My Kind of Camping...

I get teased a lot because I don't like camping.

I really don't understand it... when you go on holiday isn't it supposed to be relaxing, rejuvenating and calming? What is relaxing about not having electricity (didn't we enjoy enough electricity free days with the Eskom power cuts)? What is relaxing about having to walk anything from 100m to 500m to a toilet (sometimes at night, sometimes in the freezing cold/rain)? What is relaxing about having to prepare your food on a chopping board that might or might-not be covered in sand or bark, whilst sitting on a plastic chair? What is relaxing about sharing a bathroom space with people you don't know? What is relaxing about sleeping on the ground?

I think you get the picture- I don't like the idea of camping. 

Glamping on the other hand... (yes, I know- the word glamping is lame) is something I can do.Give me supersized luxury tents/trailers with queen-size beds, feather down duvets, gas heaters in the winter, lanterns in trees and fairylights, en suite bathrooms with 2-ply toilet paper and electricity so I can read at night/ charge my cell phone/ watch a movie on my laptop/ dry my hair. And then throw in the perfect amount of nature, maybe a lake, some beautiful views, lots of trees... and then... then I will go camping.

Glamping is huge in the U.S, but until now I haven't seen many places in South Africa that do it (properly). Then this morning I get an e-mail- my lovely friend V, in an attempt to get me to enjoy 'the great outdoors', sent me some links to South Africa's version of luxury camping... (well done on finding these V, but don't think I don't see what you're trying to do here... there better be a buffet breakfast involved)!

The first 'camp-site' (and my favourite) is the Old Mac Daddy (part of the Daddy Group that gave birth to Daddy Long Legs and the Grand Daddy). Situated on the slopes of the Elgin Valley, Old Mac Daddy adds a contemporary touch to traditional camping- Airstream Trailer Suites (with themed rooms).

"Part wholesome caravan park, part designer farm lodge, Old Mac Daddy Trailer Hotel is a new chapter in adventure, escapism and pure relaxation."

You can choose one of their themed trailer suites, lakeside suites, the honeymoon trailer or the Daddy's Villa for larger groups. Additional features/facilities include a deck pool, the barn (communal area with fireplace, library, restaurant and bar - Grolsch on tap!), dam and mountain bike trails. Prices range from R475 to R1,750 (per trailer sleeping two- until January 2011) and include a continental breakfast for two.

Trailer suites nestled on the slopes of the Elgin Valley

Stylish and cute... I like it!

If Old Mac Daddy isn't quite your style, and you are looking for something a bit more traditional then you will love the Elgin Hills Luxury Tented Camp. The tents have double/queen sized beds, crisp white linen, gas heaters for chilly nights and an en suite bathroom. There is a lapa on site, with  communal lounge (and DStv) and kitchen (with gas stove). During the day you can hike through the eco-trails that ramble through the stunning estate and for those who prefer to have a drink and soak up their surrounds- you can wander down to the river and enjoy a sundowner cruise on their barge. Prices range from R470 (per person) upwards and are valid until April 2011.

Luxury tent complete with double bed and en suite bathroom

Not everyone is a fan of glamping. What do you think? Old school camping, in sleeping bags with communal bathrooms or luxury tents with all the creature comforts and a bit of nature on the side?