Toro River Lodge, true to its name, is set in Big-Five territory on the Makhustwi River banks in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, between Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa and Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province. The lodge is an existing property that will officially re-open under Newmark’s management in the first quarter of 2026. It comprises five upmarket keys, of which two are luxury suites, and is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, including new interior design work curated by the specialist management group.
Accommodation at Toro River Lodge will be offered on a full-board basis, including gourmet meals and local beverages, two game drives per day and guided safari walks.
Unlike other safari experiences, game-viewing expeditions at Toro River Lodge are not confined to main roads but instead are led by guides through dense bush to sites otherwise unseen, thereby epitomising “the African dream”. The region is rich in wildlife and falls within a registered Protected Area with a strong focus on conservation, offering guests the chance to spot an abundance of species and rare sightings.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Toro River Lodge to our expanding portfolio of exclusive properties in Africa,” says Neil Markovitz, Founder and CEO at Newmark Hotels & Reserves. “With its unique safari offering, Toro River Lodge will undoubtedly delight visitors with an authentic experience of this special continent while they enjoy the refined luxury and warm hospitality associated with our properties.”
Thitaka Lodge, on the other hand, is a new build and is currently under development, with an anticipated opening in the first quarter of 2026. This lodge will be situated in the Bwabwata National Park, along the Kwando River, offering guests an experience of Namibia unlike any other. The broader destination, originally known as the Caprivi Strip, is now referred to as the Zambezi Region and is located in the northeastern corner of the country, bordering Botswana, Angola, and Zambia. It is characterised by a rich water supply and a unique landscape, which is home to a great diversity of wildlife and is a wonderland for the intrepid explorer at heart.
The lodge will be established in proximity to an elephant corridor, where these magnificent creatures move between Botswana and Angola. This exceptional setting will provide guests with memorable wildlife viewing opportunities through twice-daily game drives or boat outings.
A luxury tented camp, marked by a magnificent Baobab tree at its entrance, Thitaka Lodge will comprise three private villas, each with a pool, three bush villas, also with private pools, three family villas, as well as six standard tents, a shared pool, a restaurant and a bar. Bush and boma dinners will feature, and accommodation will be offered on a full-board basis, with local beverages included.
“Thitaka Lodge is a special addition to our portfolio as it marks our entry into Namibia, realising our aim of broadening our footprint in Africa and offering our guests a more diverse array of outstanding safari destinations to explore. I am certain that this exquisite destination, coupled with the experience at this world-class lodge, will captivate our guests and set the scene for lasting memories,” shares Markovitz.
For more information, visit: www.newmarkhotels.com
