3 new wilderness lodges in Africa for the luxury traveller

With tourism to Africa getting back on track, three suppliers have announced plans to open new lodges in 2023.

Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira will provide a private island, ultraluxury experience in Mozambique. This resort, from the high-end hotelier Banyan Tree, will be situated on the private island of Ilha Caldeira, roughly 11km off the coast of the mainland. It will offer 40 private-pool villas with oceanfront views of the Indian Ocean as well as sunrise and sunset views. Each villa offers outdoor dining, Bali beds, indoor and outdoor showers and a private pool. Activities on the island will range from whale watching and kayaking to scuba diving and exploring other islands within the archipelago. 

Loapi Camp, a new facility in South Africa's Tswalu Kalahari game reserve, is currently under construction and is expected to open in March. The ecofriendly, luxury tented camp features six private safari homes, including four one-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom units. The six homes are at least 50m apart to ensure privacy and solitude. Personal service is provided by a dedicated butler, and all meals are prepared by a private chef in the interactive kitchen. As with all its camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed.

North Island Okavango offers only three tents, each situated around a cluster of trees with lagoon views.

In June, Natural Selection will open North Island Okavango in Botswana. This new island camp is situated in NG23A, one of the most beautiful and game-rich areas of the Okavango Delta, just to the northwest of both Duba Plains and Vumbura. The camp will consist of just three safari tents set on raised wooden platforms on a very private island. Activities include game drives, mokoro safaris, boating on Delta yachts, nature walks, hot-air ballooning and scenic helicopter flights (including Tsodilo Hills just 25 minutes away).