Glamping: enjoy life under canvas
One of our previous guests, who spend three weeks on safari in Tanzania, told us more more about her experience on safari in a tented safari camp - otherwise known as, life under canvas!
‘Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African wilderness? My family and I went on the safari of a lifetime across the incredible country of Tanzania, staying in both lodges, hotels and tented camps. By far my favourite was the tented camp and I hope every trip I do in Africa again includes a tented camp in it.
As a non-camper, I was excited with the decision to stay in a tented safari camp; from the thrill of hearing lions roaring in the distance to falling asleep as you little to the birds and insects outside, there’s nothing quite like the luxurious charm and authenticity of these exquisite tented retreats in the heart of the wild. It felt like the perfect way to experience the wilds of Africa.’
You can hardly call it camping - there is something inexplicably magical about staying in a tent while on safari. Instead of being confined inside a lodge bedroom, you can bask in the warm glow of lantern light on canvas walls and drift off to sleep to the sounds of untouched nature all around you. If your idea of tent camping involves roughing it in a brightly colored, polyester 'dome,' you're in for a delightful surprise. Africa's premier tented camps offer a gentler kind of adventure, complete with all the luxuries and amenities you'd expect from a high-end safari lodge.
From Hemingway-style mobile safari camps set up in exclusive sites to expansive tented suites featuring private pools and polished wooden floors, bathtubs and chandeliers, Africa has it all. We have rounded up the best and most beautiful lodges:
Mahali Mzuri, Maasai Mara in Kenya - Richard Branson’s first foray into the world of safaris, build this tented palace with one of the best views in Kenya - overlooking some of the best of the Maasai Mara there is to offer.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania - A destination perfect for travellers yearning for an African safari infused with the continent’s contemporary energy and enveloped in unrivalled levels of comfort. It features mindfully created interiors with a rich combination of textures, forward-thinking and functional aesthetics, and a modern interpretation of the quintessential elements of a romantic luxury tented safari.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya - The award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp is situated in the 7608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’.
Little Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park in Tanzania - Set amidst a canopy of ancient baobabs, this quintessential safari camp weaves understated luxury into every experience. Dine in the wilderness, and marvel at the abundance of wildlife surrounding you. From dawn to dusk, relish in the tranquillity and rhythmic pace of a slower Africa.
Somalisa Acacia, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Somalisa Acacia is the perfect Hwange safari lodge experience for families with younger children or, for smaller private groups of safari-goers. This family safari camp, located slightly to the west of sister camp Somalisa sits on the edge of a seasonal floodplain in Hwange National Park.
