Minor Hotel’s Elewana Collection has launched a new upscale safari lodges brand called Explorer.

The new brand will cater to a wider range of guests with affordable pricing and an expanded array of on-site activities.

The first lodge under the new brand Serengeti Explorer is expected to open in March 2024, followed by Ngorongoro Explorer later that year and Tarangire Explorer in 2025.

Elewana's Group chairman and CEO Karim Wissanji said: “The launch of Explorer by Elewana marks an exciting milestone for our group. This upscale safari lodge concept, set in the renowned wildlife-rich regions of northern Tanzania, fills a unique niche by targeting the needs and price point of the mid-market safari guest.

“Explorer promises a range of immersive safari experiences within World Heritage-designated natural landscapes.”

Serengeti Explorer is situated on Nyaboro Hills in Serengeti, Tanzania, and will have 68 explorer rooms and six suites, each with a private balcony.

The rooms with interconnecting options and wheelchair-accessible configurations will accommodate couples, families, friends, and groups of all sizes.

Dining options at the hotel will include a Boma restaurant, poolside bistro, the main restaurant, bar, deli, and coffee shop.

Other dining experiences include a chef’s table in a wine cellar with an on-site sommelier.

The hotel will offer a range of facilities such as a children’s bushcraft centre, an outdoor cinema, an art gallery and walking safaris with experienced guides.

Additionally, it will include a stargazing deck with an on-site astronomy guide.

Constructed on the former site of Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Serengeti Explorer aims to ensure minimal environmental disruption during reconstruction.

Prior to this, Minor Hotels, in partnership with China-based Funyard Hotels & Resorts, revealed the opening of the first NH-branded property in China.

Minor Hotels currently has 540 operational hotels under its diverse brands, including Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, Elewana, nhow, and more.