2026 safari openings that shift the dial

While Africa sees new safari openings every year, only a handful truly shift the dial. The most compelling arrivals don’t simply add more beds to the map — they reinterpret classic landscapes, open up lesser-known regions, and offer fresh ways to engage with places travellers may think they already understand.

Together, these new additions capture the evolving spirit of safari, and we’ve gathered the ones we believe will shape unforgettable journeys in 2026 and beyond.

Olimba Camp, Nsefu Sector, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Opening June 2026

Olimba Camp was born from the BBC’s ambitious wildlife series, “Kingdom”, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Over five years, filming took place from this base, enjoying it’s remote and pristine environment within the Nsefu Sector allowing the crew to follow leopards, lions, wild dogs, and hyenas as they vied for dominance in a dynamic ecosystem.

Built, owned and managed by the Coppinger family, Olimba Camp is a beautiful balance of authentic safari with the modern comforts. Built in a traditional style using locally sourced poles, reed and thatch the camp sits on the edge of the hippo filled Luangwa River with only four chalets, each with their own beautiful open-air bathroom. The main area is open sided ensuring beautiful wildlife viewing even from the comfort of the dining table, and has a small pool – a welcome addition for the hotter months. The Olimba guides are however the main attraction, with some of the most experienced guides in the valley calling Olimba, and it’s sister properties, home. For authentic safari lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this is a must.

Charlie Expeditionary Walking Camp, Tanzania
New for 2026

Its purpose — to take guests away from crowded areas and into the quieter corners of Tanzania. A roving, ultra‑light, private camp that embodies the original ethos of expeditionary safaris in Tanzania.

At its heart, Charlie is a brilliant base for proper walking safaris in wild, remote places. However, with the flexibility of game drives, it is possible to cover more ground and explore more deeply than ever before.

It harks back to an earlier style of safari, when camps moved often, plans were shaped by weather and wildlife, and days unfolded with a strong sense of adventure.

This evolution reflects the growing appetite for stripped‑back, intelligent safari experiences — safaris that prioritise wilderness, curiosity, and the freedom to explore without constraints. Charlie is not for everyone, it is for those who value the journey as much as the destination, want to completely disconnect and embrace a true sense of place.

Singita Elela, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Opening December 2026

This new camp promises to elevate the already exceptional hospitality levels delivered within the Okavango Delta. Set within it’s own 130km² private concession, the wildlife in the Abu concession is impressive year round. Water based activities will be dependant on the flood levels and the concession is not one of the larger recipients of the floods, but this makes for great land based safari. Time here will be about slowing down, appreciating the freedom that can only be found in such a vast wilderness area.

Erebero Hills, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Opening August 2026

This eight bedroom lodge promises to bring a fresh perspective to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Unique architectural design thoughtfully blends into the camps surroundings, embracing sweeping views over the surrounding forest with lots of glass and outdoor verandah space – both in the suites and the communal areas.

Erebero Hills promises privacy, comfort, and a deep, immersive connection to one of Africa’s most extraordinary primates.