Property Updates

Most camps and lodges throughout safari Africa have embraced the late Winston Churchill's mantra of "never wasting a good crisis" and have ensured that this hibernation period was used to re-train operational teams as well as invest in property maintenance and renovation.

Mara Plains, Kenya

A brand-new Mara Plains Camp is now open, and the spectacular two-bedroomed Mara Plains Jahazi Suite is set to open soon. The camp is now entirely built on high stilts with walkways of ancient railway "sleeper" wood winding their way through the forest, in and out of trees, to each tent. Lamu doors have been added, the library raised to treetop height, a honeymoon suite positioned on a separate island accessed by its own bridge, and a wine cellar "with a view" created.

Abu Camp, Botswana

Abu Camp has moved into its next phase of elephant conservation. In accordance with its long-held vision to integrate the Abu Herd into wild herds, the camp has reduced the animal's direct contact with humans. The guest experience has been reimagined to concentrate upon the abundant wildlife in the Abu Private Reserve via day and night game drives, guided nature walks, and seasonally available mekoro and boat excursions.

Accordingly, activities such as meeting and greeting the Abu Herd, direct elephant interaction (feeding, touching, and walking with the elephants) will no longer be offered at Abu Camp. They will now be observed in the same way as – and at similar distances to – fully wild elephants. Over time, with additional measures to reduce human contact, and based on individual health and wellbeing assessments, the elephants will be gently guided to seek greater independence.

Savuti Star Bed

 The new Savuti Star Bed experience consists of an afternoon drive from Savuti Camp to the star bed, dinner and overnight under the stars, a light breakfast followed by a morning boat cruise or game drive, returning to camp late morning. The elevated platform overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon and Savute Channel and accommodates two adults or a family of four. There are comfortable beds draped in mosquito netting, an open-air dining area, sunken sitting area and bathroom with basic facilities and running water. Guests are accompanied by a guide who sleeps nearby.

 Tembo Plains and Sapi Explorers Camp

The new Relais & Chateaux Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest located on the Zambezi River's edge, within the private 291,500-acre Sapi Private Reserve, east of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. The camp accommodates guests in four expansive suites, each offering a private indoor sitting area, outdoor swimming pool (with exercise bikes on a wide veranda) and outdoor dining areas.  Stunning, handmade bathtubs and indoor and outside showers give each suite a sense of luxury. Canon professional cameras and lenses, plus Leica binoculars, are available for guests to use, as well as wi-fi connection in designated working areas.

Sapi Explorers Camp is located on the same concession and is perfect for those looking for a safari experience a bit closer to nature, exploring one of Africa's remote wilderness areas on foot, canoe, boat, and by vehicle. Traversing the Sapi Reserve's diverse terrain, guests have the opportunity for up-close encounters with elephant, lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, eland, zebra and myriad other species. The Sapi Reserve is also a prime bird-watching destination.

 Grootboos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Grootbos, located in the western cape of South Africa, now offers pioneering ways of exploring the unique fynbos floral kingdom and ancient forests, home to a great diversity of plant, bird, mammal and amphibian species. One of the most exhilarating ways to experience this natural haven is to peddle out on an exciting Fatbike Tour.

The adventure begins on guided trails through the fynbos, transitioning into dramatic dune landscapes and finally to the white sands of the coast. Birds, seals, dolphins, and whales (in season) are frequent sightings in this natural wonderland. The extra-thick 4.7-inch tires ensure that dunes and beaches are easily navigated. Fat Biking is appropriate for every level of bicycle proficiency and is appropriate for all ages.

Walking Safaris on the Serengeti, at Nanyukie Lodge

Any safari veteran knows that stepping out of the safari vehicle and exploring the savanna ecosystem on foot provides an entirely different perspective, and a perfect complement to the game drive experience. Stripping away the technological barrier of the vehicle, we become immersed in the African bush, active participants in the game of survival, acutely attuned to every detail around us. While walking safaris don’t provide the same close proximity to wildlife that game drives do, they allow for a much more intimate connection with the wilderness and wildlife, and provide a focus on smaller aspects of this complex ecosystem that are often overlooked while searching for “big game” on drive.

 With its unique location in one of most remote corners of the Serengeti, Nanyukie Lodge is the perfect base for walking safaris, the latest addition to this luxury lodge’s activity offerings. Surrounded by vast, open grasslands dotted with granite kopjes (hillocks), the landscape is simultaneously beautiful and well-suited to walking safaris, with endless vistas, great visibility (no “bumping into” dangerous animals), and abundant wildlife.

 Walks are conducted in pristine wilderness areas, away from any game drive roads or other human intrusions, and led by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable guides in Tanzania, accompanied by an armed TANAPA ranger. Duration and distance are customized to guest preference, with walking explorations lasting from two to six hours.