Safari

▲ Safari Tent – Your Bamboo-Adorned African Adventure

Step into authentic African safari luxury with our stone-gray canvas tent, where bamboo walls add warmth and rustic elegance while blending seamlessly with the forested surroundings of the Smoky Mountains.

This luxurious safari tent escape is nestled in the Deep Creek area, featuring an exotic interior design with bamboo walls that beautifully complement deep charcoal and slate-gray tones.

Rich red accents—including a playful turtle-shaped footrest—infuse the space with fun and warmth, while soft, textured rugs provide comfort and style underfoot.

The luxurious king-sized bed, framed in dark wood and dressed with layers of soft gray linens, rusty red pillows, and golden yellow accents, takes center stage.

Bamboo walls around the bed area create an exotic, intimate atmosphere, further enhanced by elegant lantern-style lighting that transports you to an authentic African safari experience.

Relax in the private outdoor hot tub while listening to the gentle sounds of a small bubbling creek just below your very private deck, or unwind in the deep soaking tub surrounded by magical string lights.

With trails through the Deep Creek area leading to waterfalls and scenic views just steps away, this bamboo-adorned tent offers the perfect romantic sanctuary for both adventure and relaxation in the Smoky Mountains.

★ Features at a Glance:

• Authentic African safari tent with stone-gray exterior canvas
• Bamboo walls adding warmth and rustic, earthy elegance
• Deep charcoal and slate-gray tones with rich red accents
• Playful turtle-shaped footrest for fun and comfort
• Luxurious king-sized bed framed in dark wood with soft linens
• Elegant lantern-style lighting creating exotic ambiance
• Fully stocked kitchen with stainless steel appliances and bamboo accents
• Private outdoor hot tub with small bubbling creek below deck
• Deep soaking tub in spa-like bathroom surrounded by string lights
• Leather armchair and loveseat for ultimate relaxation
• Gas grill and fire pit perfect for s’mores and stargazing
• Soft textured rugs and understated dining area
• Board games and entertainment options
• Most accessible safari tent with wide ramp for wheelchairs
• Enormous wrap-around platform deck with covered seating
• Just steps from Deep Creek trails to waterfalls and scenic views

Year Purchased: 2024

Hi, I’m Jeanetta – your host at Elk Hollow Resort!

Thank you for considering one of our Elk Hollow properties for your Western North Carolina getaway!

After 34 years in the rental industry—and with the support of my husband, Mike—I chose to pour my heart into building a peaceful, one-of-a-kind retreat in Bryson City, NC.

Just half a mile from the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Elk Hollow is truly my slice of paradise.

With quiet surroundings, a gentle stream, hardwood trees, and frequent visits from wild turkeys and deer, it’s a place that continuously feeds the soul.

Creating a warm, welcoming guest experience is my top priority.

I want every visitor to feel relaxed, safe, and completely at home—with more to do than they have time for, and more fun than they ever expected!

I’m happiest outdoors and cherish time with my two children, six wonderful grandchildren, and lifelong friends. We’ve made countless special memories in the mountains, and I hope you will too.

Although I love exploring new places, my favorite moments are still found at home—entertaining, connecting, and enjoying the simple joy of time well spent with loved ones.

I can’t wait to welcome you to Elk Hollow!

★ Why Choose Safari Tent?

I love how close Elk Hollow is to the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—just minutes away from waterfalls, hiking, and tubing. Yet it feels like a peaceful hidden gem, tucked beneath a canopy of hardwood trees with a gentle stream and frequent visits from wildlife like turkeys and deer.

The nights are pure magic here. Cozy up by the fire pit and gaze at a sky full of stars—the perfect setting for an intimate evening. The night sky shines brilliantly, offering a breathtaking backdrop as you unwind by the fire.

Afterward, retreat to your luxurious Safari Tent or simply listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby brook and the small bubbling creek below your deck, letting the serenity of the mountains wrap around you. Every moment at Elk Hollow is designed to feel relaxing, romantic, and truly unforgettable.

The Safari tent offers the most authentic African safari experience with its distinctive bamboo interior walls and stone-gray exterior that blends perfectly with the natural forest surroundings.

● Important Policies & Rate Notes

• We require a rental agreement and a $500 security hold to be held 2 days before arrival and released approximately 3 days after checkout. This deposit, along with exterior cameras, helps us remotely monitor the property for unwanted pets and partiers and ensures our housekeepers have time to properly clean and prepare for your arrival.
• No pets, including Emotional Support Animals.
• No children and no indoor smoking or vaping permitted.
• No parties or events allowed.
• Most accessible safari tent with wide ramp access to main deck.
• Guests must be able to navigate gravel path to reach the fire pit.
• 24/7 exterior video surveillance is used for property monitoring.

★ Unique Benefits of the Safari Tent

• Authentic African Safari Experience – Stone-gray exterior canvas and bamboo interior walls create the most genuine safari atmosphere of all our tents.
• Distinctive Bamboo Interior – Warm bamboo walls add rustic elegance and exotic charm, beautifully complementing the deep charcoal and slate-gray color scheme.
• Playful Design Elements – Fun touches like the turtle-shaped footrest add warmth and personality to the sophisticated safari aesthetic.
• Most Accessible Option – Wide ramp access to main deck makes this the most wheelchair-accessible tent in our collection.
• Bubbling Creek Serenity – Small bubbling creek just below the very private deck adds an extra layer of natural soundtrack to your retreat.
• Elegant Lantern Lighting – Sophisticated lantern-style lighting enhances the exotic, intimate atmosphere throughout the space.
• Luxurious Bedding Experience – King-sized bed framed in dark wood with soft gray linens, rusty red pillows, and golden yellow accents.
• Dual Soaking Options – Private outdoor hot tub plus deep indoor soaking tub surrounded by magical string lights.
• Perfect for Romantic Getaways – Ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons, or unique romantic escapes with authentic safari ambiance.

Guest Access

• Check-In Made Easy: Guests will access the property via electronic locks, available 24/7.
• Your personal access code will be sent 1–2 days before check-in to ensure a smooth arrival.

The Space

Welcome to the Safari tent, designed for adventurous couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to reset in nature while experiencing authentic African safari luxury. This tent at Elk Hollow offers an exceptional central location to experience the region with the most genuine safari atmosphere of all our accommodations.

The tent has an open and spacious feel with a relaxing ambiance, featuring decor reminiscent of what you might find on a true African Safari, with fresh but natural earth tones enhanced by distinctive bamboo walls.

The stone-gray exterior canvas blends seamlessly with the forested surroundings, while inside, the bamboo walls add warmth and rustic elegance, beautifully complementing the deep charcoal and slate-gray tones with rich red accents.

In the center of the tent, the living area features a leather loveseat and chair where you can kick back and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV or look out the French doors to the wooded backdrop while sipping your morning coffee.

The pitched roof and ceiling fans overhead create a breezy setting, while glass doors and numerous windows invite plenty of natural light to showcase the beautiful bamboo interior.

The fully equipped kitchen sits behind the living area, complete with plenty of cabinetry, full-size fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, gas range, and oven, all thoughtfully accented with bamboo details and stainless steel appliances. Guests have everything needed for easy meal prep and can enjoy meals at the understated dining table for two or outside on the deck.

The bedroom area features a luxurious king-sized bed framed in dark wood and dressed with layers of soft gray linens, rusty red pillows, and golden yellow accents. Bamboo walls around the bed area create an exotic, intimate feel, enhanced by elegant lantern-style lighting. Wrap-around windows open to screens so you can listen to nature’s songs lull you to sleep, or unroll the canvas for a dark and cozy room.

The spa-like bathroom includes a privacy curtain for added intimacy, a deep stand-alone soaking tub, spacious walk-in rain shower, and large vanity with sink and mirror—all surrounded by the warm bamboo aesthetic.

The exceptional outdoor living space highlights this elevated setting with an enormous wrap-around platform deck featuring a hot tub perfect for soaking after hiking while listening to the small bubbling creek below. String lights set the mood and provide magical ambiance while you prepare meals on the stainless steel grill or gather around the fire pit for s’mores and stargazing. The covered seating area with ceiling fan provides comfort during any weather while maintaining those stunning forest views.

This tent is positioned on an elevated section of Elk Hollow, making you feel like you’re roosted in the treetops with the added serenity of the bubbling creek below your very private deck.

◉ Safari Tent – Key Amenities

• Authentic African safari tent with stone-gray exterior canvas
• Distinctive bamboo walls creating warm, rustic elegance
• Deep charcoal and slate-gray tones with rich red accents
• Playful turtle-shaped footrest for fun and comfort
• Luxurious king-sized bed framed in dark wood with premium linens
• Elegant lantern-style lighting enhancing exotic atmosphere
• Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and bamboo accents
• Private outdoor hot tub overlooking small bubbling creek
• Deep soaking tub in spa-like bathroom with magical string lights
• Leather armchair and loveseat for sophisticated relaxation
• Gas grill and fire pit for outdoor dining and stargazing
• Soft textured rugs and understated dining area
• Board games and flat-screen TV for entertainment
• Wide ramp access making it most wheelchair-accessible option
• Enormous wrap-around platform deck with covered seating
• Just steps from Deep Creek trails leading to waterfalls and scenic views

Location Description

Elk Hollow is nestled just a stone’s throw from the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a short five-minute drive from the charming streets of downtown Bryson City.

Here, you can hike the Waterfall Loop, a 2.4-mile trail that offers three picturesque waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. In warmer months, you can tube down the creek or enjoy horseback riding.

▲ Things to Do Near Safari Tent

~ Deep Creek Waterfall Loop (5 min away)
Hike to three stunning waterfalls—Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek—on an easy 2.4-mile loop. In warmer months, rent a tube and float down the refreshing creek.

◇ Road to Nowhere
Grab a flashlight and drive six miles on the “Road to Nowhere” that leads to a 1,000-foot tunnel—a perfect outing on even the hottest or rainiest day.

◉ Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a ride on one of the few remaining narrow-gauge steam railroads. Seasonal excursions like the Polar Express bring enchantment when the town sparkles with lights.

~ Fly Fishing & Tubing
Bryson City is known as the Fly Fishing Capital of the South. Try your luck in the Tuckasegee River or spend the day tubing through crystal-clear waters.

~ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining await just a short drive away. Perfect for adrenaline-seekers or first-time adventurers.

● Downtown Bryson City
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, flavorful Italian, or authentic Mexican, you’ll find it here, along with microbreweries serving up craft beers.

◉ Cherokee & Oconaluftee
Enjoy “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama performed on summer nights, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, or spot elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

▲ Mountain Adventures
Explore mountain biking at Tsali Recreation Area, boating and fishing at Fontana Lake, or get a taste of the Appalachian Trail.

◇ Tail of the Dragon
For thrill-seekers: 318 curves in 11 miles—a famous drive for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, just an hour away.

◉ Day Trip Adventures
Visit Cataloochee Ski Resort (45 minutes), tour the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (1 hour), or take Highway 441 through Newfound Gap to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for entertainment, shows, and Dollywood.

Getting Around

• Guests will need a vehicle to access the property and explore the area.
• Asheville Airport (AVL) is the closest airport, about 50 miles away.
• Note: If your chosen dates are not available in the Safari tent, we have other Romantic Safari Tents and Hard Wall Yurts at Elk Hollow. Feel free to ask!