A travel revolution that combines luxury, sustainability and rural upliftment
The first ever Glamping Expo at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Photo: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Entrepreneur and activist Gugu Sithole is using glamping as a force for good, creating eco-friendly stays in overlooked parts of South Africa while uplifting local communities. Sithole launched her glamping journey, Glamping Adventures, in 2019 after noticing that less than 5% of the country's population engaged in domestic tourism, largely due to high costs, limited access and the exclusion of rural communities from the tourism value chain.
Glamping Adventures offers a combination of packages, one being a fully furnished mobile tent with a bed, carpet, side table and flowers among others.
The tents are set up in different tourist destinations around the country. The second package allows travellers to choose a destination of their choice, such as at a resort, but have Glamping Adventures draft up an itinerary.
'I wanted to create a company that would get as many South Africans travelling their own backyard,' Sithole said.
Her model emphasises working with rural communities, ensuring locals are not just observers but participants as guides, hosts, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
'Most people in these communities are spectators in tourism. I wanted them to be at the centre,' Sithole explained. Sithole said at its core, glamping was about eco-conscious travel, prioritising sustainable materials and low-impact structures such as geodesic domes, eco-pads and elevated tents which protect local biodiversity and preserve cultural heritage. 'We're taking less from the environment, preserving our flora, fauna, and cultural artefacts. Glamping is regenerative tourism; it gives back while letting travellers immerse themselves in South Africa's beauty.'She recently hosted the first-ever Glamping Expo at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Southern African Tourism Services on 20- 21 June 2025. Sithole said this was important to have exhibitors across the country come together, 'once we are coordinated and a cohesive unit, then we're able to influence government in terms of helping us with making it easy for infrastructure development, for roads leading to the glamp stays'.
The event attracted over 20 exhibitors such as Impi Canvas Tents, Canvas Republic, Picnic in a Bubble and Tlhari Travel.
It brought together eco-resort developers, innovators, tour operators and destination marketers, among others. On display were glass domes, pyramid lodges, eco-cabins, alongside panel discussions by industry experts, workshops by finance specialists and an innovation competition for high school and university students on glamping ideas to pitch. One of the unique exhibitors was 'Picnic in a Bubble', offering transparent pop-up domes for a stylish picnic.Exhibitors like Tlhari Travel offered glamping-inclusive packages paired with unforgettable experiences from Kruger Shalati - Train on a Bridge, to low-cost, pitch-your-own glamping options for budget-conscious travellers.
Sithole's mission took centre stage at the Expo, where pioneers in sustainable tourism came together to present a greener, more inclusive future for travel.
'It's about sustainable ways of travelling and taking less from the environment, using structures that are off-grid and using less electricity'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
KZN boosted by R1.4bn Oceans Umhlanga North Tower launch
KwaZulu-Natal's economy received a significant boost with the official launch of the R1.4 billion North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower on 25 July 2025 in uMhlanga, Durban. This launch marks a major milestone in the R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development. This also features the renowned Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. The North Tower introduces 258 luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses. With each of them having stunning ocean views along Africa's East Coast. Residents will enjoy premium features such as resort-style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children's play areas, and inverter readiness, according to Business Tech . The tower also offers direct access to the Oceans Mall, enhancing convenience and lifestyle quality. Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development, highlighted the project's broader impact beyond luxury living. He said, 'This is not just a property launch. It's a celebration of how far Durban has come and a reflection of the developers' (Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander) tenacity and unwavering perseverance.' Mpono added that the development had attracted global attention to KwaZulu-Natal's potential. 'We're proud to open doors to a residential offering that combines international luxury standards with local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.' The development also demonstrates a deep commitment to social transformation and inclusive growth. About half of the workforce on the North Tower project is young Black South Africans. A significant representation also consists of young Black women. Furthermore, Oceans Mall's retail space is 50% Black-owned, and 12 out of 14 restaurants there are operated by Black entrepreneurs. To date, the precinct has created over 25,000 jobs during construction, prioritising employment for communities nearby, including Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. Mpono noted the tangible social impact. 'Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques. Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security. These statistics represent families with renewed hope and dignity.' Strategically positioned on Lagoon Drive, the North Tower is expected to become a landmark investment in KwaZulu-Natal. OCEANS UMHLANGA AND DURBAN'S POST PANDEMIC ECONOMY The development anchors Durban's post-pandemic economic recovery and rises amid growing interest in the province's property sector. Looking ahead, a new R1.3 billion leisure investment is planned for the forthcoming South Tower, indicating sustained growth for the precinct. Mpono commented, 'The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers. It's confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.' The launch event of the North Tower attracted media, investors, development partners, and government officials, including the Mayor and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. This reflects strong public and private sector support for the project's vision and impact. This development signals a new chapter for KwaZulu-Natal. It fosters luxury living while driving inclusive economic opportunities in communities around uMhlanga and Durban's northern suburbs. It reaffirms the province's position as a leading destination for both local and international investment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
LIV Golf coming to South Africa: Steyn City to host event in March 2026
Fifty-four of the game's best players will feature at the first tournament in Africa next year. Louis Oosthuizen and his SA LIV Golf team, Stinger, will be in action in South Africa in March next year. Picture:LIV Golf is coming to South Africa in 2026. This was announced by the organisation in a special press conference held in London on Saturday morning. The newest golf tour has been going since June 2022. South African stars Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have been playing for the Stinger team since the inception of the tour, while Branden Grace and Dean Burmester also play on the tour. Schwartzel won the very first tournament at the Centurion Club in London. 'We have made a multi-year commitment to go to South Africa … it's incredible and amazing,' said LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil. The first tournament in South Africa will be held at Steyn City in Gauteng between March 20-22 next year. This means South African golf fans will get to see some of the game's greatest players who might ordinarily not come to South Africa to play. Here one thinks of Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Tyrrell Hatton, among others. 'Massive' 'It's an incredible feeling, I have so many emotions,' said minister of sport Gayton McKenzie at the announcement on Saturday. 'I come from a great country and this would not have been possible without LIV Golf. They know they cannot be called an international competition if they skip a continent. 'After meeting Scott [and others] I have nothing but praise for them. We as Africans also deserve one of the greatest shows … I want to tell South Africans this is good for our economy and for people spreading false rumours about our country. 'We're going to have 54 of the world's greatest golfers in our country.' Oosthuizen said he was thrilled the tour was coming to South Africa. 'Very excited about having the tournament in South Africa. It's going to be massive for our country.'
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
PowerBall draw jackpot a GUARANTEED R100 million on Tuesday, 29 July
South Africans across the country are dreaming big as the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus jackpots climb to a combined R122 million ahead of the highly anticipated draw on Tuesday, 29 July. National lottery operator ITHUBA confirmed that the PowerBall jackpot is a g uaranteed R100 million, while the PowerBall Plus prize is expected to reach R22 million. 'To win, you need to play,' ITHUBA reminded hopefuls, encouraging participation through authorised retailers, online platforms, and mobile channels. The announcement has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among seasoned players and first-time ticket buyers alike, with many eyeing the life-changing potential of becoming an overnight multimillionaire. This massive prize pool comes as many households continue to feel the pinch of rising costs, making the prospect of a win even more appealing. For some, it represents a chance to escape financial pressure; for others, it's simply a moment of hope and excitement in uncertain times. The draw, one of the largest of the year, promises to be closely watched across the country. ITHUBA advises all players to purchase tickets before the cutoff time on Tuesday and to play responsibly. Whether it's buying a quick pick or carefully choosing lucky numbers, millions will be watching to see if a new millionaire is crowned. The draw will be broadcast live on Tuesday evening, and results will be available shortly after on official platforms, as well as The South African website. Good luck! Buy your tickets now at your nearest participating retailer, on our website by visiting national using your computer or mobile site, via the National Lottery Mobile App, or participating banks, namely FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, TymeBank and African Bank otherwise dial 120 7529# for USSD. Winners who win R50 000 and above receive free trauma counselling from professional psychologists and financial advice from accredited financial advisors absolutely free. At the same time, winnings are paid tax-free directly into the winner's accounts. The next PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws will take place on Tuesday, 29 July from 20:58. The PowerBall jackpot draw required players to pick five main numbers from 1 to 50 and one 'PowerBall' number from 1 to 20 for an entry fee of R5.00 per board. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday. The record prize for any lottery game in South Africa came in the PowerBall when one winner scooped an incredible R232 131 750.69 in the draw held on 19 February 2019. PowerBall Plus is exactly the same as PowerBall but gives players a second chance to win. When buying a PowerBall ticket, players can pay an extra R2.50 per board to enter the PowerBall Plus draw. Odds are the same, while prizes are usually slightly lower. It was introduced on 28 November 2015 by the National Lottery of South Africa. If you are buying tickets from a lottery outlet, they close at 20:30 on the day of a draw. Players must be 18 years old. Monday: Daily Lotto Tuesday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Wednesday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Thursday: Daily Lotto Friday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Saturday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Sunday: Daily Lotto For more details and to verify the winning PowerBall and PowerBall Plus numbers, visit the National Lottery website. You must always confirm the official winning numbers on the National Lottery website. We do our best to post the results as accurately as possible, but the National Lottery is the only source you can use to 100% verify the results. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
