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| Panoramic view of Tiziri Camp in Morocco |
Most of us
have now heard of glamping, aka luxury camping, a mix of glamour and camping - the
tourist industry’s answer to those who like the idea of sleeping outside but
not carrying all the needed paraphernalia.
It appeals to aging campers, picky sleepers and tender children. Many may think first of the luxury tents
provided to African safari tours, but the idea has caught on world-wide,
including our own neck of the woods.
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| Tents near Uluru Rock |
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| Inside tent near Uluru Rock |
I’ve had two
very different glamping experiences. On
a trip to the outback of Australia, I carefully suggested to my two female
friends that we forego the stay in a non-descript western hotel and try a more
rustic tour that provided real beds in tents but a shared bathroom across the
campfire. My roommate, Mary Grace, had
never camped at all and cautiously signed on to the idea.
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| Camp near King's Canyon, Australia |
We joined native Australians, four French, two
Germans, and a handful of New Zealanders in a very full van traveling across
the Uluru-Kat Tjuta National Park to Uluru rock and King’s Canyon, stopping at
prepared camp sites. The tents barely
held two single beds, a bed light of maybe 20 watts, and a bit of floor space
for our bags. Mary Grace was pleased
with the beds and we tried not to think of the many Australian snakes we had
recently seen at a zoo.
While the
beds were a step up from traditional camping, much of the remaining experiences
felt like a true outdoor event – early rising to see the sunrise over Uluru
Rock (previously called Ayres rock), sharing coffee with fellow travelers as we
awaited our pancakes, night skies undiluted by nearby lights, and a common
grubbiness from the hesitancy to use precious water to shower. Mary Grace was
proud to check camping off her list of first-time experiences, thought her sons
would be proud, and expected it to be her last foray into the campfire world.
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| Inside tent at Tiziri Camp |
But then
there was Morocco. In planning the trip
to Morocco with a local tour agency, I saw on the proposed itinerary a night in
the desert in a tent offered at standard rate or luxury rate. Being the frugal travelers that we were, we
chose the standard rate. But after our guide took one look at our gray hair, he
gently suggested the upgrade to luxury – an astute recommendation with little
additional cost.
The Tiziri
Camp had just opened two months before our arrival, and we were out of sight of
the other camps used by various agencies.
For our night, the four of us were the only travelers, meaning a very
personal experience. In the tent I shared with Mary Grace was a sandy floor entirely
carpeted with Moroccan rugs, adequate light, heated sheets and a personal
bathroom. Snacks and bottled water were
for the taking without charge and wifi was even available. This was a big step-up
from our Australian experience.
In the
dining tent, beautiful place settings with fine china and crystal glasses
awaited the four- course meal. Our smiling waiter greeted us with the
traditional tea and then began a parade of Moroccan dishes. After dinner, we were invited to join local musicians
around a blazing campfire under the same clear night sky we had seen in
Australia. Mary Grace and I even managed
to arise early enough to watch the sunrise. We sunk deep into the cool sand as we struggled
up the dune behind our tent but arrived in time for a magical moment of the
desert awakening.
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| Campfire circle at Tiziri Camp |
Closer to
home are glamping options - a secluded bell tent near Broken Bow, Oklahoma for $160 per
night or a unique teepee near Tulsa on a horse ranch for $80 a night.
Throughout Texas are opportunities to stay in tree houses, tent, yurts,
airstreams and teepees. I love the El
Cosmico’s name near Marfa and it offers all the above. Our daughter used the “Under Canvas”
organization’s site near Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota for her family’s first
luxury camping experience and loved it.
This company is expanding and how has eight locations near many of our
favorite national parks. Prices vary significantly but all provide a unique
experience.
Many of
these locations can be booked on AirBnB as can other interesting lodging
options. For me, I’m happy to avoid
another stay at the predicable chain hotels that promote their hot breakfasts or
comfortable beds when these amenities are equally available closer to the great
outdoors. You just have to look for
them.
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