From the floodplains of Botswana to the open savannas of Kenya, Africa's vast wilderness is drawing travellers like never before. With a growing interest in safaris from travellers across the globe and conservation-driven travel shaping the future of tourism, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for adventure seekers eager to experience the continent’s untamed beauty.
Botswana: Where Wilderness Reigns Supreme
With over 37% of its land dedicated to conservation, Botswana is the gold standard for sustainable safaris. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO-listed wonder, is the ultimate destination for those craving an immersive, off-the-grid wildlife experience. Picture gliding silently through papyrus-lined channels in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), the only sounds being the distant grunts of hippos and the call of a fish eagle overhead. Unlike the more vehicle-dependent game drives of East Africa, Botswana’s approach to safari is often on foot or by water—creating an intimacy with nature that few places can match.
Further north, Chobe National Park is famed for hosting Africa’s largest elephant population. As the dry season tightens its grip on the landscape, the herds migrate toward the Chobe River, creating one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent. A sunset cruise along the river is a must, offering front-row seats to elephants wading in the shallows, crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and the occasional predator surveying the scene from a distance.
Zimbabwe: A Comeback Story Written in the Wild
Long overshadowed by its neighbours, Zimbabwe is reclaiming its place as a premier safari destination. With a strong commitment to conservation and a wealth of national parks teeming with wildlife, the country offers some of the most rewarding safari experiences on the continent.
Matobo National Park is one such gem. This otherworldly landscape of granite boulders and open plains is a haven for rhinos, with expert-led tracking experiences allowing visitors to get up close to these magnificent, endangered creatures. The park is also steeped in history, with ancient San rock art hidden among its caves and the grave of Cecil Rhodes resting atop its highest vantage point, Malindidzimu—aptly named "World’s View".
Meanwhile, Hwange National Park remains one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This sprawling wilderness offers game drives that often deliver sightings of wild dogs, lions, and even the elusive cheetah. The absence of massive crowds—something more common in other safari hotspots—only adds to the park’s allure.
And of course, there’s Victoria Falls. While most visitors stick to the Zambian side, Zimbabwe arguably offers the best panoramic views of the cascading water. But beyond the falls themselves, Victoria Falls town has become an adventure hub, with everything from helicopter flights over the gorge to bungee jumping off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.
Namibia: Landscapes That Redefine the Safari Experience
For travellers drawn to vast, cinematic landscapes, Namibia is unrivalled. The country’s defining feature—the Namib Desert—is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, their burnt-orange hues shifting in the early morning light. Climbing the famous Dune 45, known as Big Daddy, at sunrise is a rite of passage for many visitors, the effort rewarded with a sweeping view of a landscape that feels more Martian than earthly.
Further north, Etosha National Park flips the traditional safari script. Instead of traversing thick bushland, here the wildlife congregates around vast salt pans and waterholes, making game viewing remarkably easy. Lions, zebras, and oryx dot the stark white terrain, while 24/7 safaris at the floodlit waterholes offer the chance to see elusive nocturnal creatures like honey badgers and, of course, predators including leopards.
Kenya and Tanzania: Where Safari Legends Are Made
No conversation about African safaris is complete without mentioning Kenya and Tanzania. These two nations are home to the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring spectacle that sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope thunder across the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. The drama unfolds in real-time, with river crossings packed with crocodile-infested waters and lions lurking in the tall grass, waiting for their moment to strike.
Beyond the migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Tanzania offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, all contained within a collapsed volcanic caldera. It’s a surreal experience—descending into the crater floor feels like entering a lost world, where flamingos flock to soda lakes and black rhinos roam against a backdrop of lush greenery.
Meanwhile, Nairobi—often just a transit point for safari-goers—is emerging as a vibrant destination in its own right. The city’s thriving food scene, bustling markets, the iconic Giraffe Manor (where you can have breakfast with a giraffe!) and Nairobi National Park – the world's only national park within a capital city – make it well worth a stop before heading into the wild.
And for those looking to round out their adventure with some relaxation, Zanzibar awaits. This spice-scented island off Tanzania’s coast offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich history influenced by Arab, Persian, and European traders. After days of dust and game drives, there’s nothing quite like sinking your toes into the warm Indian Ocean and watching the dhows sail by.
Why Safaris Are More Popular Than Ever
The rising popularity of African safaris isn’t just about ticking off a bucket-list experience—it’s about the growing appreciation for conservation, responsible travel, and deeper cultural connections. The pandemic made travellers rethink how and why they travel, and the trend now leans toward more meaningful, immersive experiences.
In particular, women are shaping the future of adventure travel. The solo female travel movement continues to gain momentum, and small group safaris provide the perfect balance of independence and security. The thrill of spotting a leopard at dawn or sharing stories around a fire under a sky full of stars is universal, but for many women, these experiences also come with a newfound sense of empowerment.
From Botswana’s untouched waterways to Kenya’s rolling savannas, Africa’s wild heart is beating stronger than ever. The only question left is: Where will your next safari adventure take you?
For more information on how to plan your African safari contact Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700; acacia-africa.com). ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED.
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