What’s Hot in Africa for 2013
Whilst Africa is more about being in the bush or on an endless white sandy beach, sub-Saharan Africa is seeing some increasingly impressive and contemporary city hotels for those odd nights when you need to be near the airport.
Next year is set to be a big one for Africa; from a total eclipse to Michelin star dining, fashionable boutique hotels opening and more, here’s our guide to What’s Hot in Africa for 2013.
Hemingway’s Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
What?
Whilst this is currently still under construction, this will be a 45 room hotel with great views to the Ngong Hills in the distance, and will offer Kenya‘s first Michelin starred dining experience, complete with live webcam feed into the kitchens to watch him at work!
When?
Opening in March 2013
New Tongabezi House
What?
At Tongabezi, near Victoria Falls in Zambia, they are knocking down one of the existing houses, Dog House, to replace it with a new Luxury Suite which will have two bedrooms, a dining and a living area which is all built out on stilts over the Zambezi River.
When?
This exclusive private house will be ready in June 2013.
The Adventure World Summit
What?
Namibia is hosting the adventure world summit in the adrenalin activity seaside town Swakopmund.
Focus will be on adventure tourism as well as sustainable tourism – no better place than Namibia to show how conservation can be a success if communities have a tangible benefit derived from wildlife.
When?
In October 2013
Malawi!
What?
Malawi is set to be big news in 2013. The country can now boast big 5 status in Majete after successful importation of leopard and lions.
Latitude in Lilongwe, Malawi is a very funky and contemporary new city stop off in Malawi with only 9 rooms, keeping it small and intimate in contrast to many large city hotels; a real first for Lilongwe.
Also, Kaya Mawa, on Likoma Island in Malawi now offers kite surfing from their new kite surfing school!
When?
From now on!
Chinzombo in Zambia
What?
Mention Norman Carr Safaris and it normally conjure up images of Zambia’s brilliant knack of offering “real Africa” traditional bush camps with great guiding on a walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park.
However, Chinzombo is certainly breaking away from this image and will offer a very luxurious option right on the banks of the Luangwa River, South Luangwa, with six huge villas with their own separate living areas and private plunge pools in the deck.
Chinzombo used to be the legendary Norman’s green season base when he was running Chibembe Camp way back in the 1970’s and the Carr family and staff, together with their new partners are thrilled to be giving this unique place a new life.
When?
Due to open in April 2013, ready for the main season starting at the end of May.
Total Eclipse
What?
A total eclipse will darken the Lake Turkana region in northern Kenya.
When?
November 3rd 2013. Begins at 16.17hrs, totality at 17.27 with sunset at 18.20.
Mara Plains, Kenya
What?
A really exciting option for those budding wildlife photographers. Great Plains are totally rebuilding and revamping the lovely Mara Plains Camp in the Masai Mara at the same location as the current camp.
All the new tents will not only be bigger and better, each tent will also be fully equipped with professional Canon camera kit and a pair of Swarovski binoculars this time round. Lorna, the camp manager, will be on hand to give you as much professional photography advice in camp as you want and the guides are also knowledgeable about photography in the field.
When?
Due to open in July 2013.
Segera, Laikipia, Kenya
What?
Wilderness Safaris’ first foray into East Africa reveals Segera as its new luxury addition to the already brilliant choices in the beautiful landscape of Laikipia.
Art lovers will be impressed by the largest private collection of African art in the world, as well as being able to go out into the bush for sundowners in a Rolls Royce, Corniche 1976 convertible! It also boasts a film theatre, full spa wellness centre and a gym to work off all of the endless guzzling on safari.
When?
Due to open April 2013.
Olive Exclusive, Windhoek, Namibia
What?
Olive Exclusive is a cool, contemporary and stylish new hotel with an authentic African soul. Decorated with organic rough-hewn wooden benches and side tables, sculpted tables, and walls clad in abstract Namibian landscapes by well-known South African photographer Micky Hoyle, the seven suites are individually decorated to each reflect a different region in Namibia, and each has its own lounge area with fireplace and dining room, for private dining.
Wide glass doors open onto spacious decks where you can relax on a shady daybed, enjoy al fresco lunches or, if yours is a premium suite, take a dip in your own private plunge pool.
When?
Open now!
Sabuk School, Northern Kenya
What?
The latest project at Sabuk Lodge in Laikipia gives you a taste of the great relationships that nearly all camps and lodges in Africa have with their local communities, especially those owner-run properties where there is a long established mutual respect.
Sabuk has been building a dormitory building for 60 girls at the community school that they support and it’s very nearly ready, so it will be the making of history in the community, as this has never been done before and will save the girls walking two hours to/from school every day.
When?
Now!
If you’d like further information on any of the places mentioned or other tailor-made safari holidays in Sub-Saharan Africa, please contact Millie on +44 20 7978 7333 or by email at ask@originaltravel.co.uk
