Bolívar Safari Set to Debut in Africa as Historic Regional Edition
Habanos S.A. is preparing to introduce the Bolívar Safari, a distinctive new Cuban cigar that will become the first Edición Regional dedicated to the entire African continent. The official unveiling is scheduled for November 21, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marking an important milestone for both the Bolívar brand and the Habanos Regional Edition program.
The release also arrives as Bolívar approaches its 125th anniversary in 2027, adding historical significance to an already unusual addition to the brand's portfolio.
A New Vitola for Bolívar
The Bolívar Safari introduces a format not previously offered within the brand's regular collection. Measuring 110 mm in length with a 54 ring gauge, the cigar uses the Torres factory vitola, a size familiar to enthusiasts of the Trinidad Vigía.
The cigar also features a traditional pigtail cap, representing a first for Bolívar. This distinctive finishing detail adds another element of individuality to the release.
The Bolívar Safari specifications include:
Length: 110 mm (approximately 4 1/3 inches)
Ring Gauge: 54
Factory Vitola: Torres
Cap: Pigtail
Presentation: Numbered boxes of 12 cigars
Production: 16,666 boxes
Designation: Edición Regional África 2025
The production run represents approximately 200,000 individual cigars, making the Safari a substantial regional release while maintaining a defined production limit.
A First for the African Market
Habanos S.A.'s Edición Regional program has traditionally allowed authorized distributors to commission distinctive cigars for specific countries and territories.
Although South Africa has previously received regional releases, the Bolívar Safari will be the first edition developed specifically for distribution across the African continent.
The project is being coordinated by Phoenicia TAA Cyprus Ltd., a major distributor of Cuban cigars across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, in cooperation with its local partner, Zino Abidjan.
The official presentation will take place at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire on November 21, bringing together representatives of the cigar industry and invited guests for the introduction.
Initial distribution is planned through Zino Cigares locations in Côte d’Ivoire, with availability expected to expand into additional African markets in early 2027.
A Distinctive Presentation for Collectors
The Bolívar Safari will be presented in individually numbered boxes containing 12 cigars, an unusual packaging configuration for the historic Cuban brand.
As part of the Edición Regional series, the cigars will carry the recognizable secondary regional band identifying their special designation.
The combination of a new vitola, pigtail cap, numbered packaging, and continent-wide regional identity distinguishes the Safari from previous Bolívar releases.
The designation of 2025 reflects the year assigned to the regional edition, despite its scheduled introduction in late 2026. Such differences between designated production years and actual market introductions have become relatively common within the Habanos Regional Edition program.
Continuing the Bolívar Legacy
Established in 1902, Bolívar has developed a reputation for producing some of the more traditionally full-bodied cigars within the Habanos portfolio.
Named in honor of Simón Bolívar, the South American independence leader, the brand has maintained a distinctive identity through its classic Cuban blends and longstanding vitolas.
The Safari represents a new direction in presentation while remaining part of the brand's established heritage.
For collectors of Edición Regional cigars, the introduction is particularly noteworthy because of its geographic designation. Rather than commemorating an individual country, the Safari represents an entire continent, creating a unique distinction within the history of the program.
As Habanos S.A. continues to expand its regional offerings, the Bolívar Safari stands as an important addition to the collection and an early tribute to the brand's approaching 125th anniversary.
