Exciting New Safari Lodge Openings & Upgrades for 2025!
In 2025, your clients can look forward to an exciting range of new lodges and camps opening across Botswana as well as updates on rebuilds and renovations of longtime favourites. From exclusive lodges to sophisticated riverside retreats, we’ve got the latest details on the all the new properties. Whether your clients are seasoned safari-goers or embarking on their first adventure, these upcoming openings offer an ideal blend of comfort, adventure, and the stunning beauty that Botswana is known for.
Maxa Camp – Ker & Downey | Opened March 2025
Maxa Camp, which opened in March 2025, is an intimate safari escape designed to host up to 12 guests in four stylish tents, each offering an en-suite indoor and outdoor bathroom. A spacious family tent features two bedrooms, a shared en-suite, and an outdoor bathing area. Guests can indulge themselves in the pristine wilderness through guided walking safaris, game drives, and traditional mokoro excursions.
Xugana Island Lodge – Desert & Delta Safaris | Re-opening April 2025
After an extensive rebuild, the iconic Xugana Island Lodge will reopen on 16 April 2025 with a fresh, contemporary look. The redesigned lodge boasts stunning overwater decks, a repositioned pool with panoramic views, and an overwater fire-deck. Rooms combine modern comfort with natural charm, featuring lagoon-inspired interiors and expansive views. With new accommodation options, including a private family suite, Xugana Island Lodge offers an unmatched balance of exclusivity and immersion in nature.
Mbamba Camp – Natural Selection Travel | Opening April 2025
Tucked away in the northern Okavango Delta, Mbamba Camp is set to offer a blend of elegance and an authentic bush experience. The camp will feature 12 beautifully designed tents, including family-friendly options, each equipped with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. A pool provides a tranquil retreat between thrilling game drives and serene mokoro or boat safaris, making it a perfect base for exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Delta.
Monachira Camp – Machaba Safaris | Opening May 2025
Nestled near the Moremi Game Reserve, Monachira Camp will deliver a front-row seat to the breathtaking floodplains of the Okavango Delta. Designed for water-based safari enthusiasts, this camp will offer guided walks, mokoro trips, boat safaris, and short game drives that bring guests closer to the region’s rich wildlife. Expect a truly immersive experience in one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
Sediba Sa Rona – Desert & Delta | Opens in April 2026
Located in the Khwai Concession, Sediba Sa Rona is overlooking the breathtaking Khwai River, the lodge offers 15 luxury river-facing tents, each featuring en-suite bathrooms and private outdoor decks with stunning views. Amenities, include a fire deck, swimming pool, and spa. For activities, Sediba Sa Rona provides game drives, night safaris, mokoro excursions, and scenic helicopter flights.
Safari Lodge Upgrades for 2025
Several iconic camps and lodges are getting upgrades in early 2025, bringing fresh improvements and refined experiences for guests. Here’s an update on what’s changing and when these lodges and camps will be ready to welcome guests again.
Chobe Elephant Camp | Bush Ways Safaris
While the final touches are still in progress, the transformation is already taking shape beautifully. The extended main area, updated furniture, and a contemporary design with bold red accents are adding a fresh energy to the camp.
Sango Safari Camp | Bush Ways Safaris
Between 16 January and 6 February 2025, Sango Safari Camp underwent maintenance to refresh guest areas while maintaining its classic safari charm. Visitors can expect a more refined and comfortable atmosphere with a larger main area as well as a bigger pool.
Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge
A significant refurbishment took place from 15 January to 14 March 2025, enhancing this lodge’s position as a premier destination in the Savuti region. The upgrades include refreshed interiors and improved guest spaces while preserving the lodge’s elevated views and natural surroundings.
Kanana | Ker & Downey Botswana
The legendary Kanana Camp has been rebuilt from January to March and is shining brighter than ever. The new design features expansive views of the floodplains and Zepa Lagoon, with interiors that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. The green color scheme beautifully reflects the environment, with rich earth tones complemented by softer hues, creating a serene atmosphere. Being located in one of the best wildlife areas in the Okavango Delta Kanana offers land and water experiences with amazing game-viewing.
Planet Baobab | Natural Selection Travel
Following a fire in November 2024, Planet Baobab is undergoing a full rebuild. In the meantime, self-drive visitors still have access to power facilities at the campsites. The pool has been restored, and major renovations to the reception, bar, and kitchen are underway to bring back the camp’s distinctive charm.
Baines Camp | A & K Sanctuary Retreats
Baines Camp has been temporarily closed since 29 October 2024, with a reopening set for 7 July 2025. The redesign retains the camp’s exclusivity while incorporating modern comforts that blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness.
Chitabe Camp | Wilderness Destinations
This well-loved camp is undergoing a refresh from 5 January to 25 April 2025, with a reopening planned for end of April. Guests can look forward to updated interiors and upgraded guest spaces that enhance the camp’s classic safari experience.
Jacana | Wilderness Destinations
Jacana is a small and welcoming camp set on a palm-dotted island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Retouched now, it has a fresh, updated feel while keeping its relaxed, laid-back character. Activities here are centred around the Delta’s waterways, with mokoro trips, boating, game-driving, and birdwatching giving guests a chance to enjoy a quieter, more water-based safari experience.
We’re keeping a close eye on the progress of these remarkable properties and will be sharing exclusive updates as they approach their grand openings. Be sure to follow our social media pages and stay tuned for the latest developments.
Posted by
Caroline Mokaba
OUR TOP REASONS WHY ZIMBABWE ROCKS AND SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT SAFARI DESTINATION!
We are in love with Zimbabwe… a country of breathtaking beauty, rich wildlife, and warm-hearted people. From the golden sunsets over vast plains to the excitement of spotting elephants standing tall to reach for fruits in the towering trees,this incredible country offers an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a family looking for a special getaway, Zimbabwe has something magical for everyone.
Here are our top reasons why Zimbabwe should absolutely make it onto your guests’ safari bucket list:
Outstanding Value for Money: Zimbabwe offers unbeatable value for a safari experience. From accommodation to activities, guests get amazing experiences at affordable prices.
Brilliant Guides with Excellent Training: One of the things that stood out for Mia was the expertise of the guides. They are not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and terrain but also passionate about sharing their insights with visitors. Guests feel like they are in the hands of experts every step of the way.
Diverse Safari Experiences: Zimbabwe’s diverse landscape offers a range of safari adventures, from water-based activities on Lake Kariba, where Mia spotted hippos and crocs, to land safaris delving into the heart of the bush. Mia loved her guided walk in Mana Pools, encountering an abundance of plains game and marvelling at the majestic giant trees.
Relaxing Armchair Safaris: For those moments when guests prefer to unwind and observe wildlife from the comfort of their rooms or main areas, Zimbabwe has it covered. Mia enjoyed memorable moments at lodges like Bumi Hills and Somalisa, where she could soak in the scenery and enjoy looking at wildlife come and go all day.
Child-Friendly Camps: If planning a family safari, Zimbabwe is the perfect choice! With its array of child-friendly camps and lodges, guests can rest assured that the little ones will have safe and unforgettable adventures in the African wilderness. From educational activities to specially tailored game drives, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family.
The Victoria Falls is one of the Seven World Wonders: a must for most travelers visiting Southern Africa. Victoria Falls town is fast growing but kept its charm, the choice of accommodation goes from affordable to luxurious. There is so much to explore besides the magnificent waterfalls. How about dinner at the authentic Dusty Road followed by the vibrant and colorful Simunye theater show?
Additional Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe:
- Breathtaking Sunsets: Whether over Lake Kariba or the vast plains of Hwange, Zimbabwe’s sunsets are truly mesmerizing and a highlight for any visitor.
- Birding Paradise: Zimbabwe boasts more than 650 recorded bird species, including some rare and endemic gems. It’s a destination where you can tick off dozens of lifers in a single trip.
- A Photographer’s Dream: With close animal encounters and unique photographic opportunities—such as elephants in Mana Pools standing on their hind legs to reach higher branches—Zimbabwe is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
- Warm, Welcoming People: Zimbabweans are known for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. Guests often comment on how the people made their trip extra special.
Zimbabwe is also the country of numerous National Parks. Guests can explore a total of 11 National Parks – we can not think of another country where clients can visit so many National Parks in just one safari:
- Hwange National Park – The largest park, famous for its elephant population and diverse wildlife.
- Mana Pools National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for canoe safaris and walking safaris.
- Matobo National Park – Home to unique balancing rock formations and one of Africa’s highest concentrations of leopards.
- Gonarezhou National Park – Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, known for its rugged wilderness and large elephant herds.
- Matusadona National Park – Located on the shores of Lake Kariba, offering boat safaris and excellent game viewing.
- Nyanga National Park – Features Zimbabwe’s highest peak, Mount Nyangani, and stunning waterfalls.
- Chimanimani National Park – A paradise for hikers, with scenic mountains and lush forests.
- Kazuma Pan National Park – A lesser-known park ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
- Zambezi National Park – Near Victoria Falls, offering game drives and river safaris along the Zambezi River.
- Chizarira National Park – Known for its dramatic gorges and remote wilderness.
- Victoria Falls National Park – Protects part of the iconic Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest.
So, there you have it! Zimbabwe truly rocks as a safari destination, offering unbeatable value, exceptional guides, diverse safaris, armchair adventures, and family-friendly experiences.
Posted by
Claire Robinson