Aardvark Safaris, the leading independent specialist safari tour operator, is thrilled to unveil a glittering array of new camps and lodges that opened across Sub-Saharan Africa over the summer, as well as some seriously smart refurbishments due to open in September and October. Each property promises unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular and remote locations.
Alice Gully, Managing Director and Owner of Aardvark Safaris, comments: “This investment across the continent supports the increasing demand for safari and experiential travel, which shows no sign of abating. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year and our most successful sales year to date, we anticipate continued success for 2025 and beyond.”
These stunning new openings exemplify Aardvark Safaris’ core values, including collaborating with smaller camps and lodges, supporting conservation and community projects, and celebrating the bountiful wildlife of their beloved Africa. With these additions, Aardvark Safaris continues to lead the way in delivering unforgettable journeys that capture the essence of this extraordinary continent.
Bawe Island, Tanzania – Opened June 2024
The exotic hideaway of Bawe Island offers barefoot luxury just fifteen minutes by speedboat from Stone Town, or you can make a movie-star entrance by helicopter. The island features seventy immaculate villas (accommodating two to nine guests) spread across thirty hectares of lush habitat, each with private pools and butlers.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas with spectacular sunrises, Beach Suites positioned to capture golden sunsets, and Zanzibar Villas with direct access to powder-soft white sands. Honeymooners will particularly love the Lagoon Suites on stilts, each with its own pool, and for extended family and friends, the Sultan Palace, a two-storey haven, accommodates up to nine guests. Culinary options abound, from the main restaurant to Italian and Japanese Teppanyaki. Water activities include diving over vibrant coral reefs and leisurely boat trips, while land pursuits such as tennis, biking, yoga, and Pilates keep guests active.
Available through Aardvark Safaris from £1,100 pppn (US $1,455). Price is based on half board. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Kokoko Camp, Tanzania – Opened July 2024
Nestled in the prime wildlife region of Ruaha, on the scenic banks of the Mwagusi River, Kokoko Camp is a true gem, emphasising exceptional safari experiences and the pristine beauty of the landscape. With accommodation for just six guests on an exclusive use basis, the camp features three elegantly simple tents designed for an intimate, exclusive-use experience. Guests embark on a journey to explore and discover wildlife while connecting deeply with the surrounding wilderness. Enjoy dinners by lantern light and, on clear nights, the retractable tent roofs allow for a magical slumber under a canopy of stars.
Available through Aardvark Safaris from £1,900 (US $2,510) per night based on exclusive use for 6 people (no children under 12). Price includes all meals and drinks, private vehicle and guide, day and night wildlife drives, walking safaris, transfers to and from the airstrip and laundry. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Grays Eden, Botswana – Opened July 2024
While many visitors to the vibrant safari town of Maun typically use it as a gateway to the Okavango Delta, the new Grays Eden boutique hotel offers a compelling reason to extend their stay. Perfect for those seeking relaxation before or after a long-haul flight, this luxurious retreat is nestled on a serene stretch of the Thamalakane River, just ten minutes from Maun airport. The hotel’s centrepiece is a stunning pool set on the embankment, flanked by striped sun loungers and whitewashed walls that evoke a charming Greek island ambiance. With twelve individually decorated accommodations, including five standalone villas and seven cosy cottages equipped with ceiling fans and fireplaces, guests can unwind on their private verandas with a refreshing drink in hand.
Available through Aardvark Safaris From £160 (US $212) pppn. Price includes meet and greet at Maun airport, return airport road transfers, bed and breakfast, sunset canapes plus a cocktail, complimentary in-room teas/coffees, complimentary 1 hour in spa treatment on a two-night stay, VAT/taxes, and WiFi. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Namoroka Tsingy Camp, Madagascar – Opened August 2024
Discover the untamed beauty of Madagascar’s northwestern region at the new Namoroka Tsingy Camp. Set within the pristine 22,000-hectare Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, this tented camp offers an immersive experience amidst razor-sharp limestone formations, known as Tsingy, and six diverse ecosystems, including caves, forests, and wetlands. Adventurous travellers can encounter prolific wildlife, including ten species of lemur and over 100 bird species, thriving in this remote landscape. Guests can enjoy three or four-night stays, embarking on long treks across the grassy savannah to explore the magnificent untouched wilderness.
Available through Aardvark Safaris from £1,441 (US $1,905) pp for three nights (min number of nights) based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes all meals and drinks, National Park fees, qualified Malagasy guide and transport to and from Soalala. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Wild Hill, Kenya – Opened August 2024
Experience the unparalleled grandeur of the Maasai Mara from House in the Wild’s sublime new exclusive-use, five-bedroom safari house, perched on the highest point of Kileleoni Hill. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, the property features living grass roofs. Guests will be greeted with sweeping views of rolling hills and sprawling savannahs, in addition to exhilarating wildlife drives, guided walks, and rejuvenating wellness treatments, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Masai Mara.
Available through Aardvark Safaris min 3 nights based on 6 guests from £10,352 (US $13,660) per night. Price includes all meals and drinks, unlimited wildlife drives in Enonkishu, Ol Chorro and Lemek Conservancies, bush breakfast, picnics, visit the Mara Training Centre, limited restorative wellness treatments, use of the fully equipped fitness centre, local school visits and sundowners. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Opening Soon…
Bom Bom, Principe Island – Re-opening September 2024
The paradise island resort of Bom Bom on Principe Island, with its seventeen hillside and beach bungalows, overlooking the emerald waters of the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa, offers the epitome of relaxed beach chic living. Reopening in September 2024, Bom Bom provides an idyllic and authentic base from where to discover this magical tropical island and its remarkable flora and fauna.
Available through Aardvark Safaris £335 (US $442) pppn based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes dinner, bed & breakfast and house drinks and compulsory sustainability levy. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
Ngala Tented Camp, South Africa – Re-opening October 2024
In the heart of The Ngala Private Game Reserve, best known for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, wild dog and rhino, Ngala Tented Camp benefits from a tranquil and atmospheric setting on the banks of the seasonal Timbavati River. The sophisticated and intimate safari camp comprising only nine elegant luxury tents with private decking area closed for a six-month refurbishment in March and is set to reopen in October 2024.
Available through Aardvark Safaris £710 (US $940)pppn based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes all meals and drinks, laundry, compulsory conservation levy, safari activities, 1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability), emergency medical evacuation insurance, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip, Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist. Swarovski Optik binoculars. To book, contact Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.
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For further press information, contact Sofie Askew at SA & CO
sofie@saprco.com / +44 (0)7590398366
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