As someone who spends an unhealthy amount of time reading about safari lodges, I’ve been paying close attention to what’s coming in 2026. A few properties stand out, not because they’re flashy, but because they show where safari travel is heading next.
These are the lodges I’m most excited about planning around for 2026. Some are long-awaited openings, while others are evolutions of places we already love.
Singita Elela
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Opening: December 2026
Singita’s arrival in the Okavango Delta has been long anticipated, and Elela is set to be a landmark opening. Located within a vast private concession, the lodge is designed around the Delta’s seasonal movement, with elevated camps positioned to move seamlessly between land and water experiences. Expect dedicated guides and hosts, a strong emphasis on privacy, and access to both mokoro and game-drive safaris in one of Africa’s most dynamic wilderness areas.
Wilderness Mara
Location: Mara Triangle, Kenya
Opening: June 2026
Wilderness Mara is a complete rebuild of the former Little Governors’ Camp, in the heart of the Mara Triangle, one of the most wildlife-rich corners of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With just 12 spacious tented suites set along the edge of a thriving marsh, the camp offers access to both sides of the Mara River, expanding the territory available for game drives and wildlife encounters. The design keeps things grounded and comfortable, with raised decks overlooking activity and direct access to expert guiding, game drives, hot-air ballooning and other classic Mara experiences.
Kafue River Tented Camp
Location: Kafue National Park, Zambia
Opening: April 2026
Kafue remains one of Africa’s most under-explored national parks, and this new riverside tented camp adds welcome depth to the region. Positioned along the Kafue River, the camp focuses on unhurried safari days, combining game drives, river cruises, and time spent watching wildlife gather at the water’s edge. It’s an exciting addition for travellers drawn to Zambia’s quieter, more expansive wilderness areas.
Sediba Sa Rona
Location: Khwai Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Opening: March 2026
Along the Khwai River on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, Sediba Sa Rona reopens as a refreshed riverside camp with a relaxed, contemporary feel. Spacious tented suites overlook floodplains alive with wildlife, and its location allows for excellent year-round game viewing, with a mix of land and water-based activities.
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula
Location: Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Opening: Dec 2025
While opening just before 2026, Magashi Peninsula will be new territory for many travellers this year. Set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, the lodge offers a fresh take on safari in Rwanda, combining classic game drives with boating and lakeside experiences. It forms part of a broader shift toward more varied safari regions beyond traditional destinations.
Nkasa Linyanti
Location: Nkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia
Opening: May 2026
Nkasa Linyanti is a new Natural Selection camp opening on Nkasa Island in Namibia’s Zambezi Region, where the Kwando and Linyanti river systems meet. It offers access to a wetland ecosystem that sees dramatic seasonal flooding and supports a wide range of wildlife, from large herds to prolific birdlife. Elevated tents, a small footprint, and a strong conservation focus make this a good fit for travellers looking for a safari experience that feels remote and less predictable.
Asilia Erebero Hills
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Opening: 2026 (TBC)
Erebero Hills introduces a new level of understated luxury to Uganda’s gorilla trekking landscape. Positioned above the forest canopy, the lodge combines contemporary design with sweeping views across rolling hills and dense rainforest. It’s designed as a calm, restorative base for gorilla encounters, with generous spaces that encourage guests to slow down and absorb the surroundings between treks.
Why These Lodges Matter
What excites me most about these openings isn’t just the new design or fresh locations, but the direction they point toward. A move toward quieter regions, fewer rooms, stronger conservation integration, and experiences that feel personal rather than performative. 2026 is shaping up to be a year where safari travel feels more thoughtful and intentional, with a clearer focus on quality over volume.
