Property Updates

1/1/2022

Welcome Mpala Jena

The new Mpala Jena Camp is now open in Zambia, inspired by its location where Stanley Livingstone's party of explorers paddled past on the mighty Zambezi River in their massive ten-man dugout canoes. The camp epitomizes "Barefoot Luxury" with thatched roofs in the main areas, flowing canvas tented guest rooms, and a sand floor in the bar overlooking the swimming pool.

 

 

 

 

 

The property is conveniently located within the Zambezi National Park, allowing easy access to Victoria Falls town, yet set apart from its hustle and bustle, allowing guests to appreciate the tranquility of the 140,000 acre park and its resident wildlife.  

 

 

 

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge

Permanently stationed above the Sabie River, on the historic Selati Bridge in Kruger Park, South Africa, is a renovated historic train called Kruger Shalati. This unique travel experience combines luxurious accommodation set in some of Africa's most breathtaking scenery. The train's 31 luxurious glass-walled rooms allow for infinite views along the length of the majestic Sabie River. The train pays homage to those who explored the park by rail in the 1920's, overnighting on this very bridge, while welcoming new adventurers from near and far.

 

Vumbura Plains Camp Refurbished

Vumbura Plains Camp, in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta World Heritage Site, will re-open in early April 2022 after an extensive refurbishment. The camp's refreshed look and feel will celebrate its sense of place and pioneering community partnership with the Okavango Community Trust. Inspiration for the room interiors is drawn from the environment to pay homage to the pristine Delta, such as enlarging underwater photographs for use on clad wardrobe doors and shower screens, and customizing shower tiles blue and green.

 

Doors and windows have been redesigned to maximize views, with all furniture and interiors replaced and enhanced to connect indoor and outdoor space. Basket installations woven by Vumbura staff from materials and dyes sourced from the landscape will be featured on the walls of the main area. A new coffee bar will display various locally-produced food and drink, such as twsii (water lilies) – an iconic Okavango plant that has multiple nutritional and medicinal uses. Vumbura's menu will incorporate traditional food and ingredients from the villages closest to Vumbura Plains, providing chefs with the freshest ingredients and neighboring communities with an alternative revenue stream.

Grootbos Updated

 

In April 2022 the newly designed Grootbos Garden Lodge in the western Cape of South Africa will reopen. It has been completely rebuilt from the ground up and includes an extended spa area and wine experience space.

 

 

 

The lodge's orientation has changed slightly to maximize views and blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor space. The lodge will also feature the collaborative work of botanical artists from around the world who have depicted the Cape Floristic Kingdom as well as Grootbos's 25-years of ecological research into the rich entomology, pollination stories and associated friends of the fynbos.

 

 

Sanctuary Mandela

Celebrating the former South African president, human rights activist and global icon, Sanctuary Mandela has opened its doors in Houghton, South Africa, set in Nelson Mandela's primary place of residence after he achieved freedom. Today, Sanctuary Mandela is newly renovated and re-envisioned as a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with 9 luxuriously appointed rooms. A highlight is the presence of Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Nelson Mandela's private chef for over 22 years, cooking what Mr. Mandela termed "home food." Her thoughtfully designed menu has a modern take on the former president's favorite dishes.

The Highlands

A new spa and sauna will open at Asilia Africa's The Highlands, near Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, in June 2022. The design is inspired by a Maasai Boma (cattle enclosure) — complete with a massage room and barrel sauna, inviting guests to relax after a day of hiking or game viewing.

 

Jongomero

 Selous Safari Company's Jongomero in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, has recently undergone a "soft refurbishment," with new interior details and art pieces from around the world. Four new riverside tents will be completed in June 2022, bringing the total up to twelve.  

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Let us help you plan your dream safari. call toll-free: 888.227.8311    or email us today

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