If you’re anything like us, then a brand new year means some brand new travel resolutions. Here is a selection of the exciting new African safari lodges opening this year.
Luckily for us (and you), 2017 is shaping up to be rather a good one in the world of Africa travel, with more than a sprinkling of new lodges and hotels due to open across the continent. From city-slick boutique retreats to one-in-a-million island nirvanas, 2017 has certainly got some treats in store. So long January blues… let’s get planning!
Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
There are a gazillion African safari lodges offering out of this world gorilla trek, but none of them quite like Bisate. Due to open in June 2017, home for the lodge is an extinct volcanic cone – really – in the heart of 27 hectares of pristine Rwandan forest. Crucially the area is also a wildlife corridor, essential to the preservation of endangered mountain gorillas. Big ticks then for impressive conservation endeavours, but what about the lodge itself? Gold stars there too – each of the six domed forest villas will have a private deck, inside fireplace to warm chilly fingers and toes and remarkable views of Mikeno volcano to wake up to.
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
King Lewanika Lodge, Liuwa Plains, Zambia
You have to be ballsy to build a lodge in one of the most remote parks in Africa, but the clever folks behind Norman Carr Safaris in the South Luangwa have taken up the challenge – with bells on. King Lewanika lodge will open in April 2017, timed perfectly to coincide with a new regular flight from Lusaka (the capital) to Kalabo (the Liuwa Plains airstrip). At the lodge, expect six sleek villas, never-ending views and dedicated photographic guides to take you on safari. Oh and did we mention it’s the only permanent camp in the park? Better get there quickly before the others follow suit…
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
In a city bursting with oh-so-trendy hotels, you have to do something special to stand out from the crowds in Cape Town… Enter, The Silo! Located above the planned Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) in the iconic V&A (and in an old grain tower nonetheless), the 27 rooms are all edgy angles, sharp geometry and some seriously eclectic design treats courtesy of interiors legend, Liz Biden. By day, it’s champagne on the glass roof deck and at night, cosy up in one of the 27 rooms and watch the city lights twinkling through the pillowed windows. But what are pillowed windows we here you cry? Well, you’ll just have to visit to find out…
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
Luambe Camp, Luambe National Park, Zambia
Even though it was designated a National Park in 1938, making it one of Zambia’s oldest protected areas, pocket-sized Luambe has stayed firmly off the radar of African safari lodges – until now. But with a little help from a passionate team of biologists and a private investor, Luambe Lodge is in the pipeline and will be ready to welcome its first guests in June 2017. Don’t expect Serengeti-herds of buffalo or sprawling big cats here however – Luambe is about the beauty of nature, long, hazy days on safari and nights under the sparkling sky. And that’s what makes it utterly magical.
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
There’s something afoot in the wilds of Southern Tanzania and it’s called Jabali Ridge. Ruaha National Park’s first uber-luxury lodge, Jabali has been designed to blend in almost entirely to the spectacular, baobab-studded surroundings – think spacious villas crafted from local wood and adorned in cool, creamy linens and walls created by a balancing act of Flintsone-esque boulders. Activities will include game drives, walking safaris and night drives with some of the continent’s most experienced guides – and with the world’s largest elephant population as well as enormous numbers of lion, buffalo and wild dog on the doorstep, there’s always be something to see.
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
Miavana, Diego Suarez, Madagascar
Beach addicts get ready – Miavana has arrived as one of the best new African safari lodges. Occupying Nosy Ankao, a private island accessed only by helicopter, the super-swanky villas will each have their own section of idyllic beach, ideal for sunset-gazing, fly fishing and cocktail sipping in total privacy. And actually, it’s not just about the beach, impressive though it is – Miavana will be offering ‘blue safaris’ to discover the marine life of the Indian Ocean, as well as trips to see golden-crowned lemurs on land. A beach and a safari, all in the same place? Yes please.
Add this lodge to your itinerary here.
