Two new camps by andBeyond — andBeyond Sandibe Under Canvas and andBeyond Nxabega Under Canvas — will join the newly refurbished andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas to form a seven-night circuit through Botswana’s most iconic wild places.

The new additions aim to redefine the art of safari travel in Botswana, according to the company. Each camp has been designed to immerse guests in the rhythms of the Delta and Chobe Rivers, blending thoughtful luxury with authentic connection to nature.

“Our new Botswana Under Canvas camps celebrate safari in its purest form,” says Riaan Venter, Southern Africa Regional Manager at andBeyond. “They are intimate, low-impact and deeply connected to place… Sandibe captures the energy of predator country, while Nxabega reflects the calm of the Delta’s waterways.”

Unlike traditional lodges, the new Botswana Under Canvas concept “is not a lodge”, rather an experience where “comfort and wilderness merge”.

&Beyond Sandibe Under Canvas sits within one of the Okavango Delta’s most wildlife-rich areas, known for year-round sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. Guests can explore the landscape on game drives, walking safaris and community visits.

Further west, &Beyond Nxabega Under Canvas reflects the softer side of the Delta, &Beyond explained. Surrounded by seasonal floodplains, guests can enjoy mokoro glides, catch-and-release fishing, and land-based safaris led by expert guides.

Each camp accommodates a maximum of six guests in three spacious tents featuring super-king beds, double showers, running water, and Starlink Wi-Fi — a first for Botswana Under Canvas. Powered entirely by solar energy, the camps combine refined design and sustainability, with interiors that “reflect the Delta’s textures and tones, combining earthy greens, light wood, woven fibres and brushed metal.”

Sustainability and community partnership remain central to &Beyond’s philosophy. Shared logistics with neighbouring lodges minimise environmental impact, while collaborations with the nearby communities of Shorobe, Sexaxa, Gogomoga, and Tsutsubega promote local employment and conservation education through Wild Impact, the company’s long-standing partner.

The Chobe and the Okavango Delta: An Under Canvas Adventure itinerary starts from US$4,840 per person for seven nights, offering “unparalleled seclusion, intimate adventure and a refined connection to Botswana’s wild heart in comfort and style.”

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Patagonian luxury lodge Tierra Patagonia in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park has reopened for the Southern Hemisphere summer with a range of new wildlife, wellness and cultural experiences as well as a fresh look.

For the first time, the property’s season will extend until 3 May 2026, allowing travellers to witness the region’s striking autumnal transformation and marking the property’s longest operational season to date.

Among the new wildlife experiences is the Puma Encounter which gives guests a rare chance to observe Patagonia’s “largest and most elusive” feline resident guided by certified local wildlife experts. Travellers embark on the full-day adventure in private vehicles, observing wildlife through a “regenerative-focused lens.”

“We believe that every stay should unlock the genuine spirit of Patagonia for our guests. The new Puma Encounter brings nature lovers as close to the region’s greatest wildlife as possible while enhancing our commitment to meaningful, regenerative travel,” Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels CEO Michael Crawford said.

Meanwhile, Tierra Patagonia General Manager Esteban Bagnis said the new season will bring guests closer to the “soul of Patagonia”.

“The Puma Encounter and Puma Tracker experiences embrace what Tierra Patagonia stands for: authentic, life-enriching experiences that connect guests with the raw nature and spirit of this region,” he said.

For bird enthusiasts, a new complimentary experience, Birdwatching in Vega Castillo, explores the region’s unique wetland ecosystem, home to more than a hundred species of birds. Meanwhile, the Estancia Day bespoke experience offers a taste of local life with an authentic Patagonian field day at Laguna Azul, complete with horseback riding, hiking, and a traditional barbecue lunch.

Following a design refresh, Tierra Patagonia has revealed interiors inspired by local artistry. The lodge now features handcrafted lamps, rugs and ceramics that highlight Patagonian craftsmanship, while a newly opened boutique showcases regional leatherwork and silver jewellery.

In addition, a new purpose-built Guide House overlooking the vast Patagonian steppe serves as the base for excursions and wildlife briefings.

Wellness is also at the heart of the Tierra Patagonia experience, featuring treatments that use calafate berry exfoliants and mineral-rich mud wraps, along with yoga, reiki, meditation, and sound healing with Tibetan and quartz bowls.

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Abercrombie & Kent has officially reopened Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary in Uganda, following a complete rebuild and redesign that sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in one of Africa’s most precious wildernesses. LATTE readers were the first to learn more about the upgrade in April 2024, and A&K showcased the completed upgrade a few months ago.

The lodge’s location inside the national park gates means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself.

Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, the lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. The reimagined property represents a triumph of conscious design. The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate 10-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.

Gorilla Forest Lodge is the only luxury lodge located inside the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The project dates back to 1985 when Geoffrey Kent, Founder of Abercrombie & Kent, met when with soon-to-be Ugandan President General Museveni to discuss protection of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Expert rangers lead guests on unforgettable gorilla treks, whilst the creatures themselves have been known to wander onto the property.

Overseen by Luxury Frontiers the lodge’s redesign celebrates Ugandan craftsmanship whilst honouring the forest itself. Every collaboration has strengthened the artisan economy, from banana-fibre stools crafted in village workshops to woven ceiling panels produced by NGO Ride 4 a Woman, and textiles created by Florence Nakachwa’s Mekeka Designs, which empowers women through weaving.

The design draws inspiration from Bwindi’s vibrant textures and Uganda’s rich heritage. Papyrus thatch roofs blend seamlessly into the tree canopy. Weathered Corten steel harmonises with bark. Light filters through sisal basket installations and cascading beads that echo rainforest vines.

Each of the ten significantly enlarged suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks. Large baths invite guests to soak after exhilarating treks. Clay-textured plaster walls, woven banana leaf ceilings and elongated framed vistas create rhythm and harmony throughout. The rugs beneath guests’ feet tell a story, reclaimed from agricultural waste and transformed into beautiful, sustainable design elements. Barkcloth cushions feature QR codes linking directly to their makers, fostering genuine connection between guests and the community.

The lodge has implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives including rainwater collection systems, composting, repurposed materials and carefully considered building choices to ensure minimal waste and environmental footprint.

Every stay directly funds A&K Philanthropy initiatives that support the Bwindi community, wildlife and the forest itself. These include the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School, improving healthcare and education for local families. The Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise empowers women with sustainable transport and economic independence. The Safe Water for Schools Uganda project provides safe water access to schools, transforming children’s health and futures.

After days spent exploring, guests can unwind in the expanded spa, savour impeccable dining that celebrates local ingredients and culinary traditions and relax in communal areas designed to foster connection with fellow travellers and the landscape beyond.

See abercrombiekent.com/stays/safari-lodges/gorilla-forest-lodge

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Great Plains, the African eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, has announced the opening of the first of two new exclusive-use villas at Mpala Jena, near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Mpala Jena Private Villas is located five kilometres upstream from the main property, with the two exclusive-use villas sleeping up to six adults—or four adults and three children—in three suites. The second villa will open in November.

Designed by villa owners Kevin and Shannon Lang in collaboration with architect Julia Rotherford and interior designer Tracy Kelly, the villas maintain the charm of the original Mpala Jena camp. Guests can expect steep thatch roofs, smooth arches and open spaces designed to stay cool in summer and warm and cozy through the winter.

Each Villa comprises a private main area, a swimming pool and three riverfront suites. They also come with the services of a private butler and guide. The villas are located in an area that is a favourite drinking spot for zebras and impala in the afternoons. Guests can take advantage of private river pavilions for game-viewing—or to simply unwind or read a book.

The Mpala Jena Private Villas offer guests their own private open safari-drive vehicle and motorised boat at no additional cost, with activities tailored to each group’s individual needs. When water levels allow, guests can enjoy a sunset or sunrise cruise on the river in a dhow that originated in Zanzibar. Each two-night stay will also include return Victoria Falls International Airport transfers or Victoria Falls Town Road and Boat transfers. A guided half-day tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls with their guide is also included.

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Less than a year after acquiring outdoor-focused lodging offering Postcard Cabins and signing a long-term agreement with Trailborn, Marriott International is aligning them under a new brand: the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy.

This portfolio offers exclusively outdoor-focused stays in remarkable destinations—from cabins tucked into woodlands near National Parks to boutique hotels on cliffs’ edges. All accommodation will include access to nature, comfortable beds, hot running water and dedicated restrooms.

The two inaugural brands of the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy are Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels. Postcard Cabins offers over 1,200 design-forward cabins across 29 U.S. locations—each within two hours from a major city. Trailborn Hotels, meanwhile, elevates outdoor adventure into boutique hospitality with premium properties in “bucket-list destinations” like the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grand Canyon and the premier surf town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 

Alongside the new brand will be a digital platform that will now enable travellers to discover and book their next trip based not only where they want to go, but what they love to do. Travellers, for instance, can search across 450-plus hotels, 50,000 Homes & Villas, and curated Tours & Activities that offer access to popular outdoor activities – Ski & Snowboard, Hike & Glamp, Bike, Scuba & Snorkel, Surf, Fish, and Paddle.

This platform will include more properties than just those under the Postcard and Trailborn brands. Here, guests can find hotels such as W Verbier, Moxy Banff and Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection.

Lead image: Postcard Cabins Big Bear, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, California

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Greater understanding is required around tourism’s role in driving lasting community development and real conservation impact in South Africa, according to Sabi Sabi Collection Marketing Director Jacques Smit.

Speaking during a recent media event in Sydney, Smit stressed that tourism is more than just a leisure activity. He described it as “not just a revenue stream but a lifeline” for the people and ecosystems surrounding the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.

The statement comes at a time when travellers are increasingly seeking more meaningful and ethical travel experiences, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The reserve, which managed to continue operations and fund community initiatives during global lockdowns, is now using its platform to advocate for deeper, more sustainable forms of giving back.

“None of what we do in the community is possible without tourism,” Smit said. “Conservation without funding is only conversation.”

Sabi Sabi’s long-term commitment to its surrounding communities was particularly evident during the pandemic, when it resisted retrenchments and continued to support staff and local projects. “We guaranteed everybody’s jobs,” Smit said, noting that this stability has since inspired a new generation to view tourism not just as a job, but as a career path.

The reserve runs several year-long academies designed to train local youth in hospitality, wildlife guiding, and culinary skills. But beyond skills development, the reserve’s approach is grounded in community-led decision-making.

“Rather than us deciding what is needed, we’d like to go to the community and find out. That makes a difference for them,” Smit said, citing an example where the local school had no chairs, prompting the reserve to supply them based on feedback from teachers.

While there’s been an uptick in guests asking to volunteer or donate in person, a broader, more long-term approach is often required. “People say, ‘Can I paint a classroom?’” Smit pointed out. “It’s already been painted ten times. What we actually need is funding that allows projects to be sustainable.”

Sabi Sabi Collection encourages travellers to support through presence – by visiting lodges that reinvest tourism income directly into their surrounding communities. “By travelling to these places, you actually are making a huge difference,” he said.

Each of its properties will channel funding into the Sabi Sabi Foundation, whose efforts cover a wide range of essential services, from clean water access to healthcare support and female hygiene initiatives. The goal, according to Smit, is not charity but empowerment, driven by consistent, tourism-fuelled income.

As the reserve prepares to expand its footprint with new properties in Cape Town and northern South Africa, Smit’s message remains consistent: responsible tourism can fund real change.

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An opening date for Singitia’s new build property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has been confirmed. While details of the camp itself – revealed exclusively by LATTE in November – are still very limited, a launch date of 11 December 2026 has been set.

Jo Bailes, Singita’s Chief Executive Officer said “the next chapter of our story is about to begin, and intentions are vital.” 

“For years, we waited for the right opportunity to present itself, and recently, it did,” Bailes said in an email on Friday.

Singita’s first property in Botswana, the Okavango Delta site – named “Elela” – will be located in the concession NG 26, which Bailies describes as “a vast wilderness that perfectly captures the region’s inexplicable magic.”

Nesteled in the southwest corner of the Delta, NG26 is made up of ancient meandering waterways and species-rich islands, lagoons, grassland and swamps.  

Elela, which means “to flow” in Setswana, will comprise five 1-bedroom camps, two 2-bedroom camps and one 4-bedroom camp.

The eight family-friendly camps are circular in design and sit on stilts. Each will have a dining area, a kitchenette, lounge, a pool, and various outdoor decks and spaces, along with a private vehicle, guide and dedicated host. The 4-bedroom camp has two private vehicles, as well as a dedicated chef and private fitnness and wellness spaces.

Renders of the property are still being held under lock and key.

As with the rest of Singita’s family of ultra-luxury lodges and camps, Bailes says Elela will “as always…honour the landscape, biodiversity, culture and the people of Botswana.” 

Low season rates (nett and non-commissionable) will start at US$3,100 per night for two people in a 1-Bedroom Camp, up to a rack rate of US$33,950 per night for the 4-Bedroom Camp in peak season. Rates include accommodation, all meals and beverages, private guide and host, game drives, return road transfers between Singita airstrip and camp, laundry and WiFi. 

Bookings are open now. Contact Lea Seguier for enquiries in Australia and New Zealand, at Lea.S@singita.com.

Singita Okavango Delta will join Singita’s existing landmark lodges and camps in South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. 

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Renders of Sandringham Private Game Reserve

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