Aardvark Safaris, the renowned independent safari specialist, has launched an exciting lineup of new African safaris with a collection of lavish camps and lodges across Sub-Saharan Africa. These highly anticipated additions, which opened this summer, offer travellers the chance to immerse themselves in some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth, with further refurbishments set to debut this autumn.
Tanzania’s Ultimate Private Island Escape
For those craving barefoot luxury, Bawe Island in Tanzania opened in June 2024, offering a tropical haven just 15 minutes from Stone Town by speedboat—or, for a touch of celebrity flair, by helicopter. This opulent island boasts 70 spacious villas, each with a private pool, secluded beach access, and dedicated butler service. From sunrise Beach Villas to sunset suites and honeymoon Lagoon Suites, Bawe Island delivers on all fronts, while an array of activities—scuba diving, yacht trips, tennis, yoga—ensures guests are never short of adventure.
Prices start from £1,100 per person, per night, making it a sought-after destination for luxury African safaris.
Tanzania’s Kokoko Camp: A Private Safari Gem
Opening in July 2024, Kokoko Camp in Ruaha National Park redefines the meaning of intimate safari escapes. This ultra-exclusive camp accommodates just six guests in elegantly simple tents, set on the banks of the Mwagusi River. Each day is tailored for exploration—wildlife drives, guided walks, and stargazing under retractable tent roofs provide a front-row seat to Africa’s wild beauty.
Available for exclusive use, this hidden gem can be booked from £1,900 per night for groups of six.
Botswana’s New Boutique Retreat
Visitors passing through Maun, often considered a gateway to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, have a new reason to extend their stay with the opening of Grays Eden, a luxurious boutique hotel on the Thamalakane River. Opening its doors in July 2024, the hotel’s serene riverside pool and charming, Greek-inspired interiors offer a perfect post-safari retreat. Guests can relax in one of 12 uniquely designed rooms or unwind in private villas overlooking the river.
Rates start at £160 per person, per night, including sunset cocktails and a complimentary spa treatment on two-night stays.
Madagascar’s Wilderness Adventure
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the newly opened Namoroka Tsingy Camp in Madagascar offers an immersive escape into one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Set within the 22,000-hectare Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, this tented camp provides access to jagged limestone formations, forests, caves, and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Lemurs, exotic bird species, and long treks across untouched savannah make this one of the most thrilling African safaris for nature lovers.
Prices start from £1,441 per person for a three-night stay, with all meals, drinks, and guided tours included.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara Luxury Experience
For an exclusive safari home in the heart of Kenya, Wild Hill opened in August 2024, offering a five-bedroom house on the highest point of Kileleoni Hill in the Maasai Mara. This extraordinary retreat combines luxurious living with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Mara while partaking in wildlife drives, bush breakfasts, and wellness treatments.
The property is available for a minimum of three nights at £10,352 per night for up to six guests.
As Aardvark Safaris celebrates its 25th anniversary, the new African safari offerings are set to captivate travellers in 2024 and beyond, each destination promising a truly remarkable wilderness experience.
