New Openings For 2025

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Winelands, Franschhoek House is a luxurious 6-bedroom villa, exclusively yours, located on the 30-acre La Residence estate. This private retreat offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lush vineyards that Franschhoek is renowned for. Ideal for families and groups of friends, the villa is supported by a dedicated team, including a host and a private chef who prepares exquisite farm-to-table cuisine. The interiors feature ornate imported fabrics, elegant chandeliers, and thoughtfully curated local tapestries and artwork. Franschhoek House serves as your perfect home base, complete with a heated pool, games room, cozy pajama lounge, and all the comforts of home.

We're most excited about...long, balmy days by the pool in summer and cozy movie nights in the pajama lounge during winter.

Nestled in the northeast corner of the Okavango Delta, Maxa is the newest addition to the Kerr & Downey collection, offering sweeping views of the expansive Maxa Lagoon, a frequent gathering place for hippos. The ethos of Maxa centers on exploration, discovery, and a profound connection with nature. At the heart of the camp lies the "courtyard"—a relaxed space with picnic-style tables where guests can savor meals in the shade or dine beneath the open sky, with the soft white delta sand beneath their feet. Each day at Maxa is thoughtfully designed for adventure, featuring mokoro rides, guided walking safaris, and nature drives, both day and night. These experiences are further enriched with cultural insights and an in-depth exploration of the region's remarkable natural heritage, promising a truly unforgettable journey.

We're most excited about...freshly baked bread and muffins from Maxa’s wood-fired oven.

This idyllic Mozambican destination is set to reopen between March and April 2025, following an extensive refurbishment after a tragic fire in late 2012 forced its closure. The property is nestled on the southwest shore of Benguerra Island, within the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago, where endless stretches of white sand and warm, turquoise waters await. While we await the final details from the lodge, we can only imagine the exciting upgrades the refurbishment might bring.

We're most excited about...sinking our toes into the soft, white beach sand and taking a swim in the warm ocean.

The Natural Selection group has unveiled a charming new addition to their Botswana portfolio with the launch of Mbamba Camp in the northern Okavango Delta. Nestled in one of Botswana's most game-rich and picturesque concessions, the camp offers year-round wildlife viewing and promises exceptional guided experiences in a classic safari style. The canvas tents are tucked beneath a canopy of majestic leadwood trees, providing a peaceful escape after a day filled with both water and land-based adventures. Back at camp, guests can unwind by the pool or retreat to their air-conditioned tent for a well-deserved rest. Perfect for families and larger groups, the camp is a haven for those seeking a blend of comfort and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

We're most excited about...helicopter flights over the wetland, offering a bird's eye view over the wildlife rich landscape.

Named after Wilson Masiya, the first recognized Master Tracker in the Greater Kruger in 1999, Musiya's Camp is the newest addition to Royal Malewane. The "under canvas" tents strike a perfect balance of elegance, paying tribute to the vibrant hues of the bush. Each of the six spacious tented suites opens into an en-suite bathroom, and floor-to-ceiling windows invite the sights and sounds of nature to pour in, seamlessly blending your room with the wilderness outside. Slip off your shoes and sink into your private, heated plunge pool, all while gazing out over the expansive savannah. Set to open in April 2025, Musiya's Camp offers a rare fusion of extraordinary luxury and untamed African beauty.

We're most excited about...the wide range of activities on offer, including interactive cooking experiences and tailored wine tastings.

Monachira Camp, the newest addition to the Machaba Safari Group in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, offers a unique and immersive experience. The elevated wooden deck, which wraps around the communal areas, provides sweeping views of the wildlife-rich floodplains. While game drives are limited due to the camp's location, there are abundant walking safaris and water-based activities, including mokoro rides and boat excursions. Positioned along the Monachira channel, the camp offers guests the chance to spot elephants, lions, leopards, and a diverse array of Okavango species that roam the islands and floodplains. For an added adventure, take a short boat ride to the Gudigwa heronries, a nesting site for water birds, and, if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl.

We're most excited about...armchair safaris from the camp's deck, where the wildlife comes to you.

Located in the vast, untouched Kafue National Park, Anantara's Kafue River Tented Camp will offer a truly unique and immersive safari experience. The camp is elevated 3.5 meters above the mighty Kafue River and features 12 private luxury tents, with private plunge pools and exclusive boat access. Sustainable and community-focused, the camp has been carefully designed to ensure minimal environmental impact. Among the camp's amenities are a wellness area with a communal swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and an African boma—perfect for fireside chats after a long day on safari.

We're most excited about...experiencing the camps eco-friendly construction and focus on local Zambian culture.

Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness at the heart of the Serengeti, where you'll discover the exclusive Simbavati Musabi Plains. Exuding elegance and comfort, the newly unveiled Musabi Plains offers a luxurious escape in Tanzania. Perched on a hilltop, the lodge boasts panoramic views of the expansive plains below. This intimate lodge features just six tents, including a luxurious family tent, and offers a variety of activities, such as night safaris and alfresco breakfasts. Whether you're hoping to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, encounter the Big 5, or simply revel in the Serengeti's breathtaking beauty, Musabi Plains Lodge promises an unforgettable experience.

We're most excited about…private viewing decks from each tent.

The Simbavati group is set to open three additional properties in Tanzania in 2025; Simbavati Tarangire, Simbavati Serengeti Hills and Simbavati Lake Ndutu. Be sure to revisit this page for more information or reach out to our travel experts to find out more.

We’re most excited about…well, you'll just have to watch this space!

The Elewana collection is set to add another property to their already impressive Maasai Mara portfolio. Little Elephant Pepper Camp is expected to be a small, intimate, high-end tented camp featuring 4 safari suites, including one two-bedroom camp and a swimming pool. Being a smaller camp, we expect the property to ooze exclusivity and luxury, as is known from the Elewana collection.

More Elewana updates and new openings in 2025:

Elewana Kitirua Camp is set to open in Amboseli National Park. The camp will feature 10 luxury suites, all complete with private plunge pools and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Elewana Tortellis Camp is closed for soft refurbishments and the build of Little Tortellis.

We're most excited about...well, you'll just have to watch this space!

After an extensive renovation, Gorilla Forest Camp will reopen as Gorilla Forest Lodge. This luxurious lodge offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and encounter its fascinating wildlife. Perfectly located just inside the forest gates, the lodge provides easy access for those eager to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure. The eco-friendly lodge boasts 10 luxurious tents that seamlessly blend into the dramatic forest surroundings, ensuring privacy and comfort. Guests can unwind with a spa, enjoy drinks at the well-stocked bar, or gather around the campfire to relax and share stories after a day of trekking.

We're most excited about...enjoying a soothing treatment at the spa which overlooks the mist-enveloped Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Osonjoi Lodge, set to open in July 2025, is situated in the quieter, eastern part of the Ngorongoro Crater. Ideally located near the Lemala Gate, which provides a gentler access route often leading to game sightings along the way, the lodge offers guests easy access to the crater floor, just 10-15 minutes away—perfect for photographers eager to capture the perfect light. Each suite is equipped with wood-burning stoves, cozy winter duvets, and hot water bottles to ensure warmth on chilly nights. Large picture windows in every suite provide stunning views of the forest that lines the crater rim, allowing natural light to flood the rooms.

We're most excited about...private lunches on the crater floor, allowing guests to spend a full day out on safari.

andBeyond stuns with its latest Kenyan property, located in Laikipia. Drawing inspiration from the rock formations in the area, andBeyond Suyian Lodge's neutral tones make the property appear as if it's emerged from the earth, looking effortlessly in place. In addition to the usual morning and evening game drives, guests can choose from a wide variety of activities, including catch-and-release fishing, horse riding, community visits, helicopter flights, and spa treatments. The lodge is well equipped for families, featuring a a spacious family suite with a private plunge pool and a large communal table in the dining area.

We're most excited about...enjoying a signature cocktail at the Sumburu bar as you watch the sun go down.

The properties listed below are set to open in 2025; however, no firm dates have been confirmed yet. Be sure to check this page for updates..

- Sanctuary Amboseli, Kenya

- Sanctuary Nile Cruise, Egypt

- Sanctuary River Camp, Namibia

- Shampole Camp & Shampole Suite, Kenya

- Grand Plains Villa in the Mara, Kenya

Uga will launch Uga Halloowella in Hatton on Sri Lanka's Pekoe trail in January 2025. A complete restoration of a historic bungalow, the hotel will offer six spacious suites, an infinity pool, indoor dining, a bar, and an outdoor terrace. Set in a 252-acre tea estate at 1,444 meters above sea level, it provides stunning views of Castlereagh Reservoir and the tea trail region.

We're most excited about...walking part of the iconic Pekoe trail, Sri Lanka's longest walking trail.