Eastern Cape Tented Camps Perfect for a Glamping Weekend

April 2, 2024

in Africa

Reading Time: 6 mins read

Eastern Cape tented camps to take you into uncharted territory.

Once there, time stands still… Because these Eastern Cape tented camps are in a part of the country not associated with big game in the way that Limpopo and Mpumalanga are.

But the proximity of Addo Elephant National Park, and the area’s history of wild life, makes it an obvious safari choice.

A short drive in from the Sunshine Coast takes you into former settler country where time slows.

And we think you’ll agree that the heart stopping scenery is ideal territory for tented safari camps.

Eastern Cape tented camps for glamping weekends

AfriCamps Addo

Nestled at the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains on the picturesque Hayterdale Trails property, the camp provides access to 50 km of mountain biking, trail running, and hiking routes. Explore Yellowwood forests and rolling hills of valley bushveld dotted with ancient cycads.

Experience the glamping offered by AfriCamps, boasting free WiFi, hot tubs, indoor fireplaces, and ceiling fans. The tents feature spacious L-shaped decks and expansive canvas panels, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Tented Camp in Eastern Cape for Glamping

This big 5 reserve offers a hilltop en suite safari tent camp set in amongst rock and bush, each tent with its own timber deck. And another luxury, air-conditioned, tented camp in the valley, nestled in amongst indigenous trees.

Highlight: a restaurant and sunset lapa, guided game drives, hikes, and bird watching.

Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp, Amakhala Game Reserve

Only 45 minutes’ from Port Elizabeth is a secluded valley awash with sub-tropical thicket.

The camp is an intimate tented safari camp, with unusual white 1900s military campaign-style tents and en suite bathrooms.

Highlight: big 5 game safaris, the call of jackals, nightjars and screeching barn owls.

Settlers Drift Lodge, Kenton-on-Sea

Don’t let the Kenton-on-Sea address confuse you. This lodge lies in the remote Kariega wilderness with 5-star luxury that gives new meaning to the term ‘tent’.

Each 110 m² suite has its own bedroom living area, bathroom and private viewing deck.

Highlight: safaris, river cruises, full board, complete privacy.

The Bush Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve

Luxury tented camps on this reserve might have canvas walls, but they come with thatched roofs and wooden floors, each with its own private viewing deck, plunge pool and en suite bathroom.

Tented camps don’t come like this terribly often.

Highlight: Big 5 evening game drives, boat cruises and canoe safaris.

Woodbury Tented Camp, Amakhala Game Reserve

This tranquil Eastern Cape tented camp consists of en suite tents each on a raised base with its own patio, and full board.

Highlight: daily Big 5 game drives, incredible bird life, and Bushman’s River cruises.

J-Bay Zebra Lodge, Jeffreys Bay

Perched atop a hill, just 20 minutes outside of Jeffreys Bay, are two luxury safari tents, one described as colonial.

Perfect for honeymooners, the other as country-style with a play on wood and colour with beautiful views over the Indian ocean and the bush.

If you do not have a 4×4 then head for this beautiful camp, shaded by ancient Forest Elder Trees, it is an oasis of cool on a scorching Karroo day.

There is a 5 minute walk from the parking at the mouth of the Kleinrivier gorge but once you are in camp you will forget that the rest of the world exists. The gurgle of the passing stream will lull you to sleep.

Highlight; 8 Guests can be accommodated in four spacious double tents which have comfortable sprung mattresses, electric lights and carpets.