Southern Africa Latest Updates

We’re excited to share news of new lodges scheduled to open in 2026, a variety of long-stay specials available even in peak season, and the launch of Ultimate Safaris’ exclusive Gin-tasting in Swakopmund – fast becoming Namibia’s best foodie destination.

LATEST UPDATES

BOTSWANA

➢ As Botswana enters its annual flood season, early signs indicate that the Okavango Delta is experiencing a significantly larger floodplain than in recent years. This brings exciting prospects for wildlife sightings, with expanding mokoro routes, increased wildlife concentrations on the islands and truly breathtaking landscapes.

Take a moment to watch this engaging VIDEO presentation by Kim Nixon of Ker & Downey Botswana. It provides a fascinating look into the Okavango Delta and its distinctive flood cycles, answering important questions about the seasonal rhythms of this remarkable ecosystem. It offers valuable insight into the Delta and how this year’s rainfall is expected to impact activities in the area.

➢ Mbamba Camp: Has just released its first official images, hot off the press! The camp, which opened last month in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta, offers an exciting new addition to the region — and these first visuals provide a glimpse into its unique setting and style.

A sister property to Duke’s Camp, Mbamba Camp offers a classic tented safari experience infused with character and charm. Shaded by leadwood trees, the camp features 12 wellappointed tents (4 doubles, 6 twins & 2 family units). Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, standing fan, mosquito netting and an over-bed cooling system for added comfort.

➢ Chitabe: This new VIDEO  released by Wilderness highlights the changes to the camp’s physical structure and design, capturing scenes from the surrounding floodplains and areas.

➢ Linger Longer Special Offer: From now until 31 July 2025, enjoy a complimentary fourth night when you stay three nights at Xigera, including an unforgettable experience in the extraordinary Baobab Treehouse. This offer includes scheduled complimentary return fixed-wing flights between Maun and Xigera. T&C’s apply.

➢ Okuti: Now offers a more diverse range of activities including mokoro excursions and a double deck barge experience upon the enormous Xakanaxa Lagoon. The barge will offer morning cruises, brunch/ lunch cruises and sundowner cruises. The upper viewing deck elevation ensures breath-taking views into the far wilderness.

➢ Monachira Camp: Recently opened its doors on 1 May 2025 and looks beautiful! Set on the edge of the Monachira Channel in the north-eastern region of the Okavango Delta, within the Moremi Game Reserve, the camp features 10 tents – eight luxury units and two family tents – all ideally positioned to overlook the expansive floodplains. Guests can enjoy a range of activities including year-round mokoro and motorboat safaris, guided nature walks, and game drives. Elevated wooden decks offer sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands, creating a serene and immersive safari experience.

NAMIBIA

➢ Exciting New offering in Swakopmund: An Evening of Flavour & Elegance with a Stillhouse Gin Tasting & 3-Course Dinner: Stillhouse Atlantic is a proudly Namibian boutique artisanal distillery founded in early 2017. Every small-batch spirit is handcrafted entirely on site— from fermentation to distillation, bottling and labelling. What sets Stillhouse Atlantic apart is its dedication to crafting each spirit from scratch, starting with the production of its own neutral base spirit and only natural and organic ingredients are used. These spirits are a true labour of love, celebrating the science and soul of craft distilling.
Join us for an exclusive evening that delights the senses — a curated gin tasting experience featuring a selection of premium Stillhouse craft gins, followed by a delectable 3-course dinner prepared by one of Namibia’s most renowned local chefs. Set in an intimate and elegant setting, you’ll be guided through a journey of handcrafted gins, each showcasing distinctive artisanal finesse. After the tasting, settle in for a culinary celebration of local ingredients and seasonal flavours, artfully brought together by our guest chef, known for their creative flair and passion for Namibian cuisine.
A night of fine spirits, exquisite food, and unforgettable moments awaits! No under 18 years. Stand-alone exclusive gin tasting is also available.

➢ Exciting New Addition – Nkasa Linyanti: Set in the very heart of the Kavango-Zambezi Conservation Area, Nkasa Linyanti is poised to make the most of its wild and remote setting with an intimate camp of just six tents. Scheduled to open in May 2026, it will be the only camp located on Nkasa Island, occupying a private concession in the southwest corner of the park. Guests can look forward to a range of activities tailored to the rhythm of the seasons, including mokoro and boat excursions, day and night game drives, walking safaris and cultural experiences. READ MORE.

➢ Mokuti Etosha: Introduces a SkyBoma, an elevated bush dining venue set to open in October 2025. Positioned eight metres above the ground with views over King Fishers Pan, SkyBoma forms part of the lodge’s “Africa Re-imagined” offering. Guests can look forward to fire-grilled meats, authentic welcome rituals honouring our cultural heritage and a memorable dining atmosphere beneath the vast Namibian sky.

➢ Special offer: This year for the months of June, July and August 2025, guests travelling to Namibia can take advantage of the Natural Selection offer where if you stay 3 nights at any two or more of their Namibian properties (Kwessi Dunes * Shipwreck Lodge * Hoanib Valley Camp * Etosha Mountain Lodge * Safarihoek * Safari House), thus at least 6 nights in total, you get 3 nights for the price of 2 at each camp. T&C’s apply.

➢ Exciting activity ex Swakopmund/Walvis Bay: Golden Hour Experience: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sandwich Harbour, where towering dunes dramatically meet the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun dips low, casting a golden glow over the desert, your 4×4 adventure winds through sweeping sandscapes, offering plenty of time for unforgettable photos and quiet moments to take in the magic of this surreal setting.

ZIMBABWE

➢ Victoria Falls changes with the rhythm of the seasons, and we are currently witnessing the spectacle at its peak. The Zambezi River continues to rise, fed by heavy rains upstream, and this year’s high-water season is expected to extend into June — possibly even into July. For guests visiting now, the Falls are at their most powerful: thunderous, shrouded in mist, and truly aweinspiring. Visitors should be prepared for very heavy spray in the rainforest. As of 1 May, Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island activities have closed for the season. Although they’re tentatively scheduled to reopen on 1 June, current water levels suggest the closure may be extended as these activities remain dependent on river conditions.
Now is the perfect time to take to the skies — a helicopter flight over the Falls offers unbeatable views at their most dramatic.

➢ Mpala Jena Private Villas – Opening August 2025: Great Plains Conservation will expand its Mpala Jena Camp offering with the addition of two exclusive-use villas, set to open in August 2025. Located just 5km upstream from the main lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, offering views over the Zambezi River. Each villa will include three luxurious riverfront suites for families and small groups, a private main area, swimming pool, private butler and dedicated safari guides. When water levels allow, guests will have access to a dhow for sunset or sunrise cruises on the river.

➢ Muddy Teak – Hwange: Opened on 01 May 2025 is an exclusive-use safari camp situated within a private concession in Hwange National Park. With just 4 guest rooms and available only for private bookings, it’s ideal for families, small groups, or privately guided safaris. Operating seasonally from May to November and easily accessed via a short flight from Victoria Fall, the camp offers tailored experiences including game drives, walking safaris & visits to logpile hides. Muddy Teak delivers a secluded, immersive safari with excellent wildlife viewing in one of Zimbabwe’s top parks.