Our Award-Winning Safari Specialists Share What's New for African Travel in 2022

New Safari Camps, Lodges & Island Escapes  

Sanctuary Tambarare, Kenya

Luxury safari tent at Sanctuary Tambarare

Opening its doors in June 2022, Sanctuary Tambarare is nestled among fever trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya. It looks out across the grassy plateau of the award-winning Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 90 000 acres of unspoilt African wilderness where the Big 5 roam – including the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth.

After adventurous days tracking lion, riding horses alongside rhino, or embarking on a cycling safari at this stunning wildlife retreat, you can retire to the secluded tented camp for sundowners, relaxation, and attentive five-star service.

Tambarare sets the benchmark for exclusive, five-star luxury safaris at the world renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It's an area where all of the Big 5 are found, and lion tracking is an option. But it's best known for its conservation efforts in saving the last northern white rhinos.

– Lauren Johansson

Banyan Tree Hotel & Resorts, Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

Private pool villa at Banyan Tree

When Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts opens their new Ilha Caldeira property in Mozambique, it's going to be the essence of a stirring island escape. This luxury beach resort villa will be found in a previously uninhabited island in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago.

This is Africa's largest marine reserve, home to intact living corals with an abundance of marine creatures. Spend your days whale-watching, kayaking and scuba-diving (exploring shipwrecks), and then head back to your private pool villa, set in lush tropical surroundings with uninterrupted ocean views.

True to Banyan Tree's commitment to the environment, the resort will be 100% solar-powered, and all water on the island is desalinated, an eco-tourist's oasis.

Part of Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, Africa's largest marine reserve, this private island experience promises to deliver authentic Mozambique hospitality blended with ultra-luxury tropical surroundings.

– Mary Keet

Wolwedans Star Beds, Namibia

Wolwedans, a pristine desert landscape

Namibia is renowned for its ideal star-gazing conditions. Nowhere more so than NamibRand Nature Reserve, which is the only official Dark Sky Reserve on the entire African continent. The Wolwedans Collection of elegant safari camps is set against a backdrop of diverse and breath-taking desert scenery.

It's the perfect base from which to embark on exciting and interpretative safari activities, or simply relax and enjoy the grandeur of the pro-Namib landscape. Wolwedans will be adding six star bed units in 2022. These units are open to the sky for a dramatic Dark Sky experience, and an igloo for bad weather.

Spending the night under a starlit sky in the only African Dark Sky Reserve is definitely one of the most unique and incredible experiences one can have on safari. The ultimate way to end the perfect day in Africa!

– Ramona Cilliers

Leopard Sands River Lodge, South Africa

Luxury suite at Leopard Sands

Leopard Sands by BON Hotels borders and overlooks the world renowned Kruger National Park and is only minutes from the Kruger Gate entrance. This exquisitely designed lodge consists of 18 luxury units; all with private plunge pools overlooking the iconic river that is home to hippos, crocodiles and countless species of birds.

The property boasts an elevated restaurant that gives guests a unique view of the park. Brought to life out of a love for nature, hospitality and sustainable tourism, Leopard Sands River Lodge cannot wait to welcome guests to experience the breathtaking scenes on offer right on its doorstep.

Leopard Sands River Lodge has a great location for guests wanting to visit the Kruger National Park; either on a self-drive basis or including game activities;  it’s close to airports as well as the Kruger Gate Entrance. With rooms overlooking the Sabi River guests can expect game viewing from the deck of their rooms!

– Anja Naude

The Homestead, South Africa

Spectacular leisure areas at The Homestead

The Homestead is set to launch in early 2022 on the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa, regarded as one of South Africa's most ambitious conservation initiatives. It's one of the few reserves where the majesty of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) can be experienced.

From tailored excursions like visits to Africa's most important battlefields to animal photography classes, world-class hiking through diverse habitats, mind-blowing stargazing and anti-poaching learning sessions, every excursion brings together culture, nature, and community. 

Knowing Nambiti Game Reserve and their wildlife, history and sustainability ethos, this Luxury Eco Lodge certainly looks like a great add on to their portfolio!

- Anja Naude

Ubuntu Migration Camp, Tanzania

Follow the Great Migration at Ubuntu Migration Camp

This authentic, semi-permanent safari camp will be opening in June 2022. It will be perfectly positioned to intercept the natural flow of animals through Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem during the annual Great Migration. This means spectacular viewings of one of nature's greatest spectacles.

This traditional and intimate camp will offer a simple set-up in raw wilderness. Designed to leave no trace, it will be assembled and disassembled to move with the herds. Over morning coffee, watch wildebeest males chasing each other or zebras tussling.

For a sunrise to remember, you can start the day by gliding above the plains in a hot-air balloon. In the evening, look up as the stars reveal themselves in their thousands.

For those wanting a balance between authenticity and comfort, this tented camp provides the ideal base from which to view the migration during the 'calving' and 'river crossing' spectacles.

– Mark Smith 

Private Experiences & Trending Destinations in 2022

Travel Bubbles at African Bush Camps – Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Linyanti Bush Camp, a travel bubble in Botswana

With a focus on the outdoors, exclusive-use safari homes, personal chefs and private guides make Africa desirable, safe and one of the best places to travel in 2022. These one-of-a-kind tailored trips give you an unparalleled private experience, avoiding the crowds.

African Bush Camps have recently launched exclusive-use/private guided safaris for their camps across Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe known as 'Travel Bubbles'. The ability to exclusively use any of their bush camps offers guests a luxury sojourn in a safari home-away-from-home.

Enjoying a private experience on an African safari adventure is an incomparable luxury. Exclusive accommodations, private charter flights and passionate staff give you the freedom to experience Africa at your own pace. Everything is specially designed around your desires when on vacation. And the options are endless!

– Maureen Stover

Sky Safaris at Mwiba Lodge, Tanzania

Helicopter safari at Mwiba Lodge

Mwiba Lodge is nestled discreetly among gigantic boulders overlooking a rocky gorge of the Arugusinyai River. Set in a private 130 000-acre reserve in the southern Serengeti, this fertile landscape has over 30 freshwater springs passing through it – making it a favourite locale for elephant, kudu and lion.

Between June and August 2022, Mwiba Lodge will introduce incredible, scenic helicopter experiences. These private flights over the reserve will be a unique sky safari of up to three hours. Gliding over remote locations, these flights will allow you to go where few have ventured before – not even safari vehicles.

Go where very few have ventured, the private helicopter adventures at Mwiba will certainly set your safari experience apart from the rest. Explore areas inaccessible by vehicle and enjoy a private picnic or sundowner on the edge of the world.

-Ramona Cilliers

Workcation Experience, Seychelles

Seychelles, a workcation in paradise

Trade in your home office for an exotic island escape. The Seychelles is fast becoming one of the top places to travel in 2022. Nowhere is more suited to enjoy a unique blend of vacation and work.

Workcations are gaining in popularity, and you could spend up to a year in this pristine haven, reaping the ultimate benefits of a professional nomadic lifestyle. All you need to do is pack your bags and your laptop.

If you're looking to combine remote working with some oceanside R&R on some of the best beaches in the world, the Seychelles would be at the top of my list. The country is a must-see for beach lovers and easily allows for regional exploration, with convenient direct flights to South Africa and Kenya.

– Ashley Gerrand 

São Tomé and Príncipe, the Galapagos of West Africa

São Tomé and Príncipe, a natural wonderland

São Tomé and Príncipe covers two islands and several, mostly uninhabited islets in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa.

It's a place that calls for disconnecting from the modern world and reconnecting to the wild soul of nature. Explore this 'Lost World' with its fantastic beaches, jungle trekking, snorkeling, fishing and bird watching.

If you love island adventures, hiking, snorkeling, relaxing and exploring different cultures and cuisines, these remote tropical islands off the West Coast of Africa should be on your bucket list.

-Anja Naude

Inspired to Start Planning Where to Travel in 2022?

Our team of experts have been committed to curating exceptional travel journeys since 1998, with 100% of the revenue remaining in Africa to support local communities and conservation projects.

Get in touch with one of our African Safari Experts to tailor-make your next holiday: