Glampen with Anna

Aug 3, 2023
Guest blog
Joëlle van Weelden

Last summer, we invited Anna and her family to camp. She discovered a new destination: Camping Emmen in Drenthe. In this blog, Anna takes you along on her weekend away in a safari tent.

In the summer holidays, everything is so expensive, especially with three kids! That is why we always look for a holiday close to home, in the Netherlands or just across the border. This can really be advantageous, especially if you book well in advance. The safari tent phenomenon is very well known at foreign campsites. In the hot summer, it is always nice to be outdoors. It is this combination that makes holidays so enjoyable: the advantages and characteristics of real camping in a safari tent combined with the comfort and convenience of furniture and sanitary facilities.

Where did you stay?

"In our country, there are super nice safari tents from Vodatent in several nice locations. They also have a wide range in beautiful foreign countries. But this time, we really went for a short holiday in our own country. We looked at various campsites, large and small, with swimming pool and without, with lots of nature or just near the big cities and theme parks. Camping Emmen in Drenthe was our preference, partly because of its small scale, wide choice of different safari tents, heated swimming pool and close to fun attractions and hiking routes."

How did you experience your stay at Camping Emmen?

The small scale and cosiness of the campsite really makes it fun! The safari tents are on a nice playing field with sand, grass and play equipment. There are various small and large go-karts that you can use without limitation and for free. For cooling down, you can use the small heated swimming pool. At the café you can always get snacks, pizza and chilled drinks, and fresh rolls for the next morning. Our Yuki went along too, of course, because at Camping Emmen, dogs are always welcome!

Which safari tent are you staying in?

"There are plenty of choices you can make within Vodatent's safari tents. If you really want to go back to basics and cheap, there are safari tents without sanitary facilities. For a little more, however, you do get toilet, shower and hot water. The safari tents are equipped for 4, 5 or 6 people: a spacious double bed and bunk bed(s); a fully equipped kitchen block, including fridge, gas hob and coffee maker. With these hot summer months in the Netherlands, it is very nice to stay in such a safari tent. Inside it is nice and cool and outside you really have the camping feeling!"

Ontdek Camping Emmen

What is there to do in the area around Camping Emmen?

"In the area there is a lot to do for young and old. Here you can hire bikes with the whole family or go on one of the nicest walking routes. In 30 minutes you drive to the edge of Forestry Gieten-Borger where swimming lake 't Nije Hemelriek is located. A beautiful lake in the middle of the nature reserve, the likes of which we have never seen before! For a €6 parking fee, you can enjoy azure clear water and white sandy beaches here all day. It's like being abroad, so special! Two lakes are surrounded by a beautiful natural forest, where you can take lovely walks with your dog. At the recreation area you will find a restaurant and takeaway kiosk. A little further on is DX Adventurepark, which is a huge bouncy aqua park from 6 years old for children with a swimming certificate and a supervisor. Here you can also hire various sizes of canoes and sups. It was so much fun and so exceptionally beautiful that we even went here two days in a row."

This blog was created in collaboration with Minibelle.