HOTTEST NEW SAFARI LODGES 2022

For us, the highlight of travel is soaking up the magic of wild places. In addition, top priority is that the lodgings complement the wildlife experience in absolute parallel, and of course, that the property’s overall ethics prioritise sustainable operations and that the lodge contributes to conservation and restoration.

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.