This is the first stop on our epic 21 day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica expedition and one of the reasons we recommend taking your time in getting to Antarctica (rather than the shorter “Antarctica express” trips which skip the Falklands and South Georgia)!

 Enquire here  to experience the power of conservation in action with us.

For some travel inspiration view our Antarctica brochure, including our Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica itineraries.

Warm regards from Simon, Jen and the Bellingham team

Photo credit: Simon Bellingham

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We take great delight each year in exploring exciting new properties opening their doors for the first time, as well as taking stock of all our old favourites who may have upgraded their offerings or undergone a complete transformation to new beginnings.

We feel like we’ve taken a fresh new breath with the end of all travel restrictions tangibly visible on the horizon and we cannot wait for our guests to check-in to these fabulous newbies and old favourites.

We are always here if you would like to learn more.

Warm regards from Jen, Simon and the Bellingham team.

We’re beyond excited to introduce for the first time, Aramness, Gir, India. A sensational new forest lodge on the outskirts of Sasan Gir National Park, Aramness showcases the very essence of Gujarat culture with all design elements and décor sourced locally, which is completely in sync with our sustainability focus. The lodge first opened its intricate Indian doors in December 2021 and is distinctly design-led by Fox Browne Creative, who are also responsible for the design of many of our most beloved camps in Africa, as well as the Taj Safaris collection in India. Gir National Park is way off the Tiger centric routes in India and was established to protect the last wild population of genetically distinct Asiatic (or Indian) Lion on Planet Earth. Learning first-hand the fascinating story of co-existence between these magnificent cats and the nomadic Maldhari tribe, who are largely responsible for keeping these beasts from the brink of extinction, is certainly a highlight. Numbers on game drives are limited to 4 guests and personalised service takes priority. The protected teak forest with its extraordinary landscapes and abundant bird- and wildlife (the park holds 38 mammal species in total as well as 300 bird species), coupled with the magnificence of the lodge has put Gir top of mind when considering an exploration of India’s wildlife, especially for guests who have already experienced the Tiger reserves.

OPENED: December 2021.
RATES FROM $500 per person (launch rate).

Vumbura Plains has always been a favourite. This legendary Wilderness Safaris Camp is set in the very heart of the magical Okavango Delta in Botswana. We are delighted to share that Vumbura Plains has undergone an extensive refurbishment, the result of which, plays beautifully into our mission to match an exceptional wildlife experience with that of the lodgings where our guests lay their heads between explorations. The majesty of the Delta is completely unique – this swampland of rich and highly protected ecosystems with its varied and plentiful wildlife in abundance, not to mention the birdlife, harbouring over 500 species of birds, 24 of which are globally threatened, and 85 recorded species of fish and Cate Simpson, interior designer, has done it great justice. In her own words, she waxes lyrical: “It is this core purpose, combined with Vumbura’s beautiful Delta setting that has inspired the design, décor and furnishings for the refurbishment; not only rejuvenating the camp, but weaving these extraordinary conservation and cultural stories into bespoke design pieces that bring the local culture alive for our guests in a tangible way”. Wilderness Safaris is a fellow partner of The LONG RUN.

RE-OPENED: April 2022.
RATES FROM $1650 per person.

This is the new baby sister to Sable Alley and located on the site of the old Pangolin camp. It is wonderful to have this price point in such a pristine wilderness area in Botswana ’s Okavango Delta. Little Sable is for thrills rather than frills (don’t expect plunge pools, Wi-Fi or hairdryers!) but is a perfectly comfortable base from which to explore the Khwai Private Reserve. We prefer Little Sable to Sable Alley, because she is smaller and more intimate with only 8 tents, and the unexpected bonus is that she is (for now) the less expensive camp.

OPENED: July 2021.
RATES FROM $495 per person.

Ralf Bousfield, owner of the iconic Jack’s Camp on the fringes of the Makgadikgadi Pans, has birthed a newbie this year! A striking new Safari destination in this vast concession of natural beauty, Duke’s Camp draws inspiration from the crystal-clear channels of the Okavango Delta and is named in honour of ‘Duke’ Sarefo, the custodian of this bountiful piece of wilderness. Duke was born 80 years ago on the very island that the camp now occupies, and his ancestral roots run deep into these sandy soils. Pitched on raised wooden decks in a canopy of ancient Ebony and Leadwood trees, the 12 luxurious tents offer front-row seats to glorious views over the flood plain and seasonal lagoon.

OPENING: June 2022.
RATES FROM $650 per person

A visit to the Mighty Zambezi River absolutely has to be on the bucket list of every intrepid traveller in search of magic in wild places. The longest East-flowing river in Africa, the Zambezi rises in Zambia and flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique where it empties into the Indian Ocean, crossing no less than 9 spectacular National Parks. The river supports large populations of many different animal species and birdlife is immensely abundant. Lolebezi is the latest property in the African Bush Camps Collection and may be the most spectacular of them all, and is getting ready for its first guests next week! The lodge is set on the banks of the Zambezi in the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Like a sensational framed panoramic photograph, the one kilometre private river frontage is the focal point from every area with the location and design of the lodge and suites dictated by the view of the mighty Zambezi. With four suites and two double family suites, it caters to romantics and families alike. Sustainability is front of their ethical code and has been embedded into the lodge design with the entire operation being powered by off-grid solar energy. African Bush Camps is an affiliate member of The LONG RUN.

OPENED: May 2022.
RATES FROM $590 per person

Roberto Klabin’s private residence in the Pantanal holds many fond memories for us and we are excited to see its transformation from a sole use Private Villa to a room-based lodge. This is the home of Oncafari Jaguar project and sightings of these previously extremely elusive felines are all but guaranteed when travelling during the dry season. Caiman Ecological Refuge is a LONG RUN certified Global Ecosphere Retreat®, this is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in tourism. As a LONG RUN member we work in partnership with Global Ecosphere Retreats® in using travel as a force for good.

OPENED: June 2021.
RATES FROM $760 per person (subject to exchange rate fluctuations).

Grootbos Nature Reserve near the Southern tip of Africa is tucked between the mighty Cape mountains and the Ocean and it is just filled to the brim with natural beauty comprised of 1000 year old Milkwood forests and fynbos. It encompasses 2500 hectares of pristine, distinctive wilderness with its staggering nearly 900 different plant species, 100 of which is endangered and 7 of which are new discoveries to science. And the wonders of the Marine Big Five are just outside the back door. With the absence of guests during the Pandemic, Grootbos kept focused on the future and took the opportunity to rebuild their stunning Garden Lodge, its location perfectly suited to capture the dramatic fynbos landscapes, sweeping dunes, and the cool Atlantic Ocean at Walker Bay. Contemporary interiors and discerning architecture radiate five-star luxury and the modern restaurant, tranquil wellness area and impressive wine cellar are all exciting new additions. Grootbos is a LONG RUN certified Global Ecosphere Retreat®.

OPENED: April 2022.
RATES FROM ZAR 7 600 per person.

There are of course, those of us who love a spoil and for whom opulence, luxury and intense attention to the finer details are… well… simply a must. The Dulini collection has a reputation for splashing out when they refurbish, and they’ve stayed true to that reputation with the magnificent new Dulini Moya Lodge in the Sabi Sand. Tucked away secretively along the Mabrak River – truly a spectacular location – Dulini offers intimate solace in the heart of a magnificent wildlife paradise. The six exquisite suites whisper lavish luxury with alluring views over the Mabrak River. Each suite features a lounge area with fireplace, viewing deck and a plunge pool. The boma is a perfect space for those quintessential African fireside evenings and the lodge genuinely caters to every need with exceptional attention to detail.

OPENED: August 2021.
RATES FROM ZAR 19 950 per person.

Bellingham Safaris and THE LONG RUN are partners in using tourism as a force for good. Our alliance allows us to pool our resources to provide guests with meaningful travel that makes a positive difference globally. When you travel to Long Run Properties through Bellingham Safaris, you join us as a force for change in travel that supports the protection of our planet.

Photo credits: Lodge photos by suppliers.

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Contact us if you would like to see first-hand what we are raving about.

Warm regards from Jen, Simon and the Bellingham team.

Beks Ndlovu, African Bush Camps founder, has a longstanding relationship with the Basarwa people from the Khwai community. His team have identified enthusiastic community members and upskilled them to become part of the new camp. Khwai Leadwood is fully sustainable with a solar farm and a bio-rock system. The decor celebrates local heritage with various basket works and inspiration from traditional homesteads. The mammalian carnivore diversity is remarkable and leopard, lion, wild dog and hyena are all prevalent in this secluded area of the Khwai concession. Activities include night drives, boating and scenic helicopter rides. African Bush Camps is an affiliate member of THE LONG RUN.

OPENED: March 2021.
RATES FROM $518 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OKAVANGO DELTA

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTSWANA

Tswalu’s freshly refurbished exclusive-use retreat, Tarkuni, is perfect for a multi-generational family or friends reunion. It is brighter, lighter and airier but refashioning some of the older pieces has ensured authenticity and been minimally consumptive. The new pool is smaller and more water wise, aligning with Tswalu’s sustainability journey – Tswalu joined THE LONG RUN in 2020 and is aspiring to even higher levels of sustainability. The homestead has five suites with a private hospitality and guiding team. Take long drives or walks, track elusive and iconic species, marvel at ancient rock art, join researchers in the field and linger with habituated meerkats. We highly recommend a longer stay to experience all these activities, while also taking time to relax and enjoy the superb hospitality.

OPENED: March 2021.
RATES FROM $1614 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TSWALU KALAHARI

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

After four years of protecting this large concession (over 200,000 acres) and restoring the wildlife (the area was previously hunted), Great Plains have commenced the build of Tembo Plains camp. The camp has views of the mighty Zambezi River, arguably the most beautiful river in Africa with swimming elephants and hippos. But Tembo Plains is not about ticking the wildlife boxes, it is supporting the entire conservation area, fueling an economic system that allows underprivileged communities to benefit, helping them find peace and prosperity in living with wildlife and in nature.

OPENED: August 2021.
RATES FROM $1160 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZIMBABWE

We are delighted that Little Kulala (Wilderness Safaris’ retreat in Namibia’s Sossusvlei area) has re-opened following an extensive refurbishment. We have always loved this lodge, set in the dunes, for its luxury of space and solitude in the Namib Desert (and private access to Sossusvlei dunes!). Maintaining a light footprint, Little Kulala features an all-new 100% solar energy system. Its 11 desert suites have been expanded featuring a spacious deck, sala and plunge pool. Each room’s rooftop area is perfect for sundowners, private dinners and stargazing. The sala has a roll-out bed for siestas or for sleep-outs under the stars. Wilderness Safaris is a fellow LONG RUN partner and forms part of a collection of the world’s most sustainable, nature-based travel destinations.

OPENED: December 2020.
RATES FROM $768 per person

LEARN MORE ABOUT NAMIBIA

This has always been an icon and we are eager to view the new changes. The new Jack’s retains the old-world glamour it has always been adored for. Maintaining the much-loved 1940s style, five generations of the Bousfield family have collected antiques and artefacts from around the world, each one telling a story and adding to Jack’s distinctive design character. Each tent, with private deck and pool is now an impressive 270sqm under canvas. With the lodge run on solar and wi-fi free, the true luxury at Jack’s is switching-off to enjoy the pristine desert silence.

OPENED: February 2021.
RATES FROM $1795 per person

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTSWANA

Duma Tau has always been a favourite for its superb location between two elephant corridors. The camp has re-opened with expansive guest rooms doubled in size, replete with indoor and outdoor showers and private plunge pools. The main dining and lounge area boasts wide-angle vistas overlooking the wildlife-rich lagoon, while a new wellness centre and gym – shared with its brand-new sister camp Little Duma Tau – includes an inviting shaded deck, a lap pool, spa and snack deli. Situated just to the north on the same lagoon frontage, Little Duma Tau has just four tented guest rooms for an exclusive experience. The camps are part of the Wilderness Safaris collection, a fellow LONG RUN partner.

OPENED: April 2021.
RATES FROM $1762 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LINYANTI

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTSWANA

This is a legacy project for the Tollman family and represents the biggest investment into a safari lodge of this size in Africa. The lodge is resplendent, a “living gallery”, with bespoke works commissioned exclusively for the property by some of Africa’s hottest young artists. Life-changing experiences include: sleep-outs in a three-story steel baobab tree, game drives, glass-bottom mokoro and motorboat excursions, and ‘feet-in-the-water’ sundowners. The lodge takes sustainability very seriously, is plastic free, and powered with Tesla solar-hybrid energy technology; we would not expect any less for a new lodge with such a privileged location in the heart of Botswana’s precious Okavango Delta.

OPENED: March 2021.
RATES FROM $2630 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OKAVANGO DELTA

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTSWANA

Celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage, creativity and craftsmanship, the work of local artisans feature throughout the freshly refurbished camp. Canvas walls with sections of full-length glazing allow for uninterrupted views of Sabora’s two waterholes where game regularly gather to drink. The suites include private meditation decks, outdoor salas with daybeds, private fitness areas and perfectly curated in-room pantries and dining spaces.

OPENED: November 2020.
RATES FROM $1700 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERENGETI

LEARN MORE ABOUT TANZANIA

Located on an exclusive 6000 acre private conservancy just outside the Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Camp has undergone a fabulous refurbishment. Cottar’s is a LONG RUN certified Global Ecosphere Retreat®, this is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in tourism. As a LONG RUN member we work in partnership with Global Ecosphere Retreats® in using travel as a force for good. The Cottar family have three places to stay in the Maasai Mara: Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Cottar’s Bush Villa and Cottar’s Conservation Camp.

OPENED: December 2020.
RATES FROM $963 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAASAI MARA

LEARN MORE ABOUT KENYA

This is a brand new treasure Nicky Fitzgerald and her Angama team have opened in the private south west corner of the Mara Triangle – the middle of absolutely nowhere. The exclusive use camp gives guests a feeling of ‘this is all mine’ especially considering how few other safari vehicles venture down to this secluded corner of the Reserve. As Nikki says “stare at the fire, listen to the birds, read, take a nap, relax in the red rocker, watch the sun set, cook over the coals; breathe the fresh air, try and count the stars, and share many stories.”

OPENED: September 2020 per person.
RATES FROM $1238 per person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAASAI MARA

LEARN MORE ABOUT KENYA

Bellingham Safaris and THE LONG RUN are partners in using tourism as a force for good. Our alliance allows us to pool our resources to provide guests with meaningful travel that makes a positive difference globally. When you travel to Long Run Properties through Bellingham Safaris, you join us as a force for change in travel that supports the protection of our planet.

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We are positively bursting with happiness that South Africa is now open to international travellers. The country is looking lush and vibrant after some excellent rains and we could not think of a better destination to restore, reset and rejuvenate after a really tough year.

WHY SOUTH AFRICA – the fun stuff
* Outstanding wildlife, not only the “Big Five”, but also a host of other exceptional wildlife including some of the best cheetah, meerkat, aardvark, pangolin and shark-diving on the continent.
* Privacy – we can arrange for as much privacy as you desire, from private dining and private game drives to private villas and private air travel.
* Fine wines and excellent cuisine.
* As we head into summer you can escape the northern winter.

WHY SOUTH AFRICA – the boring stuff
* Excellent health and safety protocols – arguably some of the best in the world.
* World-class private hospitals and medical care that is easily available in the event of an emergency.
* Well trained lodge and hotel staff that adhere to strict hygiene standards.
* Should you request it we will arrange private on-site COVID-19 PCR testing within the comfort of your hotel. Testing is also available at Johannesburg International airport on departure.

We are celebrating with a number of promotions below and would LOVE to have you join us, so please email us if you would like to learn more.

Warm regards from Jen, Simon and the Bellingham team.

Kwandwe is home to one of the country’s largest private game reserves, protecting a number of endangered species, including black and white rhino, and a good population of highly viewable cheetah. The reserve features 30 km of spectacular privately owned river frontage of the Great Fish River. Kwandwe means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa and is home to a population of these majestic birds.

LODGE OPTION: from R10 370 per person sharing.
PRIVATE VILLA OPTION: Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor are perfectly suited to a cocooned, private villa safari with families. From R44 330 per villa per night.
PROMOTION: Stay 4 or 5 nights and receive 10% off
Stay 6 or 7 nights and receive 15% off
Stay 8 nights or longer and receive 25% off
VALID: all year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KWANDWE

Grootbos is set in a beautiful mountain range close to the world-renowned whale watching town of Hermanus and shark-diving town of Gansbaai. This award-winning 6,170-acre reserve is home to more than 790 plant species, including endangered Overberg sandstone fynbos and ancient milkwood forests.

LODGE OPTION: from R6 300 per person per night (kids under 4 yrs stay free).
PRIVATE VILLA OPTION: from R95 000 per villa per night.
PROMOTION: 30% discount on lodge rates.
VALID: 21 Dec 2020 – 10 Jan 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT GROOTBOS

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s largest private game reserve protecting over 100,000 hectares of the Kalahari. Pangolin and Aardvark are two extraordinary mammals seen here more frequently than anywhere else. Meerkats can be viewed at close range, thrilling visitors with their enchanting antics.

LODGE OPTION: from R26 400 per person sharing (kids under 12 stay free).
PRIVATE VILLA OPTION: Tarkuni private homestead from R108 000 per night.
PROMOTION: Stay 3 pay 2 OR stay 7 pay 5
VALID: 1 November 2020 – 28 February 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT TSWALU

Singita has properties in the Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park, two of the most productive wildlife viewing reserves in South Africa. The Sabi Sand is particularly well known for sensational leopard viewing. Singita is the epitome of service excellence with perfection in every detail.

LODGE OPTION: from R30 510 per person per night.
PRIVATE VILLA OPTION: from R229 900 per villa per night.
PROMOTION: Book a combination of 5 nights at any Singita Sabi Sand and Singita Kruger National Park lodges, and receive 1 night complimentary as well as 1 inter-lodge flight per person.
VALID: 6 January – 14 December 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT SINGITA

Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private reserve which lies within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, undoubtedly the most prestigious reserve in South Africa. This private reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park and wildlife roams freely between the private reserve and the vast neighbouring National Park.

LODGE OPTION: from R12 000 per person per night.
PRIVATE VILLA OPTION: from R22 200 per person per night.
PROMOTION: Stay 4 pay 3.
VALID: Valid 2 January – 30 June and 1 September – 21 December 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT ULUSABA

Photo credits: Lodge photos by suppliers.

The post South Africa is Open-Restore, Reset, Rejuvenate appeared first on Bellingham Safaris.

Warm regards from Jen, Simon and the Bellingham team

Tswalu is a labour of love for the Oppenheimer family who took responsibility for this remarkable reserve in 1998. Their commitment to conservation has seen indigenous species re-introduced and the restoration of the Kalahari, undoing earlier attempts at farming and hunting. The Tswalu Foundation exists primarily to support ecological research at Tswalu. Tswalu’s national and regional importance as a habitat was acknowledged in 2014 when it was designated as a formally protected area. In its new incarnation as a private wildlife reserve and conservation success story, Tswalu’s aim is “to leave the world better than how we found it.” The lodge and reserve also provides upskilling and employment opportunities for the local community and provides them with meaningful careers, as well as enhanced health and education services.

The Varty family’s conservation ethos has always resonated with that of Bellingham Safaris, we relish the opportunity to send our guests to Londolozi. Situated in the middle of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, this family owned property is certainly one of the reasons why the Sabi Sand has become one of the most rewarding savanna wildlife properties on earth. One of the conservation success stories that illustrates the impact Londolozi has had on wildlife viewing worldwide, has been the habituation of leopard which began in the 1970’s and forever altered big cat viewing experiences. The Varty family pioneered South Africa’s eco-tourism industry by abandoning unsustainable hunting safaris popular in the early twentieth century in favour of photographic safaris. We believe the Vartys have successfully created not only a wildlife sanctuary, but also a superb luxury safari underpinned by sound eco-tourism principles; making Londolozi one of the premier safari products worldwide.

Established by philanthropist, Jochen Zeitz in 2005, the 50,000 acres of wilderness that make up the Segera Ranch and Retreat, proves that luxury can be sustainable. By dropping fences, sharing information and opening migration corridors, Segera has returned a working cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife conservation area. What was previously overgrazed land, struggling to support the surrounding communities and wildlife, is now thriving. Along with the establishment of the Conservation Unit Programme with the Laikipia Wildlife Forum to train rangers in conservation issues, Segera runs a 20-acre agriculture plot at one of the local primary schools. The reciprocal relationship Segera has with surrounding communities is something they are rightfully proud of and an integral part of their success. Citizen Science is utilized at the ranch, with programs to empower local elders to take control of the issues that concern them, rather than relying on external experts.

The rich forests with an impressive assemblage of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects combined with an idyllic setting of sandy beaches and the tropical decor of swaying palms make this one of our top destinations in Madagascar. The lodge serves as a living cultural museum, where traditional artefacts and utilitarian objects manufactured by the local communities are in daily use and on display, providing a sense of pride and ownership for the local community. Masoala Forest Lodge seeks to complement the efforts of Madagascar National Parks, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoo Zurich in the conservation of this rainforest and the Antongil Bay. This is embodied in a philosophy of earth-friendly design and operation, while providing an alternative and sustainable source of income to the local population.

Amit Sankhala, is the grandson of Kailash Sankhala who dedicated his life to tiger conservation and was the founder of Project Tiger. Amit grew up spending time in wildlife rich parts of India, and as a young man stepped into the shoes of his forefathers taking forward the family mission of tiger and nature conservation. Further to Jamtara (and his other eco-tourism lodges), Amit is also an active trustee of Tiger Trust, and his commitment to training field guides has had a remarkable impact improving standards and enriching the experience of wildlife travellers. This all shines through at his Jamtara Camp in the jungles of Pench, where he spreads awareness and musters support for the survival of the tiger.

Caiman, home to some of the best wildlife viewing in South America, is situated in the heart of the Southern Pantanal. Here one has the unique opportunity to explore a staggering 53 000 hectares of privately owned land, a vast safe haven for wildlife, which has been created by implementing a ban on hunting and reserving substantial portions of land solely for ecotourism. The wildlife enthusiast visiting Caiman is welcomed by an astounding array of neo-tropical wildlife. Jaguars tend to be shy and hard to find, but Oncafari, the ground-breaking project to habituate this apex predator, has had much success and there is no doubt that Caiman currently offers the very best jaguar viewing on Earth.

Bellingham Safaris have signed The Long Run charter, a declaration of intent and commitment to promoting more sustainable lifestyle choices and building a more sustainable future. Our aim as an affiliate member is to connect our guests to properties that meet a gold standard of excellence in sustainability.