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

1. New camp in Garden Route reserve

A new tented Eco Camp opened in November in Gondwana Game Reserve on the Garden Route, Western Cape. The camp offers a 5 night conservation experience for individuals, families or groups to get involved in Africa on their safari. Participants will also be involved in wildlife and veld management, learn bush skills and interpreation, as well as volunteer with the local community. 

The reserve has also added a new luxury lodge, Ulubisi House, to its portfolio. It opened on March 28. Ulubisi House is situated in the reserve's 1000-hectare walking area and is surrounded by grasslands and Big Five game. The villa has its own field guide, chef and butler. Three guest suites, with mountain views, provide accommodation for six adults or four adults and four children. 

For details on these openings, visit the Gondwana stand at Indaba (ICCO 01).

2. New attraction opens in Gansbaai

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary has opened in Gansbaai, Western Cape. It is the latest project from Dyer Island Conservation Trust. This rehabilitation centre, which has a viewing auditorium, has helped 114 endangered African penguins and various other seabirds in its first year, with a 90% success release rate.

For more information, visit Sharkwatch SA at the Adventure Zone stand (ICCU28A) or the SAYTC stand outside (ODC04).

3. Extraordinary Collection opens new boutique hotel

Country Boutique Hotel in White River, Mpumalanga, opened under the Extraordinary Collection in January.

The hotel has 22 rooms, 14 of which are courtyard facing with the balance offering views of the White River Valley.

Facilities include a lounge and a dining room that opens on to the wide verandah.

“We will be offering several new packages in conjunction with our Kruger Concession lodges, and including this in the Extraordinary Journey – a package that includes Cape Town, Kruger, Victoria Falls and Chobe,” says Cindy Sheedy Walker, CEO of Extraordinary.

For more information visit the Extraordinary Collection stand (ICCP 22).

4. Wilderness Safaris unveils new Zimbabwe camp

Wilderness Safaris will open a new intimate camp in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, on July 1, and has also rebuilt its Ruckomechi Camp in the same concession. The new, smaller camp, Little Ruckomechi, will have three tented suites on wooden decks and will include a dining room, lounge and plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi River.

Visit the Wilderness Safaris stand for details (ICCHO3).

5. Newmark Hotels, Reserves & Lodges to introduce new hotel

Hallmark House, which will open in September, in Maboneng, South Africa, offers a mix of residential and hotel apartments. The hotel will have 46 apartments over two storeys but will offer concierge service for the residents’ apartments. 

For more information visit the Newmark Hotels, Reserves & Lodges stand (ICCH01).

6. Sun International unveils new development

Sun International’s Time Square entertainment complex at Menlyn Maine in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, will open in 2017.

Visit the Sun International stand for details (ICCR01).

7. Mantis to develop new hotel

Mantis Collection has been awarded the contract to develop and manage a new four-star hotel on St Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.

For more information, visit their stand at Indaba (ICC L013).

8. New accommodation for Time + Tide

Mambeti, a five-star camp, will be built in Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia and is set to open in April 2017.

Miavana lodge is being built on a private island in Madagascar’s north-east, and is set to open in December 2016.

For details, visit Time + Tide Africa Group at Indaba 2016 (ICC P08).

9. New lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Mhondoro, a new safari lodge, has opened in Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg, Limpopo. The lodge has a private villa, a honeymoon suite, a two-bedroom executive suite and a two-bedroom family suite, and accommodates 20 guests. Facilities include a telescope for stargazing and three heated swimming pools.

For details visit their stand at Indaba (ICCJ18).