Yellow Zebra Safaris,the luxury safari Africa and adventure specialists, is armed and ready for the new year with insider news, tips and trends for 2017.Setting Yellow Zebra Safaris apart from the rest of the herd are a team of genuine experts who are either ex-guides, camp managers or those who have lived and worked in Africa.
Botswana
Botswana will seeGreat Plains Conservationopening its stunning and newly rebuiltDuba Plains Campin the heart of the Okavango Delta on 1 March 2016. This wildlife connoisseurs’ getaway is positioned at the top end of the safari market and is set to push the boundaries of the Great Plains Conservation. Consisting of just five traditional-style tents complete with lounge areas, as well as a two bedroom suite ideal for families, travellers can soak up views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past. A raised dining room, wine cellar and library are added perks at this fantastic camp.
Kenya
With the opening of the Duba Plains Camp in Botswana, Great Plains Conservation doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon and is set to open its third camp inKenya’sMara Naboisho Conservancyin the Greater Mara, during the summer of 2017. Horses and expert guides are also being re-located to Kenya from Tanzania’sSingita Sasakwa, resulting in the finest horse riding experiences at Mara Plains and Naboisho.
Madagascar
Time and Tides Safaris’Miavana Island Sanctuary, located on Nosy Anka, part of a private five-island archipelago, is the name on everybody’s lips for 2017. This one-of-a-kind eco resort will see Miavana on the map as one of world’s most exciting beach destinations. Designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the masterminds behindNorth IslandandVumbura Plains, the property will boast 14 luxurious villas and will offer numerous excursions to the mainland’s protected Loky Manambato, where travellers can discover an abundance of exotic wildlife. It’s the ultimate island paradise!
Rwanda
Yet another exciting new opening for summer 2017 will be Wilderness SafarisBisate Lodge, a unique property dedicated to gorilla safaris and located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone on the border of the Volcanoes National Park. Up to 12 guests can be accommodated in six sumptuous en-suite rooms reflective of the surrounding rural culture, providing a new opportunity to experience gorilla tracking and viewing at its holistic best.
South Africa
Singita Sweni, a tranquil, intimate hideaway set within a 33,000-acre private concession in the Kruger National Park at the edge of the Sweni River, is undergoing extensive renovations. As Singita raises the standards of its portfolio across the continent, 2017 is the year to pay their properties a visit. In addition to this, The Royal Portfolio’s,The Silo, an architectural masterpiece, is due to open on Cape Town’s stunning waterfront in March 2017. Home to the Zeitz museum of contemporary art, which opens in September 2017, the property promises the best and most incredible views of the city.& Beyondis also set to announce the opening of its newest camp in late 2017, and will take the form of an incredibly luxurious camp with a fantastic game viewing area.
Tanzania
2017 is going to be a big year forAsiliawithJabali Ridgedue to open in Southern Tanzania this September. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Ruaha National Park, Jabali Ridge is a sophisticated base from which to enjoy a true wilderness experience. With only a handful of visitors at any one time, Ruaha will not disappoint visitors on the wildlife viewing front; it is home to one of the largest populations of elephant on the planet and high densities of lion, leopard and buffalo. MeanwhileThanda Island, one of the world’s most exclusive paradise getaways, will be one of Tanzania’s shining stars for 2017. Ten years in the making, Thanda Island is situated in its own marine reserve with its surrounding waters populated by whale sharks, sea turtles and an abundance of marine life. Here, travellers can rest, rejuvenate or enjoy exhilarating adventure sports and ocean safaris.
Zambia
To coincide with the opening of Madagascar’s Miavana Island Sanctuary,Time and TideSafaris is set to open King Lewanika Lodge, nestled away in the remote Liuwa Plain in the far west and home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa. Set to become Africa’s most remote safari property, it will offer the very best in game viewing combined with unparalleled luxury.
Zimbabwe
Great things are said to be in the pipeline for numerous safari operations in Zimbabwe during 2017. Great Plains Conservation is working on two new camps, with announcements to be made early next year. Until then, watch this space…!
All camps and lodges mentioned will be bookable through Yellow Zebra Safaris.For further information, please visitwww.yellowzebrasafaris.com