Glamping in the Southern Hemisphere

Summer is in full swing on the south side of the globe. Now is the time to kick those conventional confines to the curb and get back to the basics of bunking up. Not to worry, no-one is suggesting you compromise your creature comforts or experiment too carelessly with roughing it. We've found extraordinary glamping opportunities below the equator that we feel you need to check out.
By Suzette Leal




Hamilton's Tented Camp, South Africa

Canvas luxury within the vast spans of the Kruger National Park. This discreet, six tents only camp, perched on the banks of the Nwaswitsontso River is a classic colonial dream. Victorian bathtubs, brass fittings, leather kists and paraffin lanterns pin a romantic picture of elegance against the backdrop of a rugged, wild and untouched landscape. The gift of being able to hear lions roar in the distance while you're sinking into a plush white couch with a glass of South African African sherry and only boisterous baboons as entertainment should be a chapter in any great traveller's memoir. And having only a slight sheet of fabric separating you from this mysterious world filled with life and secrets, gives you a sense of access originally destined for only the bravest explorers.

Kruger National Park, South Africa+27 11 516 4367




Amanwana, Bali, Indonesia

East of Bali on the private Moyo Island, the impressive Amanwana resort can indulge you in both jungle and ocean glamping. Their lavish, secluded, air-conditioned tents are spacious, sleek and impeccably furnished with net-covered white beds, solid wooden floors, irresistible corner couches and extravagant amenities. You can choose to nestle in between the lush vegetation of the forest or to spread out a few steps away from your own shimmering strip of beach. You're essentially guaranteed to find yourself so immersed in the absolute serene perfection around you that living in anything other than a tent ever again would seem a preposterous notion.

Moyo Island, West Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia+ 62 371 22233




Longitude 131°, Australia

Designed to resemble original explorers' tents (and named after some famous ones), these glass and white fabric structures open up to give you unprecedented access to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Each one of the fifteen tents are elevated and positioned to give guests a direct view of the enormous sandstone monolith that's become one of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park's most captivating attractions. The fascinating Aboriginal culture, distinctive red sand dunes and powerful sunsets, synonymous with this part of the Australian outback, make for an unforgettable experience further amplified by a tented stay. Make sure your camera battery is charged.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872, Australia+61 2 9918 4355




WagonStays Luxury Escape, New Zealand

What happens when you combine caravanning with glamping? You probably won't believe this but we've found you accommodation in an old western wagon. Thirty minutes away from Christchurch on a gorgeous piece of farmland, you can stay in an authentic timber and canvas wagon. This clever construction sports an outdoor, vintage bathtub, rich wooden furniture, faux fur throws and pillows and a cosy, burning wood stove. Guests can enjoy hearty, home-cooked cuisine or use the barbeque facilities to try their own hand at outdoor cooking. This is your chance to star in your very own Western weekend film. That is, if you don't decide to stay longer.

2115 Old West Coast Rd, Kirwee 7671, Christchurch+64 22 460 4526




Mawidako, Argentina

The exact location of this eco-lodge remains a mystery until your booking is complete and a driver organized for your arrival. The secrecy surrounding this place is to keep the preservation and conservation of the area intact. What we can tell you is that you'll be surrounded by the snow-capped Andes mountains in the Mendoza province of Argentina, 2,000 metres above sea level. Your glamping will be done in a Mongolian yurt, a round, wooden dwelling draped with felt or hide. And your daily activities will entail fly-fishing, nature walking, horse riding, bird watching and hot spring chilling. This is a raw, inspiring and soul refreshing experience very few people will be able to tick off their brave list.

+54 261 699-1119




Villa Kabru, Brazil

We consider a tree house part of the glamping category. In the middle of the dense Bahian jungle, you can rent yourself (and love interest) a roomy, lofty, treehouse villa. Seven minutes away from the beach village, Itacaré, this serviced, tree canopy, rental unit is nothing short of paradise. We're talking hammocks, colorful birds, banana trees, a triangular pool, fresh fruit and breakfast in bed every morning. Your privacy in this secretive, suspended heaven is a certainty and pure relaxation, par for the course. Book your week's stay now. You deserve it.

Hotel-Villa Rental, Itacaré, Bahia, Brazil+55 73 9926 4424




White Desert, Antartica

In order to visit each of the seven continents, you have to set foot in Antarctica. Yes, you can go the traditional cruise route or you can kick it back in an igloo-style sleeping pod for a couple of nights. Penguins, ice caves, ice tunnels and ice waves are the sights and adventures you'll encounter on this once in a lifetime excursion. Flights leave from Cape Town and the camp is only open in November and December. So if you can't make it this year, you've got plenty of time to save up for 2016, as your eight-night escapade will set you back €62,000 per person. But can you ever really put a price on something this special?