Hip Hotels and Chic Camps

Afrophiles amongst you will be pleased to hear that this beautiful continent continues to open stunning new camps and hotels.  Here is our select list of properties that made their debut in the first half of 2017. 

The Silo, Cape Town

I was passing through Cape Town in March and it was clear that this newly opened hotel – The Silo – was the talk of the town.  It seemed that Capetonians were scrambling to get a look at this new kid on the block. 

Occupying a very special location in the heart of Cape Town (the V&A Waterfront), The Silo has been created in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo building which was originally built in 1924.  The 6 floors are situated above the planned Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (due to open in September 2017) which will house the single largest collection of contemporary African art in the world.  This is an iconic building and really makes a statement with its pillowed windows and eclectic design, courtesy of the acclaimed Liz Biden.  It is clearly the place to watch the sun go down with a glass of champagne.

The Silo – such an iconic building on the V&A Waterfront

The Silo – where’s 007?

Thorntree River Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

This is Livingstone’s latest luxury addition and located right on the edge of the Zambezi River.  Its chic and contemporary accommodation retains the relaxed atmosphere of a safari lodge yet with all the amenities of a 5 star hotel.  There are 10 luxury suites including 2 family units each with interconnecting rooms. Each room has its own plunge pool, decking and lounge area, so it’s a superb place to relax inbetween safaris.  However, if you can’t get enough of the wildlife, the Thorntree River lodge’s location in the Mosi-oa-Tunya national park means more game drives and even rhino tracking on foot.

Thorntree River Lodge – chic and sophisticated

Thorntree River Lodge – Bedroom with Zambezi views

Three Rivers Camp, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Although we have not yet visited Three Rivers Camp, the images released look absolutely gorgeous.  It opened at the end of May in a recently opened up area of the South Luangwa. Camp themselves graded more than 50 km of trails and loops.  Even the game is a little surprised at the new neighbours and does treat the guests with a little circumspection at the moment.  Three Rivers has a simplicity and genuine bush feel.  Added for a little pazazz, each tent has its own star bed platform, connected to the tent by a walkway and guests can choose to sleep in or out.  Definitely one to explore and works well combined with its sister camp, Kafunta River Lodge for a superb game viewing adventure.

Three Rivers Camp – What bliss!

Three Rivers Camp – so shiny and new

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp was already renowned for being set in such an animal filled part of the magical Okavango Delta.  Here you can see a thousand strong buffalo, three prides of lion and the endangered packs of african wild dogs – all in a day.  Made famous by the films of Dereck and Beverly Joubert such as The Last Lions and Relentless Enemies. Now Duba has had a complete rebuild and it looks amazing.  It has just five beautifully decorated tents serving a maximum of 10 guests in a concession area of 77,000 acres, which it only shares with its sister camp, Duba Expedition, so read “exclusive” for this safari experience.   The camp evokes the old classic African safari style of the 1920’s.  Camp even boasts a cellar of a few hundred bottles of hand-picked wine – that should provide some dutch courage to face to face those infamous buffalo hunting lions.

Duba Plains Aerial – whose tracks are those?

Duba Plains – oh so stylish

Luambe Safari Camp

One for the safari aficionados and those who like their safaris off the beaten track.

The newly opened Luambe Camp is the only camp in the tiny Luambe national park ensuring an exclusive and intimate wilderness experience.  It’s all about discovering new ground with your knowledgeable guides.  Offering an experience reminiscent of the early days in the Luangwa Valley, guests will be accommodated in a spacious ensuite safari tent, each offering a spectacular view of the Luangwa River and its abundant wildlife.  This magical experience combines beautifully with a stay in the South Luangwa.  There’s a Special too – 8 nights staying in both parks from an amazing price of £2400 based on two sharing.  Call us for more details.

Luambe Camp – no crowds only pods

Luambe Camp – for all you intrepid travellers out there

Luambe Camp – perfect for a proposal?

Sable Alley, Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana

Sable Alley is a complete rebuild of a favourite old bush camp. Overlooking a lagoon that’s connected to the Khwai and Sable Alley rivers, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve, this enviable location means the game literally comes to you in camp. From the swimming pool, lounge, outdoor seating areas and all the guest’s tents there are uninterrupted views of the resident pod of around 30 hippos and the large herds of plains game, elephant and buffalo coming to drink – an idyllic way to spend an afternoon, especially with a cold gin and tonic in hand. When you are ready to explore further afield, Sable Alley’s expert guides are on hand to interpret the sights, smells, and sounds of the bush.

Mokoro safaris are a wonderful way to do a spot of peaceful bird watching and when the water levels are high you can take a speedboat out to view the hippos and crocs and the next day swap your speedboat for a jeep and set off in search of more animals!  As an extra amazing experience, just a 45 minute drive through the bush, you can spend one night on a split level Sky Bed overlooking a waterhole – it is certainly not cheap, but you can take comfort in the knowledge that a share of the proceeds are donated to local villages and conservationists.

Sable Alley – sunset on your bush escape

Sable Alley Sky Bed – memories are made of this…

If these properties have caught your imagination (and why shouldn’t they have?) – Call us now on +44 01722 445925 or contact us by email to chat “safari” and allow us to create your perfect African wildlife adventure.  

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