From South Africa to the World: Impi Canvas Seizes the Spotlight as Glamping Booms

AAs glamping — or luxury camping — gains popularity worldwide, a South African company is seizing the opportunity and redefining outdoor experiences on a global scale.

Potchefstroom-based Impi Canvas, a manufacturer of custom-built glamping tents, is quickly establishing itself as a key player and a trusted name in the global glamping industry with its rapidly expanding clientele now spanning multiple regions around the world.

The company was founded 16 years ago by CEO Willie van der Heever and a close friend. Their shared passion for nature gave rise to a vision of creating high-quality products for customers who, like them, cherish the outdoors.

While it started with the production of a modest four-by-four tent, Impi Canvas has expanded significantly over the years. Today, the company boasts a network of over 20 agents across different regions around the globe.

Its tents are now in high demand beyond South Africa with their reach extending to countries such as Botswana, other regions in Africa, as well as markets in the European Union, the Middle East and the Americas.

Pierre van der Lith, the marketing manager at Impi Canvas, says the company’s rapid growth closely mirrors the expansion of the glamping industry in recent years.

“The luxury safari tent industry is currently booming, with many people preferring to stay in luxury tents rather than chalets. I think it is because these tents offer an outdoor experience while maintaining the comforts,” he says.

In addition to luxury, Impi Canvas places a strong emphasis on sustainability as the tents are crafted using sustainable materials which ensures minimal environmental impact.

Furthermore, Impi Canvas tents are engineered to withstand diverse environmental and weather conditions, providing comfort throughout the year. Whether for winter retreats or summer adventures, these tents are designed to adapt to different seasons.

Van Der Lith emphasises that top and ISO (Intarnational Organisation for Standardisation) certified materials are used at Impi Canvas. This commitment to quality and durability ensures their tents can endure various scenarios.

Additionally, local expertise significantly influences their design, as the company considers specific climate and terrain factors to ensure optimal performance in different environments.

Each tent is custom-built to meet the specific needs of the customer. Whether placed in a coastal setting, a mountain range, or a forest, the tents are tailored to suit both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Tents can be set up on wooden decks or concrete platforms to further reduce disruption to the natural environment.

With a focus on luxury, durability, and eco-friendliness, Impi Canvas is helping shape the future of glamping.  Looking ahead, Impi Canvas plans to expand further into untapped markets.

To drive this growth, the company will continue its robust marketing efforts, which recently included exhibiting at international events such as the Glamping Show Americas 2024, held in Colorado, USA, from 1–2 October 2024.

In line with its commitment to the environment, the company will collaborate with South African Tourism on an anti-rhino poaching campaign.

ENDS