Ever spent a freezing cold night tangled up in a paper-thin sleeping bag, your inflatable mattress deflating faster than the sun can rise? If that sounds familiar, then you’re probably not itching to get back into the great outdoors. But hey, times have changed and Africamps have brought the world of “glamping” to our shores.
Now, luxury tents aren’t exactly a new thing to us down here at the bottom of the African continent. In fact we’ve seen them in the glossy brochures of private game reserves for decades. What Africamps have very cleverly done, is removed the butler, silver service, mountains of cushions and decedent decanters of single malt, and instead focussed on making their tents affordable and fun for families and couples looking for a night or two away with a difference.
Location, location
Africamps have always been big on location and setting, in fact they’re got a total of 12 camps dotted around SA…all embracing an extraordinary location. From Winelands to Karoo, from The Garden Route to Kruger, you can glamp with Africamps.
Oakhurst created the perfect glamping setting. Farm activities already set up for our Farm Cottages, The Schoolyard and The Forge created the perfect playground for guests, while the space and general scenery associated with Oakhurst paved the way for a great glamping location. The Africamps construction team moved quickly to create wooden decks, braai areas and erect their hallmark canvas structures, the scene was soon set for an Africamps success story.
So, why the tent?
It’s all about feeling close to nature, but without the hassle of camping. The canvas tent is spacious and comfortable, but it’s still a tent. Just canvas between you and your surroundings and what’s more, it’s exciting. Without doubt it’s quite easy to forget you’re in a tent, but as evening sets in you’re surrounded by the night sounds, skies laden with stars and a crackling fire to keep things cozy, it’s an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
What’s it like inside?
No matter which Africamps you’re staying at, the tents all follow a similar style and standard. Totalling 75 square meters in size, each tent is divided into two bedrooms. Bedroom one is equipped with a queen bed, while bedroom two is equipped with another queen bed and a set of bunk beds. All beds are decked out with quality linen and winter blankets. The kitchen is open plan to the living area and is simply and stylishly laid out with a wash basin, stove, fridge and microwave. You even get a coffee-press, toaster and all your cutlery and crockery. There’s a sofa, a dining table and a wood burning stove / fireplace. Now how’s that for comfort?
What about the loo?
Don’t fret, there’s not a long-drop or ablution block in sight at Africamps. The tents have ensuite bathrooms, with hot shower, basin and flush loo. The bathrooms are kitted out with towels (two sets per person), soaps and shampoo. All you’d need to bring is your toothbrush! The bathrooms also have a separate entrance from the second bedroom.
Step outside
The Africamps tents each have a unique view and setting, gazing out over pastures and the farm dam with the Outeniqua Mountains cutting the horizon in the distance. Each tent is fronted by a large wooden deck. Nothing beats lighting that braai in the evening and settling down to some good family time. Outdoor furniture and a wooden picnic table set the scene for a memorable evening around the fire as the night comes to life. The front wall of the tents roll up to create a great sense of open space from the living room and kitchen.
A soak in the tub
Now here’s a treat. Each tent comes with your own private outdoor, wood-fired hot tub. Yip, that’s right, you can kick back in a naturally heated hot tub, out in the open and enjoy a good soak. The hot tubs are a real hit and a great way to end a long day out on the farm trails, after a horse ride or a mountain bike trail.
Those Oakhurst extras
Now that you’re settled into your glamping abode, feet up and the happiest glamper alive, the thought of feeding the family may be a daunting one. Good news is that the same delicious Oakhurst breakfast and braai baskets that you’ve come to know at the other Oakhurst accommodation, can be ordered from the farm shop and delivered to your Africamps tent. There’s also extra firewood on hand if you need, as well as a camping cot or high chair if you’ve got a baby or toddler coming along.
Let’s go!
With all this in mind, there’s no reason not to get out there and wallow in the pleasures of a glamping weekend, and what better place to do it than Oakhurst? So pack your toothbrush and hit the road, the hot tub’s steaming, the good life awaits, once a glamper, always a glamper!
