Our Properties Featured in Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 New Hotels

Welcome to the world of unparalleled luxury and breathtaking landscapes, where African Aerial Safaris takes you on a journey through some of the most exquisite new accommodations on the continent.

We are thrilled to announce that several of our partnered properties have been honored in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious list of the Top 100 New Hotels for 2024. These destinations promise an unforgettable blend of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.

Let’s explore these magnificent properties and what makes them stand out.

Nestled in the heart of Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya’s first community-owned conservancy, lies an intimate lodge renowned for its lush landscape, remarkable wildlife density, and the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Situated within a Fever Tree forest where some of Africa’s last Super Tuskers—elephants with enormous tusks that touch the ground—roam freely, Angama Amboseli offers a serene beginning or end to any East African safari.

With just 10 Guest Suites in this private wildlife conservancy, Angama Amboseli provides a tranquil escape from the world. This haven supports a thriving elephant population, allowing guests to closely observe the calm resident herds and their calves as they stroll through the Sanctuary. The unique, rough texture of the buildings’ exteriors is created from a blend of elephant dung and concrete, adding an authentic touch of the wild.

Each of the 10 contemporary Suites blends canvas, concrete, and stone with woven rattan and grass accents in earthy, neutral tones. Every suite is thoughtfully designed to offer stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from almost every angle, including the bed and the shower, with floor-to-ceiling screened doors providing an unobstructed connection to the majestic landscape.

Kimana Sanctuary, owned by 844 Maasai family members, was the first community conservancy established in Kenya. Its perennial stream fosters the greatest habitat diversity and wildlife density in the area, attracting a wide variety of animals, including eland, reedbuck, and numerous warthogs, as well as giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. Guests may even spot the elusive leopard, lions, and various bird species.

Elephants are the main attraction here, with large breeding herds moving majestically through the Sanctuary. Visitors have a good chance of encountering one of the famed Super Tuskers, whose tusks each weigh over 100 pounds. These magnificent creatures fondly feed on the lush vegetation around the lodge, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Nestled in the heart of Zambia’s untamed wilderness, KuKaya Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience that merges luxury with the raw beauty of nature. Located just 2.5 kilometers from the main gate of South Luangwa National Park, KuKaya is perfectly positioned to immerse guests in the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife that define this iconic region.

KuKaya Lodge stands out with its unique safari living approach, allowing guests to tailor their own adventures. The lodge features six exquisitely designed tented thatched chalets, comprising five doubles and one single. Each chalet is thoughtfully equipped with ample additional sleeping space, ensuring comfort for all guests. The outdoor en-suite bathrooms allow you to enjoy the serene sounds of the bush while maintaining your privacy. Each chalet’s living and dining areas offer a cozy retreat, while the private deck, plunge pool, and firepit invite you to embrace the alfresco lifestyle fully.

What truly sets KuKaya apart is the freedom it offers its guests. From the moment you arrive, you have the autonomy to design your own safari experience. Whether you’re setting out on private game drives, embarking on walking safaris to explore the bush on foot, or honing your photography skills at the nearby hide, the choice is yours. For those seeking relaxation, the private plunge pool and spacious deck provide the perfect setting to unwind with a drink in hand while watching the wildlife pass by.

Dining at KuKaya is as flexible as the activities. You can enjoy meals at your chalet, under the stars by the firepit, or in the communal dining area where stories of the day’s adventures are shared. The culinary team crafts delicious dishes that blend local flavors with international cuisine, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

KuKaya Lodge is not just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to experiencing Zambia’s wild beauty in a uniquely personal and unforgettable way. Every day brings new choices and new adventures, all within the comfort and elegance of a lodge that feels like your own private sanctuary in the heart of the African wilderness.

We’ve cherished this game-rich area for decades as the epitome of Okavango Delta safaris. When the chance came to lease a private island from the Magobagoba Youth Trust, we seized it. Positioned at the upstream end of the Delta, this area first receives annual floodwaters, opening up year-round water-based wildlife viewing.

The Magobagoba Youth Trust uses lease proceeds to support education and job opportunities for nearby village youth. This helps sustain the community and protect the rich, fragile ecosystem.

Imagine a mosaic of forest islands, clear waters, and shifting channels. Our camp is surrounded by ebony, mangosteen, rain trees, leadwood, and wild fig, teeming with birds and wildlife. Adventure awaits among islands, savannahs, and woodlands, all brimming with beauty.

Our camp offers exceptional comfort and luxury and is styled with bold shapes and contemporary African design. Just four spacious tents are on raised wooden decks under wild ebony trees. Each has stunning lagoon views and a private plunge pool. At night, enjoy bell frogs and fireflies, a cooling system for hot summers, and a fireplace for winter romance.

The camp sits by a hippo-filled lagoon shaded by large trees. It has separate lounge and dining areas for delicious meals and a stargazing firepit. A library and outdoor gym provide additional relaxation and activity options. This vibrant camp blends contemporary African design with exciting activities, creating a haven for wild adventure.

Located in the remote Lamai Triangle at the northern tip of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers an intimate safari experience with one of the highest wildlife concentrations in the park. Overlooking the Mara River, the camp’s eco-friendly design ensures minimal environmental impact, allowing guests to connect deeply with nature.

Accommodating up to 16 guests in six luxurious tents, including two family tents connected by a walkway, the camp features bohemian-chic decor, en-suite outdoor bathrooms, and stunning views. The camp is closed in March and April due to long rains but offers superb game viewing throughout the rest of the year, with the Great Migration best seen from July to November.

Main areas include a lounge, dining tent, and plunge pool, all blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients enhance the experience, with al fresco dining under the African sky.

Activities focus on game drives and guided walks, with opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, and the dramatic river crossings during migration season. The camp emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly practices and supports local community projects.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp combines luxury and environmental consciousness, offering an extraordinary safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

Tanda Tula, meaning “to love the quiet,” is inspired by the wildlife-rich region of the Greater Kruger National Park. Operating for over 30 years, it is regarded as one of South Africa’s best camps, thanks to committed owners and a strong team. Strategically positioned on the Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the camp provides awe-inspiring wildlife views.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp features nine hybrid off-grid suites, including two family suites, designed by Nicholas Plewman. These suites blend modern luxury with traditional Tsonga-inspired designs, featuring glass, canvas, and steel. Each suite includes a private deck with an eco-plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and stylish furnishings.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjoining Kruger National Park, covers over 53,000 hectares and protects endangered species like black and white rhinos, pangolins, and saddlebilled storks. Tanda Tula, founded by Don and Nina Scott and co-run with the Jackson and Mathebula families, exudes a family atmosphere that extends to every guest.

The camp’s main areas include a lounge, bar, and dining area, reflecting understated elegance. Guests enjoy locally inspired cuisine in stunning settings, from an open-air boma to picturesque bush picnics. The swimming pool and communal areas offer relaxation between game drives.

Activities focus on immersive wildlife experiences. Guided game drives, led by expert rangers and trackers, provide thrilling encounters with the Big Five and other wildlife. Walking safaris offer a closer look at the bush’s intricate details.

Tanda Tula is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism, working with local communities and conservation organizations to protect the environment. This commitment enhances the guest experience, knowing their stay contributes to the preservation of the Greater Kruger.

In summary, Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers an authentic, luxurious, and eco-friendly safari experience, making it an ideal destination for an intimate adventure in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti spans 15,000 square kilometers on the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara. This iconic landscape hosts the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebra, and other plains game undertake a nearly one-thousand-kilometer round trip in search of grazing and water.  Game viewing in the Serengeti is unparalleled, and there is abundant wildlife. Predators like lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and cheetahs thrive here.

Deep in the Serengeti National Park is Wilderness Usawa Camp, a mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration, offering sites with easy access to key highlights and privacy. The camp’s nine locations shift as the migration progresses, ensuring optimal viewing.

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti offers an up-close migration experience with early morning game drives, sundowner drives, and full day drives with picnic lunches. Evenings are spent around the campfire, recounting the day’s adventures. Guided walks provide personalized experiences, including birdwatching with over 500 avian species to spot.

The camp accommodates 12 guests in six solar-powered, en-suite tents, leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Guests enjoy a locally sourced gourmet menu, supporting surrounding communities and small businesses in Tanzania. The camp moves with the seasonal migration, rotating around key locations.

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti is dedicated to community empowerment and conservation, offering training programs for underprivileged children and educational initiatives to reduce local reliance on poaching and deforestation. Collaborating with authorities and local partners, Wilderness strives to protect the Serengeti’s natural areas.

Activities at Wilderness Usawa Camp include early morning game drives, guided walks, and stargazing under the African sky. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti offers a luxurious and immersive safari experience, blending comfort, adventure, and conservation in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

African Aerial Safaris is proud to provide seamless, hassle-free access to these extraordinary properties, each distinguished by their unique charm and commitment to excellence.

Specializing in exclusive travel experiences, we ensure that your journey through Africa is as smooth and luxurious as possible.

Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, these lodges provide the perfect base for your African journey. Join us in exploring Africa’s pristine wilderness destinations, where luxury meets the wild, and every moment is an unforgettable experience.

Book your next adventure with African Aerial Safaris and discover the magic of these top-rated new lodges!