Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The New Holiday Buzz word : GLAMPING

The idea of roughing it during a camping trip might have some sort of romatic appeal or even some sense of escaping it all but city slickers don't fool yourself .Don't pretend that the bugs, wild animals, sudden storms, leaking tents, smelly sleeping bags and questionable food. For many  people, their first camping experience often becomes their last - think back to some of those school camping experiences. Welcome to the world of glamorous camping, otherwise known as glamping. Organized glamping trips feature all of the exposure to the great outdoors as traditional camping trips, but the amenities found at the campsite far exceed anything most campers have ever experienced. Five star service, crisp white linen,climate control, gourmet food and even a butler!

 Apparently Glamping originated in Africa (yey for us), decades ago, in upscale safari camps where guests lounged inside large canvas tents adorned with king size beds, elegant beddings, Persian carpets, antique furniture, fluffy towels, and pillow misters. They experienced stunning views in all directions and spent their afternoons at high tea, while on site chefs prepared decadent meals. Guests enjoyed every imaginable luxury, in a very wild setting. Lucky for us, many such establishments still exists in Africa today.

Within the last few years, a scaled down version has been gaining popularity in the United Kingdom following glimpses of super models, Kate Moss, and Sienna Miller, wearing wellies (farm boots) and mucking through the mud so now it's the "in" thing

Many glamping trips do involve the same types of excursions provided by traditional adventure groups, such as safaris, hiking, and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Comfortable transportation is usually provided from the campsite to the excursion and back, and guides are responsible for providing such amenities as full-course meals and laundered clothing upon a guest's return to camp.





Rocktail Beach Camp, Kosi Bay, Kwazulu Natal

This gem of a place is 6 hours drive from the Durban Airport - 40 km of unspoilt coastline - a camp in a marine reserve where activities include scuba diving, walks , birdwatching and snorkelling and quad biking. you can spot hump back whales , manta rays , turtles , whale sharks, dolphins. Breakfast , Dinner and Afternoon tea.
 Rocktail

Dwyka Tented Camp, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Western Cape (Tents face a dry river bed)

Luxe accommadation with a private plunge pool for two. Great place for couples.


Dwyka

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