Hotel Pipeline

Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, Zambia: A Sanctuary Suspended Above the Wilderness

Anantara, the purveyor of immersive hospitality, is unveiling its first safari tented camp - Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp - set to launch in April 2026. Poised high above the banks of the Kafue River, one of Zambia's most vital waterways, the luxury camp connects guests directly to Kafue National Park, the country's largest and oldest reserve, drawing them into a vast, protected wilderness where wildlife roams across untouched terrain.

The Ascott Limited Expands in Africa with Signing of Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a leading international lodging operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos, a new serviced residence located in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The signing took place during FHS World Dubai, one of the region's leading hospitality and investment forums, marking another key milestone in Ascott's continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa.

Tapestry Collection Expands with Zaria Court Kigali in Kigali, Rwanda

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the debut of its lifestyle brand Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Sub-Saharan Africa, following the signing of an agreement for a new property - Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Rwanda. This addition reinforces Hilton's continued growth across Africa, with plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent in the coming years.

AVA Hotel Nairobi Joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Kenya

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the debut of its lifestyle brand Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Sub-Saharan Africa, following the signing of an agreement for a new property - Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Kenya. This addition reinforces Hilton's continued growth across Africa, with plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent in the coming years.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton to Make Stylish Debut in Sub‑Saharan Africa

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the debut of its lifestyle brand Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Sub-Saharan Africa, following the signing of agreement for a new property - The Sterling Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in South Africa. This addition reinforces Hilton's continued growth across Africa, with plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent in the coming years.

Aksaya Estates Limited Signs Agreement with Marriott International to Bring Courtyard by Marriott to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Aksaya Estates Limited has signed an agreement with Marriott International to bring Courtyard by Marriott to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Slated to open in 2027, the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will enhance the hospitality offerings at Kenya's key international gateway, providing guests with an elevated experience to optimise work, relax and make the most of their stay.

WildPlaces Africa "Kulu Ora" Lodge to Open Q1 2026

WildPlaces Africa - renowned for its exceptional collection of camps and lodges and some of the most immersive and unique wildlife experiences in Uganda - is proud to announce the opening of Kulu Ora, its newest lodge and seventh addition to the WildPlaces portfolio, in early 2026. With Uganda Airlines' new direct international flights (London Gatwick to Entebbe), it has never been easier to experience the Pearl of Africa.

A&K Sanctuary Unveils Kitirua Plains Lodge: A Striking New Safari Retreat in Kenya’s Amboseli

A&K Sanctuary, the luxury lodge and camp collection from A&K Travel Group, is proud to announce the launch of Kitirua Plains Lodge, a groundbreaking new property set in Kenya's iconic Amboseli region. Opening June 1st 2026, this all-suite lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent's return to its heartland - six decades after Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in Kenya. Set on a 128-acre private concession bordering Amboseli National Park and just ten minutes from the park's main gate, Kitirua Plains Lodge is poised to redefine Kenya's safari scene with a bold, design-led vision that honours the pioneering legacy of luxury adventure travel that began here six decades ago.

ibis Styles Dakar Opens as the Trendy New Address in the Heart of the Senegalese Capital

Dakar's hotel scene welcomes a playful new personality with the debut of ibis Styles Dakar, a boldly reimagined address that brings design-forward hospitality to the heart of Senegal's capital. Following the transformation of the former ibis address, this vibrant new destination redefines affordable stays with creative energy, unique interiors, and a spirit that invites guests to live freely and explore widely.

IHG Strengthens Presence in West Africa with signing of Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja, a 119-rooms hotel scheduled to open in early 2028 under a franchise agreement with Watercress Hotel International Limited and to be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global leader in integrated hotel management and operations solutions, and one of IHG's trusted partners. The signing represents a strategic milestone in IHG's expansion across the African continent and reinforces its commitment to strengthening its presence in key cities.

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Bring Holiday Inn Brand to Senegal, Marking Strategic Expansion in West Africa

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Senegindia SA to bring Holiday Inn SD City Dakar in Senegal. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 150-rooms hotel will mark an important step in IHG's growth strategy in West Africa. Valor Hospitality Partners, one of IHG's trusted hospitality partners, will manage the property, continuing their strong expansion in the region.

G Wellness Company Limited Partners with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to Launch the First Internationally Branded Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia

G Wellness Company Limited, a subsidiary of MP Trading Group, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company, to debut the first internationally branded resort in Banjul, The Gambia, under the globally recognized Ramada by Wyndham brand.

Kerten Hospitality and Azure Announce The House Residence Azure Zanzibar — A Landmark All-Villa Resort in One of Africa’s Fastest-Growing Destinations

Kerten Hospitality, a global lifestyle hospitality operator, and Azure United Properties have unveiled their newest project: The House Residence Azure Zanzibar—a luxury, all-villa resort and residential community on the pristine Michamvi Peninsula. The announcement was made during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, underscoring the government's support for high-impact, sustainable tourism and lifestyle developments.

Great Plains Announces Mpala Jena Private Villas, Opening at Zimbabwe’s Mpala Jena Camp, in August 2025

Great Plains, the iconic African eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to unveil the upcoming launch of two new exclusive-use villas at Mpala Jena, the camp it operates near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mpala Jena Private Villas will open in August 2025, five kilometers upstream from the main property, providing two exclusive-use villas sleeping up to six adults - or four adults and three children - in three luxurious suites. Designed by owners Kevin and Shannon Lang in collaboration with architect Julia Rotherford and award-winning interior designer Tracy Kelly, the villas maintain the charm of the original Mpala Jena camp, which has established itself as a sought-after destination experience with a prime location on the Zambezi River's edge and offers countless wildlife viewing and activities both on and off the water. The two new three-bedroom villas will offer a step up in both luxury and privacy, providing the ultimate accommodation option for families or small groups. Each Villa will comprise a private main area, swimming pool, three luxurious riverfront suites, a private butler and guide services. The Private Villas, each located in an area that is a favourite drinking spot for zebras and impala in the afternoons, offer guests commanding views over the Zambezi and overlook either a private waterhole or tributary leading down to the Zambezi. Taking inspiration from the world-renowned Puglia style of architecture and interiors, the Villas feature steep thatch roofs, smooth arches and open spaces designed to stay cool in summer yet warm and cosy through the winter. Interior designer Tracy Kelly has opted for a light and airy scheme that combines an earthy and soothing colour palette with textures and natural materials. Endless activities await at Mpala Jena Private Villas, which will 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 access to a historic dhow that originated in Zanzibar for fantastic sunset or sunrise cruises on the river. 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. Each suite in the two Villas is designed to feel wonderfully secluded, complete with every luxury a guest could wish for during their waterside retreat. They offer private river pavilions - a serene spot on the river's banks, slightly elevated above the white sand. These tranquil settings are intentionally designed for guests to unwind, read a book, and watch the world go by while feeling totally relaxed and at peace.

Marriott International Announces Plans to Debut First Autograph Collection Safari Camp in Serengeti, Tanzania

Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement to open the first Autograph Collection safari camp globally. Expected to debut in Q3 2025, Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection will deliver a distinctive and immersive safari experience in Tanzania's world-renowned Serengeti wilderness, marking a milestone expansion for the brand into experiential, nature-based travel.

Marriott Expands Luxury Safari Portfolio in Kenya

Marriott today unveiled plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya, following the signings of The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp  and JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, respectively, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies. Underscoring the company's commitment to expanding its world-class luxury portfolio and offerings for unique travel experiences, the anticipated properties aim to set new standards for high-end, luxury hospitality in some of Africa's most breathtaking safari destinations.