How We Spent Our Family Vacation is a new column that unpacks a single trip down to the cost, from the point of view of families who love to travel.
26.01.2025 - 12:31 / cntraveler.com
Africa, cradle of humankind, is home to a quarter of all mammal species and the world’s largest surviving populations of terrestrial megafauna. For many, the chance to experience an African safari is simply an unforgettable vacation—empty-nesters looking to feel like honeymooners; solo travelers on a mental detox; families making intergenerational memories. But for others, entering the continent’s primal wilderness sparks spiritual connection, a preternatural sense of coming home. As Dereck Joubert, wildlife documentary maker and co-founder of Great Plains Conservation, puts it: “These species have evolved with us for thousands of years. When you look into the eyes of an elephant, there is a tangible sense of commonality. This connection, this recognition of a shared sense of ancient wisdom, is without equal.” No matter which camp you fall into, these are the most exciting new safari openings to know in the continent’s best game-viewing regions.
Read our list of the Best Places to Go in Africa in 2025 here.
Suites at Chichele are designed to offer sweeping views from both bedroom and bathroom.
South Luangwa is leopard central, but it's also a birder's paradise.
Date: Opening April 2025
Rate: From $1,400/night per person sharing. Includes all meals, beverages, daily activities, airstrip transfers, laundry. (A special opening offer from April-May 2025 offers $660/night per person.)
Best for: Luxury lodging and leopards in southern Africa’s best unsung park
On a site on Chichele Hill chosen by the late Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda for his private bush retreat, this new lodge enjoys one of the best locations in one of southern Africa’s loveliest parks. With enormous suites that are cleverly positioned to offer angled views from both bedroom and bathroom, you're guaranteed those sweeping views. Aside from making the most of the location, Zambian owners Grant and Lynsey Cumings mandated the designers to create the most luxurious lodge in Zambia (hitherto better known for low-key tented camps), and set to achieve this in spades, with a spa, gym, infinity lap pool, and more. South Luangwa is not a Big Five destination (no rhino) but game viewing is one of the best in Africa. In fact, it's dubbed Valley of the Leopards thanks to the virtually guaranteed sightings of the typically elusive cat, with plentiful lions and cheetahs, too, if you're lucky. With over 400 recorded species South Luangwa is also a birder’s paradise, but it’s really the sense of untouched wilderness that makes this such a special safari destination. (Worth noting also that the Cumings plan to open new Lolelunge Private Reserve towards the end of 2025, an excellent stepping stone into Zambia’s vast Kafue National Park.)
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How We Spent Our Family Vacation is a new column that unpacks a single trip down to the cost, from the point of view of families who love to travel.
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