2018 sees a spate of exciting new hotel openings across Africa, particularly in Namibia and Rwanda, two of the continent’s current hottest destinations. Some of these are reopened lodges and camps that have undergone a major refurbishment and redesign, while others are brand-new resorts in areas without any previous luxury accommodations. Each one provides a new incentive to visit some of Africa’s most beautiful destinations. Here are some of the most intriguing openings of the year.
Mombo and Little Mombo, Botswana
February 2018
These iconic Botswana lodges were recently closed for a refurb and reopened at the beginning of 2018. Located in one of the most game-rich areas of Botswana, Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta, Mombo Camp’s nine new tented suites combine classic safari elements with luxury finishings, including deep, freestanding copper bathtubs. Across the island, connected by a raised walkway, sister camp Little Mombo comprises of just three tents and is ideal for exclusive-use bookings.
Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island, Seychelles
March 2018
Just a 35-minute flight from Mahé, Desroches Island resort was purchased by the Four Seasons and reopened in March this year after a full renovation. There are 71 suites with private pools, including 11 private residence villas, set along these pristine Seychelles shores. The resort is the only hotel on this idyllic island, which guests can explore on bicycles, by kayak or on foot.
Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia
May 2018
This six-tent camp is on the banks of the Hoanib River in Namibia. In this starkly beautiful area of southern African wilderness, it is possible to spot desert elephants, rhinos and lions. This new camp joins Natural Selection’s other Botswana and Namibia properties, including the new Shipwreck Lodge (see below).
Verney’s Camp, Zimbabwe
May 2018
Verney’s Camp is located in a 10,000-hectare private concession in an area of Hwange National Park less visited by other tourists, offering a more exclusive safari experience than other camps in the park. The 10 stilted tents overlook a waterhole frequented by the many elephants of Hwange, which is just a three-hour drive from Victoria Falls.
Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe
May 2018
Singita Pamushana reopened in May this year after a major refurb and redesign, losing its bold colour palette of red, black, yellow and green to a subtler one of white, beige, copper and gold. A new corner section of the communal deck area opens up a panoramic view of the Malilangwe Dam, over which the lodge is positioned. Two new two-bedroom villas bring the accommodation count to nine, including the five-bedroom villa, which will be refurbished separately, later in 2018.
Serra Cafema Camp, Namibia
September 2018
A truly remote Namibian camp, Serra Cafema is located on the banks of the Kunene River. The eight chalets are elevated and covered in thatch, their interiors simple but stylish with muted, natural tones of brown, tan and sage-green. The area is known for its semi-nomadic, distinctive-looking Himba tribe. As well as meeting some of the Himba people and learning about their culture, you can explore the area on quad bikes, nature walks and boat trips.
Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
June 2018
Shipwreck Lodge lives up to its name, designed in the image of the many wrecks strewn along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, a notoriously dangerous coastline for the sailors of past centuries. The ten standalone cabins, dotted along the beach, are snug inside, with an abstract shipwreck design. Come here for the sense of wilderness, for spotting desert lions and elephants, climbing hulking sand dunes and admiring the wild, wind-swept Atlantic coastline.
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort, Tanzania
July 2018
A new Design Hotel, Zuri Zanzibar is on the north coast of the island, designed in a ‘barefoot luxury’ style and with its own private beach. The 54 villas have thatched roofs and comfy yet stylish interiors favouring natural materials and tones, with hammocks slung up on the terraces. There are two onsite bars, a restaurant and a pool.
Morukuru Beach Lodge, South Africa
July 2018
In stunning De Hoop Nature Reserve, about three hours’ drive outside Cape Town, Morukuru Beach House is a kilometre from the exclusive-use Morukuru Ocean House, with five suites for individual bookings. The eco-hotel overlooks De Hoop’s white sand dunes and the Indian Ocean – a prime whale-watching spot, particularly from June to October.
Mpala Jena, Zimbabwe
August 2018
The newest Great Plains Conservation lodge, Mpala Jena, is located about an hour outside Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean bank of the mighty Zambezi River in Zambezi National Park. Whilst close enough to the iconic falls for guests to easily visit, it is also far enough away to feel like a safari lodge in a more remote area of Africa.
One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda
October 2018
Opening at the beginning of October, Nyungwe House is the first of two Rwanda openings for the One&Only brand this year. This working tea plantation lodge will be the sister property to Gorilla’s Nest, slated to open later in the year (see below). From Nyungwe House, you can go chimpanzee tracking, hiking and mountain biking, before returning to unwind in the open-air spa.
Magashi Camp, Rwanda
December 2018
This is Wilderness Safaris’ second property in Rwanda, their first being the wildly popular Bisate Lodge, a gorilla trekking ecolodge in Volcanoes National Park. Magashi is in Akagera National Park, which has been managed and restored by the international conservation group African Parks. They have successfully reintroduced the Big Five back into the area and the camp will allow ecotourism to sustain their conservation initiatives. Update: The opening of Magashi Camp has been delayed until May 2019.
Cheetah Plains, South Africa
December 2018
Sabi Sand safari lodge Cheetah Plains has undergone an extensive and lavish transformation. There are three, exclusive-use ‘bush homes’, each with two lounges, a wine cellar, an outdoor boma, a heated pool and a private game vehicle. Each villa has its own private chef and an excellent wine selection.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Rwanda
late 2018
In the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, One&Only’s gorilla trekking lodge will have 22 tented suites, a restaurant using locally grown, organic produce and a spa with African-influenced treatments. Its opening date is still loosely set, so expect the lodge to open between late 2018 and the first half of 2019. Update: The opening of Gorilla’s Nest Lodge has now been pushed back to some point in 2019 – exact date TBC.
Check out our list of the most exciting African hotel and lodge openings of 2019.