The Little Black Book of New Lodges in Africa 2023

Leading luxury hotel management company, Kempinski, is set to open three new opulent African lodges in Northern Tanzania in 2023. Comprising two elegant safari lodge-style properties, and a high-end tented camp, the new spaces are designed to cater for discerning wildlife lovers. The new camps will be located in three of Tanzania’s most sought-after wilderness destinations. The first, Kempinski Msasa Lodge Lake Manyara, sits on a ridge overlooking the famous lake offering world-class game viewing and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. 19 luxurious tents, two junior suite tents with an outdoor pool, and two larger (200 sq m) family tents make up this exciting new addition to the company’s portfolio. The second property, Kempinski Longosa Lodge, is located in the Serengeti National Park. 75 luxury rooms, suites and villas, surrounded by pristine wilderness, will be erected in the middle of the annual migration corridor. Last but not least, Kempinski Kitbong Hill is another expansive property, again comprising 75 guest rooms, suites and villas, similar to its Serengeti counterpart. These new and exciting properties are set to offer the best of both worlds to guests by combining exquisite nature with the high standard of luxury the brand has been synonymous with for over a century.

JW Marriott is a part of the esteemed Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands. Renowned for beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world, the global hospitality leader has now officially entered the luxury safari segment in Africa. Opening its doors to guests in 2023, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will enjoy a prime location in one of the continent’s most renowned wilderness regions. Overlooking the River Talek on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the lodge will feature 20 luxurious private tents, including one presidential pavilion and two interconnected family tents.

Each will have a private terrace overlooking the river with breathtaking views of the game-rich region. As a brand rooted in mindfulness, the lodge aims to employ members of the nearby Maasai community and will offer guests the opportunity to learn more about their culture and build a deeper connection with the destination. A nod to the pristine natural surroundings, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will combine sophisticated interiors with warm neutral colors and natural materials drawing inspiration from the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. An inspiring and exciting addition to the list of new African lodges opening in 2023!

Located in the picturesque Stellenbosch winelands, just 30 minutes from Cape Town, Hazendal wine estate is set to mark a new chapter in 2023 with the grand opening of a five-star luxury hotel and spa. The Hazendal Hotel will deliver utmost luxury to discerning travelers visiting the winelands, complimenting the existing array of culinary, cultural and outdoor attractions on the estate. The boutique property will comprise 34 luxurious bedrooms and suites, each with a private patio overlooking the courtyard or adjacent lake. An on-site spa, heated pool, gym, gourmet restaurant, and a sophisticated cigar lounge and bar will also be available for guests to enjoy. In addition, a private 16-seater cinema will be available for movie lovers and a new and improved Pro Shop for those who want to take advantage of the estate’s world-class 18-hole golf course.

Tswalu Loapi, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Another exciting addition to the list of new African lodges to welcome guests in 2023 is Tswalu Loapi – the third camp to join the award-winning Tswalu family. Located deep amidst the wide open savannah grasslands of the southern Kalahari, Loapi Tented Camp is referred to as ‘pioneering and nomadic in spirit’. Comprising just six individual tented homes, each operating as a mini camp in itself and positioned at least 50m (165 feet) apart, guests can expect a truly private and exclusive wilderness experience.

As with all the camps at Tswalu, Loapi guarantees personalized, world-class service, offering a dedicated butler, private chef, private safari vehicle and private guide for each home. The environment is, of course, at the forefront of all Tswalu’s practices and the tented homes at Loapi are all sustainably designed and eco sensitive, while providing exceptional comfort. Each space comes with its own environmentally friendly plunge pool, fire pit, fully-equipped kitchen, private study with WiFi, full bar, in-room spa treatments, and plenty of shaded outdoor space with daybeds for relaxing and watching passing wildlife.

The team at Natural Selection have done it again! Located on a private island surrounded by shining lagoons and abundant wildlife, North Island Okavango is set to be one of the most exclusive African lodges in the Delta. Comprising just 3 tented suites, thoughtfully designed under the shady canopy of wild ebony and leadwood trees, the camp is as tranquil as you can get. Each tent offers a private sunken deck with a plunge pool, outdoor shower and breathtaking views of the hippo-filled lagoon and passing wildlife. In summer, a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly ‘over-the-bed’ cooling system provides relief from the heat, and during winter, a cozy fireplace offers a romantic way to warm up. 100% solar-powered, the camp has zero footprint on the surrounding wilderness, allowing the idyllic island landscape to flourish, attracting an abundance of wildlife. Safari activities to experience the extraordinary Okavango Delta can be done on land, water and in the air – each adventure guaranteed to leave lasting memories of this truly magnificent region. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo and the rare sitatunga antelope, as well as a thriving diversity of birdlife.

Seychelles

Hilton Waldorf Astoria Platte Island | Hilton Canopy Mahé

Hilton is adding to its esteemed portfolio in 2023 by adding two new properties to its already impressive footprint in the Seychelles. The ultra-luxury Waldorf Astoria Platte Island Seychelles is set to open its doors on the breathtaking beaches of Platte Island, surrounded by tropical palm forests, pristine coral reefs and a lagoon. Just 130km (80 miles) south of Mahé, guests will be able to access the island by private plane, landing on the resort’s own airstrip. The property is set to feature 59 luxury seafront villas with private pools, a selection of gourmet eateries and beach bars, a wellness spa, kids club, tennis courts, outdoor observatory and more. A strong emphasis will be placed on sustainability and conservation with a green power supply and solar panel roofing in the design, as well as a marine conservation discovery center on the island.

Also set to open in 2023 is Canopy by Hilton Mahé, which will be located on Anse à la Mouche beach. Featuring 120 luxury rooms and a dedicated space to host private and professional events, this Seychelles resort will be fashioned as a ‘boutique village’ and form part of the Hilton group’s lifestyle brands.

The luxury offerings in Africa are constantly evolving and these are no exception. Don’t miss out on experiencing these extraordinary African lodges for yourself. Get in touch with a LuxVenture® Designer today and start planning! We’ve got your back all the way.