Antonio's parents, João and Alice, were born and raised in Vieira do Minho, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and strong sense of community. Like many Portuguese families during that time, they left their homeland in search of new opportunities and began a new chapter in South Africa.

It was there that Antonio was born and spent his early childhood.

Although South Africa became home, Portugal remained ever present in family conversations. Stories of Vieira do Minho, childhood memories, family traditions, and the mountains they had left behind were passed down through the years. The connection to Portugal never disappeared; it simply became part of a larger story that now belonged to two countries instead of one.

When Antonio was a teenager, João and Alice returned to Portugal and settled once again in Vieira do Minho, returning to the place where their own journey had begun. The family home they established still stands beside Safari Glamping today and remains one of the most treasured parts of our family's history.

As the years passed, Antonio purchased the neighbouring property. What stands on the land is modest but deeply meaningful: an old farmhouse, a wooden house, and a landscape of rolling hills and mountain views that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.

What makes these buildings particularly special is that both were crafted by João himself.

João was a carpenter whose skill was matched only by his dedication to his family. The farmhouse and wooden house were built with his own hands, not as investments or future developments, but as places where family could gather, celebrate, rest, and create memories together. Decades later, those buildings remain standing as a lasting testament to his craftsmanship and the values he passed on to future generations. 

Although João and Alice are no longer with us, their legacy lives on throughout the property. Every corner of this land carries a connection to the people who came before us, the sacrifices they made, and the life they built for their family.

For many years, the farmhouse served as our family retreat whenever we returned to Portugal, while the wooden house welcomed visitors seeking peace, privacy, and a connection to nature. It was through these guests that we began to see the property through new eyes.

What stayed with us over the years was not the accommodation itself, but the feeling those places created. They encouraged people to slow down, to appreciate nature, to spend meaningful time together, and to reconnect with what truly matters.

Gradually, a dream began to form.

We imagined creating a place that would combine the natural beauty of Portugal with the spirit of hospitality and connection that we had experienced in South Africa. We did not want to recreate Africa, because Africa is unique and irreplaceable. Instead, we wanted to share some of the values and experiences that had become such an important part of our lives.

That vision became Safari Glamping.

Bringing that vision to life was a journey that took four years. Living between South Africa and Portugal meant balancing family life, work, travel, construction, and countless challenges that accompany any project of this scale. Every stage required patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. There were additional land bought by the trio, permits to obtain, plans to revise, unexpected obstacles to overcome, and countless hours of work invested by our family.

What sustained us throughout the process was the belief that we were creating something meaningful.

Today, Safari Glamping represents the coming together of everything that has shaped our family's journey. It honours Portuguese roots while celebrating South African influences. It preserves the legacy of a grandfather whose craftsmanship still stands proudly on the property. It reflects years of dedication, hard work, and belief in a dream. Most importantly, it creates a place where new memories can be made.

The property now belongs to Angelo, representing the next generation of our family's story. In many ways, Safari Glamping is a bridge between past and future, carrying forward the values, traditions, and memories that have been passed down through our family for decades.

When guests stay with us, our greatest hope is that they experience the same sense of peace and belonging that this place has always given us. Whether it is sharing breakfast on a deck overlooking the mountains, watching the sunset with family and friends, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoying the rare luxury of uninterrupted time together, we hope every visit becomes a collection of moments worth remembering.

Because at its heart, Safari Glamping is not really about tents, buildings, or accommodation.

It is about family and about heritage.

It is about creating space for people to reconnect with nature, with one another, and with themselves.