River, Oewerzicht offers a range of accommodation types – a popular choice being the six Safari Tents that have been set up around a communal kitchen, wood-fired hot tub and indoor braai facilities. All guests to Oewerzicht are provided with bedding, towels and a braai grid; you’re advised to bring your own food (aside from those joining a wedding or function), swimming towels, fire lighters and matches; and firewood is provided at R20 per bundle, while ice is available at R10 a bag. Settle your belongings beside your queen-sized bed, then pour a glass of wine and join members of your party in the communal wood-fired hot tub. Each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom, bar fridge, heater, and verandah with the type of seating you’ll want to laze about on… For more info, go to www.oewerzicht.co.za or email info@oewerzicht.com.

ROSE AMONG THE ACACIAS

Where: Windhoek, Namibia
What: Arebbusch Travel Lodge – the Luxury Tented Camp option

How much: N$725 per person per night sharing, excluding breakfast [This rate applies to direct bookings only]

The detail: Arebbusch out ranks its competitors in terms of location; you’ll not find a property more abundant with birdlife and indigenous flora. It also offers the convenience factor of being in Windhoek – so if you’ve flown in and rented a car for a longer journey, you can try out one of their six accommodation options before you need to pitch your own tent in the wilds. For those who are serious about their safari break, they’ll want to start off in a tent right away. And why not treat yourself to the joys of an already ‘pitched’ tent with air-con, reading lamp, ample shelf space and en suite bathroom with fluffy white towels.Arebbusch Travel Lodge’s meru-style tents provide privacy, the convenience of a kettle and fridge, a spare plug to charge phones, cameras and other mobile devices, and an ample per-day wi-fi allowance. Importantly, outlets are also provided where you can charge the batteries of your trailer! Park your off-road vehicle in close proximity to your luxury tent, and unwind on your shaded terrace with a beer before you get the braai going. A wash-up basin and outdoor table with benches has been laid on for your convenience and that of the salad-makers. Cheers. For more info, visit http://www.arebbusch.com/luxury-tented-camp-namibia/ or email reservations@arebbusch.com.

INTO THE WILD
Where: Madikwe Game Reserve, on the border between SA and Botswana
What: aha Thakadu River Camp

How much: From R3 500 per person per night, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and two game drives (Ts & Cs apply; subject to availability)

The detail: This luxury four-star game lodge set on the Marico River, in the North West Province, can be reached from Johannesburg or Pretoria in a three-hour car trip. The 750km² Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria-free and aha Thadaku River Camp is family friendly, although children under six are not permitted on game drives; babysitting is offered at an additional cost. You’re sure to see wild dog, cheetah and various members of the big five – perhaps even aardwolf and brown hyena – before retiring to one of 12 tented suites, each with air-con and private deck. The décor is notably Afro-Asian, and buildings have been constructed with natural stone and other materials that blend seamlessly into the landscape. This is one of the more pricey luxury tented options in the region and does not fit every budget – but guests are guaranteed a big spoil if they take the plunge. For more information, go to http://aha.co.za/thadaku/ or email reservations on cro@aha.co.za.

MULTI-COLOURED SANDS
Where: Gateway to Sossusvlei, southern Namibia
What: Desert Quiver Camp – self-catering units

How much: From NS$879.63 per person per night

The detail: Desert Quiver Camp is located just five kilometres from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, within a majestic unspoilt dune landscape that is sure to take your breath away.
From Desert Quiver Camp’s 24 self-catering units, each consisting of a built structure with a tent-like pole canopy covering the roof, you can undertake at least three popular adventures: a flip in a helicopter over the Namib Desert, a guided walk of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, and a leisurely sundowner drive that includes drinks and a snack platter. Each tent-shaped unit features spacious bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, a patio with braai, wash-up area and wooden seating, and private parking. Pillage the fully stocked shop for any provisions you’ve used up, fill up at the fuel station or take a turn at the internet café, if you must; although, in all likelihood, you’ll spend most of your time taking in the surroundings at the swimming pool or one of two bomas, and planning another outing (have you tried the hot-air ballooning?). For more information, visit http://www.desertquivercamp.com/ or email reservations@desertquivercamp.com.

This article was published in RoadTrip magazine, a TCB Media title.