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| The Highlands, Ngorongoro’s lounge interior (above) and exterior (below) will be at about 9,000 feet and will have views of the Serengeti. |
Get out those binoculars and trekking boots; there are new safari camps on the horizon that come with twists. Asilia Africa is opening The Highlands, Ngorongoro on March 1, 2016, at the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, and we are most excited for this camp’s views. Set on the Olmoti volcano at almost 9,000 feet, this high-altitude perch will give visitors vistas all the way to the Serengeti (think, super sunsets). However, guests won’t have to look far for a chance to see buffalo, zebras, hyenas, leopards and elephants (when in season). Though animals are the highlight of any safari, we also like the idea of visiting the rural, local Maasai villages by foot from Ngorongoro. This wild oasis will have eight tents, including a honeymoon and family tent, but children must be above the age of five. To book a stay, contact Chris Duncan ([email protected]).
The other new camp that will open on April 14 is for you water lovers out there. Camp Okavango, from Desert & Delta Safaris, is in the center of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, more specifically, the Nxaragha Island. What makes this island special is that it is surrounded by water for the entire year, which means that safari-goers get to see the landscape by a mokoro — that's a traditional canoe. There are also walking safari options, but visitors won’t step inside a vehicle during their visit — we think a sturdy pair of galoshes is a must. The camp, which was originally built in the early 1980s, will get a new look before it reopens. It will include new tents and public areas, elevated walkways and more. The new rooms (there are 12), and walkways will be elevated into the tree line, allowing guests to walk among the birds and vegetation. The height will provide views of the setting sun — cue the “oohs” and “aahs,” please. Contact Andrea Hugo ([email protected]).