(Posted 12th September 2026)
Courtesy of Theresa Hake / LinkedIn
Two established safari lodge operators are joining forces under the Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection (ZLLC), creating a single brand that will showcase four of the country’s most exclusive safari destinations from 2027 onwards.
The move simplifies the booking experience while strengthening the international visibility of Zambia as a luxury safari destination. At the same time, it reflects a broader trend: collaboration is becoming an increasingly important growth strategy in high-end hospitality.
As global hotel brands continue expanding their presence across Africa, independent luxury operators are also finding new ways to scale while preserving authentic, locally rooted guest experiences.
“This transition reflects the natural evolution of our business and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our lodges,” said Jennifer Beattie, ZLLC’s director of sales & marketing. “We are incredibly grateful to African Bush Camps for their professionalism, partnership, and the exceptional foundations they have helped to establish.”
While working together in Zambia, the African Bush Camps business will continue its broader business, operating luxury safari lodges across Botswana and Zimbabwe. It already works with The Collective, a network of partners that have similar properties across Mozambique and South Africa. Together, the partners provide an easier way for guests to enjoy multi-site safari experiences and holidays.
Zambia remains a mecca for those seeking an authentic safari experience, with opportunities to see wild animals in their natural habitats. Three national parks, South Luangwa, Kafue, and the Lower Zambezi, offer game watching opportunities like nowhere else, with activities including hot air balloon trips, and guided safaris on foot or by vehicle. Elephants, buffalo, zebra and hippopotamus can all be watched in their natural habitats, in a way that makes minimal impact on their lives.
ZLLC is keen to make clear that it is not just a marketing organisation promoting its four luxury safari destinations. It is, rather, the ownership brand, which will remain responsible for their long term stewardship and development.
While businesses such as ZLLC continue to work with a local-first management style, international hospitality brands are also looking to collaborate and grow their representation across the safari niche. Minor Hotels, for example, has recently opened Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, a luxury safari destination that also includes wellness facilities, with just 12 spacious guest tents.
Hotel giant Marriott is also looking to broaden its offer to include safaris. In 2025, the group announced plans for two sites in Kenya, under its luxury Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott brands. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp has recently opened, offering tented accommodation with private pools for guests.
For the big hotel brands, it is the Zambian capital, Lusaka, which is the leading draw for new developments. Later in 2026, Hyatt will open its 170 room Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi, a conversion of a standing property in the city. In early 2027, Radisson will open its Park Inn Lusaka Longacres, offering a mix of hotel rooms and long stay accommodation that is often a popular mix in African cities. And later in the year, Hilton will launch Hilton Lusaka Pyramid, a 211 room hotel that brings a familiar brand to Zambia.
