Unveiling the Best of 2023 and Anticipated New Openings in 2024
As the leading curator of luxury African safaris, we are thrilled to introduce you to some of the most exciting new safari lodges that have graced the continent in 2023 and those that are set to open their doors in 2024. Each of these lodges offers a distinctive and captivating experience that promises to redefine luxury safari travel.
Angama Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya (Opened 2023)
With a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Angama Amboseli enchants visitors with breathtaking vistas of the iconic mountain. This lodge boasts a privileged location on the Maasai community-owned lands, ensuring authentic cultural experiences alongside exceptional game drives. A haven for the prolific elephant population in this ecosystem, including some of Africa’s last remaining Super Tuskers, get up close to the relaxed resident herds and their calves as they saunter through the Sanctuary just as you do.
Set within a Fever Tree forest, Angama Amboseli offers 10 guest suites, including two sets of interconnecting family accommodations. Each suite features a personalized drinks armoire, butler’s lobby, writing desk, and a dressing area connecting the bedroom to the bathroom, featuring a double vanity and a double shower. The floor-to-ceiling screened doors lead to a private patio with a lounge area featuring a set of outdoor rocking chairs, and an outdoor shower.
What we love: Waking up and having the most incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro (each of the suites is positioned to mazimize the view of this highest peak in Africa).
Tswalu Loapi, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa (Opened in 2023)
Nestled within the sprawling Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Tswalu Loapi (which means ‘the space below the clouds’ in Setswana) invites travelers to explore the ancient desert landscape of the Kalahari in the utmost comfort and style. This lodge offers an immersive desert safari experience, complete with encounters with the elusive desert-adapted wildlife, stargazing like never before, and unparalleled privacy.
Pioneering and nomadic in spirit, Loapi Tented Camp’s six individual safari homes are surrounded by open savannah grasslands and accommodate two or four guests for the ultimate private wilderness experience. The 4 one-bedroom homes and 2 two-bedroom homes, spanning over 300 square metres (about 3200 square feet) and over 400 square metres (about 4600 square feet) respectively, are for those desiring complete privacy on safari. Sustainably designed and environmentally sensitive, each tented home is tucked into the contours of a valley between the Korannaberg mountains. Personal service is provided by a dedicated house manager and all meals are prepared by a private chef in the interactive kitchen. As with all Tswalu camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed.
What we love: Complete privacy, private game drives and the incredible opportunity to spend a morning with the habituated meerkats.
Kateka, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, greater Kruger National Park, South Africa (Opened in 2023)
Nestled within the vast expanse of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, an enclave within the prestigious Greater Kruger National Park, lies the epitome of luxury and tranquility – Kateka, the Safari & Wellness Experience. This haven of natural splendor boasts sweeping landscapes, a rare sense of seclusion, and unparalleled encounters with the majestic Big 5. Kateka has been meticulously crafted with an unwavering focus on holistic wellness, offering discerning travelers not just accommodation but an immersive journey into luxury and serenity.
Kateka unveils its splendor through a limited collection of sumptuously appointed suites and an opulent three bedroom villa, each meticulously furnished to the highest standard. Here, the safari experience takes on an intimate and exclusive dimension. At the heart of the main lodge, an expansive poolside deck and al fresco dining room provide the perfect vantage point for guests to unwind while savoring the captivating spectacle at the nearby watering hole. For the ultimate pampering, the on-site spa promises a sanctuary of serenity, where lavish treatments unfold against the backdrop of uninterrupted bush views and the soothing symphony of nature’s melodies.
What we love: The marrying of wellness and safari – the perfect blend of design, destination and decompressing. Also try the F45 gym and Himalayan salt-lined infrared sauna.
Atzaro Okavango Camp – Botswana (Opening May 2024)
This exquisite new lodge, Atzaro Okavango Camp, represents a brilliant addition to African Bush Camp’s impressive collection. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to eco-consciousness, this 100% solar-powered retreat seamlessly merges opulence with environmental responsibility. Arriving in style is easy, with the option of a helicopter transfer, setting the stage for an exclusive sojourn in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Comprising a dozen generously appointed suites, Atzaro Okavango Camp exudes a sense of style that effortlessly melds natural textures. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the breathtaking vistas of the Delta into your sanctuary. Moreover, each suite offers the indulgence of a private plunge pool, alongside the convenience of both indoor and outdoor showers.
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature with captivating morning and evening game drives, serene mokoro (traditional canoe) rides along the waterways, and invigorating walking safaris. In between these captivating adventures, you can treat yourself to rejuvenating spa therapies, or seek tranquility in the yoga studio, well-equipped gym, or the inviting 20-meter pool. This unique lodge caters to families with children (of all ages) and groups of friends, making it the ideal destination for unforgettable experiences in the wild.
What we love: Arrive in style with a scenic helicopter flip over the Okavango Delta, before settling into this game rich reserve for the ultimate Botswana game viewing adventure.
Singita Milele, Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania (Opening May 2024)
In May 2024, the world of luxury travel will have a new gem to behold with the grand opening of Singita Milele. Nestled in the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness, this remarkable exclusive use villa promises to redefine the safari experience. Situated in the private concession of Singita Grumeti in Tanzania, Singita Milele boasts a privileged location that ensures an unparalleled connection with the surrounding wildlife. Guests will find themselves immersed in the splendor of the Serengeti ecosystem, where the Great Migration unfolds, and the iconic Big Five roam freely.
Perfect for large groups of friends or families, Singita Milele creates elevated opportunities to experience its pristine surroundings in full – and this one-of-a-kind property celebrates Africa’s creative energy and excellence with locally sourced style and design elements throughout. The villa’s expansive configuration accommodates up to 10 guests in five individually designed suites inspired by the region’s most iconic species. While portraying the raw energy and visual appeal of these magnificent animals, the spacious suites all include large terraces and decks, dressing rooms, outdoor showers and sweeping views of the savannas below.
What we love: Perfect for multi-generational families or a group of friends traveling together. Singita is the best of the best and we know this will be another exceptional lodge in the Grumeti.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Opening September 2024)
The evolution of Wilderness Rwanda’s Bisate experience near Volcanoes National Park will reach unparalleled heights in September 2024 with the unveiling of its new lodge, Bisate Reserve. Intended to redefine luxury, conservation and exclusivity, this intimate new property will feature just four spacious villas, continuing Wilderness’ legacy of driving conservation tourism in the region.
Positioned on the rim of a weathered volcano, Bisate Reserve’s four expansive villas will offer captivating vistas overlooking six majestic volcanoes. Crafted with meticulous detail, the lodge is poised to captivate the hearts of every valued guest, marking a significant milestone in premium hospitality and iconic destinations.
Akin to its sister lodge, Bisate Reserve embodies much more than luxury; it represents an extension and enhancement of conservation tourism in Rwanda. Through ground-breaking reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives, each guest becomes a partner in biodiversity protection and local community upliftment, directly contributing to the preservation of the iconic endangered mountain gorilla species.
What we love: The impeccable design and location of this intimate lodge perched on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. The perfect location for gorilla trekking! (they’ve even had gorilla sightings from the lodge)
Reach out to us today to start planning a bespoke safari and we’ll be sure to include these new lodges in your customized proposal.