New openings and developments continue apace in safari Africa – many continue the trend of bringing accommodation comfort levels to new heights, but it’s also reassuring to see new experiences that let wilderness and wildlife take centre stage. Expect ‘exclusivity’ to be a focus for 2026 too, from exclusive-use private retreats to exclusive wilderness experiences and getting off the beaten track. Here is our pick of just a few highlights that we’re particularly excited to share.
Kusini Serengeti, Tanzania
A brand new offering from the very well established Nomad Tanzania has just opened in the exclusive Kusini area of the southern Serengeti National Park. Kusini Serengeti offers that rare luxury of feeling away from it all in this iconic national park, whilst still being in prime wildlife territory. Between the months of December and March, the great migration will be in the area, whilst outside this period the resident wildlife is excellent. The camp is set amongst the kopjes that this area of Serengeti is known for – providing superb vantage points for spotting wildlife, appreciating the sense of space and enjoying sundowners and star gazing. The camp is quintessentially ‘Nomad’ – small and stylishly authentic with just six accommodation tents and a comfortable mess tent. The area is perfect for walking and game drives are also offered – with a private Nomad guide and vehicle for every booking you’re free to plan how you’d like to explore this special corner of the Serengeti.
Zamara Private, Kenya
Kenya may boast some of the continent’s most impressive wildlife, but it has more limited options for genuinely high end accommodation. Great Plains Conservation will be unveiling their newest property in the New Year which promises to offer genuine luxury alongside superb wildlife viewing. Zamara Private is located on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve and is a highly exclusive private residence catering for parties of up to 12 guests in six villa-like suites. The suites include two master suites, each with a private pool and additional bedroom designed for guests travelling with a personal assistant/staff. Central areas will include a lounge, a media room with TV, a library, dining spaces, main swimming pool, spa and gym, lawned rooftop terrace and a well-stocked wine cellar. Activities will focus on exploring the iconic Masai Mara by open sided four wheel drive vehicles – morning, afternoon or even full day game drives, the day’s schedule is entirely up to you. Scenic hot air balloon flights can also be booked. Great Plains Conservation has superb eco-credentials so a stay at Zamara not only offers a new level of luxury for private bookings in the Masai Mara, alongside some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, but also a safari with purpose that supports conservation and communities that live alongside wildlife.
Singita Elela, Botswana
Arguably one of the most luxurious safari brands, Singita is expanding into new territory when they open their first property in Botswana in December 2026. Located in the Okavango Delta, Singita Elela will combine signature luxury with one of the most exclusive safari destinations, and promises to offer something special to suit the most discerning of guests. The property is situated in a concession which receives seasonal flood water and so activities will include boat and mokoro excursions when water levels allow, as well as guided walking and game drives. Accommodation will comprise eight self-contained units that they call ‘camps’ – five one-bedroom camps, two two-bedroom camps and one four-bedroom camp. Each camp will include an en suite bedroom(s), lounge, kitchenette, dining area and outdoor deck with private plunge pool, camp fire and space for yoga and wellness treatments. Each camp also comes with a private guide and vehicle and private host (the four-bedroom camp comes with two vehicles and a private chef, as well as host). Central areas will include a boutique and a wine cellar offering wine tasting experiences and a conservation room. Whilst Singita is synonymous with luxury, the brand is also heavily invested in conserving Africa’s wild spaces and their Botswana venture will be no exception; each guest will pay a 1% conservation levy which will go towards the conservation work being undertaken in the concession. If you’re looking for one of the most exclusive experiences available in safari Africa, this is one to watch.
Pabidi Lodge, Uganda
2026 looks bright for Uganda and the opening of Pabidi Lodge in the Budongo Forest area of Murchison Falls National Park will offer a very comfortable base from which to explore the wide range of activities and habitats here. The Budongo Forest is famous for its chimpanzees and tracking takes place in the mornings and afternoons, as well as the opportunity for a more in depth chimp habituation experience. There are also forest walks available and for keen birders, the lodge has access to the superb Royal Mile Birding Walk in the south of the forest. Game drives through Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda’s largest) are also possible, while an hour or so north is the Nile River for boat trips and the impressive Murchison Falls. Pabidi Lodge will offer the opportunity to discover Uganda’s rich wildlife and natural beauty beyond, or in combination with, the gorillas found further south in the country.
Gorilla Forest Lodge, Uganda
In Uganda again, the former Gorilla Forest Camp has undergone a complete rebuild and has reopened as Gorilla Forest Lodge. The property offers a new level of luxury in Uganda for trekking gorillas with a 10-villa lodge. Each villa features four poster king size beds, a sitting room and deep bath tubs while floor to ceiling windows and furnished private decks make the most of the beautiful forest setting. The main areas include stylish dining spaces and a spa. The location remains the same and offers excellent access to the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a great option for anyone seeking a luxury primate experience without the price tag of neighbouring Rwanda. If you’re considering planning a trip to see the gorillas, you may find our blog comparing the differences between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking a useful read.
The Outpost, Botswana
Barclay and Stenner are well respected for their innovative and exclusive private mobile safari experiences in the Okavango Delta; but 2026 will see the exciting opening of their first permanent camp – The Outpost in the southern Okavango Delta. The camp will offer modern luxury, whilst still maintaining the traditional safari values and personal hospitality that Barclay and Stenner are known for. Accommodation will be offered in 12 stylish en suite tents – eight tents around the main mess area and four tents which will be used as a private enclave for small groups. The vision is to create a safari experience that balances great wildlife action with a fantastic camp experience. The facilities will offer an impressive 16 metre lap pool, a yoga deck, a sauna and a gym, and the focal point from the main areas is a busy waterhole so there’s no missing out on wildlife even when in camp. When you’re ready to head off exploring, guided walks, game drives, a wildlife hide, horse riding, scenic helicopter flights and visits to community initiatives will all be offered.
Olimba Camp, Zambia
We’re very excited to see the launch of Remote Africa’s latest property – Olimba Camp, which will open in South Luangwa in May this year. Anyone who has stayed in Remote Africa’s current camps (Tafika Camp and their adventurous Tafika Walking Trails in South Luangwa, and the charming Mwaleshi Camp and Takwela Camp in remote North Luangwa) will know this well-established company has a superb operation, focusing on authentic camps and very experienced guiding.
Olimba will offer a slightly more upscale level of accommodation, with just four canvas, screed and thatch chalets and a main area which includes a small swimming pool. The camp is located on the northern boundary of the Nsefu Sector, to the east of the National Park. The site itself was actually used as the filming base for the BBC’s Kingdom wildlife documentary series and the name Olimba is named after a star leopard featured in the series.
Whilst Remote Africa is well known for their walking safaris, the focus from Olimba will be on game drives (day and night) and prime wildlife sightings. There are also two photographic hides, including a seasonal carmine bee-eater hide, which will offer up close encounters. Visits to the nearby Mkasanga Village offer a broader cultural dimension to activities.
Lwenge River Camp, Zambia
The coming year will see another first-rate opening in Zambia – Lwenge River Camp in the vast Kafue National Park. Lwenge will welcome guests from August 2026 and is the latest offering from the excellent Classic Zambia team who specialise in simple, authentic, wildlife-led safaris with excellent guiding.
The camp will offer five spacious and airy guest tents and will cater for private groups of up to 10 guests. For its opening year only, however, Lwenge will also accept individual bookings on a shared camp basis (over dates where a private booking doesn’t already exist), and with a launch offer of stay four nights for the price of three, it would make a great value Zambia adventure. While Lwenge is new to Classic Zambia, the location is not, with sister camp Musekese originally being based in this pretty riverside location. The focus of activities will be guided walks (for which Classic Zambia is well known) and boat trips on the Kafue River, all led by excellent guides. Game drives by day and night will also be offered and there is a wildlife hide. For guests interested in the conservation side of a safari, it’s possible to visit the research centre of Musekese Conservation (a conservation organisation founded by Classic Zambia). Kafue is a perfect destination for seasoned safari-goers and Lwenge promises an exclusive and authentic wilderness experience with a variety of activities and a brilliant team.
Hoanib Elephant Camp, Namibia
It’s been encouraging to see a number of developments on the Namibia safari scene, not least with improved flight connections and transfers. Two new airstrips in the north of the country will make accessing the spectacular and remote northwestern region of the country a little easier. A scheduled flight circuit will be launched in May 2026 linking the Shipwreck Coast and the Hoanib Valley – two regions that are not easy to incorporate in a self-drive itinerary. Westies Airport will allow you to land just 25 minutes from the striking Shipwreck Lodge with its oceanside desert location; whilst Sima Airstrip will serve Hoanib Elephant Camp which is a new opening for 2026. Hoanib Elephant Camp will be ideal for anyone wanting to truly leave the beaten path to explore this raw and stunningly rugged valley, without sacrificing comfort. The 10 tents will offer understated luxury, while the wildlife and scenery are full on, untamed Namibia. Experience desert adapted wildlife (elephant and giraffe) and explore with nature drives and guided walks. Rhino trekking and cultural visits to the local Himba tribe are also highlights.
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