Find out about these new openings and developments planned for Southern and East Africa

Wilderness Safaris to open new lodge in June

Artists impression of Bisate Lodge

Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate Lodge in Rwanda will open in June. Bisate’s six thatched forest villas all have a bedroom, reception space and bathroom, fireplace and views of Mount Bisoke. Activities include gorilla trekking, the golden monkey trek and guided hikes in Volcanoes National Park. Bisate aims to use the local knowledge of the Rwandan partners and the Rwandan conservation and tourism community to become a new model for sustainable ecotourism in Rwanda.

For more details visit the Wilderness Safaris stand (ICC h03).

Sable Alley

Natural Selection opened Sable Alley in the Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana, in May. The camp borders both the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park in the north of the country.

Sable Alley comprises 12 tents, two of which are interconnected family tents. The 63sqm tents are raised on decks and have mesh windows. The bathrooms have flush toilets, double vanities and the choice of an indoor or outdoor shower. The camp also offers game drives, both during the day and at night, and mokoro safaris. 

Natural Selection is in partnership with people in the concession.

Graskop glass elevator a first for Africa

A 51-metre glass elevator that will transport visitors to the bottom of the Graskop Gorge will open later this year. The Graskop Gorge Adventure Centre will offer shops, dining and, at the bottom of the ravine, an elevated forest walkway complete with suspension bridges over the river. It is the first of its kind in Africa. The development is being built by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, which is owned by Lowveld businessmen Oupa Pilane, James Sheard and Campbell Scott. The glass elevator will be the main attraction at the Graskop Gorge Adventure Centre, the glass elevator will cost in excess of R40 million (€2.7m) to construct.

For more details visit Graskop at stand number ICC L05v.

Somalisa Expeditions opens in Hwange

African Bush Camp’s Somalisa Expeditions has opened in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The camp has been fitted with six Serengeti-style tents, each furnished and with panoramic views of the plains of Hwange. Somalisa Expeditions’ main area includes a lounge and dining area on a raised deck that overlooks a small pool.

To find out more, visit African Bush Camps, exhibiting under the Atta stand, ODG 01.

New camp for Selous Game Reserve

Asilia Africa is set to open Roho ya Selous, in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, in August. The camp comprises eight tents, including one family tent and a swimming pool. The stretch canvas tents have twin and double beds, private verandas and a safety deposit box. The bathrooms are en suite with indoor shower and toiletries provided. Asilia Africa will also open Jabali Ridge in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.

For details on these openings, visit the ATTA tent – ODG01.

Gorongosa National Park to welcome new camp

Growing interest in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, has prompted Gorongosa Collection to open Muzimu Tented Camp towards the end of the year. The camp will be the first of several tented camps in Gorongosa and will operate from April to the end of December each year, weather permitting. The camp offers six tents overlooking the Mussicadzi riverbed.

For details on this opening, visit the Gorongosa Collection stand DEC2C11.

New hotel complex for Cape Town CBD

Tsogo Sun is opening a new hotel complex in Bree Street, Cape Town.  It will consist of two products in one complex: a 200-bedroom SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl Hotel and a 300-bedroom StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl hotel. Construction is expected to be completed by September.

For more information, visit the Tsogo Sun stand (ICC q01).

Kwandwe opens safari villa

Kwandwe Fort House, Eastern Cape a sole-use safari villa with a view over open plains and a waterhole, will open on July 1. The villa accommodates two families of four. It features a private wine cellar, spa treatment room, boma, lawns and a private vehicle, ranger and tracker team.

Visit Kwandwe Private Game Reserve at the Classic Portfolio stand, ICCK08.