Africa’s luxury safari landscape is about to expand with the opening of spectacular new lodges in 2025, each offering a distinctive take on indulgence and adventure. From Lemala Osonjoi Lodge on the serene eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to the historic elegance of Chichele Presidential Lodge in South Luangwa, these lodges promise exceptional experiences. Explore Monachira Safari Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where it feels like you’re floating on watery channels, or dive into adventure at Waterfalls Lodge near Victoria Falls. In Kenya, Suyian Lodge seamlessly blends into Laikipia’s dramatic granite kopjes. Discover what makes each of these new luxury safari lodges a destination in its own right.
Chichele Presidential in Zambia is an exciting new luxury safari lodge to open in 2025, Image Credit: Chiawa Safaris
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge – Opening March 2025
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
This safari haven is located on the eastern rim of Tanzania’s iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Perfectly positioned away from the busier western side, this exclusive retreat promises an intimate safari experience, with guests reaching the crater floor in just 10 to 15 minutes.
The proximity allows photographers to capture the golden morning light, uninterrupted by the arrival of larger crowds. With its resident wildlife offering year-round sightings, Osonjoi Lodge ensures every moment is brimming with natural wonder.
With ultra-large windows, the two-bedroom suites are embedded in the surrounding forest, Image Credit: Lemala Camps
Inspired by Osonjoi Trees
The lodge takes its name from the surrounding Osonjoi trees, revered by the Maasai for their symbolic and medicinal importance, seamlessly merging cultural heritage with luxury. Its design celebrates space and serenity, featuring 16 private suites and two two-bedroom family suites thoughtfully spaced for privacy.
Inside, expect oversized windows that invite the outdoors in, along with indulgent en-suite bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and double vanities. Cosy nooks for unwinding, slow-burning wood stoves, and warm duvets with hot water bottles ensure your comfort in every season.
Wrapped in a forest with panoramic views, the spacious standard suites let you forget about time, Image Credit: Lemala Camps
Wildlife Exploration
For a truly unique experience, Osonjoi Lodge offers the rare privilege of enjoying a fully catered lunch at a private site on the crater floor. Spend a day immersed in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, dining in style amidst the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The lodge also curates a diverse array of activities, from Big 5 game drives and guided walking safaris to spa treatments, fine dining, birdwatching, and stargazing under the African sky.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing perfect light, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a family celebrating a milestone, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge provides a sanctuary for connection and exploration. Welcoming children aged three and older, it is an ideal choice for families, honeymooners, and anyone celebrating life’s special moments.
Chichele Presidential – Opening March 2025
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chichele Presidential Lodge will bring new standards of luxury to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Perched atop a scenic hill, the lodge offers breathtaking 360-degree views of rivers, streams, floodplains, and forests – prime habitats that make this area a wildlife-rich region in Africa.
The luxury lodge is designed with the utmost attention to luxury and detail so that the reimagined retreat is set to redefine sophistication in the region while honouring its unique history.
The filled-to-the-brim lap pool overlooks the stunning natural landscape, Image Credit: Chiawa Safaris
Fit for a President
Originally the private safari lodge of Zambia’s first president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Chichele Presidential Lodge is both a tribute to its heritage and a bold statement of modern elegance. Its name, Chichele, meaning “salt” in the Chewa language, is woven into the design, with striking ivory and ebony tones complemented by touches of copper, one of Zambia’s most prized exports.
A successful collaboration between Chichele Safaris and Chiawa Safaris has transformed this historic property into a contemporary sanctuary, bringing together history with world-class amenities.
High arches allow for ample natural light throughout the lodge, Image Credit: Chiawa Safaris
Luxury Safari Feel
The lodge features ten opulent suites, each offering ultimate privacy and panoramic views. Inside, guests will find spacious bedrooms, private lounges, and bathrooms with double vanities and oversized bathtubs.
Each suite is also outfitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and luxuriously appointed king-sized beds. The crown jewel of the lodge, the Kenneth Kaunda Suite, boasts two bedrooms, a private pool, a dining area, a private lounge, and the exclusive services of a private chef.
Each suite is private, offering silence and serenity, Image Credit: Chiawa Safaris
Chichele Presidential Lodge is more than a place to stay; it’s a gateway to the wonders of South Luangwa. Guests can immerse themselves in the wild through morning and afternoon game drives, thrilling night safaris, and walking safaris – all offering chances to encounter four of Africa’s Big 5. The lodge’s luxurious spa, yoga deck, gym, and infinity lap pool offer opportunities for relaxation and connection with the surrounding wilderness.
This heartwarming blend of history, luxury, and nature ensures that Chichele Presidential Lodge will offer an unbelievable safari experience, perfectly crafted for discerning guests seeking a refined escape into the wild.
Monachira Camp – Opening May 2025
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Opening in May 2025, Monachira Safari Camp invites you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, nestled within the pristine Moremi Game Reserve.
This exclusive camp takes its name from the Monachira Channel, whose tranquil waters flow through the heart of this untouched wilderness. Monachira is your escape into one of Africa’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes and is only accessible by helicopter.
Hidden in the Okavango Delta, Monachira Camp looks almost like it’s floating, Image Credit: Machaba Safaris
Float Above the Delta
The camp seems to at one with its surroundings, exuding a timeless safari charm. It seems to float above the floodplains as it is built on raised wooden decks. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the delta’s glittering channels and open skies. Shaded by ancient island forests, eight luxury suites and two two-bedroom family suites provide a sanctuary for you to soak in this truly special setting.
Each suite is beautifully appointed with en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and spacious decks perfect for unwinding in nature’s embrace. Designed with sustainability in mind, the camp is powered by solar energy, minimising its eco-footprint while preserving the pristine environment.
It’s the perfect place to leave the world behind and synch with the rhythm of the Delta, Image Credit: Machaba Safaris
Curated Luxury Experiences
The main lodge features a welcoming dining area, a relaxing lounge, a curated gift shop, and a fire pit where guests can gather to share stories under the starlit sky. Every moment here is designed to deepen your connection to the wilderness, from fine dining in the wild to serene evenings surrounded by nature’s sounds.
Monachira’s activities immerse guests in the delta’s serene rhythms. Drift through its waters on a mokoro safari, where the quiet stillness allows the Okavango’s secrets to unfold. Explore further with boating excursions, nature walks, game drives, and photography safaris.
Enjoy unobstructed views of the Monachira Channel from your tented suite, Image Credit: Machaba Safaris
For birding enthusiasts, the camp’s proximity to the renowned Gudigwa heronries offers the chance to spot kingfishers, storks, egrets, and more. Wildlife sightings include elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and the elusive sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope unique to this region.
With its perfect blend of seclusion, luxury, and immersion in nature, Monachira Safari Camp offers a truly unforgettable experience in the Okavango Delta – a haven for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
The Waterfalls Lodge – Opening June 2025
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Waterfalls Lodge by Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, is set to offer the perfect base to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Just minutes from the thundering falls and lush rainforest, this 60-room lodge is an ideal retreat for couples, families, and adventurers alike.
The Waterfalls Lodge will feature modern comfort surrounded by lush garden, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
Waterfalls and Wonder
The lodge features 44 Rainforest Rooms, each designed for two guests, and 16 Victoria Rooms, which interconnect to create eight spacious family suites. Every room offers lush garden views and modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, multi-plug international adapters, double vanities, and en-suite bathrooms with showers, with bathtubs available on request.
Start your mornings with a hearty English breakfast served either at the lodge or the renowned Lookout Café, perched above the dramatic Batoka Gorge – a spectacular spot to begin your day of discovery.
Each of the spacious rooms features views of the lush garden, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
From Adventure to Lull
Guests can relax and rejuvenate with the lodge’s swimming pool, spa, activity deck, bar, and restaurant, while convenient laundry services ensure a seamless stay. Each detail of The Waterfall Lodge has been thoughtfully curated to provide a harmonious balance of indulgence and immersion in nature.
Victoria Falls is a hub of thrilling activities and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re touring the mighty falls, soaring above them on a helicopter or microlight, or seeking adventure with gorge swings, ziplining, and white-water rafting, there’s no shortage of excitement. For a more serene experience, embark on a Zambezi River cruise, explore Livingstone Island, or visit local villages on cultural tours. With so much to offer, every day at Victoria Falls is a new adventure.
The Waterfall Lodge invites you to experience the wonder and beauty of Victoria Falls with exceptional hospitality and endless opportunities for adventure.
Suyian Lodge – Opening July 2025
Location: Laikipia, Kenya
Opening in July 2025, Suyian Lodge by &Beyond offers a superior luxury safari experience in the wilderness of Laikipia, Kenya. Set amidst 17,806 hectares (44,000 acres) of pristine conservation land, the lodge takes its name from the Maa word for “African Wild Dog,” a tribute to the elusive predator found in this region.
With its innovative design and immersive experiences, Suyian Lodge brings you modern luxury and authentic African charm.
The architecture mirrors the curves of the surrounding kopjes, camouflaging with the natural surroundings, Image Credit: andBeyond
Culture-infused Luxury
The lodge’s 14 suites, including a family suite, are masterpieces of sustainable architecture designed to mirror the surrounding granite kopjes. Each suite offers a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, a lounge area with panoramic views, an outdoor deck, and a private plunge pool.
Drawing inspiration from the semi-nomadic Samburu tribe, the interiors reflect the region’s earthy tones and cultural motifs while maintaining an understated elegance.
The spacious suites with high ceilings and windows provide dreamy views, Image Credit: andBeyond
Fill Your Day with Joy
Suyian Lodge’s surroundings are a rich mosaic of grasslands, savannahs, rivers, rocky outcrops, and ancient woodlands, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, the Ewaso Narok River, and sunrise vistas. This biodiverse haven is home to over 100 mammal species, including rare black (melanistic) leopards, African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. Guests may also encounter desert warthogs, oryx, Laikipia hartebeest, and apex predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The lodge is thoughtfully equipped with amenities that enhance both relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with fresh, locally harvested ingredients at the chef’s table, private dining room, or under the African sky, surrounded by the lodge’s stunning vistas. The Samburu Bar, with its indoor and outdoor seating, offers the perfect spot for a signature cocktail, while the infinity pool provides spectacular views of the open plains. For rejuvenation, a wellness centre features two private treatment rooms, an outdoor yoga studio, and a fully-equipped gym.
The wellness centre is tucked away from guest suites for ultimate serenity, Image Credit: andBeyond
Always More to Explore
Activities at Suyian Lodge are as diverse as the landscape. Twice-daily game drives and guided bush walks bring guests up close to the area’s remarkable wildlife. Unique experiences such as camel and horseback safaris, yoga sessions, river picnics, and tours of local villages offer a deeper connection to the environment and culture. Thrill-seekers can also opt for helicopter excursions (available at an additional charge), providing a bird’s-eye view of Laikipia’s untouched beauty.
With its malaria-free environment, Suyian Lodge is ideal for families seeking a luxurious and safe safari adventure. This exciting new lodge will offer a safari retreat that celebrates the spirit of Africa.
Step into These New Luxury Safari Lodges
The opening of these extraordinary new luxury safari lodges marks a new era of luxury and discovery across Africa. Whether it’s the quiet allure of Lemala Osonjoi at Ngorongoro Crater, the historic charm of Chichele Presidential in South Luangwa, or the floating serenity of Monachira Safari Camp in the Okavango Delta, each lodge offers something special.
The only question now is: which adventure will you choose first? Contact our Travel Experts today to start planning your tailor-made African safari and be among the first to experience these remarkable new luxury safari lodges.
Please Note: The images featured above are renders and artist impressions of what the lodges will look like.
