What’s different about the African safari in 2025?

Out in the savanna, holidaymakers are looking for new ways to witness the Big Five

Africa has always been about the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. But the way travellers want to explore Africa and its larger-than-life wildlife is shifting.

From seeking out lesser-known regions to embracing a more unhurried pace, safari-goers are rethinking ways to experience Africa’s landscapes and its wildlife.

Says Lara Behrens, director at safari specialist Bench Africa, “While classic routes remain popular, more and more travellers are looking for different ways to explore — some drawn to quieter, more immersive experiences. This year, it’s about slow safaris and embracing the journey as much as the destination.” 

Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and ancient culture offer life-changing experiences. See wildlife migrations in Kenya and Tanzania, track gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. Tailor-made journeys and small group tours are designed to inspire and connect.

Africa’s tourism sector is experiencing a post-Covid resurgence, driven by a new demand for nature-based travel, cultural exploration, and adventure tourism. 

Bench Africa has shaped exciting itineraries that reflect this year’s new Africa trends, outlined in a newly launched brochure.

Off the beaten path

Wildlife without the crowds? Northern Kenya provides an alternative to the well-trodden safari circuits. Less-visited reserves such as Naivasha, Nakuru, Samburu, and Ol Pejeta have diverse ecosystems, a conservation focus and a sense of history.

Bench Africa’s Northern Circuit is an eight-day journey that celebrates the beauty of Northern Kenya, from the shores of Lake Naivasha to the dramatic landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. It’s a safari that celebrates conservation, with highlights including Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Ol Pejeta is a poster child for keeping animals safe, protecting endangered northern white rhinos and rescuing chimpanzees.

With comfortable lodgings and fewer crowds, this intimate wilderness experience is perfect for travellers wanting an affordable but authentic Big Five safari experience in Kenya.

Low or high season travel?

While peak season still draws travellers in search of unforgettable wildlife, Africa’s landscapes hold just as much magic at other times of the year. Off-season safaris mean fewer vehicles at sighting spots, the chance to witness seasonal shifts in wildlife behaviour, and lower rates. Travel in April or May on Bench Africa’s Soul Safari Escape, for example, and save up to $8,000 per person.  

The eight-day Soul Safari Escape combines luxury accommodation with the natural wonders of Victoria Falls (on the Zambezi River which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia), Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta.

The safari kicks off with two nights at Sussi & Chuma, continues to Chobe Chilwero, a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush with views of the Chobe River, before flying visitors into the Okavango Delta for three nights at Stanley’s Camp which has some of the best game viewing in the Okavango.

Okavango Delta: Africa’s last Eden

Consider a Delta upgrade. The small and intimate Baines’ Camp, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, offers a priceless viewing of animal and bird species. Chief’s Camp is located on Chief’s Island in the Mombo Concession, “the predator capital of Africa.” Recently rebuilt, Chief’s is rated one of the top safari camps in Botswana.

Bring the family 

Multi-generational safaris are becoming more popular, with many families choosing tailored journeys that promise indelible memories and experiences for all ages in truly unique destinations.

On an adventure such as Bench Africa’s 11-day Little Explorer’s Family Safari, young travellers can expect thrilling wildlife encounters, a chance to spot animals previously seen only in their story books. They can also enjoy guided nature walks, birding, quad biking, whale watching, kayaking, and boat cruises.

Little Explorer’s Family Safari blends luxury with adventure in three of South Africa’s most captivating destinations, embracing Cape Town, the Cape Whale Coast, and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve where daily Big Five game drives and hands-on activities for children provide endless fun.  

Tips for planning a safari

Grandeur on the open road

Overland safaris are beckoning seasoned travellers who love the journey as much as the destination. Exploring Africa by road allows for a deeper connection to the landscapes, shared experiences with a small group, and a more budget-conscious approach to covering vast distances. 

Bench Africa’s blockbuster 20-day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Safari begins at the spectacular Table Mountain in Cape Town and travels to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Along the way: paddle down the Orange River in Namibia before venturing into the Namib Desert. Soak up the many facets of this desert country, from the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west.

Next stop is the busy town of Swakopmund for a break by the coast. Then, Etosha National Park, the venue for some of the most unique game viewing in Africa. From Etosha travel to Botswana for a Mokoro ride through the Okavango Delta. Watch the sunset from a boat on the Chobe River before farewelling new friends at Victoria Falls.

Depending on the season you are travelling, Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Safari is augmented by stunning desert vistas, wildflowers, flamingos, starry skies, rock art, and optional scenic flights and white water rafting.

Authentic and immersive journeys 

The bywords of modern travel are “authentic” and “immersive”. What might that mean? This: walking alongside Samburu guides on a camel-supported mobile camping safari. Venturing deep into Botswana’s wilderness on a mobile camping journey. Retreating to a secluded island lodge set within the Nile’s rapids, accessible only by boat — the perfect place to unwind after gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  

What better immersive road-test than a four-day Northern Kenya Camel Safari, a walking safari through spectacular countryside. Escape the constraints of a vehicle and lose yourself in Laikipia’s stunning landscape. Bench Africa’s associate, Karisia Walking Safaris, specialises in unique, tailor-made journeys. Walk where no vehicles will go with knowledgeable Samburu guides fluent in English, Swahili and both the local culture and ecology.

Keep an eye out for lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. Spot herds of zebra, oryx, and many gazelles grazing on the large plains, along with the oh-so-graphic giraffe and zebra.

New and notable in African travel

Where solo travel triumphs

Confidence in safety and tailored travel are driving the increase of solo travellers to Africa. Research suggests up to 70 per cent of solo adventurers are women looking for meaningful and immersive experiences. Bench Africa’s small group escorted 12-day tour Explore Kenya – Escorted Ladies Tour is designed specifically for women.

Travel by rail to Tsavo East National Park to see ochre-red elephants in their herds. Experience vast savannas against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the spectacular scenery and birdlife of Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and the iconic Masai Mara – one of the most wildlife-rich safari areas in Africa.

Led by female guides, this safari goes beyond wildlife viewing, canvassing cultural connections, hands-on experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that creates life-long friendships.

Bench Africa’s newly launched brochure can be found at https://travel.benchafrica.com/LTM-Bench-Africa-Brochure