A taster of some of the latest news from across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands

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BUSHTOPS' SAFARI CAMPS – Tanzania and Kenya

Serengeti Bushtops:  A Fantastic Beauty of a “Beest”
Bushtops has just launch its “Beest” - an innovative 6x6 wheeled game viewing vehicle that can not only navigate the toughest of terrain in comfort but raises the benchmark for luxury whilst on safari.  The vehicle boasts just six comfortable pods, equipped with heated seats, charging points, mood lighting and personal drink coolers. It also has a built-in kitchen with hot running water, bar and dining table for all day game drives in the Serengeti as well as and rooftop tent for overnight adventures. It is booked as an added extra from either camp.  
Watch the video here

Roving Bushtops: 
Our fabulous mobile Rovers have been on the move and will be relaunching in their brand-new home in the northern Serengeti, opening for the migration season on 1 June 2025. Read more…

Mara Bushtops: 

Ever wondered about the differences between staying with the Masai Mara National Park or just on the fringe in a private conservancy?  Please read the blog I wrote about the Magic of Isaaten.

Did you know that you can embed Mara Bushtops' YouTube webcam feed on your website and share all the action at the salt lick with potential clients?  Scroll back 12 hours to see what you missed.

Friendly Reminders: Mara Bushtops offers great options for families, with its fabulous Leopard and Rhino family suites. Aircraft Leasing Services offers a reliable, slick service from Nairobi Wilson into Siana and back for guests staying at Mara Bushtops.

BAWE ISLAND BY THE COCOON COLLECTION - Zanzibar

Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection, the only 5-star resort in Zanzibar boasting the exclusive formula "one island, one resort", has in collaboration with the government of Zanzibar, established the new Changuu-Bawe Marine Conservation Area to preserve the magnificent coral reef and rich fish population, ensuring the biodiversity and the vitality of the underwater ecosystem for future generations. 

Cocoon will also be developing Prison Island later this year, improving facilities for both the resident turtles and guests significantly. 
Watch this space.

MASHATU GAME RESERVE – Northern Tuli, Botswana

Lala Limpopo overnight photographic hide reopened in March for its first full season. This exclusive hide offers photographers close encounters with wildlife at Pete's Pond, enhanced by innovative lighting for optimal photography. Read more  about the experience in Conde Nast Traveller or watch this video tour by The Safari Expert.

Mashatu's popular Matebole Elephant Hide now offers a new family hour, making it far more affordable than a full morning or afternoon session and the hour duration is far more family friendly.   

The Land of the Giants cycle event is happening from 6 – 12  June, with challenging its riders to 120 km of trails over 3 days raising funds for the anti- poaching patrols and Tuli Conservation Trust.  There are still a few places left, at 25% discount for the six-night experience.
Read more here…  LOTG 2026 will take place 1st to 7th May 2026. 

WalkMashatu's “Night Under the Stars”

Embracing the trend of  “noctourism” aka the pursuit of unique night time travel experiences, Mashatu offers some incredible immersive after-dark activities for nocturnal wildlife encounters, from stargazing to night game drives, overnight hides and even a one-of-a-kind walking safari that leads you deep into the heart of the  wilderness before spending a “Night Under the Stars” at the WalkMashatu Fly Camp. Read more here…

ONGUMA NATURE RESERVE – Etosha, Namibia

Onguma Trails Camp

Onguma Trails Camp launched on 1 April – offered walking safaris in big game country in the Etosha region.   The focus is very on guided walking trails, offering immersive wilderness experiences led by expert guides, with a lovely dash of off grid luxury.  Watch the video here.  High res images can be downloaded from this link.   We had a fabulous group of journalists go and experience Trails Camp the night it opened and the first article, by Narina Exelby is already out.  Read it here…

Meet the San
Onguma also recently launched a new cultural experience in collaboration with the Ombili Foundation and a Cultural Village near the reserve. Read more here…

Wildlife Photography

Onguma has the most incredible collection of wildlife shots which can be used to promote Onguma (please credit Onguma Nature Reserve). 

Solo Package

Embracing the rising trend of solo travel, Onguma has a So-Low Safari package, waiving single supplements during low seasons to attract independent, single travellers with a spirit of adventure!

THE CAVERN DRAKENSBERG RESORT & SPA, KwaZulu-Natal, SA

Nestled in the 2024 proclaimed Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, The Cavern offers a rich history of family holidays combined with a commitment to conservation and community. Read about their power of positivity here or in the new Travel Southern Africa magazine. Their June to August Winter special offers affordable, outdoorsy options for families to reconnect. An enticing calendar of specialist events led by experts includes Yoga Retreats, nature weekends, stargazing, journaling, botanical art, wild flowers and birding weekends.

THE COCOON COLLECTION -– Maldives

The Cocoon Collection has launched the Cocoon Circle, an exclusive new loyalty program designed to reward returning guests with elevated privileges, personalised experiences, and unforgettable touches across its award-winning resorts in the Maldives, from free nights to room upgrades, candlelit beach dinners and sunset cruises. Read more here…

You & Me Maldives will be hosting a Gourmet Week from 19 to 24 May 2025, combining the talents of Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton and Cocoon's Chef Giovanni De Ambrosis, marrying Italian cuisine and flair with Maldivian ingredients and flavours.  Read more here…

Read more about how The Cocoon Foundation gives back in the Maldives to both conservation and local communities, with a big focus on education..

THE WILDERNESS COLLECTION – Tanzania

One of 2025's hottest new safari camps, Warangi Ridge,  will be launching in the central Serengeti on 1 July 2025.  Its unique  tents have been designed to celebrate the rare pangolins spotted in the area. Located in a restricted “rangers only” TANAPA Research Area of the park, with no neighbours within a 12 km radius, guests can enjoy this very exclusive wilderness away from the crowds, just south of the Orangi River where migration crossings can be enjoyed in season and cheetah and other cats are prolific all year round.   A variety of activities will be offered including day and night game drives as well as river, bird and eco-nature walks.  There will also be child-friendly activities and treats  for guests aged 5-15.   Read more here…

Craters Edge in Ngorongoro launched its new spa in November– and is encouraging longer stays and slower travel with the introduction of walking trails to Olmoti and Empakai craters and biking trails in the forest launching soon. Guests can also learn beading with local Maasai women right within the camp in a special tent.  By special request guests can also visit the TANAPA Cheetah project.

MOSETLHA BUSH CAMP & ECO LODGE - Madikwe, South Africa

Great news is that Mosetlha has added private toilet facilities for each of its eco cabins while maintaining its rustic charm with donkey boilers and bucket showers. The camp also now features a beautiful viewing deck for sunset game viewing. 

Mosetlha is all about thrills over frills – with extended game drives lasting a minimum of four hours, allowing guests to explore the quieter, far-flung corners of Madikwe. The birdbath on the edge of the camp also offers its own safari experience with a steady stream of wildlife throughout the day from lions to warthogs, buffalo and hyenas for anyone who enjoys relaxing in camp!  They will be offering a Women's Wellness Retreat in August/September

For more information about these stories, please contact Claire Roadley on claire@umlingo.co.uk