As we step into a new year of travel, we love starting with a moment of reflection. 2025 was shaped by many curious travelers, first-time safari-goers, seasoned Africa lovers, families, honeymooners, and photographers. All were united by one thing: a desire to experience Africa at its most authentic.
Certain destinations stood out again and again in our bookings. Not just because they are famous, but because they consistently delivered those wow moments travelers talk about long after they return home. From elephants walking past waterholes at sunset to lions calling across the plains at dawn, these are the places our travelers truly loved in 2025 and the ones already inspiring bookings for the year ahead.
🇰🇪 Kenya: Where Safari Dreams Begin
Kenya remained a firm favorite in 2025, offering classic safari experiences, iconic landscapes, and deep cultural connections.
Salt Licks Safari Lodge - Tsavo West National Park
The Salt Licks Safari Lodge within the Tsavo West National Park was one of our most requested lodges last year,
Why travelers loved it
Built on stilts overlooking a waterhole, Salt Licks offers front-row seats to wildlife, day and night
Elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes frequently visit the lodge’s floodlit waterhole
A perfect balance of comfort, design, and immersive wildlife viewing
Popular activities
Game drives through iconic landscapes and occasional Mt Kilimanjaro views
Sundowners with views over endless bush and distant hills
Nighttime wildlife watching directly from the lodge
What makes Tsavo West special
Tsavo West feels raw and untamed. Its dramatic scenery, from rugged hills to natural springs, creates a safari experience that feels adventurous and less crowded, ideal for travelers seeking something slightly off the beaten path.
Masai Mara National Reserve
No surprises here. The Masai Mara once again ranked among our most booked destinations of 2025.
Why travelers love it
Exceptional year-round game viewing, including the Big Five
Iconic savannahs that define the classic African safari image
Home to the Great Migration between July and October
Popular activities
Hot air balloon safaris at sunrise, followed by champagne breakfasts
Guided visits to Maasai villages for cultural insight and connection
Private game drives tailored to photography or family travel
What makes the Masai Mara special
The Mara is about drama. Due to its smaller size compared to other parks, predator action, vast herds, golden light, and unforgettable encounters become regular stories. Whether it’s a first safari or a return visit, it rarely disappoints.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli captured hearts in 2025 with its unique landscapes and iconic elephant encounters.
Why travelers loved it
Incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear mornings
One of the best places in Africa to see large elephant herds up close
A compact park and a relatively shorter drive from Nairobi that offers rewarding game drives in a short time
Popular activities
Early morning game drives with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop
Sundowners overlooking open plains and swamps
Cultural interactions with local Maasai communities
What makes Amboseli special
Amboseli is all about scale and contrast. Massive elephants, endless plains, and Africa’s highest mountain rising in the distance. It’s especially popular with photographers and families and a great destination when time is of essence.
🇹🇿 Tanzania: Epic Landscapes and Timeless Wilderness
Tanzania continued to attract travelers looking for vastness, variety, and world-class safari circuits.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire quietly became one of our most-loved destinations in 2025, particularly for travelers wanting something different from the big-name parks.
Why travelers loved it
Huge elephant populations and ancient baobab trees
A more relaxed, less crowded safari experience
Excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season
Popular activities
Game drives along the Tarangire River
Sundowners beneath towering baobabs
Walking safaris in selected concession areas
What makes Tarangire special
Tarangire has a slower rhythm. It rewards patience, observation, and travelers who enjoy feeling immersed in nature rather than rushing from sighting to sighting.
Ngorongoro Crater
Often described as one of Africa’s natural wonders, Ngorongoro remained a must-visit in 2025 itineraries.
Why travelers loved it
Extraordinary wildlife density within the crater floor
One of the best places to spot the endangered black rhino
Dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else in East Africa
Popular activities
Full-day crater descents with picnic lunches
Scenic drives along the crater rim
Cultural visits to Maasai communities nearby
What makes Ngorongoro special
Ngorongoro feels almost surreal. A self-contained ecosystem where wildlife thrives year-round, surrounded by towering crater walls. It’s compact, intense, and unforgettable.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti needs little introduction. In 2025, it continued to be the crown jewel of most of our Tanzanian safari bookings.
Why travelers loved it
Vast open plains that stretch as far as the eye can see
Home to the Great Migration and year-round predator action
A sense of true wilderness and scale
Popular activities
Migration-focused game drives (depending on season)
Hot air balloon safaris over the plains
Sundowners in remote camps, listening to the sounds of the bush
What makes the Serengeti special
The Serengeti is timeless. It’s about space, movement, and nature operating exactly as it has for thousands of years. Every visit feels different and every visit feels epic.
Looking Ahead: Safaris to Shape the Year
As we move into a new year of travel, these destinations are already inspiring early bookings and fresh itinerary ideas. Some travelers are returning to their favorites, while others are finally ticking long-held dreams off their list.
If 2025 reminded us of anything, it’s this: the right destination, paired with the right experience, creates memories that last a lifetime.
Here’s to another year of remarkable journeys, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and safaris done right.
We can’t wait to see which destinations our travelers will choose for this year!
