The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

1731504436_87341952e9724585534f.jpg

Singita Pamushana

Written by Lesley Lamont

November 13th, 2024

Safari Awards 2024 Winners Overview
Welcome to the Safari Awards 2024 Winners Overview. In this blog, we highlight the standout winners of the prestigious Safari Awards, celebrating their unique contributions to the safari industry.

Each award winner represents excellence in various categories, embodying the spirit of African wilderness adventures

Winners Overview


Rwanda Tourism Development Board
Award Category: Best African Tourism Board, 2024 
Overview: Managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Tourism Development Board, through its "Visit Rwanda" platform, showcases Rwanda as a premier travel destination. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to sustainability, Visit Rwanda offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s rich biodiversity—from the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park to the Big Five safari experience in Akagera. As a recognized leader in tourism, Rwanda stands out for promoting responsible tourism that uplifts local communities while preserving cultural and natural heritage. 
Visit Website




Serian’s Serengeti Mobile
Award Category: Best Mobile Safari, 2024 
Overview: Part of Alex Walker’s Serian collection, Serian’s Serengeti Mobile delivers a truly immersive safari experience. The mobile camp, moving with the seasons, allows guests to follow the Serengeti's great migration, capturing the raw beauty and dynamism of Africa. With exclusive and flexible safari options, including walking safaris and fly camping under the stars, it’s a prime choice for adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts alike. 
Visit Website



Sirikoi Lodge
Award Category: Best Family Safari Experience, 2024 
Overview: Nestled within Kenya's renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi Lodge is a family-owned sanctuary that combines luxury with the thrill of safari adventure. With accommodations ranging from luxury tents to exclusive family cottages, Sirikoi provides tailored experiences for all ages, including game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits. Known for its commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, Sirikoi Lodge offers families an unforgettable African experience in a peaceful, wildlife-rich setting. 
Visit Website



Cottar's Safaris
Award Category: Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property, 2024 
Overview: Cottar's Safaris, a fifth-generation family-run business, offers over a century of expertise in creating authentic safari adventures while prioritizing ecological responsibility. Situated in Kenya's exclusive Olderkesi Conservancy, Cottar’s combines the charm of 1920s safari style with modern sustainability practices. Their properties include the iconic Cottar's 1920s Camp and the luxurious Cottar's Bush Villa, both set against the stunning backdrop of the Maasai Mara. Dedicated to the 4Cs—Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce—they offer an unmatched experience that supports wildlife protection and community empowerment. 
Visit Website



Singita Pamushana Lodge
Award Category: Best Community Focused Award, 2024 & Best Safari Spa/Retreat
Overview: Singita Pamushana Lodge, nestled on a sandstone ridge in Zimbabwe's remote Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, combines luxury with a deep commitment to community empowerment and conservation. Part of the esteemed Singita collection, the lodge reflects the region's cultural heritage with tribal-inspired decor and architectural details. Guests enjoy exclusive wildlife experiences, from game drives to sundowner cruises, while supporting the lodge’s community-focused initiatives through the Malilangwe Trust. Singita Pamushana Lodge stands as a model of sustainable tourism, providing economic and cultural benefits to local communities and preserving Zimbabwe’s stunning wilderness. 
Visit Website



Jamala Madikwe
Award Category: Best Safari Cuisine, 2024 
Overview: Jamala Madikwe, nestled in South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve, combines the elegance of colonial-inspired decor with the adventure of the African wilderness. This boutique lodge, known for personalized service, offers guests a luxurious escape featuring stunning private villas, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional wildlife experiences. With award-winning chefs Nico Verster and Jacques Sansom crafting exquisite dishes, Jamala Madikwe brings the culinary excellence of the city to the heart of the bush, winning the 2024 award for Best Safari Cuisine. Guests can enjoy "sofa safaris" overlooking a private waterhole or venture out on guided game drives, all while supporting local conservation efforts. 
Visit Website



Notten's Bush Camp
Award Category: Best Value Award, 2024
Overview: Notten's Bush Camp, one of South Africa's original game lodges, captures the essence of an authentic safari experience in the Sabi Sand Reserve, which adjoins the renowned Greater Kruger National Park. Family-owned and cherished, this lodge provides an enchanting atmosphere with candlelit evenings and lantern-lit pathways. The rustic charm is balanced by modern comforts, making it an affordable yet premium destination. Guests enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, from Big Five game drives and walking safaris to cultural interactions with the Shangaan community. Winning the 2024 Best Value Award, Notten's Bush Camp is celebrated for offering an exceptional blend of quality, affordability, and unforgettable safari experiences. 
Visit Website



Mara Elephant Project
Award Category: Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation, 2024 
Overview: The Mara Elephant Project (MEP) is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to protecting elephants and preserving biodiversity in Kenya’s Greater Mara Ecosystem. Focused on maintaining a stable and healthy elephant population, MEP employs a multi-faceted conservation strategy, combining anti-poaching patrols, advanced tracking technology, and close collaboration with local communities to foster coexistence. Their work, rooted in the traits of the elephants they protect—intelligence, resilience, and community—ensures a future where wildlife and people thrive together. Honored with the 2024 Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation award, MEP is celebrated for its transformative impact on biodiversity and the preservation of Africa’s iconic species. 
Visit Website



andBeyond
Award Category: Best Marine Safari Experience, 2024 
Overview: andBeyond is a luxury travel company known for crafting unforgettable journeys across Africa, Asia, and South America. With over 30 years of experience, their mission is to leave the world a better place by promoting sustainable travel that immerses guests in nature’s beauty while contributing to conservation. Their prime properties, from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater to Chile’s Vira Vira, are strategically located for exceptional wildlife and cultural experiences. Honored with the 2024 Best Marine Safari Experience award, andBeyond offers extraordinary marine safaris that bring travelers close to dolphins, whales, sharks, and seals, blending luxury with a deep commitment to preserving marine life and supporting local communities. 
Visit Website



Tanda Tula
Award Category: Best New Safari Property, 2024 
Overview: Located in South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula is an intimate safari camp collection that embodies luxury, authenticity, and adventure. Known for its serene atmosphere and commitment to blending harmoniously with the African wilderness, Tanda Tula offers guests an immersive safari experience. Their camps, such as the hybrid canvas-and-glass Safari Camp with private plunge pools, the seasonal Field Camp for adventurous groups, and the luxurious Rishilé Camp, provide a range of unique accommodations. Recognized in 2024 as the Best New Safari Property, Tanda Tula is committed to sustainable tourism, creating meaningful connections with nature while supporting local communities and conservation. 
Visit Website



Ride Botswana
Award Category: Best Riding Safari, 2024
Overview: Ride Botswana provides an extraordinary horseback safari experience, guiding guests through the diverse landscapes of Botswana. With over 38 years of guiding expertise, founders David and Robyn Foot lead safaris across the Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert, and along the scenic Thamalakane River. These safaris offer riders an immersive way to experience Botswana’s wildlife and stunning ecosystems. Whether riding through the lush waterways of the Delta or the open beauty of the Kalahari, Ride Botswana blends adventure with responsible tourism, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation. Named Best Riding Safari in 2024, Ride Botswana stands out for its commitment to authentic, eco-friendly experiences. 
Visit Website



Camp Mana
Award Category: Best Walking Safari Experience, 2024 
Overview: Camp Mana is an intimate tented safari camp located along the Zambezi River within Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its simple elegance and commitment to sustainability, Camp Mana offers guests an authentic and immersive safari experience. With 8-foot walk-in Meru-style tents, en-suite amenities, and stunning river views, guests enjoy both comfort and privacy. Camp Mana's offerings include expertly guided walking safaris, game drives, canoeing adventures, and exceptional bird-watching opportunities. Recognized in 2024 for providing the Best Walking Safari Experience, Camp Mana allows visitors to experience the wilderness up close, ensuring a deep connection with the natural environment and a commitment to conservation and community support. 
Visit Website



Greystoke Mahale
Award Category: Best Location, 2024 
Overview: Greystoke Mahale, a luxurious safari camp nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika within Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park, offers an exclusive and serene retreat in one of the world’s most remote and pristine locations. The camp is renowned for its chimpanzee tracking experiences, guided treks, and immersive connection with nature. Guests stay in six luxurious bandas crafted from reclaimed dhow wood and thatch, with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. With activities ranging from forest walks and lake adventures to cultural visits, Greystoke Mahale’s commitment to conservation and responsible tourism ensures that every visit supports local communities while protecting the environment. In 2024, Greystoke Mahale was awarded the Best Location for its unmatched beauty and the unique safari experience it provides. 
Visit Website



Tongabezi Lodge
Award Category: Most Romantic in Africa, 2024 
Overview: Tongabezi Lodge, located just 12 kilometers upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls, is a romantic hideaway along the Zambezi River in Zambia. This award-winning eco-lodge offers a serene and intimate atmosphere, with personalized service and luxurious accommodations, including River Cottages and Houses, each offering privacy and stunning river views. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, river activities, and visits to local villages, while supporting community engagement and sustainability initiatives. Tongabezi Lodge’s blend of romance, adventure, and environmental commitment earned it the title of Most Romantic in Africa in 2024. 
Visit Website



Jack's Camp
Award Category: Best Safari Guiding Team, 2024 
Overview: Jack's Camp, located in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, is an iconic safari camp renowned for its 1940s campaign style, luxury accommodations, and unparalleled desert adventures. Part of the Natural Selection portfolio, Jack’s Camp offers guests spacious, elegantly designed tents with private plunge pools and expansive desert views. Unique features include a Natural History Museum, antique pool table, and Persian tea tent. Guests can enjoy diverse activities such as quad biking, meerkat visits, and witnessing Africa’s second-largest zebra migration. With a guiding team recognized for excellence in 2024, Jack’s Camp ensures unforgettable, educational safari experiences. 
Visit Website



Singita Serengeti House
Award Category: Best Safari House, 2024 
Overview: Perched on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in Tanzania's Grumeti Reserve, Singita Serengeti House is an exclusive-use retreat that combines luxurious comfort with remarkable privacy. Designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the Serengeti, this award-winning safari house offers four elegant suites with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private terraces. Guests can unwind by the 25-meter rim-flow pool, dine on expansive outdoor decks, and enjoy tailored activities. The retreat's panoramic views of the Serengeti plains and a nearby wildlife-frequented waterhole make for a truly immersive experience. 
Visit Website




Experience the Ultimate Safari at Singita Pamushana

As mentioned before, Singita Pamushana is an extraordinary safari lodge nestled within Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. This luxurious lodge offers an unparalleled connection to the African wilderness, blending conservation efforts with remarkable guest experiences.

Main Award Won in 2024: Best Safari Experience in Africa
The Best Safari Experience in Africa award is the most prestigious recognition for safari accommodations, celebrating properties that deliver exceptional wildlife encounters, luxurious comfort, and unforgettable guest experiences. This award distinguishes safari lodges that provide outstanding service, immersive activities, and a deep connection to the African landscape, ensuring that guests enjoy a transformative stay.


In Closing

The 2024 Safari Awards winners exemplify the best of African safari experiences, each one bringing something unique to the world of adventure and conservation.

We hope this overview has inspired you to explore these exceptional destinations.

Stay tuned for more in-depth articles on each of these award-winning safari camps, lodges, and conservation efforts in upcoming blog posts, and don’t miss out on discovering more about what makes these destinations truly special.

And remember, voting for the 2025 awards season is open, cast your vote and help shape the future of safari excellence, here

You may also be interested in

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.

23-04-2025 @ 11:10am

Imagine the roar of a lion echoing through the dawn or the electric thrill of spotting a leopard lounging in a tree—Africa’s safaris are a bucket-list adventure for a reason.

19-03-2025 @ 12:23pm

Planning a safari is a dream for many, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Africa, witness breathtaking wildlife, and experience the magic of nature in its rawest form.

07-02-2025 @ 9:06am

The Safari Awards have long stood as a beacon of excellence in the safari industry, celebrating the very best in wildlife tourism and conservation. As the countdown to the 2025 event begins, anticipation is building across the globe.

16-01-2025 @ 2:01pm

PARTNERS