HOTTEST NEW SAFARI LODGES 2024

We are delighted to unveil our much-anticipated “Hottest New Safari Lodges” 2024 edition. And excited to extend an invitation to you to be one of the very first guests to experience these extraordinary openings. Should you have any enquiries or require assistance in selecting your preferred lodge(s) from these new additions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

As you dream of new horizons, know that we are here to turn those dreams into unforgettable realities.

Warmest regards, Jen, Simon, and the Bellingham Team xx

andBeyond is setting course with a brand new 38 m (124 ft) expedition yacht with just six cabins, making this perhaps the most exclusive yacht operating in the enchanted islands of the Galapagos. There are two 7-night set departure itineraries available, exploring either the east or west islands of the archipelago. You can expect complete exclusivity coupled with up-close encounters alongside iconic species such as the Giant Galapagos Tortoise, Galapagos Sea Lion, Marine Iguana, Blue-Footed Boobie, Galapagos Penguin and so much more! Wildlife activities include hiking, zodiac cruises and snorkelling in pristine waters teeming with marine life. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows fill the spacious guest areas, providing breathtaking views of the ever-changing landscapes. The yacht’s al fresco sundeck located on the uppermost deck boasts a decadent hot tub and comfortable lounge area. Meticulously appointed, air conditioned accommodation includes four beautiful cabins and two exquisite suites, featuring either portholes or windows.

Opening: June 2024
Rates from US$ 10,950.00 for a 7 night cruise per person sharing
More about Ecuador and Galapagos here

This truly is a hidden treasure, a place so wonderfully obscure that you would be forgiven for having to turn to Google just to pinpoint its whereabouts (off the West Coast of Africa). It’s not a tourist hotspot, instead, it’s one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, often referred to as the “Galapagos of Africa.” This little visited volcanic paradise is home to lush tropical jungles with plenty of endemic birds, that cascade down to untouched beaches, embraced by deep turquoise waters. It’s a serene and tranquil place where the rhythms of life remain unhurried and untouched by the modern world. Bom Bom remained closed for several years post-Covid, but the moment has finally arrived for it to reopen, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. For those with a passion for marine life, Bom Bom forms the perfect base for SCUBA diving enthusiasts and has nearby turtle nesting grounds. Boom, boom for Bom Bom!

Opening: September 2024
Rates from EUR 340.00 per person per night sharing
More about Sao Tome and Principe here

We know that this is by no means a safari lodge but the V&A Waterfront is the perfect base from which to explore the natural wonders of Cape Town – including cetacean and shark boat excursions, penguin viewing and flower safaris to name a few. The iconic Cape Grace closed its doors in May 2023 to undergo a complete transformation, and from the sneak peeks we’ve managed to get, it is going to be stunning. While its history and legacy remain, along with its impeccable service, you can expect something very new, fresh and exciting.

Opening: April 2024
Rates from ZAR 22,000.00 per room per night
More about South Africa here

The very first andBeyond (then ccAfrica) lodge we had the privilege of visiting was Phinda Forest Lodge, back in the mid-1990s. Phinda Reserve had only recently been established in 1991, with parts of the land having previously been used for farming. Reflecting back on our experience, there were sections of the reserve that had suffered from overgrazing and degradation but ccAfrica’s pioneering efforts and visionary approach, coupled with our own excitement as novices, made every moment of our stay thrilling. Over the years, the protected area has experienced remarkable growth, more than doubling in size with reintroduction programmes for many species including Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Pangolin, Cheetah and much more. This expansion, combined with over three decades of dedicated conservation work, has transformed Phinda into a global benchmark for conservation. Phinda Forest Lodge was undeniably ahead of its time, with an ultra-modern design which has ensured that the lodge stood the test of time. This all being said the time had come for a complete refurbishment which took place under the legendary skills of Foxbrowne Creative and Jack Alexander.

Opened: December 2023
Rates from ZAR 16,000.00 per person per night sharing
More about South Africa here

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the newest Wild Expeditions camp in the Okavango Delta – Karangoma. Wild Expeditions stands as a pioneering collective of authentic safari camps and mobile expeditions operating in remote corners of Africa, spanning from Madagascar (Masoala Forest Lodge) and Ethiopia to Zimbabwe and now Botswana. Karangoma is the outcome of a partnership with local elder Olatotse Sarefo and is deeply rooted in Bukakhwe San and Hambukushu culture. This camp is bringing it back down to basics and it is refreshing to introduce a new camp that consciously seeks a meaningful reconnection with nature by shedding unnecessary urban expectations. The 6 tented rooms are situated in the secluded northeast of the Okavango Delta, providing opportunities for both land and water-based safari activities amid large herds of wildlife, with excellent sightings of predators. Even in the lush conditions of summer the camp has virtually daily visits from Elephant herds and regular ‘drive bys’ of hunting packs of Wild Dogs.

Opening: 1 May 2024
Rates from US$ 600.00 per person per night sharing
More about Botswana here

The evolution of Wilderness Rwanda’s Bisate experience near Volcanoes National Park will reach new 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, with captivating vistas overlooking six majestic volcanoes. Akin to its sister property, Bisate 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, yet endangered Mountain Gorilla.

Opening: September 2024
Rates from US$ 3,200.00 per person per night sharing
More about Rwanda here

We are absolutely delighted that there is going to (finally!) be a decent offering at Kibale!!! This area is prime for Chimpanzee trekking but has always lacked on the accommodation front. Kibale Lodge will comprise eight deluxe rooms and a villa, plus a spa, sauna and pool. Three deluxe bandas will be open by May 2024 and five more by the end of 2024. The lodge, just half an hour from Kibale Forest, boasts views of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) from the main ridge line, looking towards the west and the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga channel to the south. The area is surrounded by lush homesteads of the Kabarole region, with its welcoming temperate climate.

Opening: May 2024
Rates from US$ 1,200.00 per person per night sharing
More about Uganda here

Located in the Singita Gruemeti reserve, a vast and protected piece of pristine Serengeti savannah, this new exclusive use property will form part of Singita’s Private Villa Collection. Situated on a hilltop, with an awe-inspiring vantage point of the landscape below, this ultra-luxurious retreat is the epitome of exclusivity and offers the signature Singita experience at its very pinnacle. This is ideal for families or groups of friends and can accommodate up to 10 guests in five individually designed suites. The spacious suites all include large outdoor terraces and decks, dressing rooms, outdoor showers and private jacuzzis. But best of all is that this new villa is located on Sasakwa hill, with some of the most bounteous views in all of Africa, overlooking the sweeping savannas below.

Opening: May 2024
Rates from US$ 26,250.00 for the villa per night
More about Tanzania here

TUTC is set to expand its offerings to include The Untamed Bandhavgarh. Each of the meticulously designed tents boasts a private patio, large netted windows that embrace natural light and is thoughtfully equipped with a writing desk, mini-fridge, and facilities for brewing tea and coffee. Serving as an ideal base, this haven allows you to explore a forest renowned for having the world’s highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park.

Opening: 1 October 2024
Rates from ~ US$ 500.00 per tent per night
More about India here

Photo credits: Lodge photos by suppliers.