The Little Black Book of New African Lodges 2024

The Ycona Luxury Resort in Zanzibar brings a wealth of opulence to the spice island paradise. Nestled amidst palm trees and azure waters, the resort offers exquisite villas, world-class amenities, and stunning views. Considered one of the best new African lodges, the resort boasts a total of four restaurants, a beach lounge, and a pool, along with both spice and botanical gardens. The over-water gym and private lake are sure to tempt water lovers, while the sheer size of the resort means ultimate privacy for guests with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation. A beautiful spa and long, quiet stretches of prime beachfront location round out the experience of luxury and tranquility in Zanzibar. A range of villas are available to suit all guises of travelers, from family-friendly configurations to more remote honeymoon villas and even pet-friendly areas. The Ycona Luxury Resort offers a unique blend of tropical island bliss with a safari lodge experience.

Mozambique’s untouched coastline and pristine marine life have always been a hidden gem for discerning travelers. The Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, set to open in 2024, combines Mozambique’s natural beauty with luxurious living. Situated on the private island of Ilha Caldeira off the coast of Mozambique, Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira will offer 40 private pool villas with stunning oceanfront views of the pristine Indian Ocean, offering an ultra exclusive experience. The Banyan Tree group is well known for crafting their signature blend of sustainability, mindfulness, and serenity at all their properties.

This African lodge offers overwater villas with panoramic ocean views, private pools, and easy access to some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling spots. Expect world-class hospitality and unparalleled marine adventures, along with a wellness center and spa, a kids club, a marine center, and much more, for a truly luxurious retreat of the senses for an alternative African safari experience. 

Set within the incredible natural wonder of Botswana’s renowned Moremi Game Reserve, Natural Selection’s Tawana camp promises to provide an unparalleled exploration of the Okavango Delta and the broader northern wilderness habitat. This eco-conscious African lodge allows guests to reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas. Tawana offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, conservation-focused activities, and beautifully designed accommodations. As with all Natural Selection Camps, your time spent here will be hyper-personalized to open your eyes to the wonder of the area and to engage with the surroundings in authentic, memorable ways. A wide range of safari experiences are on offer, including bird watching, game drives, night drives, and guided walks of the surrounding bush. It’s the ultimate eco-friendly escape that promotes responsible tourism in Africa.

Early in 2024, Volcanoes Safaris, which has been leading the way in gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in Uganda and Rwanda for the last 25 years, will launch its fifth resort, Kibale Lodge. For those seeking to experience one of the best new African lodges 2024, Kibale Lodge is a must-visit. The lodge will be centered on the breathtaking ridge above Lake Lugembe, with views over the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga channel to one side and the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) towards the west. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to a private butler, a swimming pool, locally inspired cuisine, and ultra-luxurious accommodation. Experienced guides are on hand to offer a wide range of safari experiences, including bird watching, wetland walks, walking safaris, and chimpanzee trekking, ensuring a complete wildlife immersion with all the creature comforts of an ultra-exclusive African safari lodge. 

The lodge is located near Kibale National Park in Uganda, home to around 1,500 chimpanzees, one of the largest chimpanzee communities in Africa. This new addition enhances the current network of great ape lodges operated by Volcanoes Safaris, making it ideal for those whose wish list contains chimpanzees. While a little less luxurious than the other lodges on this list, for those seeking the life-changing experience of engaging with our genetic cousins authentically, this is the lodge in Africa to book. It will provide a smooth safari experience that takes visitors across Rwanda and Uganda to witness the rare gorillas, chimpanzees, and other animals of the Albertine Rift.

This new luxury safari lodge is nestled in the Lower Zambezi National Park along the banks of the Zambezi River, renowned for its thriving wildlife, including wild dogs, leopards, and herds of elephants. Here, you can enjoy a host of safari experiences, including fishing, canoeing, boating trips along the river, thrilling game drives, and guided walking safaris. This best new African lodge boasts extraordinary grandeur, offering guests a truly indulgent safari experience amidst the spectacular surroundings of one of Zambia’s best national parks. The luxury lodge includes sumptuous suites and villas, each with a private plunge pool, spa, gym, and communal pool. 

Kisawa Sanctuary offers the ultimate blend of beach and safari and aims to bring wilderness and wellness together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests enjoy personalized hospitality and bespoke experiences that embrace nature, culture, ocean research, and wellness. The resort’s bungalow residences are perched on a 300-hectare stretch of pristine forest, beach, and sand dunes, with each residence boasting its own private infinity pool, open-air deck, and private beach. Beyond the confines of the lodge, adventure awaits with a curated selection of thrilling safaris, including marine expeditions, whale watching, helicopter rides, waterspouts, such as kitesurfing, and authentic cultural experiences. 

Located in the heart of the vast Okavango Delta, Botswana, Daunara Safari Camp offers a luxurious immersion in Botswana’s great wilderness. Days are tailor-made by the expert team, with various activities on offer, including game drives, nature walks, fishing, and local community visits. The camp’s design is elegant and sophisticated, constructed from a mixture of timber and canvas with luxurious finishes. Relax in the camp’s rim flow pool and soak up the views of the vast wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see, enjoy delicious alfresco dining, or simply spend time with friends and family reconnecting with nature.

Sitting in the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – one of the world’s most spectacular desert landscapes – Jack’s Private Camp caters to the unique demands of multigenerational travelers and small groups seeking a bespoke and highly exclusive private experience. Guests will enjoy a dedicated chef, handpicked hosts and private safari guides, highly skilled in bringing the unique wonders of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to life. A full roster of activities is on offer, including quad biking adventures and helicopter rides, alongside traditional safari experiences such as nature walks and game drives.

This luxurious mountain hideaway offers an escape within the breathtaking lush green scenery of the Bainskloof Pass in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site. Drakenskloof is designed around connecting with nature and wildlife through bespoke experiences that ensure a highly tailored safari. Experiences are wide and varied, including nature walks, cycling and trail runs, bush drives, bird watching, and zip lining. As a family-friendly African lodge, there are also farm animal visits, outdoor arts and crafts, biscuit baking, and board games for youngsters, alongside a host of other activities. Exquisite cuisine sits front and center, served family style with a menu influenced by Swahili culture alongside the bold flavors of India. Lodgings are luxurious and elegant, with an organic design focused on comfort.

Africa’s allure as a top travel destination continues to grow, and the opening of these new lodges in 2024 is a testament to the continent’s unwavering appeal. From the wilds of Botswana to the exotic shores of Zanzibar, these lodges offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a beach lover, or an eco-conscious traveler, these lodges cater to a diverse range of tastes and interests. Make 2024 the year you embark on an African adventure and discover the beauty and luxury that await.