Africa, the cradle of humankind, beckons travelers with its primal wilderness, awe-inspiring wildlife, and transformative safari experiences. From luxury seekers to intrepid explorers, 2025 brings an array of groundbreaking new camps across the continent’s most iconic destinations. Here’s your guide to the most exciting new safari camps of 2025, crafted for unforgettable encounters and unparalleled comfort.
1. Chichele Presidential Lodge — South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Perched on Chichele Hill, this lodge redefines Zambian luxury with sweeping views of South Luangwa’s leopard-rich terrain. Suites blend opulence and wilderness, featuring angled vistas, a spa, and an infinity pool. While rhinos are absent, the park’s dense leopard population and 400+ bird species make it a wildlife photographer’s dream.
2. Singita Milele & Kilima — Greater Serengeti, Tanzania
Singita’s new private retreats in the Grumeti region offer exclusivity with five-bedroom villas, infinity pools, and cinematic Serengeti vistas. Milele (opened June 2025) and Kilima (launched late 2024) cater to elite travelers seeking bespoke game drives and gourmet dining. A perfect pairing with Singita’s future Okavango Delta debut in 2026.
3. Mbamba Camp — Okavango Delta, Botswana
Natural Selection’s Mbamba Camp, set in a 220,000-acre wilderness, channels Ralph Bousfield’s “African Raj” aesthetic with vibrant tents and vintage furnishings. Explore the Delta’s waterways for lion, elephant, and rare sitatunga antelope. Opens April 2025—ideal for peak wildlife sightings.
4. andBeyond Suyian — Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
Rising like granite boulders, Suyian blends into Kenya’s biodiverse Laikipia Plateau. Fourteen suites mimic wild dog pelts, while a wellness center and private guides highlight rare species like melanistic leopards. Pair with Masai Mara for a complete Kenyan safari.
5. Mpala Jena Private Villas — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Great Plains Conservation’s villas near Victoria Falls combine Alberobello-inspired architecture with Zambezi River views. Enjoy private boat cruises, lion-rich game drives, and sunset cocktails by the Falls. Opens June 2025, alongside their revamped Shompole Camp near Lake Natron.
6. Asilia Kokoko Camp — Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ruaha’s star-gazing tents offer raw luxury in Tanzania’s wild heart. With private guides and retractable roofs, this three-tent camp immerses guests in lion-filled landscapes and baobab-dotted plains. A sustainable gem for intimate, off-grid adventures.
7. Masiya’s Camp — Greater Kruger, South Africa
Royal Portfolio’s Masiya’s Camp reimagines glamping with glass-walled suites, heated pools, and Master Tracker-led safaris. Though Kruger lacks Serengeti’s vistas, its dense Big Five populations guarantee thrilling encounters.
8. Sarara Wilderness — Samburu, Kenya
This mobile camp in Namunyak Conservancy offers six Meru-style tents, Samburu-guided walks, and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary visits. Community-driven and remote, it’s ideal for cultural immersion and rare desert species.
9. Gorilla Forest Lodge — Bwindi, Uganda
A&K Sanctuary’s revamped lodge sits steps from Bwindi’s gorilla trails. Ten zen-like suites, spa treatments, and fireplaces cater to post-trek relaxation. A pioneer in gorilla conservation since 1986, it’s a bucket-list staple.
FAQ: Best New Safari Camps of 2025 in Africa
What are the best new safari camps opening in Africa in 2025?
A1: The top new camps include:
Chichele Presidential Lodge (Zambia) for luxury and leopard sightings.
Singita Milele & Kilima (Tanzania) for private Serengeti villas.
Mbamba Camp (Botswana) for Okavango Delta adventures.
andBeyond Suyian (Kenya) for Laikipia’s rare wildlife.
Mpala Jena Private Villas (Zimbabwe) near Victoria Falls.
Asilia Kokoko Camp (Tanzania) for raw Ruaha wilderness.
Masiya’s Camp (South Africa) for Kruger’s Big Five.
Sarara Wilderness (Kenya) for Samburu cultural immersion.
Gorilla Forest Lodge (Uganda) for mountain gorilla trekking.
Which new safari camps offer luxury experiences?
A2: Luxury highlights include:
Singita Milele & Kilima (Tanzania) with infinity pools, private chefs, and Serengeti views.
Chichele Presidential Lodge (Zambia) featuring a spa, gym, and suites with panoramic vistas.
Masiya’s Camp (South Africa) offering glass-walled suites, heated plunge pools, and Master Tracker-guided safaris.
Are any of these camps family-friendly?
Yes! andBeyond Suyian (Kenya) and Mpala Jena Private Villas (Zimbabwe) cater to families with spacious suites, interactive kitchens, and kid-friendly activities like boat cruises and guided nature walks.
What makes these camps unique compared to existing safari lodges?
Standout features include:
Sarara Wilderness (Kenya): A mobile camp with Samburu guides and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary visits.
Gorilla Forest Lodge (Uganda): The only luxury lodge inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, steps from gorilla trails.
Asilia Kokoko Camp (Tanzania): Retractable-roof tents for stargazing in lion-rich Ruaha.
How much does a stay at these new camps cost?
Prices vary:
Mid-range: Asilia Kokoko Camp (~800
–800–1,200 per night).
Luxury: Singita Milele & Kilima (~$2,500+ per night).
Exclusive-use: Mpala Jena Villas (from ~$6,000 per night for full villa rental).
When should I book for a 2025 safari?
Book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (June–October) or iconic experiences like gorilla trekking at Gorilla Forest Lodge.
Which camps focus on sustainability?
Asilia Kokoko Camp (Tanzania) and Sarara Wilderness (Kenya) prioritize eco-friendly practices, community partnerships, and wildlife conservation.
What wildlife can I expect at these camps?
Highlights include:
Leopards: South Luangwa’s “Valley of Leopards” (Chichele Presidential Lodge).
Gorillas: Bwindi’s mountain gorillas (Gorilla Forest Lodge).
Wild Dogs & Melanistic Leopards: Laikipia Plateau (andBeyond Suyian).
Are these camps accessible for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Asilia Kokoko Camp and Mbamba Camp offer intimate settings ideal for solo adventurers, with private guides and tailored itineraries.
What’s the best time to visit these new safari camps?
Dry season (June–October): Optimal for Botswana’s Okavango (Mbamba) and Zimbabwe’s Zambezi (Mpala Jena).
Green season (November–March): Lush landscapes in Tanzania (Singita Milele) and Zambia (Chichele).
Do any camps offer cultural experiences?
Sarara Wilderness (Kenya) includes Samburu village visits, while andBeyond Suyian integrates Maasai-guided walks and conservation storytelling.
Plan Your 2025 Safari Adventure
From Botswana’s Okavango to Uganda’s misty forests, these best new safari camps of 2025 promise unmatched luxury and wildlife thrills. Whether tracking leopards in Zambia or gorillas in Bwindi, an Africa safari in 2025 offers life-changing moments in nature’s grandest theaters. Start crafting your journey today—adventure awaits!
