In an era when negative environmental news is everywhere, let’s not forget the remarkable people dedicating their lives to helping the environment, this is abundantly clear by the exciting new wildlife properties opening up all over the world. These are some of the hottest new safari lodges allowing guests to experience and protect the phenomenal wildlife we are blessed with on our planet. They have been chosen for our list because of their:
– celebration of local wildlife and culture,
– inspirational guided experiences, and
– the important role they play in conservation.
It’s wild and beautiful out there, please let us know if you wish to experience any of these new offerings, and please share with us any new exciting lodges that you feel fit the above criteria that we may have overlooked.
MAGASHI IN RWANDA
OPENED: 1 May 2019
LOCATION: Akagera National Park
After their successful opening of Bisate Lodge showcasing gorillas in Rwanda, Wilderness Safaris has launched a Rwandan savannah property within Akagera National Park. This is the only Big Five park in the country and a wonderful conservation success story – lion were re-introduced in 2015 and black rhino in 2017. It is an easy add-on for those wanting to do gorillas, and by visiting this park you will be directly contributing to the preservation of Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem.
ALSO OPENING IN RWANDA THIS YEAR: Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorillas Nest
WHAT WE LOVE
“the preservation of Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem”
(THE NEW) ANDERSSON'S AT ONGAVA IN NAMIBIA
OPENED: April 2019
LOCATION: Ongava Private Reserve (bordering Etosha)
With the opening of Shipwreck Lodge (on the Skeleton Coast) as well as Hoanib Valley Camp last year, we are thrilled to finally have something fresh to offer in Etosha. Forget the old Andersson’s, this is completely new and “the culmination of 1000 days of brainstorming, designing, crafting, perfecting”. Ongava still offers the closest access to the most productive part of Etosha National Park, but if you want to stay in house there is sensational wildlife viewing from the lodge’s private waterhole.
ALSO OPENING IN NAMIBIA THIS YEAR: Sonop, andBeyond Sossusvlei (complete refurbishment)
WHAT WE LOVE
“sensational wildlife viewing from the lodge’s private waterhole”
CHIKWENYA IN ZIMBABWE
OPENED: October 2018
LOCATION: Mana Pools National Park
This is one of Simon’s favorite safari destinations, so we are thrilled that Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools is firmly back on the safari map, with a number of new camps opening. As a private-access area neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya joins the park in playing an important role in protecting what is considered to be one of the great wildlife spectacles on the continent and in preserving a feel of real wilderness.
ALSO OPENING IN ZIMBABWE THIS YEAR: Mpala Jena, Nyamutsi
WHAT WE LOVE
“an important role in protecting what is considered to be one of the great wildlife spectacles on the continent”
TULUDI IN BOTSWANA
OPENED: July 2019
LOCATION: Okavango Delta
Natural Selection has been shaking things up in the safari industry. They are fresh, new and funky, but with Colin Bell at the helm, they have deep experience in the industry. Although your beer won’t be cooled from a wet, long sock tied to the side mirror of a landrover (as Colin did back in the day), they are keeping things simple (and affordable) but enriching.
ALSO OPENING IN BOTSWANA THIS YEAR: Jao, Kings Pool, Selinda Camp (all complete refurbishments)
WHAT WE LOVE
“keeping things simple (and affordable) but enriching”
TENGILE RIVER LODGE IN SOUTH AFRICA
OPENED: December 2018
LOCATION: Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve
This is andBeyond’s newest addition, it is unashamedly luxurious, but with a minimal ecological footprint. Sustainability elements in the lodge design include thermal efficiency, state-of-the-art wastewater and sewer treatment systems. Strict vehicle limits at game sightings ensure the exclusivity of the wildlife experiences and minimal impact.
ALSO OPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA THIS YEAR: Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, Tswalu Motse (complete refurbishment), The Farmstead at Royal Malewane, Phinda Mountain (complete refurbishment)
WHAT WE LOVE
“unashamedly luxurious, but with a minimal ecological footprint”
NAYARA TENTED CAMP IN COSTA RICA
OPENING: December 2019
LOCATION: Arenal Volcano
With private tents set on the hillside overlooking Arenal volcano and private plunge pools fed by natural hot springs, there is a lot to look forward to. The camp is planting 1000 Guarumo trees to create a sloth refuge.
WHAT WE LOVE
“private plunge pools fed by natural hot springs”
POUSADA TRIJUNCAO IN BRAZIL
OPENED: late 2018
LOCATION: Cerrado
After the conservation success achieved by Oncafari’s work with jaguar in the Brazilian Pantanal, the owners of Trijunção have partnered with Oncafari to habituate the shy maned wolf to help draw wildlife enthusiasts. Only 20% of the Cerrado’s original vegetation remains intact and less than 3% of the area is currently protected by law. With of a total area of 33,000 hectares, Pousada Trijunção is an ambitious step towards the conservation of Brazil’s cerrado, and one well worth supporting.
WHAT WE LOVE
“an ambitious step towards the conservation of Brazil’s cerrado”
Please contact us as we would love to start planning your dream safari with you.
Warm regards from Simon, Jen and the Bellingham team.
Photo credits: Lodge photos by suppliers.
