Africa is filled with legendary safari lodges offering opportunities that range from bare bones to the ultimate in luxury. But make no mistake, the safari scene is constantly changing and offering new experiences, from solar-powered microbreweries to hot air balloon rides and “green” lodges.

Here’s a look at several developments, including new openings from Botswana to Zimbabwe, that are making news in 2020:

Kwessi Dunes Lodge, Namibia: Kwessi Dunes is located in NamibRand Nature Reserve and situated in an ideal location for experiencing the desert and breathtaking scenery of Namibia, in air-conditioned luxury. The lodge features its own stargazing room that is open to the desert night sky. When you’re not stargazing or watching for unique wildlife, explore the surrounding areas and towering dunes of Sossusvlei by quad bike or hot air balloon ride. Opening March with 12 rooms.

Jack’s Camp, Botswana: Jack’s Camp is a unique desert experience in old-world safari glamour amidst the Great Kalahari in Botswana. Named after explorer Jack Bousfield (and founded by his son, Ralph), the classic camp boasts a 1940’s safari style and is famed for its great sunsets. This year will see a fresh look revealed. Opening May with 10 rooms.

Mashatu Euphorbia Villas, Botswana: The private Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana is welcoming a new addition in 2020, the Mashatu Euphorbia Villas. The intimate “green villas” combine luxury and sustainability. Activity offerings will naturally include game drives and guided walking safaris, as well as mountain biking and spending time in an exciting underground photographic hide. Opening June with 8 villas.

Sayari Camp, Tanzania: Inspired by the colourful culture of the Kuria tribe who call the northern Serengeti home, Sayari Camp’s bold new look was conceptualized by the mastermind behind Jabali Ridge and Namiri Plains. It’s a favourite lodge for East Africa safari aficionados thanks to its location directly in the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration. The spacious tents, include a redesigned family suite for five guests with striking views of the rolling plains. When the season starts, Sayari will be home to the first solar-powered microbrewery in Africa. Opening June with 15 tented suites.

Angama Safari Camp, Kenya: Kenya’s Maasai Mara, is the launch of Angama Safari Camp, a seasonal sole-use tented camp featuring “the best of everything” and situated in a remote wilderness region of the southwestern Mara Triangle. Tents will sleep up to eight guests in a camp that promises absolute privacy in the midst of the mega herds of the migration and abundant resident wildlife. Opening July with 4 tented suites.

DumaTau and Little DumaTau, Botswana: DumaTau, in northern Botswana’s Linyanti region, is located on the fringes of a lagoon, with access to the unique “stolen river” of the Savuti Channel. The location provides unparalleled game viewing throughout the year. For 2020, it will be upgraded from a “classic” to a “premium” camp and for the first time accompanied by a smaller sister camp to be named Little DumaTau. Opening August with 7 tents and 1 family unit for DumaTau and 4 tents for Little DumaTau.

South Africa: Five km away from the nearest lodge and 52 steps in the air is &Beyond’s Ngala Tree House, a private, six-level luxury, solar-powered tree house with a rooftop deck with an outdoor bed and lounge for al fresco dinner for two –surrounded by the South African bush. New experiences include &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge and &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp. Recently opened.

The Royal Portfolio: Each of the collection’s four properties in South Africa, Royal Malewane, Birkenhead House, the Silo Hotel, and La Residence has achieved the country’s new 5-Star Premium rating, by the TGCSA, making the hotel group the first to have done so. They are four of only 14 properties to so far achieve the accolade. Recently opened.