Take the tour
Glamp Safari Style
A walk through the elevated deck, the outdoor bath under the stars, and the 360° views that make this our most-loved stay.
Safari Glamp Tour 2 min · sound onA safari tent on an elevated deck, alone on fifty acres above the Matakana valley. Canvas, candlelight, and 360 degrees of native bush with nobody else in it.
The bath sits out on the deck under the open sky, which is the part everyone talks about afterwards. Run it at dusk, get in, and wait for the stars. Down the hill, Matakana village is seven minutes away.
The tent
Inside is one long, light room: a Californian king bed, a day bed by the window, a painted mural that catches the afternoon sun. It sleeps two, and it is built for two.
Outside, on the deck, there is a kitchenette and a barbecue to cook on, a private shower, and the bath. The tent runs on solar, which means no power lines, no generator hum, and no wifi. That last one is on purpose.
Privacy here is not a figure of speech. The site is its own clearing, out of sight of everything, and the only company is the birds.
When to come
Canvas is canvas, so the tent keeps you warm its own way: electric blankets and hot water bottles for the bed, and a fire pit outside for the evening. A storm rolling up the valley is its own kind of night to be under canvas.
Weekends and holidays go well in advance.
Nearby
Almost everything worth the drive is fifteen to thirty minutes away. Omaha and Pakiri for long open beaches. The Leigh Sawmill for a beer and live local music. Goat Island Marine Reserve, New Zealand’s first, where you can snorkel straight off the beach.
Tāwharanui Regional Park is the one people come back talking about: golden beaches through the day, and a real chance of spotting a kiwi after dark.
“We loved using the fire pit, grilling sausages on the BBQ and having a bath under the stars.” (Trisna)
“The outdoor bath and shower were so fun in the sun and under the stars. We felt so relaxed here!” (Clara)
“Beautiful spot, we absolutely loved our stay. Even beautiful in a storm” (Michaela)
Highlights
- Safari tent on an elevated deck with 360° views
- Outdoor bath under the stars
- Outdoor cooking with kitchenette and BBQ
- Complete privacy – only native birds for company
- Off-grid and solar powered
- Romantic off-grid refuge for two
Take a look around
Gallery
Plan your stay
African Safari Glamping availability
Live availability from our booking system – weekends and holidays book out well in advance.
Available Booked Check-out only
What our guests say
Reviews
★★★★★5.0 · reviews across Airbnb, Google & Riparide
★★★★★
via AirbnbCharming & Unique
What a charming place! The tent is definitely on the nice end of glamping - charmingly appointed with a big wraparound deck, outdoor tub and kitchen. And though the property isn't far from downtown Matakana, the views and privacy make you feel like you're somewhere much more remote. One of the most unique Airbnbs we've booked.
★★★★★
via AirbnbAmazing
Amazing little glamping site. Exactly what my partner needed after a hectic period of work! We loved using the fire pit, grilling sausages on the BBQ and having a bath under the stars.
★★★★★
via AirbnbHighly recommend
Amazing place, great location and a perfect getaway from a busy life! Highly recommend !!!
★★★★★
via AirbnbAbsolutely gorgeous
My husband and I had an absolutely beautiful stay. The tent and location is absolutely gorgeous and I would 100% go back again but for much longer. We had slight troubles finding the place as I had misread the instructions and google maps took me to the location listen on the link rather than the address they had given me, but the hosts were quick to problem solve and compensate for our troubles. The hosts are absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend staying here. The bedding is absolutely to die for, we had the best sleep and loved the cozy setting. It does get cold as you’re in a tent but the bedding makes you forget how cold it really is. My husband and I will definitely be returning when he comes back from his overseas work trip. Thank you guys so much for having us
★★★★★
via GoogleIncredibly comfy & absolutely gorgeous
We stayed in the glamping tent for two nights. It was absolutely gorgeous. We heard kiwi at night, watched birds, read books, cooked in the outdoor kitchen, slept in the incredibly comfy California king bed and truly relaxed. The setting is gorgeous. Loved the outdoor bath. Want to go back!!!
★★★★★
via AirbnbAbsolutely stunning
The place was absolutely stunning, amazing views and inside the tent looked incredible, will definitely be coming back !!!
★★★★★
via AirbnbSuch a beautiful place, definitely recommend!
★★★★★
via AirbnbAmazing place!
Amazing place! Beautiful location with beautiful views! Lots of great nearby places in Matakana, less than 10 minutes away. Had all the amenities we needed and more! The property was pristine!
★★★★★
via RiparideBeautiful spot, we absolutely loved our stay. Even beautiful in a storm
★★★★★
via AirbnbWas a really beautiful and relaxing solo getaway. Couldn't recommend this spot more for a nice retreat, will definitely consider returning with my partner in the future.
★★★★★
via AirbnbMy partner and I enjoyed our stay, great location, well kept and great hosts.
★★★★★
via AirbnbThis place was an amazing unforgettable experience in nature. The outdoor bath and shower were so fun in the sun and under the stars. We felt so relaxed here!
★★★★★
via AirbnbBeautiful property, loved how private it was and how we could really unwind . Will definitely be back
★★★★★
via AirbnbMe and my girlfriend stayed at Damon’s Glamping Experience. We had an amazing time it was, very private, peaceful and an awesome getaway. Will definitely be recommending it to others. Cheers
★★★★★
via AirbnbThe retreat blew us away! Big thank you to the hosts! Luxurious glamping located within picturesque scenery, it was beautiful. From the furniture to the decor, the record player was a bonus! Mood lighting and incorporation of nature was an amazing mix. Definitely exceeded our expectations and cannot wait to share this gem around. Will definitely be back!
Good to know
About the African Safari Glamping
How many people does the African Safari Glamping sleep?
The African Safari Glamping sleeps up to 2 guests, across 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom, in 35 square metres.
Is there wifi at the African Safari Glamping?
No, and deliberately so. The African Safari Glamping is off-grid and solar powered, with no wifi – it is built for a digital detox. There is cell coverage, so you are not unreachable, and if someone in your party needs to be properly online the Scandinavian Eco-Lodge has Starlink.
Is the driveway difficult to drive up?
It is steep, and its steepness makes some guests nervous the first time. It is sealed concrete the whole way to the top, though, and taking it slowly is genuinely all there is to it. There is plenty of parking at the top and room to turn around, so you will not be reversing back down it.
How do we stay warm in the tent?
There is no heating inside the tent – the solar array will not carry it – so the tent does it a different way. There is an outdoor fire pit, a woollen electric blanket on the super king bed, and the outdoor bath. The cold-weather routine is a hot bath, the fire lit and the blanket on before you turn in.
Is firewood provided?
Yes. A complimentary basket of wood, kindling and firestarters, enough for the nights you have booked. If you want the fire going during the day as well, bring extra or pick up a bag on your way through: both the Four Square and the Gull station in Matakana village sell firewood. Please put the fire out before bed; there is a tap and hose at the front of the tent.
Is there any phone signal at the tent?
There is some coverage at the tent itself, and a stronger connection if you walk up to the top of the hill above the site. There is no wifi, which is rather the point – but you are not out of reach if you need to be.
What is in the tent, and what should we bring?
The kitchen is stocked with the basics – tea, coffee, seasonings, oil and vinegar, a plunger, kettle and toaster, cooking utensils, a pot, pan and mixing bowl – plus enough milk for your first cup on arrival. There is a gas BBQ on the deck and a spare gas element for cooking. The super king bed is made up with fresh linen, towels are provided, and there are books and games in the tent. Bring your food and drink, and warm layers outside summer.
What is the toilet like?
It is an off-grid composting toilet, with instructions for using it inside. It is more straightforward than people expect, and it is a large part of how the property runs without mains services at all.
Everything you need Amenities
Kitchen & dining
- Coffee machine
- Cooking utensils
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Toaster
Entertainment
- Stereo system
Facilities
- Fire Extinguisher
- First aid kit
Bathroom
- Bidet
- Shower
- Hot Tub
Sleeping
- Bed linen
- 1 King bed
More ways to stay
Explore our other retreats
Scandinavian Eco-Lodge
A large, open-plan off-grid lodge with an entertainer’s kitchen and a covered deck overlooking the Matakana valley – sleeps 8 across four bedrooms.
View details →
Airstream Retreat
Airstream glamping on a hill of its own: a fully refurbished American Airstream™, a cedar hot tub and sweeping valley views. A vintage caravan stay for up to three.
View details →Your stay
- 25% deposit at booking, balance due 10 days before arrival
- Free cancellation up to 10 days before arrival
Select your check-in and check-out dates to book.
2 night minimum
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Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM Booked Check-out only