Glamping is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a full-blown movement. And now, Africa is rolling out the (eco-friendly) welcome mat with its very first Glamping Expo, landing in Johannesburg from June 20-21. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a city dweller craving nature with a side of luxury, this event is about to change how you travel.
Set against the backdrop of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec), the Glamping Expo promises two days of immersive experiences, creative minds, and next-gen travel inspiration. Think rooftop tents, safari-style lodges, off-grid tech, and eco-luxury—all curated for the Instagram generation with a conscience.
Glamping: The Glow-Up Camping Needed
Let’s be honest—traditional camping isn’t for everyone. But glamping? It’s the elevated escape we didn’t know we needed. Blending comfort, style, and sustainability, glamping is gaining serious momentum with younger travellers who want more than just a bed—they want an experience.
According to new market research, South Africa’s glamping scene pulled in over $65 million in 2024, and it’s only getting bigger. Projections show the market hitting $89.5 million by 2030, with 18–32-year-olds driving the surge. Translation: Millennials and Gen Z are ditching cookie-cutter hotels for slow travel, wild landscapes, and eco-conscious luxury.
The Glamping Expo isn’t just a trade show—it’s part festival, part future lab. Here’s what you can expect over the two-day experience:
- Immersive Exhibitions – Discover dreamy glamping setups, tech-driven travel tools, and sustainable outdoor brands.
- Keynotes + Talks – Hear from top voices in tourism and hospitality on how glamping is shaping the future of travel.
- Workshops – Want to launch your own boutique glamp site or just level up your next getaway? There’ll be sessions for that too.
Some of the industry’s brightest minds will be in the building, including speakers like Faith Meyer, Frank De Lima, and Jillian Blackbeard. There’s also a high-level advisory board featuring the likes of Dr. Eddy Khosa, Paul Gardiner, and Phindile Chirwa—ensuring this isn’t just an event, but a blueprint for meaningful change in tourism.
“This isn’t just about fancy tents—it’s about reimagining how we connect with nature, culture, and communities,” says Gugu Sithole, Glamping Expo Lead. “We’re celebrating sustainability, creativity, and the kind of travel that leaves people better than it found them.”
It’s all happening under the theme “Reimagining Innovation & Regenerative Tourism”, a nod to the growing demand for travel that’s not just responsible, but regenerative—think travel that gives back to the land, supports local economies, and creates memorable experiences.
Major tourism players like South African Tourism and the Gauteng Tourism Authority are backing the expo, signalling just how big glamping is becoming in Africa’s tourism future.
“South Africa is leading glamping innovation in the Global South. Hosting this event puts us right where we belong—on the global map for cutting-edge, sustainable tourism,” says Sithole.
“This expo isn’t just about tents and trails—it’s a creative, cultural milestone,” adds Darryl Erasmus, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at SA Tourism. “It reflects how younger, more conscious travellers are reshaping our destinations.”
If you’re craving adventure without giving up your morning flat white, or want to unwind under the stars with a little more glam than gear, the Glamping Expo 2025 is the place to be. It’s a bold new frontier where luxury meets sustainability, and where Africa takes centre stage as a destination for stylish, soulful escapes.
Images: Supplied
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