By The UNCHARTED® editors · 4 min read
These newly built and updated African camps and lodges are once-in-a-lifetime destinations you’ll want to explore next.
Madagascar: Tsara Komba
An ideal gateway for discovering Madagascar’s vibrant ecosystems, Tsara is set against a backdrop of volcanic slopes and surrounded by pristine waters, golden beaches, and lush forests. Located within the Nosy Be archipelago, this captivating region is a sanctuary for rare rainforest and marine species found nowhere else on the planet.
The focus here is on wildlife, with opportunities to encounter lemurs and chameleons while trekking through the forest, and whale sharks while diving in cerulean waters. As you explore the natural wonders, take in the fragrant ylang-ylang plantations that grace the landscape and visit nearby local villages.
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Namibia: Desert Rhino Camp
Tucked away in the wilds of Namibia’s Damaraland — a rugged, remote region full of dramatic vistas, arid landscapes, ancient rock formations, and desert-adapted elephants — this Outpost offers a chance to witness one of Africa’s most rare and majestic creatures, the Black Rhino.
What began as a humble field station devoted to protecting Namibia’s last wild rhino population has since evolved into much more than just a place to stay. With a pioneering spirit, the camp has forged partnerships with top conservation groups, reducing poaching by over 80% in the past two decades. Guests don’t just encounter rhinos in their natural habitat — they actively contribute to crucial conservation efforts.
Six contemporary canvas-and-stone suites, complete with stargazing decks and communal fireplaces, create an immersive experience that is intimately connected to the beauty of the Namibian landscape.
Botswana: Tubu Tree
Nestled high in the treetops on Hunda Island deep within the heart of the Okavango Delta, Tubu Tree overlooks floodplains bristling with water-loving wildlife, from resident leopards and wild dogs to elusive Pel’s fishing-owls. It is a birder’s paradise, with plenty of species for twitchers to tick off.
Whether you’re out on a thrilling safari ride or gliding silently in a boat, this area is a sumptuous and a sensory experience. Guests can look forward to a spectacular soundtrack that boasts both soft, melodic birdsong and powerful roars from lions. In camp, follow elevated wooden walkways toward a lively bar and swap stories with fellow wildlife lovers over a glass of chibuku, a sorghum beer, as the sun fades.
A gem situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this intimate Outpost is in South Rift Valley between the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the northwest, Amboseli National Park to the southeast, and the Kenya-Tanzania border to the south; it sits within the community lands of the Shompole Maasai people.
Renowned for its exceptional hide, which offers photographers an unparalleled vantage point for intimate wildlife observation, Shompole is the perfect place to witness elephants, buffaloes, and lions as they come to drink at the nearby watering hole. Guests can also partake in baboon walks, guided game drives, and river activities like swimming, tubing, and kayaking.
One of the oldest heritage camps in the Mara and a stalwart for nearly 40 years, Rekero has come a long way from its origins as a collection of simple mobile tents. This recently refurbished Outpost now has an enlarged sun deck for alfresco dining and an expansive veranda overlooking a crossing point in the Talek River where the spectacle of the Great Migration can be enjoyed without leaving camp.
But Rekero’s most significant change is the redesign of its family tent. Space and comfort, especially for families traveling with older children, was their priority: The main bedroom is now joined by a communal living area, with a second room off of it that is complete with its own en suite bathroom, allowing more privacy from the previous design. Windows throughout offer a wonderfully light and airy feel, which brings the beautiful riverine forest into the rooms, and the previous dark furniture has been re-purposed and replaced with beautiful light mango wood, lending to a much brighter ambiance.
All in all, the refurbishment has been planned meticulously to minimize environmental impact and champions upcycling and reusing existing materials.
Rwanda: Bisate Reserve
Bisate Reserve officially opened this autumn, and is the new sister camp to multi-award-winning Wilderness Bisate. Overlooking Volcanoes National Park and influenced by the peaks of the dormant volcanoes, four regal, domed villas offer secluded hot tubs and mesmeric views while conjuring the elegance of royal Rwanda art and culture in chic interiors and the Kwanda day lounge.
Experiences don’t come more memorable than spending time in the company of imposing gorillas, but guests can also enjoy golden monkey trekking, hiking and climbing on Mount Bisoke, and discovering the diverse birdlife on the lodge’s nature trails. After a busy day, relax under a canopy of iridescent stars.
