From remote South American outposts to exclusive over-water African safari lodges, these eight new properties offer stays that are worth the trip alone.
The greatest adventures are always rooted in an extraordinary place to stay. With that in mind, we’ve included some of the most exciting new African safari lodges and South American accommodations we can’t wait to show you this year.
Usawa Serengeti Tented Mobile Camp, Tanzania
Wilderness is going all out for its first foray into Tanzania with the Usawa Mobile Camp. The camps are mobile and can move at short notice between seven sites (the most in the Serengeti), offering unrivaled access to the thrill of the great migration routes while steering clear of the Serengeti’s high-density tourist areas—a unique alternative to traditional safari lodges. A front-row seat to the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle is all but guaranteed, with Wildnerness able to move you to the camp closest to the herds before you’ve even left camp.
Our Habitas, Atacama, Chile
The perfect place to unleash your inner explorer, Our Habitas Atacama offers exceptional access to Chile’s otherworldly Atacama Desert. Between hiking through untamed nature and star-gazing (it’s actually one of the best places in the world for stargazing) beneath some of the clearest skies on earth, take a quiet moment to recharge in one of its 51 peaceful, earthy rooms or with a traditional treatment in the spa. We love its restaurant, Almas—which means soul in Spanish—for its seasonal, locally sourced menu. Bonus points for the timeless flavors of woodfired cooking.
Loapi Tented Camp, Kalahari, South Africa
Immerse yourself in the Southern Kalahari‘s sprawling savannas and endless skies at Tswalu Loapi, where blissful solitude and a profound connection with the surrounding wilderness combine to make a truly special stay. With six contemporary canvas-tented homes spaced 165 feet apart for privacy, you’ll feel like you have South Africa‘s largest private game reserve all to yourself, unlike many safari lodges (which is why we only choose the best luxury safari lodges in South Africa). Drink in the immense energy of this tremendously important rewilding project while you relax between game drives in the plunge pool and enjoy sundowners around the fire.
Pristine Iguazu Luxury Camp, Iguazu Falls
A six-room eco camp enclosed by a sprawling nature reserve and overlooking the deep green waters of the Paraná River, Pristine’s Iguazu Luxury Camp in Argentina almost feels as if it grew out of the surrounding jungle. A big part of that is down to the camp’s sustainable blueprint—natural materials and tree canopy views create harmony between outside and in. It’s a calming respite not far from the might of Iguazu Falls—one of the best things to do in Argentina. Keep an eye out for tapir and jaguar lurking nearby.
Sitatunga Private Island, Northern Okavango Delta, Botswana
Set among the serene waters of the Northern Okavango Delta, perched on a spacious raised deck made entirely from recycled materials, Great Plains Conservation’s Sitatunga Private Island immediately became one of Botswana‘s most exclusive lodges upon its opening in mid-2023. The entirely water-based camp is the brainchild of Dereck and Beverly Joubert (who have created some of the best luxury safari lodges in Botswana), and we love that Sitatunga is deeply rooted in its surroundings—the region’s indigenous fishermen inspired the two elegant tents encompassed by a giant bamboo fishing basket.
Kibale Lodge, Kibale, Uganda
Volcanoes Safaris has extended its luxury primate experience to Kibale with the opening of its latest lodge in May 2024. Complete with their always-exceptional, sustainable, high-end approach to wildlife tourism, the lodge is within easy reach of the forest’s 1,500-strong chimpanzee community (as featured in Netflix’s Chimp Empire). The lodge has eight rooms plus a villa, pool, and spa, fitting seamlessly into any safari lodge circuit in Uganda and Rwanda.
Atzaro, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Savannah meets delta at African Bush Camps’ new state-of-the-art safari lodge in Botswana. There’s a lot to love about Atzaro, but its peaceful waterfront location in the Okavango Delta might just top the list—enjoy a cocktail on the deck while game wallows in the water below. The on-site spa, gym, and 66-foot pool add a level of exclusive luxury you won’t find in many other luxury safari camps in Botswana.
Pristine Camp in El Calafate, Argentina
Newly opened in December 2023, Pristine’s newest camp in Argentina is one we’re really excited about. Overlooking the towering ice cliffs of Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, the camp’s six futuristic domes are both supremely comfortable and wonderfully contemporary. Outdoor hot tubs let you bathe with widescreen lake views, and a long list of seasonal activities will suit everyone from hardcore hikers to curious gastronomes. It’s one of the best places to go glamping in South America.
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