Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Opening: August 2025

Mpala Jena Private Villas promises a step up from a luxury stay nestled in the heart of Zimbabwe‘s stunning wildlife sanctuary. With breathtaking views of the Zambezi River and a focus on sustainability, these bespoke villas offer unparalleled privacy and an immersive tailored safari experience. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is complete with a complimentary open-top safari vehicle, a motorised boat and even access to a historical dhow for beautiful sunset cruises. Guests can look forward to world-class amenities, personalised private butler and guide services, and unforgettable moments in one of Africa’s most spectacular locations.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Reopening: May 2025

Formerly known as Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, the lodge will offer an elevated experience with ten luxury suites designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing guests with an uninterrupted view of the lush rainforest and its remarkable wildlife. The new design promises to enhance the immersive experience, making it the perfect base for wildlife enthusiasts.

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Opening: August 2025

The Ritz-Carlton is set to open a stunning new safari camp in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Elevated amongst the trees on a secluded island surrounded by the famous Sand River near the Tanzanian border, this treetop retreat will offer picturesque views of the riverbanks and forest, giving guests a front-row seat for witnessing the Great Migration. This luxurious retreat will feature 20 tented suites, each with private plunge pools and spacious living areas. Guests will enjoy amazing dining, game drives, and unique cultural experiences, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Masai Mara.

Location: Laikipia, Kenya
Opening: July 2025

Found on the escarpment with stunning views of the conservancy, Suyian Lodge offers a blend of stunning architecture and natural materials. Home to over 100 mammal species and diverse landscapes, the lodge will provide an immersive experience in northern Kenya’s Laikipia region. Designed with local influences and a focus on understated luxury, the lodge’s suites blend seamlessly into the rocky outcrops, offering guests spectacular views and ultimate tranquillity.

Location: Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Reopening 1 May 2025

Chongwe House, a private safari retreat in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, will reopen in May 2025 after a thoughtful redesign. The spacious four-bedroom house now features expansive outdoor areas, including a swimming pool, fire pit, and boma, perfectly blending with its natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy tailor-made safari adventures, from game drives to canoeing and fishing while soaking in the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

Location: Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania
Opening: July 2025

Perched on a hill just off the crater rim, Lemala Osonjoi offers prime wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. Named after the Osonjoi trees, the lodge blends luxury with local heritage. Spacious suites feature king-size beds, cosy wood stoves, and peaceful forest views, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure.

Location: Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Opening: September 2025

Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is a luxurious eight-suite camp located in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. Overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga and the Mutumba Mountains, the camp offers incredible wildlife experiences, including sightings of lions, rhinos, and elephants. Each suite features a private plunge pool with stunning views, and guests can enjoy tailored experiences like private dining, wellness treatments, and stargazing from rooftop beds. Committed to sustainability, the camp operates on solar energy and supports local communities.

Location: Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Reopening: May 2025

We’re excited to see the reopening of Azura Marlin Beach on Benguerra Island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. This luxurious retreat combines barefoot luxury with authentic Mozambican charm and unforgettable island experiences. Reimagined from the original Marlin Lodge, it offers beautifully crafted villas, stunning ocean views, and bespoke activities—an ideal escape after a Southern African safari.

Location: Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Opening: September 2025

This exclusive safari retreat promises an intimate experience, with handcrafted villas overlooking the majestic Great Ruaha River. Guests will enjoy a seamless blend of luxury, wildlife, and local culture, providing a truly immersive connection to the natural beauty of one of Africa’s most untouched landscapes.

Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Reopening: June 2025

Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, will reopen in June 2025 after a full redesign. The camp’s 12 luxury tents, including a family suite, feature spacious, open-plan layouts with panoramic views of the conservancy. The new design blends modern African style with Maasai traditions, offering a relaxing, stylish space for guests. With a focus on sustainability and supporting local Maasai communities, the camp remains committed to preserving the surrounding environment.

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Reopening: May 2025

Following a complete rebuild, Xugana will reopen in May 2025. Found on one of the Delta’s most beautiful and permanent water sites, the lodge features stunning views of the Xugana Lagoon, with a maximum capacity of just 22 guests for an intimate stay. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including boat safaris, mokoro excursions, and nature walks, while the lodge operates off the grid with eco-friendly materials and a cutting-edge power plant, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

We’re also excited about several additional new camps and lodges opening in 2025, including:

• Monachira Camp (Botswana),
• Mbamba Camp (Botswana)
• Masiya’s Camp (South Africa), and
• Chichele Presidential Lodge (Zambia). These new additions will elevate your safari experience with exceptional design, exclusive service, and unique wildlife adventures.
  Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape to reconnect with nature, eager to explore local communities and history, or looking to indulge in the comforts of a luxurious stay, we are confident we can bring your vision to life through the above properties.
  Get in touch today to start planning your journey!

Start your journey

If you’d like to learn more about New Camps and Lodges Opening in 2025 in Africa, one of our Travel Designers can help you. Get in contact today.
e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
p: +61 3 9045 9819