The new safari brand pitching for the mid-market
Elewana Collection aims to fill an under-represented gap between budget and full luxury by introducing a new collection of lodges under the Explorer brand
The Elewana Collection, which comprises 16 boutique lodges, camps and hotels in unique locations around Kenya and Tanzania, is on the cusp of expansion. A new Explorer by Elewana brand will cater to a wider audience through a more moderate price point. The first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, is due to open in May, Ngorongoro Explorer will follow later in the year and Tarangire Explorer in 2025.
Karim Wissanji, group chairman and chief executive, says: “This upscale safari lodge concept fills a unique niche by targeting the needs and price point of the mid-market safari guest. Consistent with every Elewana property, Explorer will be characterised by exemplary service, remarkable wildlife encounters, and a deep connection to nature.”
The reimagined Serengeti Explorer takes the place of the previous Serengeti Sopa Lodge, with an identical room count of 68 rooms and six suites to avoid increasing the population pressure on the fragile eco-system. Set high up on the Nyaboro Hills, views from the property stretch for miles across the Serengeti plains, and all rooms will have a private balcony. Configurations will cater for couples, friends, families and special groups of all sizes, including four interconnecting rooms and two rooms with wheelchair access.
In addition to the main restaurant, poolside bistro and coffee shop, dining options will include a Chef’s Table located within an extensive wine cellar and a Boma restaurant offering bush-themed dinners under the Serengeti sky.
Aside from game drives, the new brand will showcase a wide range of activities on the property, such as a children’s bushcraft centre, an outdoor cinema and creative photography lab to help bring guests’ work to life. Art galleries will showcase local talent, and guests will be able to study the night sky on a stargazing deck with the help of an astronomy guide.
Liz Harper, UK trade representative for Elewana and Explorer says: “While, of course, a number of the operators and agents who already sell Elewana Collection’s small lodges and camps will also be interested in Explorer, these new concept properties do enable us to reach a new/broader audience from a trade perspective: clients that may have been priced out of traditional Elewana Collection properties; clients who don’t want small, intimate and personal but are after more anonymity in their stay; families looking for activities to engage and entertain children; small groups; and those clients who want activities “beyond the game drive” during their stay.”
Explorer bookings will also benefit from Elewana Collection circuit discounts, like mixing and matching properties to stretch budgets.
Ash Sofat, chief executive, Somak Holidays adds: “We know the team behind Elewana, we like their ethos, and we have total confidence they will achieve what they set out to deliver. As soon as the first property opens later this year, we’ll be selling it, because it will fill a gap in the market.”
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
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