Great Plains Conservation has introduced a series of operational and product updates across its Botswana and Zimbabwe portfolio, including revised seasonal pricing, new helicopter transfers and lodge enhancements aimed at improving guest experience and flexibility.
Botswana pricing shift opens peak travel window
In a notable move for trade partners, Great Plains has removed the surcharge previously applied to travel between 20 December 2026 and 10 January 2027 across most of its Botswana camps.
The period will now fall תחת shoulder season rates for new bookings, with the exception of Duba Plains Camp and the Duba Plains Suite.
This change also allows existing shoulder season pay/stay offers to be applied over the peak festive window, creating a more competitive pricing structure for agents selling high-demand travel dates.
Helicopter transfers introduced across camps
From 1 April 2026, helicopter transfers will be included in the nightly rate for guests travelling between Great Plains’ Botswana camps, applying to new bookings made from 12 March 2026.
The move replaces standard intercamp transfers with helicopter access, offering faster connections and aerial views of the Okavango Delta. Existing bookings can be amended on request.
Fixed-wing aircraft will continue to operate scheduled transfers to and from Maun and Kasane. Guests can also request fixed-wing intercamp transfers, although helicopter transfers will remain in place between Sitatunga Private Island, Duba Plains Camp and Duba Explorers Camp.
For the trade, the inclusion of helicopter transfers within the nightly rate simplifies packaging and may enhance perceived value for clients seeking seamless, premium safari logistics.
Lodge upgrades across Botswana and Zimbabwe
Several camp enhancements have also been rolled out across the portfolio.
In Botswana, Okavango Explorers Camp has added a plunge pool, while new raised walkways have been introduced at Duba Plains Camp and Selinda Camp to improve accessibility between guest areas and main facilities. Duba Explorers Camp has also installed environmentally friendly air conditioning units above guest beds.
In Zimbabwe, Mpala Jena will expand from 1 May 2026 with the addition of a new guest suite, increasing capacity to four suites alongside two two-bedroom family units. The nearby Mpala Jena Private Villas continue to cater to multi-generational groups and exclusive-use bookings.
These updates form part of Great Plains’ ongoing “refresh and rejuvenate” cycle across its camps, reflecting a broader strategy to maintain product relevance in a competitive high-end safari market.
For Australian travel advisors, the combined pricing adjustments, improved air access and incremental product upgrades provide new selling points across both destinations, particularly for repeat Africa clients seeking differentiated experiences.
