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Trip Styler Tips on Glamping

Glamping, camping, trekking, sleeping under the stars—you name it, I’ve done it. Raised on the Canada’s West Coast, learning the art of outdoor living was instilled at a young age. There’s only one problem: I despise getting dirt under my fingernails. You’d think this would be a wilderness deal breaker, but thanks to glamping, I can still savor nature without the grit and grime.

Curious if you’re a glamour-camping candidate? Here are a few insights:

1 – Determine your luxury level 
Just like hotels, glamping accommodations range from budget to luxe. Having sampled many categories of comfort in the Great Outdoors, I’m a fan of the most glitzy—think: On-demand wine at Wilson Island or elephant trekking at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle—but there’s a time and a place for a simple campsite yurt. Sure, five-star glamping has perks such as gourmet fare, in-tent showers and feather-down beds, but don’t dismiss the most basic level: You + a heated yurt + your own gourmet cooking in the countryside.

2 – Pack for the outdoors
Glamping newbies often view the experience through a posh versus practical lens. Word to the wise: Nature is nature, whether you’re in an enclosed safari tent with a view over the Masai Mara, or in a dome deep in the woods. Leave the stilettos in the city, even if your tented accommodations are A-list, you’re still outside and need to pack warm and sensible wear for the wilderness.

3 – Essentials = happiness 
There are a few items I bring regardless of the coordinates or the topography of my glamp-site. Sunscreen, bug spray, a rain jacket and a hat top the list. My other tried-and-true glamping gem: Wipes (they aren’t just for tots)! Whether you want to disinfect your hands, clean a surface, remove your makeup or administer an impromptu ‘nature shower’ (when there’s no water source in sight), wipes are the glamping clean-all. Don’t leave home without them.

4 – Come prepared
One of my first forays into basic glamping was at a state-run campsite in Oregon. My waterproof canvas yurt had a tiny heater and three mattresses. A bathroom with coin-operated showers was 20 steps away. Here, guests are expected to bring their own, well, everything – including sheets, shampoo and a barbecue. One night, a rainstorm broke out. No problem; I had a sturdy roof over my head. What I didn’t account for was the noise of the wind, rain and branches creating a surround sound pounding-effect. Now, I don’t leave home without ear plugs.

5 – Unplug
Because glamping pairs some of the conveniences of home with the hinterland, there’s a tendency to treat the experience like you’re at a hotel with WiFi access. Resist and connect to a different power source.

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Wild West Glamping, Storm Creek Outfitters

Drifting off to sleep in a cozy bed of quilts under a canvas roof is how each day ends at Storm Creek Outfitters – located on the Montana/Idaho border. Let’s explore what happens during the day to get a clear idea of what your vacation here will be like. The West is now just as comfortable as it used to be wild, thanks to glamping experts like Storm Creek Outfitters.

Storm Creek Outfitters brings you to the heart of the West to experience one of our nation’s largest wilderness complex’s in comfortable luxury with warm western hospitality and gourmet food. Guests access Storm Creek by way of Darby, Montana, a small western town that is the gateway to the Selway-Bitterroot Wildnerness. Darby also plays host to national events such as Logger Days,  the EBR sanctioned Bull-O-Rama Rodeo, and  “Cowboy Mounted Shooting” competition during the summer months. We’ll discuss more things to do later on.

Storm-Creek-FoodImage: Storm Creek website

In the days of the Wild West when a cowboy rode into a ranch looking for work, the first question he asked was, “Who’s the Cook?” If the cook wasn’t known to be good the cowboy rode on to the next outfit. Storm Creek takes their Dutch Oven cooking seriously!  You can even join the cook for an afternoon of hands-on cooking and we aren’t talking beans-n-weenies. How about Tuscan Roasted Lamb with mint apple pesto or Beef Short Ribs en Daube with polenta? It’s safe to say that you will not go hungry during your visit.

Today, the landscape remains much the same as it was in the 1800s. You can still hike or ride horses down the same well worn trails enjoying the magnificent unspoiled scenery. On the Montana/Idaho State line lies the Southern Nez Perce Indian trail. This historic trail was once among the frequently used routes by the Nez Perce Indians traveling to and from their buffalo hunting grounds. Famous trappers like Kit Carson, miners packing their gold, traders and other early adventurers also used the trail.

The Frank Church River of No Return and the Selway –Bitterroot Wilderness combine to create the largest wilderness area in the continental US. These wilderness areas offer solitude and pristine beauty. Seldom will you cross paths with another person as you travel the trail past an old Indian grave and see the telltale marks left on trees by trappers baiting for small game. What lies before you is a mind boggling 4.2 million acres of wilderness.

Storm-Creek-BedImage: Storm Creek website

Storm Creek cabin tents are havens of comfort; set on raised platforms and thoughtfully decorated to create a charming coziness. Rugs cushion your soles and wood stoves keep you warm on colder nights. Bunk with family or friends in tents that are arranged with a queen bed or bunk beds. Privacy is paramount in these tents where rustic charm meets upscale amenities. Good-natured simplicity, our vault toilets, are meticulously kept clean and fresh. Chamber Pots are discretely placed in each tent for middle of the night necessities.

Adventures are easy to come by in the relaxing summers or peaceful winters. Hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding top the list of things to do experience the wilderness. Wintertime here is a surreal winter wonderland. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are excellent choices to keep you busy. Storm Creek also provides learning experiences where you can learn orienteering without a GPS, learn Dutch oven cooking with the chef, or learn mountain horsemanship skills. It’s easy to connect with nature in a place where wildlife outnumbers people.

Imagine yourself here cozied up to the wood stove after a wonderful gourmet meal paired with just the right wine all the while surrounded by mountains and trees, and an unending clear sky. It’s difficult to think of a better use of those vacation days you worked so hard to earn.

Find out more about Storm Creek Outfitters.

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Glamping with Gray Giants – Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safaris of centuries past. Gorah is steeped in history, tradition, and opulence. This exclusive safari tent experience brings you into the breathtaking natural world of Africa. Many adventurers before you have rated Gorah as an unforgettable five-star adventure. Glamping is new word for what safaris had already perfected.

“My discovery of this incredible place began in July 2002. Through my journey with her, I discovered that Gorah is the link between the enigmatic spiritual world that abounds in the wild; and the ancient song in our hearts that we silently ache for every day we are away from it.” – Nicola Schwim, South African game ranger and writer of the History of the Gorah.

Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxury tent camp, with an elegant manor house overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife. Sheltered under thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s. Each tent has a private deck offering a panoramic view of the endless Savannah plains. The posh interior of the tent is simple and authentic. Solar power lights the tent and turns the ceiling fans. The en-suite bathroom with vanity and shower is discreetly situated providing for complete privacy. Relax and unwind with a book on the comfy couch, or take an afternoon nap on the king-size bed.

Gorah Elephant Camp Tent Suite InsidePhoto: Gorah website

The Gorah House retains its historic magnificence and imparts a magical dining experience. Great attention to detail was given in creating Gorah’s dining experience. Warm fires and paraffin lanterns set the mood for a delicious meal while the open veranda invites the evening breeze. Wines are carefully chosen to enhance and elevate the meal and, to top it off, there is a grand selection of decadent desserts.

The 5,000 hectare private concession of the camp is located deep in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Today these gentle gray giants are safe to roam in peace. Here, you can experience the thrill of quietly watching a herd stroll by. Gorah is also home to the Big Five Game that is touted about in all safari experiences. In case you’re not already in the know, the “Big 5” are the lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Addo is an incredible ecosystem from the large to the small. Watch your feet, you’ll probably see a dung beetle rolling by with its prize.

People have been living and visiting the land of Gorah for an estimated 250,000 years. The indigenous tribes relied on the water known as ‘de Goras’ or natural spring, and created a sense of place and spiritual presence to the area. Colonial settlers moved in, changing the landscape and the history, while the characters played out the drama. There was love, sorrow, and tragedy here, but above all, the peace and guardianship lived on and never changed. The gracious Gorah Manor House, a National Monument built in 1856, is now immaculately restored and period furnished. Gorah Elephant Camp has actively dedicated itself to the conservation of the Addo National Park.

Gorah Elephant Camp Manor HousePhoto: Gorah website

Gorah is a year-round destination. During the summer months from September to April the weather is warm to hot with wonderful balmy evenings. Temperatures can fluctuate from 25ºC – 35ºC in the daytime and there is a chance of rain. The winter is chilly at night and early in the mornings but the daytime temperatures can be pleasantly warm. Every now and then a cold front does pass over the lodge at which time daytime temperatures can be slightly cooler.  Games drives at Gorah are expertly led by passionate and professional guides and are a testament to the noble safaris of old. They intrepidly search the vast terrain for animals; this is the essence of the experience. Excitement lingers long after arriving back at camp from seeing elephant, rhino, and lion in their natural habitat.

See more of what Gorah has to offer by visiting the Gorah Elephant Camp website.