January 11, 2019 By Vanessa Ratcliffe,
Posted in: News

With this superb selection of brand new builds and some of the most exciting lodge renovations we’ve ever seen, 2019 promises to be a year filled with ‘next level’ safari experiences!

&BEYOND TENGILE RIVER CAMP (NEW)

  • Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
  • Opened: December 2018
  • Accommodation: 9 secluded, thatched and air-conditioned suites, elevated above the riverbed and shaded by the surrounding riverine forest
  • Property highlights:
    • Family-focused (for children 12 years and older)
    • Cutting-edge eco-friendliness
    • Outstanding Africa-inspired wellness spa
  • Experiences:
    • Twice-daily game drives
    • Private safaris
    • Tracking animals on foot with a professional guide and tracker
    • Photographic safari
    • Birdwatching
    • Stargazing
    • Helicopter rides
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings where males can be seen marking and patrolling their territory and females interacting with their cubs.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings where males can be seen marking and patrolling their territory and females interacting with their cubs.
Common sightings in the Sabi Sand area include lion, cheetah, hyena, zebra, hippo, giraffe, buffalo and wildebeest. Less common sightings of white rhino and wild dogs ('painted wolf') are possible.
Common wildlife sightings in the Sabi Sand area include lion, cheetah, hyena, zebra, hippo, giraffe, buffalo and wildebeest. Less common sightings include the white rhino and wild dog.
'Tengile' means 'tranquil' in the local Tsonga language. Secluded on an idyllic curve of the Sand River, with breathtaking views greeting the gaze throughout.
With its remote riverside setting and serene flow-inspired design, the new lodge’s name couldn’t be more perfect: ‘Tengile’ means ‘tranquil’ in the local Tsonga language.

&Beyond Tengile River Camp - main area
Secluded on an idyllic curve of the Sand River, its views reach out to the abundant game viewing area which spans a vast 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres).
The superbly spacious master bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom (and outdoor shower) which opens out into the forest and outdoor shower Each suite also comprises a lounge, dining area and bar with a private deck encompassing its own lap pool, with an inviting 'sunken' outdoor lounge and dining area The cleverly designed family suite (children 12 years and older) has living areas which transform into children-friendly slumber spaces
With their elegant elevation above the riverbed, each suite possesses a lounge, dining area and bar with a private deck encompassing its own lap pool, with an inviting ‘sunken’ outdoor lounge and dining area.
The spacious master bedrooms have an equally roomy en-suite bathroomwhich opens out into the forest, as well as an outdoor shower.
The spacious master bedrooms have an equally roomy en-suite bathroomwhich opens out into the forest, as well as an outdoor shower.
The main area and the suites themselves have been designed to create uninterrupted inside-outside flow, the composition of open, interactive and private spaces are filled with a sensory celebration of South African design and art.
The main area and the suites themselves have been designed to create uninterrupted inside-outside flow, the composition of open, interactive and private spaces are filled with a sensory celebration of South African design and art.
Liesl's quintessential safari sundowner with a view like this is a classic G&T!
Liesl‘s quintessential safari sundowner with a view like this is a classic G&T!

 

NYAMATUSI CAMP by African Bush Camps  (NEW)

  • Location: Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
  • Opening: April 2019
  • Accommodation: A remote, intimate camp of 6 large luxury tented suites resting on the ancient banks of the Zambezi River
    • All suites are air-conditioned
    • Suites comprise an en suite bathroom, outside shower, lounge, secluded deck and private plunge pool
  • Experiences:
    • Game drives led by African Bush Camps‘ internationally acclaimed guides where you’ll encounter elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, lion, leopard and hyena
    • Guided walking safaris
    • Canoeing safaris
    • Birdwatching
    • Catch-and-release fishing
The air-conditioned suites have their own lounge, and the en suite facilities comprise a spacious bath, as well as an indoor shower and outdoor shower Each suite has a secluded deck/balcony with its own private plunge pool
The air-conditioned suites have their own lounge, and the en suite facilities comprise a spacious bath, as well as an indoor shower and outdoor shower. The wide, secluded verandah invites relaxation in its outdoor lounge area and the plunge pool is perfect for cooling off between game drives.
In addition to game drives led by African Bush Camps' internationally acclaimed guides, guided walking safaris are a thrilling alternative where you'll encounter elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, lion, leopard and hyena.
In addition to game drives led by African Bush Camps’ internationally acclaimed guides, guided walking safaris are a thrilling alternative where you’ll encounter elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, lion, leopard and hyena.
Paddling silently across the still, deep waters of the Lower Zambezi allows for a completely different wildlife experience where you'll encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants and an astounding abundance of birdlife.
For a completely different experience, go on a canoeing safari where you’ll get see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and wonderfully diverse riverside birdlife.
Mana Pools National Park protects an abundantly diverse ecology with habitats including open plans, riverine forests and wetlands, including the four 'pools' that supposedly earned the park its name. 'Mana' is said to mean 'four' in Shona, but it actually means 'family unit' or 'part of a village community'.
Mana Pools National Park protects an abundantly diverse ecology with habitats including open plans, riverine forests and wetlands, including the four ‘pools’ that supposedly earned the park its name. ‘Mana’ is said to mean ‘four’ in Shona, but it actually means ‘family unit’ or ‘part of a village community’.

NYAMATUSI MAHOGANY CAMP by African Bush Camps (NEW)

Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp has been designed especially with families in mind — where togetherness, tranquility and tailormade family activities make for the ultimate family safari experience.

  • Location: Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
  • Opening: April 2019
  • Accommodation: 2 family suites and 2 tented suites
  •  Highlights:
    • Protected as one of the last ‘pioneer parks’ of the African Rift Valley
    • Little adventurers begin their safari with a special ‘Cub Club’ starter kit and in introduction to a selection of activities created to inspire, inform and delight!
  • Experiences:
    • Game drives: Your expert guide and tracker team know exactly where the the wild things are: elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, lion, leopard and hyena
    • Guided bush walks
    • Canoeing safari
    • Catch-and-release fishing
    • Birdwatching
Breathtaking views of the iconic Zambezi River
Nyamatusi Mahogany's main area with its wonderfully designed upstairs and downstairs lounges and dining areas make for an amazing base for this 'explorer's paradise'!
Rendering of Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp’s main area with its wonderfully designed upstairs and downstairs lounges and dining areas make for an amazing base for this ‘explorer’s paradise’!
The main area's upstairs lounge
Artist impression of the main area’s upstairs lounge
The downstairs bar opens out onto the verandah's magnificent river views
The downstairs bar will open out onto the verandah’s magnificent river views
The main area's upstairs dining area
The main area’s upstairs dining area
We wouldn’t be able to choose between dining upstairs or in this downstairs communal dining area!
Imagine waking up to this view!
The en suite's double vanity frames one of the most dramatic vistas in Africa!
The en suite’s double vanity frames one of the most dramatic vistas in Africa!
Set out on foot with your guide and tracker into the bush for an intimately immersive wildlife experience.
Set out on foot with your guide and tracker into the bush for an intimately immersive wildlife experience.
On a bush walk, your photographic opportunities are magnified!
“A day in the life of a family on safari at Nyamatusi Mahogany is fluid, exciting, varied and full of special moments that will live on in family history forever.” ~ African Bush Camps

 

CHEETAH PLAINS (COMPLETE REBUILD)

The pure, undistracted minimalism of this cutting edge renovation invites absolute immersion in the wildness of the safari experience itself. Raw, richly-hued wood and patinated metals accented with subtle hints of gold are combined with the natural sensuality of sheer linens and dense mohair wools to accentuate the authentic artistry and emerging African minimalism of Cheetah Plains.

  • Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
  • Opened: December 2018
  • Accommodation: 3 luxury bushveld houses with private guest suites
    • Each house has 2 expansive lounges, a dining area, outdoor boma, wine room and heated pool
    • Each guest suite has its own private deck, dressing-room, lounge, double rain-shower and bath
  • Highlights:
    • Family-friendly: 2 of the suites interlink, making it ideal for families with young children
    • Disabled-friendly: The interlinking suite at Karula is disabled-friendly
    • Each house has its own butler and private chef, with all meals prepared by the chef
    • Each house’s own wine cellar provides a specialist selection of vintage South African wines and Cap Classiques
    • Private spa therapist
    • Central gym facility
  • Experiences:
    • Twice daily game drives in a private game viewing vehicle with your designated field guide
    • Game drives also include sunrise and sunset stops, and unparalleled stargazing
Cheetah Plains’ three new bushveld houses have been named in honour of two legendary cheetahs and a dominant male lion coalition, namely ‘Karula’, ‘Mvula’ and ‘Mapogo’.
Combinations of raw, rich timbers and fabrics with patented metals were used to create a contrast in textures; bronze and gold accents adding subtle hints of luxury in a discreet way.
Soft and elegant linens are combined with chunky woolen weaves to create a sensually elegant backdrop for the exclusively curated art and objets d’arts celebrating South Africa’s leading and craftsmen to create a completely unique and authentic experience embodying ‘African minimalism’.
All meals are prepared by each house’s private chef, as well as specialist wines carefully selected from their private cellars.
“The vision was for the interiors of the villas is to seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings, enhancing the safari experience of the guests.” ~ Cheetah Plains
The clean, clear architectural lines allow the eye to feast on the indigenous gardens which grow out into the bushveld beyond.

 

TINTSWALO AT LAPALALA WILDERNESS (NEW)

  • Location: Lapalala Wilderness Reserve (part of the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere Reserve), South Africa
  • Opened: October 2018
  • Accommodation: 7 luxury tented suites with private plunge pools, including two 2-bedroom family suites
  • Highlights:
    • Designed for families, accommodating up to 16 adults and 4 children
    • Malaria-free area
  • Experiences:
    • Visit Lapalala Wilderness Reserve’s award-winning rare and endangered species breeding projects
    • Young eco-explorers can get involved in the school program or visit the incredible Rhino Museum inbetween game drives, catch-and-release fishing and birdwatching
Whilst it feels impossibly remote, Lapalala Wilderness is a mere 3.5 hour drive from Johannesburg.
Whilst it feels impossibly remote, Lapalala Wilderness is a mere 3.5 hour drive from Johannesburg.
The heart of Lapalala is its eco-conservation legacy where activities are centred around conservation-focused initiatives like visits to their rare and endangered breeding program centre, the acclaimed Rhino Museum and educational adventures for children.

Drink in the ‘golden hour’ (along with a safari signature G&T) from the main area’s expansive decks.

Perhaps the world’s most beautiful bath view?

‘Privacy’ will never quite feel the same way ever again…
A rich, darkly roasted coffee on the deck after a trademark Tintswalo feast before the stars blaze across the heavens!
Plunge into the coolness of the pool while stargazing.

TINTSWALO AT BOULDERS (NEW)

  • Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Opened: Opened in September 2018
  • Accommodation:
    • This opulent boutique villa’s 9 elegant suites cater for both couples and families
    • May be booked exclusively as a private villa for larger groups, with a private chef available on request
  • Highlights:
    • Its location allows for easy access to Cape Town’s famous landmarks, urban attractions and wildlife experiences
    • Operates as a bed-and-breakfast, with sumptuous afternoon snacks
    • A world-class spa and swimming pool
    • Situated right on beautiful Boulders Beach – with a beach drop-off service
  • Experiences:
    • Boulders Beach is a world-renowned sanctuary for a thriving colony of endangered African penguins
    • Whale-watching (seasonal) and scintillating marine adventures from sailing and kayaking to Great White Shark cage-diving
    • An exceptional selection of activities for children of every age
    • Pristine swimming beaches
    • Explore the area’s fascinating historical sites and museums, as well as acclaimed attractions ranging from Table Mountain and Robben Island to the Zietz MOCAA for an Africa art infusion and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden to wander along the suspended tree-canopy Skywalk
    • Fine dining and wine-tasting close to Simon’s Town and slightly further afield in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
    • Explorations further afield, like a visit to the Zeitz MOCAA, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Mandela’s Robben Island
    • Guided walks and some of the best hiking trails in the world
    • Horse-riding
Protected from the wind and waves by the ancient granite boulders, Boulders Beach’s soft white sand, delightful rock pools and crystal clear sea makes for an amazing beach experience – especially for children – and tuxedoed locals — African penguins in their thousands!
Once known as ‘jackass’ penguins thanks to their donkey-like braying, African penguins face extinction and are fiercely protected by Cape Nature Conservation. (Three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks lead the way around the dunes to Foxy Beach, their favorite haunt.)
Known for their lavishly delicious breakfasts, you’ll want to feast your eyes on their spectacular view too!
With dramatic views out across False Bay, the suites have been named after the legendary ships from the Cape’s fascinating maritime history.
What makes Tintswalo at Boulders so special is its ability to be opulent and romantic in its luxury, yet wonderfully family-friendly.
Dine out on the verandah during a magical sunset after a day exploring the ‘Mother City’.
From the urban culture-infusion of the internationally acclaimed Zeitz MOCAA to wonderfully vibrant township tours, Cape Town is a destination you’ll fall in love with – again and again.

LEMALA NANYUKIE (NEW)

Let the video whirl you through brand new luxury tented camp predicted to be 2019’s most inspired Serengeti camp with its dramatic cathedral-esque design lines and contemporary evolution of the classic safari experience.

  • Location: A 45-minute drive east of Serengeti National Park‘s central Seronera Airstrip
  • Opened: October 2o18
  • Accommodation: 13 standard suites and one 2-bedroomed suite
  • Highlights: 
    • Family-friendly: ‘Lemala Cubs’, a superbly designed selection of children’s eco-activities and adventures, gives parents time to unwind beside the pool, rejuvenate with a massage in the tented spa, or strike out on a rhino-tracking expedition
    • ‘Serengeti Restaurant‘: Dine inside or outside, with a delicious a la carte menu, including vegetarian and special dietary options
    • Disability services
  • Experiences:
    • Game drives: Big 5 and abundant game
    • Bird-watching
    • Guided bush walks 
    • Rhino tracking
    • Wellness spa
    • Maasai cultural experiences
    • Hot-air ballooning
    • Scenic flights

If you’ve got any questions about these exciting new properties, we’re just an email or phone call away: +27 21 6713090