Spectacular places to camp around the world

From a luxurious tented camp in Australia’s Red Centre with unparalleled views of Uluru, to Oman’s Empty Quarter, where you can experience a nomadic style of living and take in night skies unmarred by light pollution — our specialists share some of the most spectacular places to sleep under canvas.

Pitch up in Antarctica

Latin America Specialist Lizzie loves the remoteness of Antarctica.

All we could hear was the occasional thunderous crash as a new iceberg calved from distant glaciers and the bray of curious penguins who waddled over to check out our tents. 

Camping in Antarctica is an experience like no other. Setting off from our expedition ship with our tents we felt like the great explorers, Shackleton and Scott. Of course, we had slightly more modern equipment, with tog rated sleeping bags, high tech thermal layers and the knowledge that in the morning we would head back to the toasty warm ship for a hot shower and scrumptious breakfast.

Longitude 131°, Australia

Australia Specialist Amy loves the world-class food, the 5-star service and the exclusivity of Longitude 131°.

What I loved most was how this experience took me away from the hoi polloi, tucked me among the sand dunes, nestled with a perfect view of Uluru, like it was just for me and a handful of lucky others.

There’s camping and there’s camping. My stay at Longitude 131° confirmed that it was definitely the latter — fine dining, stocked minibar, attentive service style camping, rather than the struggle with tent poles and sweaty canvas interior variety which I was a bit more familiar with. And having now experienced both, I can say with authority that Longitude 131° style camping is really not only THE way to camp, but also the most special way in which to experience the Red Centre.

Sandat Glamping Tents, Bali

Southeast Asia Specialist Harriet loves the incredible plunge pools and jungle views at Sandat Glamping Tents.

I really enjoyed a deliciously fresh lunch at the communal dining room table, which is carved from a vast tree trunk from the jungle of Kalimantan. 

Perched on the edge of a peaceful river valley outside the bustling town of Ubud, Sandat Glamping has pioneered the concept of luxury safari-style accommodation on this most visited island of the Indonesian archipelago. This property offers true peace and seclusion in the midst of Bali's iconic green paddy fields. The plush Italian designer decor, unique Balinese art collection, beautifully kept gardens and fresh local produce combine to offer a perfectly relaxing and luxurious experience.

Camping in the Empty Quarter, Oman

Oman Specialist Sarah loves the feeling of leaving civilisation behind entirely in Oman's Empty Quarter.

Camping under the stars in the world's largest expanse of sand is a humbling and unforgettable experience.

From the coastal city of Salalah you travel north and before you know it, you’re amid a sea of rolling sand dunes with nothing else in view but the 4x4 jeeps ahead of you and your camel. The stars above shine with undiminished beauty, unmarred by light pollution, while the only sounds you’re likely to hear are those from the camels, or your Bedouin desert crew who hale from this nomadic lifestyle and can help unravel its secrets.

Letaka Mobile Tented Camp, Botswana

Africa Specialist Russell likes the thrill of discovering unexplored areas with just a small team of staff at Letaka Camp in Botswana.

This is the most authentic and involving safari experience I have had in all my years of travelling to the continent.

I thoroughly enjoyed my mobile camping trip at Letaka in the remote regions of the Okavango Delta in the far north of Botswana. The thrill of discovering these unexplored areas with just a small team of staff and a few other guests with relatively basic tents is immensely stimulating. It feels as if I have been thrown back in time to the grand old days of exploration, with the likes of David Livingstone’s and Henry Stanley’s tales of discovery ringing through my ears.

Galapagos Safari Camp, Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Specialist Richard loves snorkelling with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands

A cocktail as you watch the sun set is the perfect end to a day in the islands, soothing muscles stretched by snorkelling with sea lions and walks through carpets of snorting marine iguanas.

Located up in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, the Galapagos Safari Camp has taken the concept of an upmarket African bush stay and relocated it to the unique Galapagos archipelago. Darwin’s finches flit from tree to tree and giant tortoises occasionally lumber along through the grounds. Your spacious tent has its own private hot water bathroom and up in the main lodge building the owners prepare delicious meals to fuel busy days out exploring the islands. It’s a great option for families with a small pool and a variety of activities available.