Top New Safari Camps to Explore in 2025 in Africa: By David Okindo;31 January 2025 ;1503 hours
- amaniadventureandt
- Jan 31
- 8 min read
Discover the most exciting and luxurious safari camps set to debut in 2025. These destinations offer unparalleled wildlife experiences, stunning landscapes, and eco-conscious designs, making them must-visit spots for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. From remote wilderness retreats to opulent lodges, these camps redefine the safari experience for the modern traveler.
Africa, often hailed as the cradle of humankind, is a continent of unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity. It is home to a quarter of the world’s mammal species and hosts the largest surviving populations of terrestrial megafauna, from elephants and lions to giraffes and rhinos. For many, an African safari is the ultimate bucket-list experience—a chance for empty-nesters to reignite romance, solo travelers to find peace and rejuvenation, or families to create intergenerational memories. For others, it’s a deeply spiritual journey, a return to a primal connection with the earth and its ancient rhythms. As Dereck Joubert, renowned wildlife filmmaker and co-founder of Great Plains Conservation, beautifully expresses: “These species have evolved alongside us for thousands of years. When you look into the eyes of an elephant, there’s a tangible sense of shared history, a recognition of ancient wisdom that is unmatched.” Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of wildlife encounters, the allure of luxury, or the call of the wild, these new safari openings across Africa’s most iconic game-viewing regions promise unforgettable experiences.
Chichele Presidential Lodge — South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Nestled on the scenic Chichele Hill, a site once chosen by Zambia’s late president Kenneth Kaunda for his private retreat, this lodge offers one of the most breathtaking locations in southern Africa. The lodge’s design maximizes its stunning surroundings, with spacious suites cleverly positioned to provide sweeping views of the park from both the bedroom and bathroom. Zambian owners have set out to create the country’s most luxurious lodge, a departure from the region’s traditional low-key tented camps. The result is a lavish retreat featuring a spa, gym, infinity lap pool, and more. South Luangwa National Park, while not a Big Five destination (due to the absence of rhinos), is renowned for its exceptional game viewing. It’s often called the “Valley of the Leopards” due to the high likelihood of spotting these elusive cats, alongside abundant lion populations. With over 400 recorded bird species, it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers. But what truly sets South Luangwa apart is its untouched wilderness, offering a sense of raw, unspoiled beauty that makes it a standout safari destination.
Date: Opening in April 2025
Rate: Starting at $1,400 per night per person (sharing). This rate includes all meals, beverages, daily activities, airstrip transfers, and laundry services. (An exclusive opening offer from April to May 2025 provides a discounted rate of $660 per night per person.)
Best for: Luxury accommodations and unparalleled leopard sightings in one of southern Africa’s most underrated parks.
Singita Milele & Kilima — Greater Serengeti, Tanzania.
Singita, a name synonymous with luxury safaris, has unveiled two new properties in the Grumeti region of the Greater Serengeti. Milele and Kilima, perched on the ridge of Sasakwa Hill, are exclusive-use retreats designed for those seeking privacy and unparalleled views of the Serengeti’s vast grassland plains. Kilima, the smaller of the two, caters to intimate groups, while Milele, which opened in June, offers more expansive accommodations. Both properties feature infinity pools, heated plunge pools, cinema rooms, fitness centers, and world-class wine tastings. Singita’s signature approach to service—personalized, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent—ensures an experience that exceeds expectations. The Grumeti region, part of the unfenced western Serengeti ecosystem, is one of Africa’s most magnificent wildlife areas, rivaling Botswana’s Okavango Delta as a premier destination for discerning travelers. With Singita’s entry into the Okavango Delta planned for 2026, the brand continues to set the gold standard for luxury safaris.
Opening Date: November 2024
Rates:
· Kilima: Starting at $20,475 per night for up to six guests.
· Kilima or Milele: From $27,300 per night for 10 guests.
· Rates include all amenities except wildlife fees and levies.
Ideal For: A premier, private safari experience in Africa’s top game-viewing destination.
Mbamba Camp — Okavango Delta, Botswana
Following the success of Tawana Camp, Natural Selection’s Mbamba Camp is set to open in a sprawling 220,000-acre concession north of the Vumbura and Duba Plains. This new camp is a collaboration with Ralph Bousfield, a legendary figure in the safari world known for his African Raj-style tents and unparalleled wilderness expertise. Mbamba features 12 ensuite tents, each adorned with vibrant, saturated orange prints, campaign-style furniture, and a curated collection of antiques and artifacts from India, Morocco, and Africa. The camp’s design evokes the romance of a bygone era, blending seamlessly with its game-rich surroundings. Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Mbamba promises exceptional wildlife encounters, from lion prides to elephant herds. With high-season bookings already in demand, this camp is set to become a favorite among safari enthusiasts.
Opening: April 2025
Rate: Starting at $1,265 per person per night. Includes all meals, beverages, daily activities, airstrip transfers, park entry fees, and laundry.
Ideal for: A charming tented camp offering exceptional game viewing with a nostalgic ambiance.
andBeyond Suyian — Laikipia, Kenya
Rising like a cluster of granite boulders on the Suyian Conservancy, andBeyond’s newest lodge is poised to become the most luxurious safari experience on the Laikipia Plateau. The lodge’s design is inspired by the kopjes (rock formations) it overlooks, with organic shapes and curves clad in local stone to mirror the landscape. Indigenous flora is planted into rock fissures, creating a seamless blend of architecture and nature. The interior palette draws inspiration from the mottled pelts of African wild dogs, after which the lodge is named in the local Maa language. The 14 suites, each the size of a small apartment, share a spa, wellness center, gym, and multiple dining options, including a wine cellar and an open-air courtyard for flame-grilled meals. Laikipia is a haven for rare and endangered species, such as African wild dogs and melanistic leopards, making it a perfect complement to the busier Masai Mara.
Opening: July 2025
Rate: Starting at $1,500 per person per night (shared). Includes all meals, beverages, safari activities, laundry, airstrip transfers, and access to Swarovski binoculars.
Ideal for: An ultra-luxurious lodge experience with opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including wild dogs and melanistic leopards.
Mpala Jena Private Villas — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Set in a grove of ebony trees along the Zambezi River, Mpala Jena’s two new villas are inspired by the trulli architecture of Alberobello, Italy. Each villa features conical thatch roofs and locally sourced stone, ensuring cool comfort in summer and cozy warmth in winter. The three river-facing suites in each villa are dressed in earthy tones and natural textures, with thoughtful detailing that reflects the property’s commitment to elegance and sustainability. Guests can explore the 56,000-hectare Zambezi National Park, home to one of Zimbabwe’s highest lion densities, as well as buffalo and elephant herds. Private boat cruises on the Zambezi River offer unforgettable sunset moments, while a visit to the thunderous Victoria Falls adds to the magic. This is a perfect blend of luxury and adventure for those seeking a refined safari experience.
Opening: August 2025
Rate: Starting at $6,625 per night per villa, inclusive of all meals, beverages, wildlife drives, guided walks, boating, a half-day tour of Victoria Falls (minimum stay of two nights), airport transfers, and laundry service.
Ideal for: Experiencing Victoria Falls and a safari in one seamless stay.
Asilia Kokoko Camp — Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
For those who crave the ultimate in seclusion and authenticity, Kokoko Camp offers an intimate escape in Ruaha National Park. The camp’s three en-suite tents, set under a canopy of fig and jackalberry trees, feature retractable roofs for stargazing and overlook the Mwagusi riverbed. Ruaha, part of a four-million-hectare unfenced ecosystem, boasts one of Africa’s healthiest predator populations, including the second-largest lion population after the Serengeti. Guests enjoy private guides and vehicles, allowing for personalized itineraries that might include sunrise picnics under ancient baobabs or sundowners by palm-lined rivers. Created by a company known for its sustainable conservation initiatives, Kokoko Camp offers an authentic safari experience that connects guests to the raw beauty of the wilderness.
Date: Opened July 2024
Rate: From $840pp/night sharing for two. Flat rate $2520/night for three to six guests. Includes all meals, house drinks, private vehicle and guide, shared walking safaris/boating safaris/fishing/airstrip transfers. (Opens June to Nov 2025)
Best for: Best-value exclusive-use tented camp in a vast, remote wilderness
Masiya's Camp — Greater Kruger, South Africa
The Royal Portfolio’s latest offering, Masiya's Camp, redefines luxury under canvas. Located on the 37,000-acre Royal Malewane concession, the camp features six suites, each spanning 100m² and equipped with heated plunge pools, private dining areas, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The communal area includes a heated pool, lounge, and interactive kitchen, while the bold use of color and contemporary art adds a vibrant touch. Dining is entirely bespoke, with options ranging from specific diets to six-course paired menus. The camp’s guiding team is one of the most qualified in Africa, ensuring exceptional wildlife encounters. Named in honor of the late Wilson Masiya, the first recognized Master Tracker in Greater Kruger, this camp is a tribute to the art of tracking and the deep connection between humans and nature.
Opening: April 2025
Rate: Starting from $2,800 per person, per night (shared). Includes all meals, beverages, snacks, minibar, airstrip transfers, and all game activities.
Ideal for: Ultra-luxurious tented stays with guaranteed Big Five sightings.
Sarara Wilderness — Samburu, Kenya
Sarara Wilderness, the latest addition to the Sarara portfolio, is an exclusive-use mobile camp set within the 850,000-acre Namunyak Conservancy. The camp features up to six Meru-style tents, offering an old-school safari experience with modern luxuries like Wi-Fi, a mobile pool, and a massage therapist. Owned and operated by the Samburu people, the camp is a shining example of community-driven conservation. Guests can explore the Ewaso Nyiro River, a magnet for desert-adapted species, and visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Traditional Samburu manyatta (village) visits add a cultural dimension to the experience, making this one of the most exciting new openings for those seeking a remote and immersive adventure.
Date: Opened December 2024
Rate: From approximately $4,800/night for one to four guests. Includes all meals, beverages, private vehicle and Samburu guide, safari activities, cultural and community immersions, laundry
Best for: Exclusive-use tented camp for authentic cultural experience as well as safari
Gorilla Forest Lodge — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Set to reopen in 2025, Gorilla Forest Lodge is a historic property located within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The lodge offers 10 zen-like suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, private decks, and organic textures inspired by the surrounding forest. As the only luxury lodge within the park, it provides unparalleled access to mountain gorilla trekking. Guests can also enjoy an expanded spa, fireplaces, and bathtubs to soothe post-trek muscles. The lodge’s reopening marks a new chapter in its storied history, offering guests the chance to contribute to the ongoing protection of Africa’s gentle giants while enjoying a truly transformative experience.
These new safari destinations represent the pinnacle of luxury, adventure, and conservation, offering travelers the chance to connect with Africa’s wild heart in profound and unforgettable ways. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or embarking on your first African adventure, these openings promise to inspire and delight.
Date: Opening mid-2025
Rate: From $600pp/night sharing. Includes all meals, beverages, community walk, concession fees, laundry (excludes gorilla permits and park fees)
Best for: Immersive location for gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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