The accommodations landscape in Africa is constantly changing with camp refurbishments and new property openings. When planning a safari, it’s important to work with an expert who stays up to date on camps and lodges, and who can recommend what will suit your specific needs. At Africa Adventure Consultants, we travel to Africa regularly to ensure our knowledge stays cutting edge, which translates into the best safari for you!
Along those lines, we have narrowed down a long list of new accommodation openings across the continent to highlight a few that we are most excited about. Read on – you just might find a perfect fit for your next safari!
If you’ve dreamed seeing Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the new Tuludi Camp promises a classic experience of the area. Located in the Khwai Private Reserve, the camp has access to nearly 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness, and the landscape and wildlife are top notch. Tuludi has just seven spacious, treehouse-style rooms designed with thoughtful details including a lovely outdoor bath and shower and private plunge pools. Activities include game drives, walking safaris and fantastic water-based game viewing allowing you to discover the best of the Delta.
Bonus – Your stay is conservation in action! The Khwai Private Reserve is a private concession from which proceeds go straight back into eco-tourism initiatives in the area and to the surrounding communities.
Singita is renowned for its luxurious properties around Africa, as well as for its conservation efforts. The newest gem in their collection of lodges is Singita Kwitonda, situated on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. The perfect base for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, each of the lodge’s eight suites features design elements made by surrounding communities, a private heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces for chilly evenings and large windows that showcase the breathtaking scenery. With a nod to sustainability, Kwitonda’s kitchen celebrates Rwandese cuisine and fresh produce from the on-site garden, while the Akarabo Nursery is a part of Singita’s ambitious undertaking to contribute to the long-term conservation of endangered mountain gorillas by increasing their habitat through reforestation.
Bonus – Kwitonda offers a two-bedroom suite sleeping four, which is perfect for families. For larger groups, we recommend the exclusive-use four-bedroom villa Kataza House, which ups the luxury level further with an interactive kitchen with a private chef, cinema room, private wine cellar and more.
Most travelers that want to safari in Tanzania opt for a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It’s a 10-square-mile wonder that’s teeming with wildlife! Our favorite new spot for families or groups to use as a base for exploring the Crater is the new Entamanu Private Camp. With just four beautiful and cozy rooms (two of which are two-bedroomed, accommodating families nicely), it’s the most exclusive property in the area. You’ll have views of both the Crater and the Serengeti, and its location means you’ll be able to get into the Crater early, before the crowds. Highland walks are also on offer, along with visits to a local Maasai boma. Children over 5 are welcome.
Bonus – Because this camp is exclusive-use, everything will happen on your terms and schedule. That might just be the ultimate luxury!
This beautiful new lodge offers dramatic views over the canopies of the Greater Kruger National Park and is situated around a watering hole popular with abundant wildlife. The lodge has three luxury spacious Farm Suites, each with large verandas and private pools. The main area is stunning, and in addition to fine dining, it also offers a spa and a gym. The Farmstead also offers the Farmhouse, a 3-bedroom private villa (with bonus kid’s bedroom!), which includes private services including a chef, housekeeper and butler. Farmhouse guests have their own private safari vehicle as well. If desired, the entire property can be taken exclusively for groups of up to fourteen.
Bonus – The lodge has collection of contemporary African art with notable pieces by Kudzanai Chiurai and James Jana among other works from the AVA Gallery and Smith Studio.
Set in Mana Pools, one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa, Nyamatusi Camp allows guests to experience the old untouched Africa. The camp’s design takes advantage of its riverside location and pays homage to the astounding beauty of the mighty Zambezi River. Consisting of six luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, the camp feels completely remote. When you visit, you’ll spend your days on walking safaris in the footsteps of ancient explorers and following elephant tracks. Game drives and canoeing safaris allow close-up and intimate wildlife viewing for an unforgettable safari!
Bonus – The camp’s charitable foundation helps create opportunities to empower the communities and their members to become self-sustaining and independent, while also promoting conservation and community spirit.
These are just a sampling of what’s new in East and Southern Africa. We’ve listed some other favorites below – contact a Journey Specialist to learn more about these properties or visit our Facebook page for periodic updates!
Best New Camps Opened/Opening 2019
Best Refurbishments/Rebuilds 2019
Opening 2020
