Spotted: Umlingo news update
West Sussex, United Kingdom, 2026-Apr-30 — /Travel PR News/ —“Spotted” … news snippets from the wilds of Africa …
Spotted: Umlingo news update
Onguma Trails Camp reopened on 1st April for its second season, offering 2 or 3 night guided walking safaris in big game country in the Etosha region. Watch their video here or read more here.
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!
** New ** Onguma Soundscape experience uploading at their Onkolo Hide. More details to follow soon.
Tembe Elephant Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa will be hosting another of its popular “Vanishing Giants of Africa” Elephant Workshops in October 2026.
Join renowned elephant expert Dr. Johan Marais from 4-8 October 2026 for an immersive safari experience to explore elephants’ social structures, behaviour, musth, exceptional memory, and their role in wildlife conservation. Gain insight into the long-term impacts of the ivory trade on African heritage. This workshop is open to all elephant enthusiasts, offering limited numbers for a personalized, exclusive experience. Though not a photography workshop, there will be ample photo opportunities. Read more here.
Kaelo Destinations is a new travel and hospitality umbrella brand bringing together a curated collection of purpose-led destinations, currently comprising two flagship properties, namely Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana and Pambele Beach House in Mozambique — both renowned for their distinctive African magic and meaningful, low-impact experiences. Watch this space for updates on new journeys, new destinations. Read more here.
Mashatu will be hosting its annual “Land of the Giants” cycling event from 1 – 7 May 2026. Riders from across the world will be participating, hosted by Stephen Lansdown, Mashatu Game Reserve majority owner and passionate conservationist. It promises to be a 120km, 3 day safari adventure of a lifetime. Sound fun? Let me know if you might be keen to attend and write about the 2027 event? Read more here.
Expected to be one of Zambia’s hottest new openings of 2026. The exclusive new safari lodge in Zambia’s renowned South Luangwa Valley will pay tribute to its extraordinary location overlooking the world’s largest colony of Carmine Bee Eaters, which nest along the Luangwa Wafwa, directly opposite the property. Launching with just three 2-bedroomed villas, set on a private 54-acre island between two rivers, it is just a ten-minute drive via pontoon from South Luangwa National Park and 20 minutes from Nsefu, both part of the celebrated “Valley of the Leopards”, recently featured in The Kingdom, teeming with elephants, big cats, wild dogs and an astonishing diversity of birdlife. Read more here.
Proudly Zambian owned, Lusaka based Shearzone Safaris will be launching its second property in June 2026, Nzovu Rundu Luxury Camp in the Lower Zambezi, following the success of Mozhi Bush Camp in Zambia’s Kafue. Overlooking the tranquil Nkalange Channel on the mighty Zambezi River, guests can expect exceptional wildlife sightings. The new camp will feature 10 chalets, including 8 luxury suites and 2 spacious family units. Each unit will boast a private plunge pool, air-conditioning, and outdoor showers, blending comfort with the natural beauty of the landscape. Read more here.
New website and branding will also be launched shortly.
Bushtops is celebrating 20 years of redefining “wild luxury” and is marking the milestone with a transformative enhancement that sets a new standard in guest experience. Every booking for 2026 includes an exclusive use safari vehicle, guide and spotter at no extra charge.
Three new 6×6 “Bushtops Beests” will be joining the original Beest (launched June 2025), ready for the peak migration season – complete with six large, heated seats, personal drinks fridge-freezers, wireless chargers, a fold out sundowners’ bar and fully functioning kitchen with running water. Two will be based at Mara Bushtops with the third joining the original Beest in Serengeti. A supplement of $1,000 applies per day to book the Beests. Mara Bushtops, Serengeti Bushtops and Roving Bushtops are delighted to be shortlisted for the 2026 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Nestled in the 2024 proclaimed Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, The Carte Collection is truly a family business stretching back 85 years with a proud history of making a difference through conservation and community upliftment in the Berg. The collection comprises The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, Sungubala Eco Camp, Montusi Mountain Lodge and All Out Adventures. They recently launched a new slackpacking trail called the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way, a 55km, four-day route linking four Berg properties – with luggage transfers and hearty meals awaiting hikers at each stop and experienced guides, trained up and employed from the local community. Read more here.
The Cavern also hosts numerous expert-led activity weekends for yoga, birding, botanical at, stargazing etc. Read more here.
Warangi Ridge launched in the central Serengeti in September 2025. Its uniquely shaped tents are inspired by the rare pangolins spotted in the area. 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 are on offer including day and night game drives as well as river, bird and eco-nature walks. Read more here…
Their new spa and wellness concept will be launching shortly so watch this space.
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.
Looking forwards, Craters Edge will be adding a gym, extending their spa and building a yoga deck this year. An additional villa and heated swimming pool will be added in 2027
Both properties have been shortlisted for the 2026 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Delighted to introduce Nsele Private Game Reserve – an 8,000 acre wildlife estate within South Africa’s breathtaking Waterberg biosphere, an easy 2.5-hour drive north of Johannesburg. Nsele’s location ensures complete privacy which is its key selling point – with up to 6 adults and 6 children guests enjoying total exclusivity when hiring this luxurious private property. Nsele is home to plains game including giraffe, zebra and hippo. There are no major predators which makes it safe to explore on foot with guides Mei and Neil. Horse riding, walking, mountain, quad and dirt biking and fishing are just some of the experiences on offer in addition to the usual game viewing.
Their spa deck provides an ideal platform for wellness pursuits such as yoga and chi kung, and a range of treatments including massages can be enjoyed.
Read more here.
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. They also now offer guided walks with guide Justice. 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!
Mosetlha will be running “A Sacred Safari Retreat” from 10–14 August 2026, hosted by Julia Koutzayiotis – author of .
If you need more information on any of these stories reach out to claire(at)umlingo.co.uk
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