Our 2026 Africa Born wish list: where the next big adventures are

A new year calls for new travel plans and it won’t surprise you to hear that the Africa Born team is already dreaming up their 2026 adventures. 

From the remote wilderness of Katavi National Park’s million acres of mammals in Tanzania to the dramatic desert landscapes of Angola, our team is charting a course for some incredible journeys across the continent. 

There’s excitement in Kenya with the upcoming launch of Shompole Lodge, while in Zambia, the new Kutandala Camp offers a new totally-off-grid big-game experience in the largely-unexplored North Luangwa.

Meanwhile, Egypt beckons with the elegance of a traditional dahabiya cruise down the mighty Nile: a serene journey under sail into one of the greatest civilizations on earth.

If any of these trips capture your imagination, come with us and make 2026 a year of unforgettable African adventure.

My top pick: new launch, Shompole in Southern Kenya 

When Great Plains launches a new property, there’s always a buzz. And Shompole Lodge located in Kenya’s South Rift Valley near the Tanzania border certainly won’t disappoint. 

This new property will open in mid 2026 and join Great Plains’ Reserve Collection: known for its unparalleled high-end offering, ideal for the most discerning guests. 

By all accounts this one is a show-stopper: very much design-led, in an incredible spot near flamingo favourite Lake Natron and the iconic Ol Doinyo Lengai, and, as ever, upholds all the hallmarks of Great Plain’s unfaltering commitment to conservation. 

Really looking forward to hosting guests at Shompole later this year.

Paolo on Africa Born’s new Angola Expedition

We can’t wait to offer this new itinerary, a collab between Africa Born and Röam, brainchild of our great friend, Carissa Western: an experienced operator in intrepid adventures to some of the world’s most remote and seldom‑visited spots. Angola is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most fascinating off-the-beaten-path safari destinations: perfect for the more adventurous guests looking for truly wild - and largely untouched - landscapes.

Our Angola Expedition takes in the stark desert landscapes of Iona National Park in the Namib Desert, the Cuatir Conservation Area - part of the Okavango catchment where translocations of elephants, giraffes and antelopes are helping to restore wildlife populations - and Luengue-Luiana National Park, once heavily affected by Angola’s civil war and now seeing remarkable wildlife returns.

Standout experiences include flying down the skeleton coast by chopper and exploring Iona’s fishing villages, the almost-ghostly stranded trawler The Vanessa, and the dramatic natural sandstone arches of Colinas. Time spent with the Ovahimba, Ovahakaona and Ovatwa communities in the tribal heartlands in eastern Iona offers a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life deeply connected to the land. Explore Cuatir Conservancy on game drives, quad-bikes, canoes, and tracking on foot with the San tribes, while we’ll take to the skies once more in Luengue-Luiana National Park to explore the vast Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Wild camping offers complete immersion into the landscape and culture of this incredible region. We can pitch our mobile camp on the banks of the Cunene river, tucked under the dunes of Iona’s Atlantic coastline, or deep within its hidden inland valleys. 

Hen on a dahabiya cruise down the Nile

Last year we launched our new Egypt itinerary and it certainly sparked a curiosity among the Africa Born team. Hen hopes to be heading off on a spellbinding journey down the mighty Nile - the longest river in the world - for a historical deep-dive into one of the greatest civilisations on earth. 

Aboard the elegant and meticulously-restored 100-year old Set Nefru - one of the few authentic, historical dahabiyas remaining on the Nile - guests can tailor their journey to take in their choice of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites: from the well-known temples at Esna, Edfu, Silsileh, and Kom Ombo to lesser-known tombs and temples well away from the usual tourist crowds. On board, Set Nefru’s upper deck is the ideal spot for bespoke yoga sessions and afternoons working your way through the many great reads from the on-board library, to the backdrop of views once enjoyed by Pharaohs and the soothing sounds of the Nile. By night, the deck transforms into a private cinema or a starlit sleeping area.

Effortless luxury meets astounding ancient history on every leg of this, one of our most elegant and classic of safaris - ideal for those looking for a unique take on the golden era of Nile cruising of yesteryear.

Andrew on new launch, Kutandala Camp in North Luangwa, Zambia

This incredible new bush camp in the remote wilderness of North Luangwa National Park is the spot for those looking for a totally-off-grid big-game safari in this largely unexplored remote corner of Zambia.

Kutandala sits on the tree-lined banks of the Mwaleshi River, with the towering Muchinga escarpment forming a dramatic backdrop. The wildlife viewing in and around Kutandala is phenomenal: North Luangwa is home to the highest density of elephant in Zambia, and the only stronghold of wild-roaming Black Rhino. Expect to see lion, wild dog and incredible birdlife, as well as fascinating local species, Cookson's Wildebeest Crawshay's Zebra. 

Be it on game drives or walking safaris, the thrill of exploring one of Zambia’s most untouched wilderness areas - with not another soul in site - is hard to beat. Come and explore the best of Zambia with us.

Cara on Chada Camp in Katavi, Tanzania

Another Africa Born team member opting for a secluded, tucked away corner of an otherwise well-trodden safari destination is Cara, choosing the classic expedition‑style Chada Camp in the extremely remote Katavi National Park, Tanzania.

Ideal for those seeking solitude and an authentic wilderness experience, Chada began as just three bedrolls and a fire and - despite the introduction of beautifully-appointed en suite tents, a  chic mess tent and peaceful tree-shaded verandah - the camp retains that intrepid spirit of adventure. 

The camp overlooks wide, wildlife‑filled floodplains and - particularly during dry season - elephants, huge buffalo herds, hippos and top predators congregate around the shrinking water sources, offering exceptional game viewing in what is widely coined ‘a million acres of mammals’.

Chada is great for keen photographers, those who enjoy bush walking and anyone eager to experience the utter magic of fly-camping. 

The cherry on the cake? Chada is steadfastly committed to enhancing local lives through a number of brilliant community and conservation projects from dentist outreach clinics and teacher training workshops to their support of Katavi’s LCMO (Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organisation).

There you have it - our inside scoop on what’s hot for 2026. We’ll pack our bags, track the action and bring back the very best for your next safari. If you too like to be ahead of the pack and are keen to discover the next big adventure with us, get in touch.