A growing travel trend for 2025 is the shift toward exploring emerging destinations, offering an escape from the crowds of over-touristed hotspots. Shaun Stanley, the founder of Stanley Safaris, a Cape Town-based luxury tour operator renowned for crafting bespoke journeys, highlights South Luangwa in Zambia, Laikipia in Northern Kenya, and the Winelands in South Africa as exceptional, off-the-beaten-path destinations for those planning a trip to Africa this year:
South Luangwa in Zambia: Visit Untouched Wilderness & New Camps
Zambia, once a more challenging sell, is rapidly gaining popularity as travelers seek out more authentic, untouched camps and experiences. Zambia is home to numerous authentic camps, and with new properties like the Chichele Presidential Lodge opening in 2025 in South Luangwa, it offers an elevated level of luxury amidst the African wilderness. A visit to South Luangwa National Park, which is still largely unaffected by humans, allows travelers to experience Zambia’s undisturbed valleys, waterways, plains, and wildlife.
Laikipia in Northern Kenya: Experience Unique Conservation Initiatives
While the Maasai Mara remains a popular choice during a trip to Kenya, many travelers are now looking for more secluded alternatives to visit across the country due to concerns about overcrowding. The lesser-known Laikipia region in northern Kenya offers a far more exclusive and underrated safari experience. Here, visitors can fully appreciate the slowness of nature, enjoy exceptional game viewing, and witness incredible conservation efforts at properties such as Ol Lentille and Lengishu House. Laikipia also offers a more diverse range of activities like camel safaris and fly-camping under the stars.
The Winelands in South Africa: Explore Safari Alternatives
Located just an hour outside of Cape Town, the Winelands region of South Africa offers a safari alternative that is still full of adventure and authentic experiences. The Winelands encapsulate a more rural scenery sprawled across vast wineries and away from the busy city. From guided tastings to world-class dining, bike tours around vineyards, visits to sculpture gardens, art museums, and more, there are plenty of experiences for travelers with varying interests to enjoy. There are also a number of chic hotels in the area such as La Clé in Franschhoek, located on a nearly 300-year street and spread over two farms, and the Brookdale Estate in Paarl that travelers won’t want to miss.
