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New Openings, Upgrades & Planning Tips
We hope this finds you well. As we move into a busy planning period for Southern Africa, we wanted to share a round-up of recent and upcoming product updates across Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, along with a few practical notes to help with availability during peak season.
New Experiences & Highlights
Boating launches at Mma Dinare and Rra Dinare – both camps now offer boating activities for the first time, adding a wonderful water-based dimension to the Okavango experience.
The Zambezi Explorer Helicopter flight – a 22-minute scenic gorge flight offering a dramatic aerial perspective of the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes.
Twyfelfontein Elephant Drives now include a rhino tracking activity, adding further depth to this already exceptional desert wildlife experience.
Sossusvlei scenic helicopter flights – a fantastic alternative to hot air ballooning. Helicopters are more flexible, able to operate in slightly windy conditions and during the hotter summer months when ballooning is often restricted.
Camp & Lodge Updates
Machaba Camp will undergo a series of well-considered upgrades. All tents are being replaced with a new design featuring a front door and beautifully equipped interiors, improving comfort while retaining the camp’s classic character. Completion is expected by May 2026.
Chobe Savanna Lodge has undergone a thoughtful refurbishment and is set to reopen in May 2026, offering a refreshed and more comfortable guest experience.
Ngoma Safari Lodge – upgrades to existing rooms are underway alongside the build of new Ngoma Suites. The lodge is scheduled to reopen at the end of March, offering a refreshed look for individual travellers and two new suites ideal for families and friends. The minimum age of 10 years remains in place due to the intimate nature of the main area.
Sable Alley is currently closed for refurbishment and upgrades and will reopen on 31 March 2026.
Chobe Safari Lodge has completed refurbishments to its rooms and main areas, offering an updated and more contemporary guest experience.
The Sanctuary at Mombo – the newest addition to this flagship camp is a purpose-built wellness retreat featuring treatment rooms, a lap pool, gym, sauna, ice bath and secluded meditation cocoons. Blending innovative design with the Delta’s natural rhythms, it offers guests a deeply restorative way to unwind in the wilderness.
Okonjima is shifting focus toward long-term research initiatives, strengthening monitoring systems and deepening understanding of how species persist within shared landscapes.
Upcoming 2026 Openings
Mababe Tented Camp, Moremi, Botswana – opening April
Sandibe & Nxabega Under Canvas, Okavango Delta, Botswana – opening March
Sediba Sa Rona, Okavango Delta, Botswana - opening March
Ndhovu Enclave, Caprivi, Namibia – opening July
Singita Elela, Okavango Delta, Botswana – opening December
A Few Planning Tips for Peak Season
As availability tightens, a little flexibility goes a long way:
- Consider reversing an itinerary to unlock better lodge availability
- Avoid booking international flights too early where possible
- Flexible dates often allow for stronger routing and a better overall holiday
Why Client Details Matter
Please ensure full client details are shared at the time of booking. Some lodges will not accept confirmations without this information, and having it upfront allows for smoother processing, fewer errors, and faster turnaround times.
Important Pricing Info
Please note the following:
- Namibia park entry fees increase from 1 April 2026
- VAT increase in Zimbabwe, affecting activities, transfers and related services.
ABOUT US
As always, we’re here to help with planning, alternatives and creative solutions and we look forward to working with you to create something truly special.
