The New Year Travel Edit: Where to Go in 2026 (Newmark Edition)

Newmark Hotels & Reserves presents a luxury guide for travel in 2026, offering diverse journeys across Africa and the Indian Ocean, from the beach to the bush.

Our top picks include:

• Victoria Falls and Mauritius for natural beauty.
• Limpopo safaris and Cape Winelands for luxury leisure.
• Zanzibar and Uganda for unique island and forest adventures.

If you were to reimagine 2026 as a year of journeys across Africa and the Indian Ocean, where would you go?

Newmark Hotels & Reserves helps make the decision a little easier with this guide for your New Year’s bucket list. From beach to bush to forest, there is luxury and adventure to be had.

Victoria Falls

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, was discovered by David Livingstone in 1855 and cascades for over 100m. The waterfall creates a spray of mist that makes for spectacular views.

Stay at Bupenyu Luxury Lodge, Batoka Gorge—Cliffside boutique accommodation offering uninterrupted views over the Zambezi River, for leisure travellers and explorers at heart. Opening 1 March 2026.

Mauritius

Mauritius—undeniably home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Think sparkling blue water, clear skies and warm weather year-round. Barefoot days under palm trees, direct beach access from your hotel, and easy indulgence in snorkelling, cocktails and island-inspired cuisine.

Stay at La Maison D’Été , Post Lafayette—A stylish island escape with spa and exotic dining.

Limpopo

The Gateway to Africa, Limpopo, is a must-visit this year for its expansive natural landscapes. Home to some of South Africa’s most compelling safari hidden gems, it offers a considered alternative to the Kruger through regions such as the Waterberg, the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, and the wild reaches of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger.

Stay at family-friendly LETAMO Lodge or the exclusive, adults-only BABOHI Lodge at QWABI Private Game Reserve; immerse yourself in classic safari at  Motswari Private Game Reserve, where you arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend; or discover Toro River at Toro River Lodges—one of our latest safari destinations.

Cape Winelands

Visit the Cape Winelands—including Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch—for unhurried days shaped by landscape, heritage and craft. Rolling vineyards, a slower rhythm, and centuries of history define the experience. Spend mornings at local markets, afternoons tasting estate-grown wines, and time discovering handcrafted pieces by local artisans.

Stay at the recently rebuilt Blaauwklippen Manor, opening 1 February 2026. The Manor House and Jonkershuis provide stunning family accommodation blending rustic farm life with luxury amenities.

Zanzibar

The tropical island of Zanzibar whisks you away from the crowds into a remote paradise in the Tanzania archipelago. Dive into the ancient history of spice trade, princes and palaces, explore the vibrant local markets or sink into serenity in a luxury island hotel with a front-row seat to the ocean.

Stay at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge, set on the edge of Unguja Island on ancient palace ruins—a home-away-from-home set near a vibrant fishing village, offering absolute privacy. Ideal for honeymoons, weddings or private getaways.

Uganda

Venture across Africa to Uganda and meet the gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to most of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, flora and birdlife.

Stay at Gorilla Heights Lodge in Nkuringo for warm hospitality, scenic views and gorilla trekking with experienced guides.

Begin your year of travel with Newmark Hotels & Reserves.

Learn more about Newmark’s boutique hotels here.

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