What’s Hot – July

There’s so much to get excited about in Africa this July – from the opening of the Usawa Serengeti mobile camp in Tanzania, to the launch of Proflight Zambia’s direct flights from Cape Town to Lusaka, and much, much more.

Here’s what’s on our ‘hot’ list – we hope it’ll help you compile yours when planning your next trip to our magical, multifaceted continent.

Accommodation

The Hazendal – Cape Winelands, South Africa

The Hazendal, built next to Hazendal Wine Estate’s 18-hole golf course, overlooking a reservoir and with sweeping views of the Bottelary Hills, is set to open towards the end of the year. Some highlights to look forward to include 34 luxurious bedrooms, an onsite restaurant, cigar lounge and bar, spa, heated outdoor pool, conference and event venues, and a private 16-seat movie theatre. Hazendal Wine Estate is already a beloved gem in the Cape Winelands, known for its hospitality at The Homestead, an exclusive five-bedroom guesthouse. Undoubtedly, the estate’s new hotel will add to its appeal and enhance the overall guest experience.

Gwe Gwe Lodge at Mkambathi Nature Reserve – Wild Coast, South Africa

Get closer to nature both in the bush and the ocean with a stay at Natural Selection’s Gwe Gwe Lodge in the Mkambathi Nature Reserve. Admire the Mkambathi Falls – one of just two dozen waterfalls in the world that flow directly into the sea, take a canoe ride on the Mtentu River, and witness the Sardine Run – all while staying right on the beach in an ‘ultra-green’, off-the-grid haven. Gwe Gwe Lodge is ideal for couples or families and will open to guests on 1 December 2023.

Mokete Camp – Botswana

Mokete Camp is a much-anticipated addition to the Wilderness Collection, lovingly sandwiched between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park within Botswana’s Mababe Concession (and the concession’s only property). Opening in September 2023, it offers nine luxurious tents with cantilevered canvas roofs that slide away, so guests can soak up the sunshine or sleep under the stars.

Usawa Serengeti – Tanzania

Get your front-row tickets to the Greatest Show on Earth – the Great Migration – by booking a stay at the Wilderness Collection’s mobile camp, Usawa Serengeti. The camp will open in mid-July 2023 and will move with the herd along the migration route as the wildebeest and zebra travel throughout the year across the Serengeti. The solar-powered camp accommodates 12 guests in six en-suite safari tents and promises exclusive wildlife encounters as close as you can possibly get to the action without becoming part of it yourself!

Simbavati Grumeti – Tanzania

The Simbavati Lodge Collection continues to grow, adding Simbavati Grumeti to its already impressive portfolio. The camp rests on the banks of the iconic Grumeti River (where many of the heart-stopping river crossings of the Great Migration take place), nestled in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Opening in July 2023, Grumeti is loaded with extras, such as night drives and bushveld breakfasts, to amplify guests’ traditional safari experience. Get settled in one of the 12 luxury safari tents, each with its own viewing deck, for gorgeous views of the sprawling plains of the Serengeti.

Tshokwane River Camp – Kruger National Park, South Africa

A go-to for group travel, the seasonal Kruger Untamed Tshokwane River Camp offers 30 spacious tents for an untamed and unforgettable wildlife experience in the heart of South Africa’s legendary Kruger Park. Opening in July 2023, this seasonal camp will continue to operate every winter. Don’t miss out on the exclusive pre-opening special offer: R4,750 per person sharing per night. This all-inclusive offer includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, and beverages and is only available for stays during the 2023 open season.

The Murex Lodge – Cape Town, South Africa

The iconic Sea Point promenade is just a short stroll away when staying at one of The Murex’s three luxurious self-catering apartments. Two of the apartments have three bedrooms, and the second-floor apartment is even more spacious, with four. All apartments have a fully equipped open-plan kitchen and various state-of-the-art Smeg appliances, including an oven, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, dryer, and washing machine. The expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean are the cherry on top.

Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira – Nampula, Mozambique

Dreaming of an idyllic getaway on a private island, far away from crowds and your daily routine? Then the Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, opening in the second quarter of 2024, deserves pride of place on your travel bucket list. Perfect for couples, a family getaway, or a group adventure, the resort gives you a choice of 40 secluded pool villas right next to the Indian Ocean, each accommodating two to eight guests. The resort also has a fitness center, beauty salon, kids’ club, restaurants, and marine center.

Amber Villa – Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa

An all-new exclusive-use villa has launched at Earth Lodge inside the renowned Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. The Amber Villa at Earth Lodge is destined to be a top choice among families, comfortably accommodating up to five guests in two bedrooms. It provides maximum privacy when soaking up the magic of the bush, including the use of a private game vehicle. However, guests also have the freedom to utilize Earth Lodge’s facilities, such as Amani Spa and the boma.

4 Rivers – Kwara Private Reserve, Botswana

Botswana’s main attraction, the Okavango Delta, is now home to a new luxury tented camp, 4 Rivers. The camp, which has its own airstrip for easy accessibility, forms part of the Kwando Safaris portfolio and boasts nine lavish tents, including a family tent, and welcomes children from six years old. The tents are all en-suite with indoor and outdoor showers and private verandas with views of Maboa Island. The camp allows guests to enjoy all the perks of an Okavango Delta safari, from game drives and mokoro rides to bush walks and fishing.

Walkers Plains Camp – Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Get fresh air and new perspective with an escape to the family-owned and operated Walkers Plains Camp, known for its sweeping views of the Drakensberg Mountains. The eight safari rooms promise the ultimate in luxurious creature comforts, including a private deck and plunge pool. Children from the age of eight are welcome, and guests can look forward to two daily game drives in open vehicles. A fantastic choice for anyone looking to savor a nature-packed bush and mountain combo getaway.

Madwaleni River Lodge – Babanango Game Reserve, South Africa

It doesn’t get more exclusive than a stay at Madwaleni River Lodge on the banks of the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal. Opening in September 2023, the lodge offers 12 luxury tents, all with air conditioning and a private heated plunge pool. Get cozy in the king-sized bed, sip on a sundowner in the outdoor lounge area, or head to the heart of the lodge for a gourmet meal or to browse the library. The large infinity pool also awaits to allow for plenty of hours spent making the most of KZN’s abundant sunshine.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp – Serengeti, Tanzania

Remote and romantic, Singita’s Mara River Tented Camp is a must for a couples’ vacation. The camp’s design is inspired by the Maasai culture, and it’s strategically located in the Lamai Triangle so you can watch the Great Migration unfold. The six suites (some with one bedroom and others with two) all face the Mara River and come with a spacious deck from which to admire the river’s beauty, relax, and scope out wildlife.

Insika Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls – in true luxury at Insika Lodge. You’ll enjoy warm African hospitality from the moment you check in with a delicious welcome drink throughout your stay. The luxury and signature bedrooms promise spacious solitude with a king-sized bed, couple’s shower, and plus-size bathtub. The lodge’s massive infinity horizon pool and onsite spa and sauna are other value-adds guaranteed to elevate your vacation experience.

Wining and Dining

Chefs Warehouse at The Bailey – Cape Town, South Africa

Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse is back and better than ever. You’ll find it on the ground floor at The Bailey on Bree Street, just across the road from its original spot. The á la carte menu is bursting with well-known favorites and all-new creations, including a tasty array of tapas and fish dishes prepared right before your eyes at the open seafood bar. The ultimate indulgence? The bread board – a mouthwatering medley of spreads and toppings, ranging from cultured butter to Jamon jam.

Galjoen – Cape Town, South Africa

Sit down to lip-smacking sustainable seafood at Galjoen on Cape Town’s bustling Harrington Street. The restaurant’s recipe for success is a surprise set tasting menu and a small, ultra-exclusive space accommodating just 24 patrons at a time – reservations only. The chef uses locally, freshly caught seafood – as it says on the restaurant’s website, if it’s not caught in South Africa, it’s not going on the menu.

Vadivelu – Cape Town, South Africa

As of June 2023, Cape Town’s vibey Kloof Street has welcomed Vadivelu to its already impressive round-up of restaurants. The eatery is serving ‘Indian. With Attitude’, and diners can enjoy street food snacks with a sophisticated twist, authentic South Indian dishes, and spicy, satisfying curries to their hearts’ – and taste buds’ – content. Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, it’s quickly becoming a mainstay within the vibrant neighborhood – do yourself a favor and find out why.

Nederburg Wine Estate – Paarl, South Africa

Wine tasting is the name of the game when visiting the Winelands, and Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl certainly delivers. The estate offers two main tasting experiences – and they’re both worth adding to your itinerary. The Manor Tasting invites you to sample a selection of Nederburg’s wines, handpicked by the estate’s team. The selection includes white, red, and sparkling wines, along with an exclusive surprise for the senses.

Nederburg Wine Estate partners with Freedom Coffee to offer The Brew Tasting, combining the powerful flavors and aromas of coffee and wine in the most indulgent way. The experience involves two different pour-over brews perfectly paired with two wines and further complemented by a spread of snacks, such as dried fruit and biltong.

General

Airlink adds new routes from Johannesburg to Malawi

It’s now even more convenient to get from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Malawi via Airlink. The airline has announced the introduction of two new routes starting from 4 and 5 September 2023, respectively – Johannesburg to Lilongwe, and Johannesburg to Blantyre. Both flights will operate three times weekly with a free 20kg economy class checked luggage allowance and a free 15kg sporting equipment allowance.

Proflight Zambia launches direct flights between Lusaka and Cape Town

As of 1 July 2023, Proflight Zambia is the first airline offering direct flights between Lusaka, Zambia, and Cape Town, South Africa. The flight is a short and sweet three hours and 15 minutes, operated on the airline’s 50-seater Bombardier CRJ. The flights operate twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with more direct flights likely to be added to the schedule. Indirect flights, with a Johannesburg transit, are also still on offer.

Mozambique withdraws COVID travel requirements

It’s now easy and convenient to travel to Mozambique following the government’s announcement of the withdrawal of COVID travel requirements, including the need for a vacation certificate and a negative COVID test result. The isolation imposed on people who tested positive for COVID has also been removed. The government has also released a list of countries whose travelers are now eligible for visa-free entry. The entry allows for a 30-day stay, with the option to renew for an additional 60 days. However, travelers from the following countries must pay an entry fee of MZN 650 upon arrival:

Belgium
Canada
China
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
United States of America

Need a hand putting together a personalised itinerary full of ‘must-sees’, ‘must-stays’, and ‘must-dos’? Contact the GILTDGE team and our experts will help you plan your dream African adventure down to every last detail.