Exciting New Openings & Re-Openings In 2021

Exciting New Openings & Re-Openings In 2021

There are a number of luxury camps and lodges opening and re-opening up around Africa, ready to welcome new visitors. From Mozambique to Zambia, from Botswana to Zimbabwe, below are our top new openings and re-openings for 2021.

Shawa Luangwa, Zambia

Opening in mid-2021 Shawa Luangwa is named after the camp’s head guide and local legend Jacob Shawa. Five luxury elevated tents will look out over the Luangwa River and the dining area, bar and lounge will be housed in a multi-level tented building, also elevated to make the most of the river views. As well as guided walks in the home of the walking safari, guests will also take game drives on solar powered silent vehicles, minimising the disturbance to South Luangwa’s abundant wildlife.

Tembo Plains, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 

Great Plains, the conservation company behind Zarafa and Duba Plains, will, in mid-2021, open Tembo Plains in their private concession next to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. Tembo, meaning elephant, will have a light footprint to minimise the environmental impact of the camp and will be raised off the ground to allow the elephant herds to move through the area. The building and design will pay homage to Zimbabwe’s ancient culture and combined with colonial style tents and Great Plains’ renowned service and guiding, Tembo promises to be a superlative safari experience in an unspoiled wilderness on the banks of the Zambezi River.  

Azura Marlin Beach, Mozambique

Situated on a 1 km stretch of white sand beach on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island, Marlin Beach is the third Mozambique property from Azura. The hotel will have a laidback vibe and a fun and funky design blending modern style with African prints and local touches. There will be several different areas for guests’ enjoyment and relaxation. including a lounge bar, four poster daybeds and main swimming pool as well as access to the Peri Peri Beach Club at sister hotel Azura Benguerra.   

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana

Xigera Safari Lodge, located in the pristine wetland paradise of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is owned and managed by Red Carnation Hotels and marketed in collaboration with Great Plains Conservation. Clad in Japanese cedar wood with glass and gauze under a stretched canvas roof, the suites at this recently opened lodge feature hand hewn oak floors and the lodge interiors are filled with unique works of art and design from over 30 African artists, craftsmen and the Southern Guild gallery. The lodge’s GM is legendary safari guide and conservation expert, Mike Myers.

Chisa Busanga, Zambia

Chisa is a new camp from Green Safaris, located in the heart of Zambia’s Kafue National Park’s Busanga Plains, a natural wonder of floodplains and abundant wildlife. Guests will be accommodated in unique tents modelled on bird's nests, set amongst the trees and raised four metres above the ground, commanding superb views over the plains. Conservation is at the heart of Green Safaris and Chisa will be powered by 100% solar energy and game drives will be taken on silent, electric game vehicles. Guided walks and electric bike safaris will also be available.

Jack's Camp, Botswana

The legendary Jack’s Camp in Botswana’s Kalahari has recently undergone a full rebuilding and refurbishment. The much loved 1940s style of the old camp is still reflected in the new camp and the nine guest tents are now nearly double the previous size at a huge 270 square metres. Interiors include textiles from around the world and an overhead bed cooling system while outside on the veranda you will find a private plunge pool. The camp’s resplendent communal areas now boast a larger Persian tea tent, library, a new dedicated spa tent and even an antique pool table.  

Jack’s may have been rebuilt but the iconic experiences remain including quad biking, visiting meerkat families, horse riding and bushman walks.