Newmark Hotels & Reserves adds Toro River Lodge in South Africa, Thitaka Lodge in Namibia, expanding, African luxury portfolio

SOUTH AFRICA – Newmark Hotels & Reserves has announced the addition of two high-end reserves: Toro River Lodge in South Africa and Thitaka Lodge in Namibia, to its exclusive portfolio, with both properties set to open in early 2026.

This expansion underscores Newmark’s commitment to delivering world-class luxury safari experiences that blend refined hospitality with immersive wildlife adventures and a strong focus on conservation.

Toro River Lodge is located on the banks of the Makhustwi River within South Africa’s Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, a renowned Big Five territory in Limpopo Province.

Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, Toro River Lodge will officially re-open under Newmark’s management in the first quarter of 2026.

The lodge will offer five upmarket rooms, including two luxury suites, all available on a full-board basis. Guests can expect gourmet meals, local beverages, two daily game drives, and guided safari walks.

What distinguishes Toro River Lodge is its unique approach to game viewing—expeditions are not limited to main roads but venture deep into the bush, providing access to otherwise unseen wildlife and landscapes.

The lodge’s location within a registered Protected Area reinforces its commitment to conservation, ensuring guests experience Africa’s rich biodiversity while supporting eco-friendly tourism practices.

Further north, Thitaka Lodge marks Newmark’s debut in Namibia. Situated in Bwabwata National Park along the Kwando River in the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Thitaka Lodge is a new-build luxury tented camp set to open in early 2026.

The lodge is uniquely positioned along an elephant corridor that connects Botswana and Angola, offering extraordinary opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife in a pristine wetland environment.

Thitaka Lodge will feature three private villas with pools, three bush villas with private pools, three family villas, and six standard tents, complemented by a shared pool, restaurant, and bar.

Guests will enjoy twice-daily game drives and river outings, with bush and boma dinners enhancing the authentic safari experience. Accommodation will be provided on a full-board basis, including local beverages.

Both Toro River Lodge and Thitaka Lodge reflect Newmark’s philosophy of “Experience Authentic,” combining elegant accommodation with expert-guided safaris and a deep respect for Africa’s natural heritage.

These additions strengthen Newmark’s presence in Africa’s luxury hospitality sector, joining a portfolio that spans iconic destinations from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park and beyond.

As luxury travelers increasingly seek meaningful, conservation-driven adventures, Newmark’s new lodges are poised to set new standards for responsible tourism, offering guests unforgettable journeys into some of Africa’s most captivating wilderness areas.

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