A new herd of camps and lodges have just opened, in the best safari destinations in Africa. Keep these ten camps on your radar, for the safari adventure of a lifetime.
You’ll notice the trend away from the old-world colonial style, towards design-led properties and very contemporary luxuries. It’s the same amazing wilderness. And thanks to conservation, the wildlife is only getting better. Now there are these new, very private and highly exclusive places to enjoy Africa’s natural wonders.
DumaTau & Little DumaTau, Botswana
DumaTau was already one of Africa’s best camps, thanks to the incredible riverfront location in Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana. After a complete rebuild, the seven-suite camp offers private plunge pools, outdoor showers and 142 square metre suites overlooking elephant herds. Plus a new four-tent sister camp, Little DumaTau. And an incredible spa in the wild, shared between the two.
Singita Sabora, Tanzania
Embodying the essence of simplicity, Singita’s latest safari camp finds a balance between romantic tented safari adventure and contemporary design. There’s no bling here. It’s all very soothing, on the grassy Serengeti plains, with spectacular game viewing all year around.
Earth Lodge, South Africa
Our private consultant Tomas Safarik recently returned from South Africa and his favourite experience was the new Earth Lodge.
Earth Lodge is a work of art. The villas and common areas are literally built into the earth, so you really feel connected to nature. It’s a complete package – atmosphere, lodge, wildlife, nature, staff and service.
Earth Lodge is located in the Sabi Sands area of the Kruger, in South Africa, a premier big-five destination famous for its leopards.
Time+Tide Luwi, Zambia
Just four tents in the raw wilderness of South Luangwa, where rare animals roam and lion roars pierce the inky black night. Inspired by old-world exploration this is a rustic and authentic camp, brought into the year 2022. It’s perfect for getting back to earth, whilst having a few modern conveniences.
Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana
12 solar-powered suites with copper bathtubs and pools for watching animals wander past. That’s for starters. Xigera celebrates contemporary African art and design, with each suite completely different from the next.
The highlight is the baobab treehouse, where you sleep ten metres above the herds below. It’s one of the world’s ultimate treehouse accommodations.
Kruger Shalati, South Africa
On a 110-year-old railway bridge in the Kruger, an old train has been reborn. Kruger Shalati consists of 24 renovated train carriages, all of them a contemporary interpretation of 1920s glamour. It’s vintage from the outside, but youthful on the inside, with quirky designs from young African designers.
Each carriage is a single suite where you safari from on high. Elephants, buffalos, hippos, giraffe, zebra, impala…there’s a lot of other wildlife drinking from the river below.
Always Wanted to do an African Safari?
Habitas Namibia
The Habitas group are making wilderness areas accessible, with trendy hotels in places like Saudi Arabia and Namibia. Our private consultant Tomas Safarik visited this recently opened lodge in Namibia, where wildlife safari is only one part of the experience.
Calm yet full of energy, beautiful without showing off, Habitas Namibia feels like the future of luxury hospitality. You feel at home while having many exciting adventures in the unknown.
Ol Lentille, Kenya
Marketing director Stephen Bailey remembers the Laikipia area of Kenya as the most spectacular place he’s ever experienced.
The sense of space, the silence, the surprise with every corner you turn. Nowhere compares.
Laikipia was a place of old, colonial-style safari lodges. We’re so excited about Ol Lentille as it brings Laikipia up to date, with just four luxury villas in this beautiful location. Stephen will be inspecting Ol Lentille in November.
Usangu Expedition Camp, Tanzania
Comfortable remote camps are the norm in Tanzania. In the Serengeti you’ll find some exceptional camps, with just a few spacious tents raised on wooden decks, plus magnificent views of the wildlife.
No swimming pools and spa facilities, but you don’t need that when there’s so much wildlife. Usangu is special because it’s bringing this concept to a new location, Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania. So now you can explore the less-explored south, with the same safari luxuries of the north.
Royal Malewane Waterside, South Africa
You won’t find many more luxurious properties than the three lodges at Royal Malewane, anywhere else in the world, never mind just in Africa. Waterside is their third and newest property, opened only in July 2022.
Think enormous suites, with heated swimming pools, artisanal design and every possible luxury. This could be the private suite you crave for a relaxed beachside holiday. Just swap the beach and sea for the Kruger, with its leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo and more.
Where Will You Safari?
Will you be among the first to try Africa’s hottest new safari camps and lodges? Or will Africa stay on your bucket list forever?
We’ve seen first-hand the incredible developments Africa has made in terms of accommodation and service. It won’t be long before everybody is talking about their African safaris. Now you can still be ahead of the trends.
