What Are the Top Safari Lodge Openings in Africa for 2026?

Africa’s luxury safari landscape is evolving fast. In 2026, a wave of new lodges across Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will redefine what meaningful, design-forward, and conservation-driven travel looks like on the continent.

From regenerative safaris in the Sabi Sand to private villas above Victoria Falls, Go2Africa’s Africa-based experts highlight the 11 most exciting new lodges opening in 2026 — all offering immersive experiences grounded in place, purpose, and exclusivity.

Why Is 2026 a Landmark Year for Safari Travel in Africa?

According to Go2Africa, the upcoming year reflects a major shift in traveler values: more sustainability, smaller camps, community integration, and wellness in the wild. Each of these new lodges responds to that demand — not just as accommodation, but as a doorway to deeper stories and rarer access.

“These properties are not just places to stay,” says Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa. “They represent the next chapter in African travel — rooted in conservation, community, and authenticity.”

Which Are the Most Anticipated Lodge Openings in Africa in 2026?

Here are Go2Africa’s expert picks, by region:

Namibia

Thitaka Lodge (Newmark) | Bwabwata National Park | Opening: Early 2026

• Caprivi’s first true five-star safari lodge

• Private-pool villas, year-round boat safaris

• Located at the confluence of three major rivers

• Front-row access to elephant migration routes and transfrontier conservation

“This lodge redefines Namibia’s wild northeast with high-end design and deep ecological significance.”

South Africa

Sandringham Private Game Reserve (Sabi Sabi) | Timbavati, LimpopoOpening: June 2026

• A 4,500-hectare rewilded reserve formerly used for hunting

• Linked to Kruger National Park

• Two ultra-luxury camps with Big Five sightings and low traffic

  
  

Toro River Lodge (Newmark) | Limpopo Province | Opening: Q1 2026

• 5-suite boutique lodge along the Makhustwi River

• High exclusivity for multigenerational families or private groups

• Off-road drives and walking safaris in lesser-known areas

  
  

RockFig Safari Lodge | Timbavati Private Reserve | Reopening: January 2026

• A modern yet intimate relaunch with plunge pools and spa

• Ideal for returning safari travelers seeking quieter, personal experiences

“Each lodge tells a story of transformation, restoring land, elevating design, and protecting species.”

Kenya

Wilderness Mara | Mara Triangle | Opening: June 2026

• Rebuild of Little Governors’ Camp into a modern 12-suite tented lodge

• Quiet river bend location, predator-rich game drives, no crowds

  
  

Shompole Camp (Great Plains) | Great Rift Escarpment | Reopening: Mid 2026

• Réserve-Collection property returning as a barefoot-luxury icon

• Focus on privacy, design, and sustainability in dramatic landscapes

  
  

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve | Solio Game Reserve | Opening: Early 2026

• 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools

• Spa, dining sky deck, rhino sanctuary access, and horseback safaris

“Kenya’s high-end safari circuit expands into design-forward, conservation-first territory.”

Tanzania

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |Opening: February 2026

• Panoramic views at 2,200m with fast crater access

• A/C suites (rare in Tanzania) and walking safaris

• Close to Olduvai Gorge, Lake Manyara, and highland hikes

“This fills a crucial gap for luxury crater-rim stays with direct morning access.”

Botswana

Sediba Sa Rona (Desert & Delta) | Khwai Concession | Opening: March 2026

• Solar-powered, 15-tent lodge supporting the Khwai village

• Night drives, mokoro excursions, riverside spa, and heli access

• Completes Desert & Delta’s circuit from Chobe to Boteti

Singita Elela | Okavango Delta | Opening: 2026

• Set within a 170,000-hectare private concession

• Elevated architecture, rare solitude, and unmatched biodiversity

• Ideal for seasoned travelers seeking space and purpose

“These two offerings balance local impact with world-class design and scale.”

Uganda

Erebero Hills (Asilia Africa) | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Opening: Early 2026

• Overlooks forest on 45 acres of reforested land

• Gorilla trekking, Batwa community visits, and nature walks

• Asilia’s first property in Uganda, focused on conservation and design

“A thoughtful entry into Uganda’s luxury landscape with conservation at its core.”

Zimbabwe

Bupenyu Luxury Boutique Lodge (Newmark) | Batoka Gorge, Victoria FallsOpening: December 2025

• Cliff-edge suites with plunge pools and private butlers

• Hilltop spa, heli arrivals, and dramatic Zambezi views

• Reimagines Victoria Falls as a multi-night destination

“Turns the Falls from a photo stop into a retreat or adrenaline base.”

What Do These Openings Signal About the Future of Safari Travel?

• Smaller, more exclusive camps for deeper privacy

• Greater focus on rewilding and community ownership

• Architectural innovation blended with ecological integrity

• Wellness, culture, and conservation merging into one seamless experience

About Go2Africa

Go2Africa, part of the Nawiri Group, has been crafting personalized African safaris for over 25 years. With deep local connections and first-hand knowledge, the team personally visits every destination, accommodation, and experience they recommend. Based in Cape Town since 1998, Go2Africa has created seamless and unforgettable journeys for over 200,000 travellers. Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, the company offers expert guidance with 24/7 support. Every journey supports Africa’s people and ecosystems, ensuring that travel makes a positive impact. With Go2Africa, it’s not just a safari – it’s the greatest adventure.

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For media inquiries:

Alexandra Avila

REYA Communications

alexandra@reyacommunications.com