Back in June, I had the pleasure of being part of the furriest glamping expo Gauteng has ever seen, hosted by Glamping Adventures South Africa (@glampingadventuresza) on instagram the brainchild of Gugu Sithole (@gugubsithole), a passionate South African tourism entrepreneur.
Glamping Adventures offers curated group retreats as well as FITs, Flexible Independent Travel, where you can choose your own dates and travel solo, with family, or as a couple.
Gugu’s mission goes beyond leisure; she’s on a quest to make travel accessible to everyone, including rural communities often excluded from traditional tourism. Her vision also extends into film, using storytelling to showcase South Africa’s beauty and boost economic revival through tourism.
At the expo, I joined fellow creatives on an influencer panel, and a few weeks later, Gugu extended a generous invitation for us to experience glamping firsthand. Alongside our panel group, there were other travellers who had booked a curated package for the weekend, each detail carefully planned for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
From the moment we set off, the journey felt seamless. Glamping Adventures had arranged a cosy shuttle for the trip, making the long drive feel more like part of the adventure than just a means to an end. Our destination: Kosi Mouth, near the Mozambique border and just minutes away from the idyllic Ponta do Ouro.
The road to Kosi Mouth took us through Pongola, also known as Jozini, home to the breathtaking Jozini Dam. Built in 1973 at the eastern end of a narrow gorge between the Lebombo and Ubombo ranges, the dam’s main role is irrigation, but its beauty is undeniable. Fed by the Phongolo River, it’s a place where engineering meets nature in the most picturesque way.
Upon arrival at Utshwayelo Lodge, we were greeted by an atmosphere that instantly whispered relaxation. The air was warm with the scent of a nearby fire, and a hearty welcome meal was waiting for us.
Our home for the weekend: luxury glamping tents tucked into the bush, each with cosy beds, self-catering utensils, and an en-suite shower and toilet.
After settling in, we gathered in the dining area for dinner: a smooth butternut soup to start, followed by creamy mashed potatoes, tender lamb, and cinnamon-dusted pineapples for dessert. The night wrapped up around the fire, sharing stories and laughter under a sky glittering with stars, perfectly setting the tone for the adventures to come.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing Part 2, where I take you through the unforgettable activities that made this glamping weekend one for the books.