If your 2025 travel goals include luxury safaris, pristine wilderness, and off-the-grid adventures, then these new lodges should be on your radar. From a presidential retreat reborn in Zambia to an under-canvas safari experience in the Okavango Delta and a seaside escape in Mozambique, these fresh openings promise unforgettable stays in some of Africa’s most spectacular locations.
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Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, Zambia – luxury amidst untouched wilderness
Set to open in early 2025, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp offers an exclusive retreat in Zambia’s vast Kafue National Park. Perched along the banks of the Kafue River, this intimate camp features 12 spacious tents, each elevated 3.5 meters above the ground for unobstructed views of the surrounding bush and river. Every tent boasts its own plunge pool and dedicated boat with a skipper, blending luxury with immersive nature experiences.
The camp’s design emphasises sustainability, incorporating photovoltaic energy and eco-friendly materials to minimise environmental impact. Guests can engage in activities such as canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and boat safaris, offering diverse ways to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp exemplifies a harmonious blend of opulence and ecological responsibility, providing a unique gateway to one of Africa’s most expansive and unspoiled wilderness areas.
Mbamba Camp, Okavango Delta – a classic safari done right
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For those who dream of a real-deal safari under canvas, Mbamba Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the one to watch. Set to open in April 2025, this 100% solar-powered camp is all about immersive, close-to-nature experiences—without compromising on comfort.
With just 12 air-conditioned tents (including options for families and couples), Mbamba Camp will offer a secluded, intimate stay in the middle of one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife regions. Each tent comes with an en-suite bathroom, a private verandah, and uninterrupted views of the wild. The main camp area features two lounges, a firepit, a dining area, and a swimming pool—perfect for cooling off between game drives.
Located in the NG12 concession, which borders Moremi Game Reserve, Mbamba Camp is prime territory for year-round game viewing. This means you’re in lion, wild dog, and leopard country, with over 350 bird species to spot.
Things to do at Mbamba:
• Morning and evening game drives with expert guides
• Mokoro safaris (traditional dugout canoe trips through the delta)
• Helicopter rides for the ultimate aerial view of Botswana’s waterways
• Cultural trips to the Tsodilo Hills, home to ancient San rock art
• Perfect for couples, small groups, or families wanting a private safari experience, Mbamba Camp is set to become one of Botswana’s hottest new openings.
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Azura Marlin Beach, Mozambique – barefoot luxury on Benguerra Island
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If you’re more of a beach-and-ocean kind of traveler, Azura Marlin Beach in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago is one to bookmark. After being destroyed by a fire in 2012, the island hideaway is finally making a comeback in May 2025.
Part of Azura Retreats, this boutique beachfront lodge will offer just 10 villas, each with a private deck and direct access to powder-white sand. The standout option? The two-bedroom Villa Vista comes with its private pool—ideal for families or groups wanting extra space.
Set on Benguerra Island, the lodge is all about laid-back luxury with a hint of adventure. Think snorkelling at Two-Mile Reef, traditional dhow sailing, and private beach picnics on secluded sandbanks. The water is an otherworldly shade of blue, and the pace of life here is slow—in the best possible way.
Top experiences at Azura Marlin Beach:
• Sunset dhow cruises along the Bazaruto waters
• Scuba diving and snorkelling with manta rays and turtles
• Horse riding along the beach
• Indulge in fresh seafood at the lodge’s oceanfront restaurant
As with all Azura properties, the resort is deeply committed to sustainable tourism, with a focus on marine conservation and community upliftment.
What to look forward to in 2026 – Erebero Hills, Uganda
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If gorilla trekking in Uganda is on your bucket list, you might want to hold out for Erebero Hills, opening in early 2026. This new lodge by Asilia Africa will be located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas in the wild.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the lodge will feature just eight suites, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and eco-friendly bamboo finishes.
What to expect:
• Unforgettable gorilla encounters in Bwindi
• Nature walks, tea tastings, and Batwa community visits
• A deep connection to the natural surroundings
Whether you’re craving a safari steeped in history, a tented escape in the Okavango, or a tropical island retreat, these new lodges bring something fresh, exciting, and unforgettable to Africa’s luxury travel scene. With a strong focus on sustainability and community-driven tourism, they aren’t just about indulgence—they’re about leaving a positive impact on the landscapes and wildlife they call home.
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