Africa’s Finest Revealed: The 2025 Safari Awards Shortlist is Out!
A Moment We’ve All Been Waiting For
The wait is over — the 2025 Safari Awards shortlist has officially been announced, and it's nothing short of extraordinary. Across Africa, whispers have turned into roars as safari camps, lodges, and conservation champions learn they’ve made the cut in one of the industry's most respected recognitions.
From the sun-drenched plains of the Serengeti to the remote corners of Botswana’s wilderness, this year’s shortlist shines a light on the very best safari experiences on the continent. These are the places where game drives become poetry, where campfire stories linger in the air, and where guests leave transformed — not just by the wildlife, but by the people and purpose behind each camp.
More than just a badge of luxury, The Safari Awards celebrate authenticity, guiding excellence, conservation efforts, community involvement, and unforgettable guest experiences. And with the travel world turning its gaze once again toward Africa, the timing couldn’t be better.
The Safari Awards aren’t your average industry pat on the back. They’re a deep, heartfelt recognition of the people and places that pour their soul into every guest experience — and every conservation effort behind the scenes.
Nominations come from those who know safaris best: passionate travellers, specialist tour operators, and safari insiders who’ve spent time in the bush, shared stories with local guides, and seen firsthand what sets a great safari apart from a good one. Every shortlisted property has earned its place through genuine impact — not just polished brochures or flashy websites.
The categories are just as thoughtful. From “Best Safari Guiding Team” and “Best Value Safari Property” to “Most Romantic Safari Property” the awards spotlight excellence in every corner of the safari world — whether it’s a luxury tented camp in Kenya, a family-run lodge in Namibia, or a conservation-driven haven in Zambia.
This shortlist is a celebration of experience, integrity, and the kind of magic that can only happen out in the wild.
Every year, the shortlist feels like a love letter to Africa — and 2025 is no different. This year’s selection takes us on a sweeping journey across the continent, spotlighting a rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife experiences that define the soul of safari.
In Southern Africa, Botswana continues to lead with its untouched wilderness and exclusive camps that blend luxury with low-impact tourism. Zimbabwe surprises with a few under-the-radar gems making their debut — proof that word is getting out about the country’s raw, wild beauty and incredible guiding talent.
East Africa once again impresses, with iconic names from Kenya and Tanzania securing their place alongside bold newcomers. From the drama of the Great Migration to intimate moments in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the East offers experiences that stir the spirit and stay with you forever.
Then there are the hidden gems — camps in Zambia, Namibia, and even lesser-known regions like Malawi and Gabon. These properties might not have the name recognition yet, but their stories, sustainability efforts, and guest feedback have earned them a place on this prestigious list.
This year’s shortlist isn’t just about who’s best — it’s about what matters most: authentic connection, deep respect for nature, and unforgettable storytelling under African skies.
Each category tells a different story — and together, they offer a window into the soul of modern safari travel.
The final results will be unveiled in the coming months, following a detailed review process that blends public voting with expert insight from seasoned safari professionals. It’s a mix of passion, experience, and integrity — ensuring the winners truly reflect excellence across every category.
Maybe it’s a remote riverside tented camp you’ve never heard of, now firmly on your travel radar. Or a familiar name that keeps popping up, reminding you why it’s time to finally book that dream safari. Whatever the case, this year’s contenders offer more than a stamp of excellence — they offer a glimpse into what’s possible when passion meets place.
Want to get to know the shortlisted properties even better?
Join us for the Meet the 2025 Shortlist digital event on April 30th, where you can connect with the teams behind the experiences and hear their stories firsthand.
So go ahead: explore the list, read the stories, and start planning your next adventure. Whether you're chasing the Big Five or simply longing for a sunrise over the savanna, one of these incredible places is ready to welcome you.
Africa is waiting. And the wild is calling.
From the sun-drenched plains of the Serengeti to the remote corners of Botswana’s wilderness, this year’s shortlist shines a light on the very best safari experiences on the continent. These are the places where game drives become poetry, where campfire stories linger in the air, and where guests leave transformed — not just by the wildlife, but by the people and purpose behind each camp.
More than just a badge of luxury, The Safari Awards celebrate authenticity, guiding excellence, conservation efforts, community involvement, and unforgettable guest experiences. And with the travel world turning its gaze once again toward Africa, the timing couldn’t be better.
Recognising the Best of the Best
The Safari Awards aren’t your average industry pat on the back. They’re a deep, heartfelt recognition of the people and places that pour their soul into every guest experience — and every conservation effort behind the scenes.Nominations come from those who know safaris best: passionate travellers, specialist tour operators, and safari insiders who’ve spent time in the bush, shared stories with local guides, and seen firsthand what sets a great safari apart from a good one. Every shortlisted property has earned its place through genuine impact — not just polished brochures or flashy websites.
The categories are just as thoughtful. From “Best Safari Guiding Team” and “Best Value Safari Property” to “Most Romantic Safari Property” the awards spotlight excellence in every corner of the safari world — whether it’s a luxury tented camp in Kenya, a family-run lodge in Namibia, or a conservation-driven haven in Zambia.
This shortlist is a celebration of experience, integrity, and the kind of magic that can only happen out in the wild.
This Year’s Shortlist: A Celebration of Africa
Every year, the shortlist feels like a love letter to Africa — and 2025 is no different. This year’s selection takes us on a sweeping journey across the continent, spotlighting a rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife experiences that define the soul of safari.In Southern Africa, Botswana continues to lead with its untouched wilderness and exclusive camps that blend luxury with low-impact tourism. Zimbabwe surprises with a few under-the-radar gems making their debut — proof that word is getting out about the country’s raw, wild beauty and incredible guiding talent.
East Africa once again impresses, with iconic names from Kenya and Tanzania securing their place alongside bold newcomers. From the drama of the Great Migration to intimate moments in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the East offers experiences that stir the spirit and stay with you forever.
Then there are the hidden gems — camps in Zambia, Namibia, and even lesser-known regions like Malawi and Gabon. These properties might not have the name recognition yet, but their stories, sustainability efforts, and guest feedback have earned them a place on this prestigious list.
This year’s shortlist isn’t just about who’s best — it’s about what matters most: authentic connection, deep respect for nature, and unforgettable storytelling under African skies.
Category Spotlights
The Safari Awards go far beyond singling out the fanciest tent or the biggest wine cellar. Each category is carefully crafted to celebrate what truly defines an unforgettable safari. Let’s take a closer look at a few of this year’s most exciting categories — and the stories behind the names on the shortlist.Best Safari Guiding Team
This one’s always a favourite. Guides are the heartbeat of every safari, and the teams shortlisted this year have redefined what it means to connect guests with the wild. Whether it’s tracking elusive leopards in South Luangwa or teaching children to identify bird calls in the Okavango, these guides aren’t just experts — they’re storytellers, protectors, and lifelong memory-makers.Best Value Safari Property
Luxury doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. This category highlights lodges that deliver outstanding experiences without compromising on quality, comfort, or conservation. These are the places where you walk away thinking, “How was that not double the price?” Expect to see family-owned bush camps, lesser-known reserves, and lodges that offer rich, immersive safaris for every type of traveller.Best Family Safari Experience
Not every lodge can balance wild adventure with kid-friendly comfort, but those that do create lifelong family memories. This year’s nominees go above and beyond — from junior ranger programs and child-minding services to private family villas and kid-safe bush walks.Most Romantic Safari Property
Think outdoor bubble baths under the stars, private candlelit dinners in the bush, and sunrises that feel like they were made just for two. The properties in this category know how to turn a safari into a love story.Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation
This one honours the places that don’t just protect wildlife — they live and breathe conservation. Whether it’s anti-poaching efforts, wildlife rehabilitation, or rewilding once-forgotten land, these nominees show that sustainability and safari go hand in hand.Each category tells a different story — and together, they offer a window into the soul of modern safari travel.
What Happens Next?
Now that the shortlist has been revealed, all eyes turn to the next chapter: the announcement of the finalists, hotlist and then winners.The final results will be unveiled in the coming months, following a detailed review process that blends public voting with expert insight from seasoned safari professionals. It’s a mix of passion, experience, and integrity — ensuring the winners truly reflect excellence across every category.
Until Then…
While we await the announcement of the winners, the 2025 shortlist is already doing what it does best — sparking wanderlust.Maybe it’s a remote riverside tented camp you’ve never heard of, now firmly on your travel radar. Or a familiar name that keeps popping up, reminding you why it’s time to finally book that dream safari. Whatever the case, this year’s contenders offer more than a stamp of excellence — they offer a glimpse into what’s possible when passion meets place.
Want to get to know the shortlisted properties even better?
Join us for the Meet the 2025 Shortlist digital event on April 30th, where you can connect with the teams behind the experiences and hear their stories firsthand.
So go ahead: explore the list, read the stories, and start planning your next adventure. Whether you're chasing the Big Five or simply longing for a sunrise over the savanna, one of these incredible places is ready to welcome you.
Africa is waiting. And the wild is calling.
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