Welcome to 2025! Here is the latest Africa travel news, safari updates, events, and flights for January and February.
Drawing insights from leading travel media, we've summarised the key Africa travel trends for 2025, highlighting the experiences and innovations that capture the imagination of globetrotters worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your first African safari, these travel trends will guide you toward the continent's most enriching experiences this year.
The demand for unique experiences is an important factor for travellers in 2025, who are increasingly drawn to special "bucket list" experiences and activities that immerse them in 'the great outdoors'. Browse our Bucket List Ideas for inspiration for your next unforgettable holiday. Also, read about 5 Popular African Adventures You Need to Book in Advance.
Getting to know local culture and experience authentic traditions is a growing trend and Africa travel offers this up in bucket loads. See 13 of The Best Cultural Sites in Africa and the Cultures They Protect and Best Cities to Visit in Africa for Contemporary African Culture and Remote Tribes of Africa: 5 Places to Visit.
Culinary tourism is booming worldwide and more travellers are planning trips centred on food experiences. Cape Town and its surroundings are firmly placed amongst the best foodie destinations in the world with superb culinary offerings and farm-fresh ingredients. See our recommendation for Tip Top Cape Town Food Tours and Culinary Activities.
Africa travel promises a culinary adventure wherever you go. The Mozambique coast offers some of the best seafood in Africa. Mozambique is also home to the famous Piri-Piri sauce, a spicy marinade made from chillies, garlic, lemon, and oil, and often used to season grilled chicken or seafood, giving it a bold, fiery flavour. Nairobi, Kenya's vibrant capital city, is full of culinary options from local street food stalls, Westlands Rooftop bars and the traditional Nairobi Railway Station. Kenya is known for its coffee, and you can visit coffee plantations in regions like Nandi Hills to experience coffee-tasting tours. In Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its vibrant, spice-rich Swahili cuisine. Stone Town is a must-visit for street food and spice tours. Tanzania is also famous for its coffee, especially in regions like Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
Namibians are known for their love of game meat. Common meats include kudu, oryx, springbok, zebra, and wildebeest. These meats are often prepared as steaks, stews, or dried biltong, providing a real taste of Namibian wildlife. Namibia's Skeleton Coast is famous for its oysters, which are some of the best in the world due to the cold Atlantic waters. They are harvested fresh and served with a variety of local accompaniments, from fresh herbs to wine. The coastal town of Swakopmund is renowned for its fresh seafood, with local specialities like crayfish, mussels, and fish prepared in traditional Namibian ways. Mopane worms are a popular snack in Botswana. These caterpillars are harvested from the mopane tree, dried, and often fried as a protein-rich treat. They're typically eaten as a snack or included in stews. The Okavango Delta, with its rich water systems, provides a variety of fish like tilapia and catfish, often prepared in traditional Botswanan ways.
Africa is becoming a hotspot for adventure holidays and there is a booming market for the growing numbers of thrill-seekers looking for active holidays or chasing adrenaline adventures. See our guide to Africa Walking Safaris & Hiking Tours and read about Africa's adventure capital and 9 of the Best Things to Do at Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls can be visited from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
It is also becoming more popular to take trips designed around sports, and Africa is a continent of sports lovers offering a full programme for active travellers.
Wine tourism is on the rise and there’s increasing curiosity about discovering unique grape varieties and winemaking traditions around the world. Winemaking in South Africa dates back to the 17th century when Dutch settlers at the Cape of Good Hope planted the first vineyards in 1655. Over the centuries, the industry has evolved, blending European winemaking traditions with unique local influences, resulting in the production of internationally acclaimed wines. Creation Winery outside Hermanus joins VIK in Chile and Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in Spain as this year’s top 3 wine destinations.
Top Wine Festivals in South Africa in 2025:
Read our Cape Winelands Travel Guide.
Other emerging wine-producing countries in Africa:
There is an emphasis on personalised and exclusive experiences in 2025. High-end travellers are seeking comfort and elegance in luxury safaris, private island getaways, and bespoke tours, while those on a budget are choosing safaris and holidays that do not skimp on luxury AND are budget-friendly too.
See this 5-Day Luxury Kruger Lodge Safari for a truly exclusive stay in South Africa's premium wildlife destination, the Kruger National Park and the private reserves that surround it. Also, see our listing of other Exclusive Overland Safaris. For that idyllic island getaway, see our guide to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, one of Africa's most exclusive yet laid-back island destinations.
For budget-friendly tips, read our guide to What is a Private African Safari and Can You Afford it?
Slowcations are a rising trend in 2025, where travellers are spending extended periods in a single destination to deeply immerse themselves in the local culture and environment. This approach allows for a more relaxed and meaningful travel experience, fostering connections with the community and surroundings. Popular in places like Cape Town and Zanzibar Island. Or, why not take a long slow Africa Overland Tour and immerse yourself in all Africa travel has to offer?
See our Africa Overland Safari Tours 30 to 60 days in length.
Embarking on a safari in Africa is an unforgettable adventure, with each destination offering its unique allure. But with so many incredible places to explore, it can be hard to choose where to go.
African Budget Safaris is a group of people who are passionate about travel, and passionate about Africa travel in particular. To help inspire your next journey, we asked some of our team members to share their favourite African safari destination and why it holds a special place in their hearts. From the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta to the unique fauna and flora of Madagascar, discover the top picks from our team and what makes these spots so remarkable.
“It’s the Okavango Delta for me for sure. The reason is it’s the most beautiful Delta in the world during flood season. It has the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises where time stands still as you gently glide amongst the lily pads and reeds of the delta in a mokoro. As an ex-guide it's no longer the wildlife that is the main drawcard but the bird life that in the offseason cannot be bettered in the Delta. You will get to see spectacular wildlife in the Delta but tracking the wildlife on foot and via mokoro gives you a more intimate experience than doing so on a 4x4 vehicle. But, depending on the location and the camp, you also get to do 4x4 game viewing, scenic flights etc giving you a smorgasbord of activities to choose from. And if fishing is your passion, the northern part of the Delta offers some of the best tiger fishing available in the summer months. (I am also biased as I did grow up in the bush of Botswana!)”
“That is an impossible task! However, if offered an airline ticket anywhere in East or southern Africa I would have to toss a coin to decide between a second visit to Ethiopia or a fourth visit to Madagascar. Having been lucky enough to have travelled extensively throughout Africa these two countries are especially memorable for being so unique, being home to some wonderful people and a wide variety of special endemic wildlife species along with spectacular and varied scenery.”
“My favourite destination in Africa is Namibia. This is the home of the oldest desert in the world, some of the strangest wildlife and the weirdest-looking plant, the welwitschia. This is a land full of contrasts from super high red dunes to deep canyons, from rocky outcrops in the middle of nowhere to dramatic coastlines. There are rivers above ground and lakes below the golden sands; there are high mountain plateaus with cool breezes and magnificent birdlife, and then there is the white expanse of Etosha pan with its heat mirage. Here even the elephants look ghostlike with their coating of fine, white dust. Impala have black faces and when the rains come, the powerful black maned lions pad through savannahs covered in flowers. There are the ochre-coloured Himba and the Herero with their Victorian fashion and the Ovambo and Kavango with their beautiful smiles. Reds and oranges of Sunsets and blues and purples of sunrises and the rare beauty of the ever-changing landscapes make Namibia the most phenomenal country in the world.”
“Very difficult question as there are so many amazing places! I would however say that Kruger is one of my favourite destinations, probably because of the days that I worked as a guide in Greater Kruger. The different ecosystems and huge variety of wildlife make it top of the list. Hluhluwe/Umfolozi game reserve in northern KZN is a very close second. Something about the rolling hills and seeing rhino around almost every corner makes this place super special as well.”
Tinotenda Pudu, an 8-year-old boy from the Kasvisva community in northern Zimbabwe, survived 5 days living in the wild in Matusadonha Game Park after losing his way. Dubbed 'the real-life Mowgli,' Pudu wandered 23 km from home, sleeping on rocky perches, eating wild fruits, and digging small wells for water. He was ultimately found near the Hogwe River by rangers from Matusadona Africa Parks, who followed fresh footprints after an extensive search. Matusadona National Park is flanked by Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba in the north, and two perennial rivers, the Ume and the Sanyati. It was proclaimed a National Park in 1975 and was once a conservation stronghold for African elephants and black rhinos, with the highest density of lions in Africa. Zimbabwean MP Mutsa Murombedzi praised the park rangers and the Nyaminyami community for their tireless efforts in locating the boy.
African Parks has signed a landmark 10-year renewable partnership agreement with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) to manage Gambella National Park, marking a significant step towards conserving one of Africa's vital landscapes. Gambella National Park, located in western Ethiopia, is a vast, ecologically rich area within the Greater Boma-Gambella Landscape, known for its unique wetlands and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the rare Nile lechwe. The park covers approximately 450,000 hectares and plays a crucial role in preserving transboundary migrations and habitats. The partnership will begin with a 12-month transition period for assessments and community engagement to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.
This 16-Day Cultural Ethiopia Tour includes a visit to Gambella National Park. Explore the isolated regions of the Omo Valley to experience the unique lifestyles and ancient customs of traditional tribes like the Suri, Mursi, Hamer, and others. Visit bustling markets in southern Ethiopia’s remote villages, while admiring dramatic landscapes and the scenic Rift Valley lakes and rivers of Ethiopia.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, located just 150 km from Antananarivo, is Madagascar's most popular and accessible rainforest destination, offering a captivating mix of wildlife and lush scenery. The park is divided into two sections: Andasibe, known for its easy trails and home to the indri, the largest lemur whose haunting calls resonate through the forest, and Mantadia, a wilder expanse with pristine primary forests perfect for adventurous hikers and seasonal orchid blooms. Night walks reveal nocturnal creatures like chameleons and mouse lemurs, while the park's diverse lodges, such as Vakona Forest Lodge, provide close encounters with lemurs. Andasibe-Mantadia is a must-visit for its rich biodiversity and varied hiking experiences, catering to both wildlife enthusiasts and casual explorers.
This new 6-Day Chobe and Victoria Falls Safari offers excellent value with stays at two stunning riverfront camps. Begin at Jackalberry Chobe on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana for premium wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park, then move to Sian Simba River Lodge, beautifully located on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, to explore Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park. Enjoy guided game drives, boat cruises, and bush walks, while relaxing in luxurious tented camps with pools and breathtaking views over the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.
The Serengeti is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on earth. It is famous for the annual great migration, a spectacular wildlife event where wildebeest and other herbivores traverse a circular route of about 1,200 miles between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
From January to March, the herds gather in the southern Serengeti/Ndutu plains for calving, with hungry predators in their wake. Between April and June, they begin to move to the central Serengeti plains, and further north from July to October, crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River into Kenya. By November and December, the herds begin the return journey to the southern plains, completing the cycle. (The timing varies from year to year, so this is a rough guide.)
Now we can ensure that you are in the right place for the migration action. Stay in strategically located tented camps within the Serengeti/Ndutu ecosystem to ensure you have close encounters with the Great Migration throughout the year. Depending on the timing of your Tanzania safari, you will stay at one or more of the Serengeti tented camps placed at seasonal locations to ensure front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles:
The following new Tanzania Safari Tours include the Serengeti and this seasonal flexibility:
Guided by a dream: What if we could re-establish ancient elephant migration paths across the Cape? South Africa's Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative seeks to reconnect three major reserves in South Africa - Garden Route National Park, Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, and Addo Elephant National Park. The initiative has successfully had 50,000 ha of private land declared as Protected Areas, to create natural corridors to restore biodiversity, provide land links and promote sustainable livelihoods along the way. There is an Eden to Addo hiking route taking you through the region's diverse biomes while raising funds for more vital conservation corridors. The Eden to Addo hikes are ‘Slackpack’ hikes walked in ‘Safari Style’, where your main pack is transported for you, so all you carry is a small day-pack with your lunch and wet-weather gear. Hikers get to witness South Africa’s wildest and most biodiverse landscapes, home to elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, and other species. The hike cost covers all meals, maps, lectures, camping fees, experienced guides, permits, safari tents and return transfers to Plettenberg Bay or Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha Airport after the hike.
A new fish species has been found in the oceans around Madagascar. Recently, scientists reported their discovery of the Brown longnose skate (Leucoraja longirostris), distinguished by its long snout. L. longirostris is uniformly brown on its upper side, similar to many other skate species inhabiting dark, deep waters where distinct colour patterns are not essential. The Madagascar Ridge, a remote seabed area south of Madagascar, has revealed several new deep-water cartilaginous fish species. In 2016, scientists discovered Bach’s catshark (Bythaelurus bachi) and later, a similar species named Bythaelurus vivaldii. 37% of shark, skate and ray species are currently threatened with extinction. Some skates are caught in targeted fisheries but the main threat they face is becoming by-catch of fisheries targeting bony fishes.
Hippos, despite their ecological importance and significant role in tourism, have not been researched as much as Africa's other large animals. This is partly because they are dangerous to encounter - these territorial animals are responsible for about 500 human deaths annually. However, hippos face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict, and their numbers have dwindled from several hundred thousand to approximately 130,000 today. Scientists have launched the first-ever hippo database to record the locations of hippos in southern Africa and identify priorities for conservation. Initial findings highlight the vital role of transfrontier conservation areas which fall in line with hippo's natural habitats and allow them to maintain genetically healthy populations across borders, eg. Kavango Zambezi, is currently the largest of these areas, spanning 5 countries around the Zambezi River. The aim is to extend the database continent-wide to include all regions with hippo populations.
A study in Uganda has shown that wildlife tourism rangers, with their deep understanding of animal behaviour, can play a crucial role in tracking animal numbers more effectively than technological methods like infrared camera traps. The ranger-led approach was not only more cost-effective but also empowered rangers to contribute to conservation science, helping to build local capacity and improve monitoring efforts in regions where animal populations are declining. Lions, a symbol of Africa's wild places and vital to many of its cultures, have seen a decline in populations over the past 50 years, especially in parts of West and East Africa. To address this, substantial investments have been made in conservation efforts, which must be supported by accurate monitoring of lion populations. This study places rangers at the centre of this initiative
Zanzibar's Stone Town is undergoing a comprehensive multi-year renovation to refresh over 2,700 structures in its UNESCO World Heritage district, including historic merchants' houses, boutique hotels, and traditional residences. The project, in partnership with local developers, aims to balance modernisation with historical preservation by using eco-friendly paints that comply with UNESCO guidelines, preserving Stone Town's unique blend of architectural influences. This initiative enhances the district's appeal for tourism, offering more photographic opportunities while maintaining its authentic character and improving the overall visual experience for visitors. Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a historic district with a rich cultural heritage shaped by Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European influences, making it a unique blend of architectural styles. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history dates back centuries, with the district serving as a hub for trade, culture, and political influence in East Africa, particularly during the height of the Zanzibar Sultanate.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is developing an underwater museum at Ras Ngomeni in Kilifi County, focused on showcasing shipwrecks along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. This includes a 16th-century Portuguese vessel, the oldest known shipwreck in Kenya. The museum will feature both above-water artefact displays and underwater tunnels for direct access to submerged relics. It will also serve as a research centre for marine life, including fish, turtles, and dolphins that inhabit the shipwrecks. The Indian Ocean has been a vital maritime trade route for centuries, connecting the East and West and facilitating the transport of spices, ivory, textiles, and precious metals. The museum is set to become a unique tourist attraction, complementing Kenya's traditional wildlife safari offerings. Kilifi itself is a beautiful beach destination, known for its rich coastal culture, serene beaches, and opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
The Ministry of Tourism in Uganda has launched an initiative to develop Tororo Rock into a world-class tourism destination. Tororo Rock is an iconic landmark in Uganda and the second-tallest volcanic plug in Africa. It features ancestral caves and rock paintings along its slopes and breathtaking views from its summit. With an elevation of 4,189 feet (1,277 m), it is a popular hiking destination with a moderately steep yet accessible path for visitors. Local leaders are enthusiastic about the project, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate the district’s profile both within Uganda and across Africa. Tororo is located east of Uganda's capital, Entebbe, close to the border and main road to Kenya.
This 6-Day Kenya Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour combines Kenya and Uganda and passes Tororo.
Drostdy Street in Stellenbosch comes alive on Wednesdays from November to March with the return of the highly-anticipated Stellenbosch Street Soirées. These vibrant street parties offer an ideal setting for mingling, sundowners, and live music, held from 18h00 to 20h00 when dusk creates the perfect ambience. The street is closed off from traffic and adorned in festive décor, enhancing the lively atmosphere. Each Soirée features a rotating selection of wineries and food stalls offering light bites, with tasting tickets that include special premium wine options. These events provide an immersive experience in Stellenbosch's lifestyle, making them a must-visit for wine lovers and those seeking a pre-dinner social gathering.
The Cape Wine Auction is one of South Africa’s premier charity events, taking place on 1 February 2025 at the Laborie Wine Estate. Known for showcasing the country's finest wines and offering unique, exclusive items for auction, the event has raised substantial amounts for charity since its inception in 2014. The auction is a roving event, held at different wine farms each year to provide fresh and exciting experiences for guests, and is a fixture on the Cape social calendar.
The 22nd edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival will be held in February in Stone Town, Zanzibar. The festival is a celebration of African music and culture, featuring a diverse range of genres, including Traditional Taarab, Jazz, Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and more. Over its 21 editions, the festival has showcased more than 460 bands from over 60 countries, with historical Stone Town as its backdrop.
The Ncwala Ceremony is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ngoni people of Eastern Zambia. The festivities unfold over three days, beginning on 20 February with the delivery of the first fruits to King Mphezeni IV, who travels from Ephendukeni Palace to Laweni, halting at Chipata Town. On February 21, the King receives delegates at Laweni Palace, where different impis perform traditional war dances. The event culminates on 22 February at Mtenguleni Village with the Ncwala Ceremony, featuring the slaughtering of a black bull, the King's symbolic drinking of fresh blood, and vibrant Ngoni performances from Zambia, Malawi, and neighbouring countries.
The Kilimanjaro Marathon takes place in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The event includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5km fun run, attracting over 10,000 participants. Competitors gather in Moshi, near the iconic mountain, and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere, with many restaurants and pubs coming alive during the event. Proceeds benefit local charities, and the marathon offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding game parks.
An exclusive four-day wildlife filmmaking workshop is taking place in the Greater Kruger National Park from 21-25 February 2025. Aspiring filmmakers will learn wildlife cinematography using industry-standard RED equipment and be mentored by experts, including wildlife filmmaker David Eastaugh and educator William Doraruma. Participants will join a global community of filmmakers dedicated to conservation and storytelling, with local students sponsored for the event to promote access to filmmaking opportunities.
Kenya Airways will launch direct flights between Nairobi and London Gatwick Airport in July 2025, operating three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This new service complements the existing daily flights to London Heathrow, increasing Kenya Airways' weekly London flights to 10 and offering European passengers access to its extensive network across sub-Saharan Africa.
Air France will extend its seasonal Cape Town route to the end April 2025, with its 3 weekly flights between Paris and Cape Town. This extension is due to increased travel demand during the Easter period and Cape Town's autumn tourist season.
Southern African regional airline, Airlink, will add 3 weekly night flights to its Johannesburg-Nairobi service. The new night flights will begin on 30 March 2025 in 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners. This new service complements Airlink's existing daily flights between South Africa and Kenya, providing convenient connections through Johannesburg to domestic, regional, and long-haul destinations.
Air Botswana launched its Durban-Gaborone route on 1 December 2024. The service will operate 3 times weekly as part of the Gaborone-Windhoek-Durban route. This launch is part of the airline's recent network expansion, which includes new routes from Botswana's popular centres of Kasane and Maun, to Cape Town and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa, and Windhoek, Namibia.
Private Tanzania airline, Auric Air, is adding a Saturday flight to its popular Serengeti - Ruaha route, complementing the existing Monday and Thursday service between these two reserves. The new departure times from Serengeti and Ruaha offer greater flexibility for safari travellers, enhancing convenience and seamless connections between the Serengeti National Park and Ruaha National Park.
Airlink has resumed its seasonal direct flights between Cape Town and the remote St Helena Island, lying in the middle of the South Atlantic and once only accessible by sea. These flights complement the existing Johannesburg-St Helena route, which operates during the summer season. The 6-hour journey includes a brief refuelling stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia. For this season, the flights will operate until the end of March 2025.
We wish you a year filled with incredible journeys and unforgettable adventures. May 2025 bring you many opportunities to explore new destinations, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you dream of witnessing the majestic wildlife of Africa, wandering through ancient cities, or relaxing on pristine beaches, we are here to make your dream African trip a reality.
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