Safari Trends From Acacia Africa: What’s Driving African Travel in 2025

With the main safari season almost upon us, Acacia Africa is releasing four key trends. The tour operator claims safaris are being reshaped by a new mindset, with travellers wanting more than iconic sightings—they are looking for journeys with substance. Whether it’s the rise of solo female adventurers or families prioritising purpose-led encounters, one thing is clear: African travel is becoming less about escape and more about engagement—with the continent, its people, and the animal kingdom.

Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager, Acacia Africa, comments, “Travellers today are looking for depth, variety, and meaning—they’re not just ticking off the wildlife; they’re collecting experiences. Africa, with its sheer scale and diversity, is answering that call in ways no other destination can.”

Multi-country journeys are on the rise, with travellers satisfying their oversized bucket lists in a single holiday. Longer excursions into the wilderness lasting several weeks, Acacia Africa’s adventure tours and small group safaris provide opportunities to explore multiple countries in depth, all without the hassle of logistics. According to Acacia Africa, revenge travel has largely evolved rather than disappeared, with more ambitious escapes being planned and the focus on experiences rather than escapism. Covering eight countries, key stops on the 58-day Gorillas to Cape Town include the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Etosha, and Chobe national parks. Travellers trek gorillas in Uganda, unwind on beaches from Zanzibar to Chitimba, explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro, and enjoy desert adventures in Namibia, with the experience-rich Adventure Camping tour ending in Cape Town.

South Africa remains a firm favourite with families, but Zimbabwe is increasingly stepping into the spotlight when it comes to those with teens in tow. The country’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo National Park stands out for its fascinating blend of wildlife, conservation, and culture—sustainable travel of increasing importance to the younger generation. Guided walks offer a more heightened sensory experience and packed with real-life teaching moments, children have the opportunity to engage with rangers from the Matobo Rhino Trust and learn about rhino protection firsthand. An outdoor classroom, ancient rock art and sacred sites open up further conversations about Africa’s past and early civilisations.

Delport, comments: “Families are increasingly seeking experiences that matter. They want their presence to have purpose—and Zimbabwe delivers with raw beauty, rich culture, and sustainable impact from supporting grassroots conservation efforts. It’s a destination that turns travel into a meaningful encounter—one that informs, inspires, and connects across generations.”

The 7-day Kruger and Matobo Rhino Encounter (Accommodated Small Group Safari)  wildlife viewing in South Africa’s iconic Kruger with Zimbabwe’s lesser-known Matobo National Park. From 8 years.

An increasing number of Acacia Africa’s bookings are from women travelling alone—a movement the tour operator has championed through its #WomenGoSolo initiative. Growing in popularity, the 2024 Solo Traveler Reader Survey backs up the trend, 90% of respondents (83% of whom were female) indicating that they prefer to join tours some or all of the time. Offering a thrilling cocktail of wildlife viewing, camaraderie, and space to venture solo, Acacia’s tours are the perfect mix for women who want to combine their love of travel in a group setting. For example, running from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, the 13-day Kenya & Tanzania Adventure balances structure with freedom. An adventure camping tour that is ideal for first-time visitors who want to kick back and experience a seamless journey across East Africa, highlights include game drives in the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; cultural encounters with the Maasai; and downtime on Zanzibar’s beaches.

Acacia Africa’s 34-day Zanzibar to Cape Town Adventure Camping tour embraces the rising demand for multi-ventures, with travellers increasingly seeking out tours packed with a wealth of contrasting pursuits. Showcasing six African countries, the itinerary shifts gear with compelling regularity— featuring opportunities to swim with dolphins along Zanzibar’s coast, hike above the cascading waterfalls of the Lake Malawi escarpment, explore the historic streets of Stone Town and fat bike across Namibia’s stunning red sands. Etosha and Chobe deliver classic big game viewing, while the Victoria Falls ups the adrenaline with white-water rafting and bungy jumping on offer.

Year-round scheduled departures. Acacia Africa’s Small Group Adventure Camping and Small Group Adventure Accommodated Tours are aimed at travellers aged 18+. Small Group Safaris from 8 years. Acacia offers pre- and post-accommodation and a wide selection of city breaks and short stays. Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700 Whatsapp; acacia-africa.com).

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