Africa Travel Highlights - July 2023
Robin Mcleod
Luxury Africa Specialist | Sharer | Curator | Foodie | Gatherer of Experiences
Another roundup of the latest and most relevant news we receive from our partners on the ground in Africa - collated and curated for you in our Timeless Africa Highlights for July 2023.
GOOD NEWS
South Africa?achieved a double triumph at the 2023?Telegraph Travel Awards?on July 12th 2023, winning the title of?‘Best Country’ to visit, and?Cape Town claimed the coveted ‘Best City in the World’ title. The Telegraph Travel Awards, a distinguished platform within the travel industry, recognise destinations that captivate the imagination and leave an indelible mark on visitors.
NEW LODGES
WILDERNESS OPENS TWO NEW USAWA SERENGETI MIGRATION CAMPS
Wilderness has opened two new luxury mobile tented camps in Tanzania that will follow the Serengeti National Park’s legendary Great Migration.?Wilderness Usawa Serengeti?will move with the herd as the animals travel throughout the year across the length and breadth of the national park, with two camps set up in key locations on the migration route.?“Usawa means ‘balance’ in Swahili.
The camp is situated within the park’s walking zones, enabling it to offer guided walks as well as game drives, bird watching and stargazing.
SANCTUARY TAMBARE, OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
The private villa at Sanctuary Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy has opened. Whether embarking on a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Sanctuary Tambarare’s private villa is the ultimate destination. Contemporary style meets characterful interiors in the villa’s two ensuite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor lounge and dining area, bar, private deck and boma. It is located in a secluded spot in the wildlife rich 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy where the Big Five roam including the last two northern white rhino. With an abundance of wildlife on the camp’s doorstep, Sanctuary Tambarare delivers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.
SIMBAVATI GRUMETI, TANZANIA
Simbavati Grumeti?is nestled on the open plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, within Tanzania’s exciting northern safari circuit has opened in July 2023. Expect an immersive and awe-inspiring experience in a wilderness dominated by huge gatherings of wildlife.
These plains are also home to massive herds of wildebeest, which gather during their annual migration and traverse between the north and south of the Serengeti National Park. Buffalo, giraffe, lion, and other wildlife are also often seen from your tent and the lodge. Caters equally to both couples and families with special appeal for each.
OTHER SIMBAVATI NEWS:
We look forward to the camp’s opening in August 2023.?Simbavati Serengeti Hills?and?Simbavati Tarangire?will complete the circuit, opening in 2024.
MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE, TANZANIA
Meliá Hotels International has recently unveiled its latest addition in Tanzania – the luxury Ngorongoro Lodge – marking the company’s fourth property in the country. Drawing inspiration from Maasai traditions, the lodge’s interiors are adorned with artworks and bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans and craftsmen. Facilities include three restaurants and bars, a fitness gym, a refreshing swimming pool, and a spa.
MOLORI MASHUMA, MANA POOLS ZIMBABWE
Rora Private Collection?has opened a new tented camp, Molori Mashuma – the latest addition to its portfolio – in Zimbabwe’s World Heritage Site, Mana Pools. The camp’s six tented suites include two family suites that can each accommodate up to four adults. The tents are raised on wooden platforms and have see-through fronts for optimum game viewing. Molori Mashuma is a seasonal camp, operational between April and October for both high and low seasons, and will remain closed for the rest of the year. The camp is on Mashuma Pan, a 45-minute drive from the Zambezi, within the Mana Pools National Park. Visitors can fly in to the Mana Pools airstrip, from where they will be transferred to the camp.
SANDCASTLE VILLA, SOUTH AFRICA
A sanctuary unto itself, Sandcastle is situated on 275 hectares of private game reserve as well as enjoying 2km of private beachfront. Approximately 45 minutes south of East London, Sandcastle is situated along the?malaria-free Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape.
There is plenty to do at Sandcastle, from kayaking and hiking adventures to surfing and fishing along the shoreline. Or indulge yourself and enjoy a massage on our lookout deck as you enjoy the sounds of the 250 bird species we have at Sandcastle.
SOROI LARSENS CAMP, KENYA
Soroi Larsens Camp in Samburu?opened their doors on 1 July 2023. Located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, this oasis of luxury and wilderness pays homage to explorer Eric Larsen. Their eco-conscious camp embodies the spirit of adventure, blending intimate luxury with sustainability.
Samburu National Reserve is home to a range of fantastic wildlife, including the reticulated giraffe, the rare Grevy’s zebra, the Gerenuk antelope, Somali ostriches, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, eland, oryx, impala, dik dik, waterbuck, and a variety of birds. The camp’s location offers a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat, often from the comfort of your tent or while dining alfresco.
NEW RESTAURANTS
Club Kloof?is situated in the middle of the iconic Kloof Street (Cape Town) and serves up?“Italian-ish”?food and drinks in style. Sourdough pizzettes like our famous Bianco with mortadella, mozzarella, pistachio and green olive butter to signature salads and crowd-pleasing small plates like our roasted and smashed baby potatoes with hazelnut creme fraiche and fried capers.
Sharing and tasting is the name of the game so come and enjoy. Bookings are essential for their inside dining room; walk-ins are welcome in their bar and outside area.
84 Kloof Street |?Book a Table?|?www.clubkloof.com
Galjoen CPT?is a?sustainable Seafood Restaurant that serves a tasting menu where they showcase the beautiful seafood our country has on offer.
What makes them sustainable??Sustainability can mean different things to different people. Their approach is to serve only what is responsibly caught locally. If it’s not from South Africa, it’s not going on the menu. They serve a set menu – comprised of local seafood and ‘refuse’ to serve fish that arrived on a plane.
Meat lovers should look into thier sister restaurant?Belly of the Beast?as at Galjoen’s menu is made up of seafood only. They do have a curated wine list of local wines, and seat everyone at the same time so that the chefs can focus on preparing each course in turn. They finish entirely with one course before devoting their attention to the next. So everyone arriving on time is very important.
99 Harrington Street |?Book a Table?|?www.galjoencpt.co.za
KAREN BLIXEN COFFEE GARDEN RESTAURANT, NAIROBI
Set in the gardens of Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Cottages, the three sections of Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant opened their doors on the 11th June 2023, offering a lovely setting for guests to enjoy during their time in Karen, Nairobi.
领英推荐
NEW CAMPS COMING SOON
RADISSON SAFARI HOTEL HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is opening in September 2023. The Radisson Hotel Group is set to open its first safari hotel and they look forward to welcoming your guests in September 2023.
The hotel boasts 138 exquisite rooms, meeting and event spaces, 3 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, Amani Spa and Fitness Center, and a kid’s club with a mini water park.
MADWALENI RIVER LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA
Madwaleni River Lodge, KwaZulu Natal is opening in September 2023. A new ultra-luxury tented lodge will open in the Babanango Game Reserve in the Zululand region of KwaZulu Natal in September, adding to the reserve’s appeal as a new, highly attractive safari destination.
Madwaleni River Lodge on the banks of the White Umfolozi River is the fourth and most exclusive lodge to be opened in the 20 000-hectare reserve. Lions were recently reintroduced, making the reserve a Big Five area.
ELEWANA EXPLORER CAMPS
3 Elewana Explorer Camps coming in 2024 and 2025
Elewana Collection has announced the launch of Elewana Explorer; a brand utilising safari lodges that have stood for over 30 years pioneering tourism in Northern Tanzania and reimagining the properties to cater to a modern audience of luxury safari-goers.
Set in South Central Serengeti,?Serengeti Explorer?will provide a luxury safari sanctuary in the heart of the Serengeti. The new style safari lodge will provide luxury, space and freedom as well as a host of experiences to enhance the safari adventure.
ANDBEYOND SUYIAN LODGE, KENYA
In partnership with?Space for Giants, andBeyond is expanding its impact footprint to Northern Kenya, with the opening of andBeyond Suyian Lodge on the 44,000-acre exclusive Suyian Conservancy in early 2025. Forming part of a vital wildlife corridor, the conservancy is home to an extensive diversity of wildlife, including numerous endangered species providing an exceptional wildlife experience for guests as well as easy access to the adventures available in Northern Kenya by helicopter.
Experiences:?Day & night game drives, Guided bush walks, Bush meals, Cultural community visits, Horse riding, Camel safaris, Mountain biking, Historic rock art visits, Boran cattle ranching experience, Sundowners
REFURBISHED LODGES
SINGITA MARA RIVER TENT CAMP REVEALED
In June, the new look Singita Mara River Tented Camp reopened, embracing a contextual African look inspired by the local Masaai and the raw beauty of the landscape. Set on a spectacular river bend in the Lamai Triangle in Tanzania, its bold and playful refresh celebrates the essence of Mara in contemporary design.
Their six nomadic-style tented suites redefine nomadic contemporary luxury with a fresh take on functionality which has front-row seats to the incredible wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration.
NEW LONDOLOZI FOUNDERS CAMP
One of the signature camps with a fresh look but a completely familiar feel. Londolozi is a place where, like binary rings of a tree, the founders – and each person thereafter – have served and left their mark. Over the years the ripple effect created by Londolozi’s alumni has spread their ethos far and wide across the African continent, and beyond.
Founders Camp honours these?wild,?early beginnings?– past guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi.
FLIGHTS NEWS
Airlink increases Johannesburg – Vilanculos services Independent regional carrier, Airlink, will increase return flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, Mozambique, to 11 a week from 8 January 2024.
Airlink currently operates a daily service on the route. The decision to add another flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday is in response to increased demand for direct services to the popular Indian Ocean coastal resort. Airlink deploys its Embraer E-Jets and Regional Jets on the route.
South African Airways has announced its first intercontinental route since its return to the skies in
September 2021. The carrier will start flights to S?o Paulo, Brazil, from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The airline
will kick off the flights from Cape Town on October 31, while the Johannesburg-S?o Paulo service will commence on November 6.