The New Safari Camps and Lodges T+L Editors Are Excited About for Next Year

Angama Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya

Nestled within a community-managed conservancy near Amboseli National Park—famed for its impressive super-tusker elephants—this luxurious property features 10 tented suites adorned with canvas and rattan, each offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mokete, Mababe Depression, Botswana

Infrequently explored by Americans, the Mababe Depression bordering the Okavango Delta hosts extensive herds of buffalo and elephants, along with predators like lions. This temporary camp, equipped with tents that have retractable roofs for stargazing, serves as a lavish interim setup for a more permanent property from Wilderness, expected to debut in 2026.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Kaokoland, Namibia

Following a comprehensive renovation by Sanctuary Retreats, this secluded escape in Namibia’s arid Kaokoland region offers an ideal setting for observing desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Plains Camp, Samara Karoo Reserve, South Africa

What sets this camp apart is its four off-grid tents furnished with antiques, situated in the rugged landscape of the Karoo, where the surrounding reserve has successfully reintroduced the Big Five through rewilding initiatives. 

Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

This location near Kruger National Park has undergone a complete renovation, making it an even better vantage point for spotting Kruger’s abundant big cats, including leopards. 

Zambezi Grande, Lower Zambezi River, Zambia

Situated right on the riverbank, this newly reimagined 10-room lodge, featuring a palette of dark woods, olive greens, and browns, serves as an excellent hub for game drives, sunset cruises, and walking safaris. 

Zambezi Queen, Chobe National Park, Botswana

This opulent vessel navigates the Chobe River, which partly delineates the border between Botswana and Namibia. It reopened in April following a comprehensive refurbishment that revitalized its 14 suites and communal spaces. Two-, three-, and four-night cruises offer exceptional wildlife viewing, as elephants and hippos wander the riverbanks.