Custom-Made Tents for Africa
How Dutch Tents Found Their Place in Africa
Willem Wagenaar, General Manager at De Waard Glamping, discusses the collaboration with Paradise & Wilderness. Together, they developed new glamping accommodations for P&W’s holiday parks in Tanzania, focusing on luxury, sustainability, and harmony with the natural environment.
Custom-Made Glamping Tents for Africa
“Two years ago, we started a partnership with Paradise & Wilderness,” says Wagenaar. “They were looking for new types of accommodation at their locations in Tanzania—not just any glamping tent, but something more luxurious, sustainable, and better tailored to their guests and surroundings.”
The first step was the installation of our Big Oak tents, which are larger and more comfortable than many other glamping tents. “For this project, we also created customised versions of the Big Oak,” Wagenaar adds. “Some featured multiple rooms, while others included special additions such as a stone bathroom at the rear, where guests can shower under the open sky. For the first time, the tents were installed on concrete foundations, providing additional stability and comfort.”
From Concept to an Entirely New Tent
The collaboration extended beyond simply supplying tents. Together with Paradise & Wilderness, De Waard began designing a completely new type of glamping tent. “We held extensive discussions with the client about what mattered most to them—from layout and air circulation to colour schemes and material choices,” Wagenaar explains. “Based on this input, we produced initial sketches and mood boards. Once approved, a prototype followed.”
The end result is the Wild Tamboti: a new type of accommodation that will soon be installed in Tanzania. “The tent features unique elements, such as an additional rear door leading to a wellness area, and a frame that is quick and easy to assemble. Moreover, the design is modular, allowing us to adapt the tents in both size and function—from guest accommodation to reception spaces.”
“Today in the factory from De Waard, inspecting the new order for the glamping tents. We go for the best, De Waard gives us the best!” – Owner Paradise & Wilderness
How Collaboration Led to a Better Outcome
What Wagenaar particularly values about this project is the collaborative approach. “It started with just a few tents, but over time there was room to truly develop something new together. By being involved from the outset, we were able to align closely with what was required—for the landscape, the users, and the overall concept of the holiday parks. Soon, accommodations will stand in Tanzania that complement their surroundings and contribute to a truly distinctive holiday experience.”
