Exciting New Openings In 2020

Exciting New Openings In 2020

We may already be a couple of months into the year now, but there's still so much to be excited for in 2020. There are a number of luxury camps and lodges opening up around Africa, ready to welcome new visitors. From Kenya to Mozambique, from Botswana to Zimbabwe, below are our top 5 new openings for 2020.

Mashatu Euphorbia, Botswana: Opening June 2020

Mashatu Euphorbia is the latest opening in the privately-owned Mashatu Game Reserve, deriving its name from the forest of colourful euphorbia succulents in which it is based, high up on a cliff face. This 5-star eco-camp effortlessly combines luxury with a conservation and sustainability effort, utilising state of the art water processing systems and solar-powered heated plunge pools which overlook the surrounding ravine.

Mashatu Euphorbia promises an intimate experience, with just 8 secluded villas. The villas are all built with brick and mortar and styled after the shape and curves of the local Mopane trees, a crucial food source for much of the local wildlife. Speaking of the local wildlife, Euphorbia’s expert guides will host a maximum of 4 guests per safari vehicle for excellent game viewing where you will be treated to daily sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and hyena.

Ingwe Pan Camp, Zimbabwe: Opening May 2020

Located just a few kilometres inland from the famed Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park, Ingwe Pan Camp is the newest addition to the excellent Machaba Safaris collection. As its name suggests, the camp is set on the edge of a secluded pan surrounded by ebony trees, with its 8 tents linked by natural walkways, allowing easy navigation through the Mana Pools wilderness. The tents are anticipated to be spacious and elegantly furnished, with all offering beautiful views over the pan below and the opportunity to shower under the stars when no other light is in sight, a truly unforgettable experience.

We expect the camp to be an excellent base for game viewing activities, with the focus being placed on walking safaris although there will also be game drives on offer in the morning and afternoon. Guests will become very well acquainted with the surrounding pan as well as the Mana floodplain, and will be able to encounter many of its inhabitants including lion, leopard, zebra, hyena and impala. Guests will also be able to witness the wildlife coming to drink and bathe at the pan from the comfort of their outside dining area, with leopard sightings in the late afternoon a possibility.

Azura Marlin Beach, Mozambique: Opening July 2020

Joining the likes of Azura Benguerra Island in the Azura portfolio is Azura Marlin Beach, which is a redevelopment of the Marlin Lodge site after it was sadly lost in a fire in 2012. The brand new lodge is located along a one-kilometre stretch of stunning white sand beach in the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park and has an elevated position on the sand dunes, boasting astonishing sunset views across the ocean. 

The lodge will feature 10 villas nestled across the stretch of beach, which are expected to be designed with an airy, modern feel, with design elements taken from local community projects. Mozambican butler-hosts will look after your every need and serve fresh fish and seafood from the Indian Ocean. 

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana: Opening June 2020

Red Carnation’s Xigera Safari Lodge is situated in Moremi Game Reserve, with private access to 6,000-hectares of lush wetland right in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The guest suites have all been designed to subtly reflect the untamed environment outside, and will all have decks which extend into daybeds, offering uninterrupted views out onto the floodplains.

The lodge was innovatively created without the use of any concrete, allowing each suite to float just above the ground so that the local wildlife can pass below uninterrupted. In total, there will be 12 suites, including one suite which is suitable for two couples sharing or a family. Inside the suites, hand-crafted bronze elements, local artwork and artisan furniture made with natural materials will blend African authenticity with high-quality design.

Sanctuary Tambarare, Kenya: Opening July 2020

Delivering authentic luxury in the shadow of Mount Kenya, Sanctuary Tambarare (meaning ‘plains’ in Swahili) looks out at the grassy plateau of the award-winning Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Sanctuary Tambarare promises a peaceful retreat after busy days on safari spent tracking the Big 5. The camp’s 10 boutique-style canvas tents are all individually decorated and are the perfect place for guests to retire to for sundowners, relaxation and attentive service.  

It won’t be difficult to take in the natural beauty of Ol Pejeta Conservancy from Sanctuary Tambarare, with each tent having a private veranda overlooking the plains and cinematic floor-to-ceiling views of the landscape from the comfort of your super king beds. Guests will also be able to explore the conservancy with daily game drives to encounter the Big 5 as well as Ol Pejeta’s huge population of over 130 black rhinos.