IMM North America 2026

1. Explore Our Work

Go2Africa is thrilled to share a first look at some of the most anticipated safari lodge openings across the continent in 2026, offering a glimpse into why these destinations are set to be among the most sought-after destinations of the year.

From rare new additions across the Mara and Uganda to breathtaking crater-rim lodges in Tanzania and barefoot luxury on the edge of Kenya's Great Rift escarpment, these exceptional properties reflect a growing demand for travel that is both luxurious and deeply connected to place. Representing far more than new places to stay, each property signals a shift toward more connected, sustainable, and enriching safari experiences. 

Highlights include:

Erebero Hills, Uganda (Asilia Africa): Opening early 2026

Evocatively named for “a place where you can see far”, Erebero is set to provide an experience that is both timeless and contemporary – an idyllic sanctuary perched on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Defined by its sweeping views, thoughtful sustainable design, and a profound sense of connection to its surroundings across 45 acres of reforested land, it will deliver seamless access to gorilla trekking, Batwa community visits, and immersive forest walks.

“Erebero unlocks exciting new potential for Uganda itineraries that combine design-forward luxury with conservation- and community-led travel. It allows Go2Africa to elevate Uganda's positioning, while pairing Erebero with Rwanda creates a seamless, high-touch East African circuit.” – Ashley Gerrand, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

Wilderness Mara, Kenya (Wilderness Safaris): Opening June 2026

Located on a quiet bend of the Mara River within the coveted Mara Triangle, this intimate 12-suite tented camp will offer a refined reimagining of the iconic Little Governors' Camp, blending classic safari nostalgia with understated elegance.

Providing travellers with a serene and immersive base in one of Africa's richest game areas, it will feature exclusive access to both banks of the river – allowing for spectacular game drives and the rare thrill of predator sightings away from the crowds.

“Wilderness Safaris is synonymous with outstanding guiding and wildlife viewing, and with a well-established presence in Southern Africa, it's exciting to see them expand into East Africa. I'd recommend this camp for clients seeking exceptional guiding paired with high-quality service.” – Kate McIntosh, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania (Ngorongoro Conservation): Opening February 2026

Bringing contemporary design to one of Africa's most legendary landscapes, Laba Ngorongoro Lodge is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at 2,200 metres. Offering panoramic views and swift access to the crater floor for early-morning game drives, it's also the ideal springboard for guests to explore Olduvai Gorge, the surrounding highlands, and Lake Manyara.

Perfect for travellers seeking proximity to wildlife without sacrificing privacy, style, or comfort, Laba Ngorongoro Lodge stands out for its commitment to sustainability and meaningful support of conservation and local communities.

“There are only a handful of luxury lodges on or near the crater rim, and with Laba set to be the closest to the park entrance, it will give guests a real advantage for early-morning game drives. The addition of deluxe rooms and walking safaris – both rare in this area – makes it especially appealing.” – Maureen Stover, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

Shompole Camp, Kenya (Great Plains Conservation): Re-opening mid-2026

Featuring barefoot luxury in one of Kenya's most dramatic landscapes, Shompole – returning as a member of the Réserve Collection – is perched on the edge of the Great Rift escarpment.

Effortlessly blending sustainability, privacy, and bold design, this coveted destination will appeal to discerning travellers seeking an immersive safari journey – one that invites them to slow down, relax, and reconnect.

Ideal for those in search of true escape, Shompole embodies the essence of a slow safari, where days unfold gently and guests can fully engage with the expansive scenery, abundant wildlife, and serenity.

“Shompole will change the cadence of a Kenya itinerary. After the Mara, guests will be able to swap more frenetic game viewing for big skies, cliff-edge vistas, and unlimited breathing space. It's a place for high-end travellers to reset – defined by unhurried days, discreet hospitality, and a slower safari rhythm, with plenty of room for reflection.” – Justin Chapman, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

2. State of Safari 2025: Preview

The State of Safari Report 2025 is Go2Africa's annual snapshot of how African travel is evolving, informed by our booking data and insights from Africa-based experts across East and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Due for release in March, the report offers a clear barometer of the trends shaping safari travel and how travellers are exploring the continent today.

Early insights include:

• Increased interest from long-haul markets including New Zealand, Portugal and France, alongside continued demand from the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.
• South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania remain the most popular safari destinations overall and for family travel.
• Growing interest in Botswana and the Congo compared to 2024.
• Peak safari demand continues from June to September, with rising interest in October, closely aligned with online search trends.

Shifts in traveller behaviour:

• Most enquiries focus on longer itineraries, with 10-day safaris and two-week trips most in demand.
• Solo travel is on the rise year-on-year.

Further insights and 2026 predictions will be shared during Go2Africa's State of Safari webinar in March, with invitations and event details to be shared closer to the date.

3. Signature Itineraries

The Art of Safari: South Africa

Where Art Meets The Wild

Cape Town → Cape Winelands → Sabi Sands (8-10 days*)

As a journey tailor-made for travellers who feel most alive when something truly moves them – from paintings that linger in the mind to places that quietly shift perspective – The Art of Safari is an invitation to follow their instincts: To travel slowly, intentionally, and beautifully. Spanning South Africa's most expressive landscapes, and tracing the space where creativity meets raw nature, it offers a rare opportunity to experience cultural richness and untamed wilderness in one seamless, deeply considered itinerary.

It begins in the Mother City, where sunlight spills across galleries alive with colour and conversation. Days unfold over shared tables and intimate encounters with celebrated artists and cultural insiders, accompanied by privileged access to viewings and spaces rarely open to the public. From here, the journey winds into the heart of the Cape Winelands, where coveted bronze sculptures come alive amid lush gardens framed by sweeping vineyards. Conversations flow, new connections are forged, and the pulse of creativity threads through every moment.

Turning northward, the rhythm shifts once more. Thousands of kilometres away, the bush becomes the backdrop – dinners beneath Africa's starlit skies, exclusive game drives through untouched wilderness, and encounters that stir something elemental. Deeply personal with thoughtful counterpoints to every breathtaking moment, it's an intuitively and beautifully composed itinerary.

At A Glance: 

Days 1-2 | Cape Town: Ellerman House

• Immersive, curator-led explorations of the city's art scene.
• Private gallery, artist's studios, and contemporary exhibitions.
• Dining experiences celebrating Cape Town's creativity, culture, and flavour.

Days 3-4 | Cape Winelands: Spier Hotel (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)

• Curator-led sculpture garden and estate art experiences.
• Intimate conversations with sustainability-driven artists.
• Wine, food, and art – all seamlessly woven into the landscape.

Days 5-7 | Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Cheetah Plains

• Exclusive safari experiences in the iconic Sabi Sands.
• Guided bush walks.
• Contemporary African art in the heart of the wilderness.

Days 8-10 | Departure or further exploration

• Slow, unhurried mornings on safari.
• Optional onward travel or more discoveries (optional).

Distinctive Stays:

• Ellerman House, Bantry Bay One of the city's most coveted addresses, this elegant oceanside retreat overlooks the Atlantic and houses one of South Africa's most significant private art collections.
• Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch A historic wine farm reimagined as a living gallery, where contemporary art, sustainability, and farm-to-table dining shape daily life.
• Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sands An ultra-luxury, exclusive-use safari retreat where cutting-edge design, contemporary African art, and extraordinary wildlife coexist in effortless balance.

Highlights:

• Discovering Cape Town's art world alongside a specialist guide – from world-class venues to hidden studios and grassroots creativity.
• Sitting down to a standout dining experience at Galjoen – the talk of the town for its sustainable seafood.
• Private access to iconic collections, including Zeitz MOCAA and leading contemporary galleries.
• Visiting vibrant Langa, where local artists and performers bring the township to life through drumming, storytelling, shared meals, and authentic cultural exchange.
• Exploring the magical Dylan Lewis Bronze Sculpture Garden, set against the soaring mountains of the Cape Winelands.
• Lunch with an eco-conscious artist, and marvelling at recycled ocean plastics being transformed into meaningful works of art.
• Private game drives in zero-emissions vehicles, tracking lion, leopard, and elephant.
• Picture-perfect evenings around the campfire beneath Africa's starlit skies, with fine wines and the distant sounds of the bush.

“The Art of Safari is not about seeing more, but feeling deeper – it's about creativity, culture, and the wild converging in moments that linger long after the journey ends.” – Lauren Barnard, Go2Africa Safari Expert.

The Heart of Gorongosa: Mozambique

Unscripted, Wild, Untamed

Chicari Camp → Muzimu Lodge (8-10 days*)

Taking travellers deep into one of Africa's most uplifting conservation stories, The Heart of Gorongosa is a journey unlike any other. Once ravaged by conflict, Gorongosa National Park has been revived through visionary rewilding, ecological restoration, and community-driven leadership to reemerge as a symbol of resilience and one of the continent's most exciting safari frontiers. 

Here, the journey is about so much more than merely about ticking off the Big 5; it's about discovering hidden waterholes, observing rare birds, and exploring landscapes that feel untouched by time. Your expedition begins in Johannesburg with a restful pitstop before heading east to Mozambique. In Gorongosa National Park, you soon adapt to the rhythms of nature, where wildlife moments are as intimate as they are unexpected, and every experience is unscripted, allowing you to be fully immersed in the wilderness.

Days at Chicari Camp and Muzimu Lodge unfold with personalised game drives, guided walks, canoeing and boating (seasonal), as well as a front-row seat to impactful conservation and locally driven initiatives. Here, the story is the safari – and every sunrise over the floodplains a reminder that travel can be a force for impactful and lasting change. 

At a Glance:  

Day 1 | Johannesburg: InterContinental OR Tambo Airport

• Optional explorations of the city's galleries and boutiques; optional spa treatments.

Days 2-4 | Chicari Camp

• Morning and afternoon game drives.
• Full-day explorer drives, canoeing and boating, and more.
• Gorongosa Restoration Project community and conservation program visits.

Days 5-8 | Muzimu Lodge

• Morning and afternoon game drives.
• Full-day excursions, canoeing, guided walks, and more.
• Immersive engagements with conservation projects and local communities. 

Days 9-10 | Departure

• Fly from Gorongosa National Park to Beira International Airport.
• Connect onwards to Johannesburg or extend your journey.

Distinctive Stays:

• Chicari Camp A breathtaking seasonal camp overlooking a busy wildlife waterhole. With spacious canvas tents featuring solar lighting and en-suite bathrooms, Chicari provides comfort without compromising the untamed spirit of the bush. Elevated walkways connect the tents, balancing privacy with a complete wilderness immersion.
• Muzimu Lodge From stylish, elevated East African-style canvas tents set along the banks of the Mussicadzi River, to private decks overlooking riverine forests and waterways, Muziimi reflects authentic Mozambican textures and flavours. Every detail is designed to deepen your connection to nature and Gorongosa's rich cultural legacy.

Highlights:  

• Rare and elusive wildlife across multiple ecosystems.
• Thrilling water-based activities in pristine waterways, revealing a different side of the landscape and its diversity of game and birdlife.
• Witnessing wildlife at close range from your tented-suite at both camps.
• Visits to inspiring grassroots initiatives making a lasting impact in the region – and meeting the people shaping the future of conservation and community upliftment in Gorongosa.
• Immersive explorations of the park's diverse flora and fauna – from towering baobabs to rare and exotic birds.
• Authentic Mozambican cuisine reflecting the colours, textures, and flavours of the region.
• Nights under starlit skies, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

“I went to Gorongosa on a personal trip and fell in love. It's unlike anywhere I've ever been – and will appeal to seasoned travellers to Africa. With only two small camps across an area twice the size of London, it's wild and remote, with hardly any people. The Gorongosa story is nothing short of incredible: the park is being revived to uplift local communities, preserve an extraordinary and diverse landscape, protect endangered species, and offer guests something truly exclusive. If you go with a sense of adventure and a pioneering mindset, you'll be rewarded with an entirely new type of safari experience.” – Kate McIntosh, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

Off the Beaten Track: Tanzania

People, Purpose & Preservation

Arusha → Asilia camps → Conservation partner visit (10-12 days*)

From the emerald waters of Lake Manyara to the drama of standing on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, and onward into the magic of the highlands – where ancient Maasai traditions endure, this journey also encompasses the endless plains of the Serengeti, where predators roam and wildlife encounters happen at eye level. 

As an all-encompassing immersion into Tanzania's hidden gems and its most iconic natural highlights, it offers the freedom to shape your own safari story – set against extraordinary landscapes, guided by inspiring people, and grounded in meaningful conservation.

At a Glance:

Day 1 | Legendary Lodge: Arusha

• Set on a spectacular working coffee farm among lush tropical gardens.
• Guests are free to wander or cycle through the plantation and gardens, or enjoy the fully equipped recreation centre and spa, complete with a gym, tennis and squash courts, steam room, and running track.
• Experiencing conservation innovation in action – guests in Arusha enjoy a rare opportunity to meet the Kuru conservation dogs and their handlers, learning how these highly trained canine rangers protect wildlife by detecting snares, deterring poachers, and intercepting illegal wildlife products across Tanzania's great wilderness areas.

Days 2-4 | Chem Chem Lodge: Lake Manyara

• Short flight to a private concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, at the heart of northern Tanzania's iconic safari region, renowned for large herds of buffalo and elephants.
• Elegant, intimate owner-run lodge with sweeping views over Lake Manyara, home to thousands of flamingos and other water birds.
• Guided walking safaris, private 4×4 game drives, and night drives.
• Full-board accommodation in luxurious tented suites, including morning and afternoon game drives, cultural visits, interactive walks with the Maasai, and memorable bush experiences such as a baobab breakfast.

Days 5-8 | The Highlands: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Short flight to Lake Manyara, followed by a scenic transfer to this high-altitude lodge set on the slopes of the Olmoti Volcano.
• Exceptional opportunities for adventure and discovery, with activities not offered elsewhere in the region – including guided hikes to the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters.
• Set deep within the wilderness of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, surrounded by dramatic moorland scenery and home to buffalo, plains game, and smaller predators.
• A rare combination of privacy, altitude, and access to remote landscapes seldom explored by visitors.

Days 8-10 | Namiri Plains: Eastern Serengeti

• Namiri is the only camp in the area, the nearest camp an hour's drive away, intimate, exclusive safari game drives where guests can truly immerse themselves in the Serengeti without the crowds.
• Short flight to Seronera in the eastern Serengeti.
• A game-viewing paradise that was closed to tourism for two decades to allow for big-cat research and recovery; today it boasts one of the highest predator densities in Africa.
• Open-vehicle game drives and walking safaris.
• Hot-air balloon safari on the final day with Miracle Experience, floating silently over the vast Serengeti plains at sunrise.

Distinctive Stays: 

• Legendary Lodge Premium accommodation that truly feels like a home away from home. Ideal as a safari stopover, it offers a peaceful haven in which to prepare for – or unwind after – a Tanzanian adventure. Gracious service, sublime cuisine, and an atmosphere of effortless calm define the experience.
• Chem Chem Lodge Exquisite accommodation in elegant tented suites, including expertly guided game drives, cultural visits, interactive Maasai walks, and unforgettable bush dining experiences, all delivered with a strong conservation ethos.
• The Highlands Fully inclusive accommodation in contemporary dome-style suites that redefine the traditional Ngorongoro experience. With sweeping views stretching toward the Serengeti and easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater, this stylish lodge is intentionally positioned far from other camps, ensuring privacy and a deeply immersive highland wilderness experience.
• Asilia Namiri Plains Elegant and spacious tented suites designed to maximise views over a seasonal riverbed. Each private unit features its own veranda and outdoor bath – perfect vantage points from which to observe wildlife gathering at the water's edge.

Highlights:

• Adventure-filled family safari in the heart of Northern Tanzania's wilderness.
• Purpose-led travel.
• Opportunities for meaningful connection with loved ones, immersed in nature. 
• Exclusive crater hikes not accessible to most travellers.
• Night drives, off-road wildlife viewing, and privately guided wilderness walks.
• Hot-air balloon safari over the vast Serengeti.
• Intimate, design-led camps overlooking lakes, plains, and volcanic craters.
• Outstanding birdwatching, including vast flocks of flamingos.
• Time spent in a previously closed wildlife area now renowned for extraordinary predator sightings.
• Authentic, unscripted encounters with the Maasai and immersive cultural experiences.
• Bush meals set deep in the wilderness.

“This itinerary is designed for travellers who want an exceptional safari experience that also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the areas visited. It combines some of Tanzania's most remote and wildlife-rich regions with lodges that are deeply invested in conservation and community partnerships. From the pioneering work with Maasai landowners around Chem Chem, to the protection of the Ngorongoro highlands, and the conservation-led recovery of wildlife in Namiri Plains, each stay plays an active role in safeguarding the landscapes and wildlife you are there to experience. The result is a safari that delivers outstanding game viewing and rare access, while directly supporting the long-term sustainability of the people and ecosystems that make these areas so special” – Emma Hill, Go2Africa Africa Safari Expert.

Primate & Wildlife Immersion: Uganda

Wild, Rare, Remarkable

Entebbe → Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Bwindi (8-10 days*)

As the only destination on the continent where travellers can track both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, experience classic savannah wildlife, and engage meaningfully with local communities, Uganda offers it all within one elegant, lodge-to-lodge journey.

This carefully curated 9-night itinerary brings together the country's most compelling landscapes and encounters. Guests track chimpanzees in the lush forests of Kibale and the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and undertake a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi's mist-covered highlands.

Beyond wildlife, the journey reveals Uganda's intertwined cultural and natural heritage through guided waterfall hikes, the Bigodi Community Wetland Walk, and the immersive Batwa Experience – offering depth, context, and genuine connection. Throughout, guests stay in a handpicked collection of lodges chosen for their sense of place, comfort, and exceptional locations, ensuring a relaxed and thoughtfully paced experience.

Designed to speak to a growing demand for journeys that balance iconic wildlife, it's a compelling choice for those seeking experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable.

At a Glance: 

Day 1 | No. 5 Entebbe Boutique Hotel

• Gentle arrival and overnight stay before heading inland. 

Days 2-3 | Ndali Lodge, Kibali Forest National Park

• Scenic crater lakes and a relaxed introduction to western Uganda.
• Prime access to chimp trekking and Bigodi Community experience. 

Days 4-6 | Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park

• After a scenic road transfer, arrive in this natural wonderworld where adventure awaits.
• Prime access to chimp trekking, plus a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Days 6-9 | Asilia Erebero Hills, Bwindi National Park

• Breathtaking short flight to arrive at this coveted destination for the final leg of this magical journey.
• Exclusive gorilla trekking, spectacular scenery, waterfall hikes, and a transformative Batwa cultural experience.

Distinctive Stays: 

• No. 5 Boutique Hotel The ideal respite after a long flight, offering every modern comfort – from indulgent spa treatments and poolside lounging to refined dining and a well-equipped gym. Sophisticated suites exude an air of tranquillity, with private balconies overlooking lush gardens and a shimmering swimming pool.
• Ndali Lodge Set on the rim of the spectacular Lake Nyinambuga, one of Uganda's largest crater lakes, this rustic and intimate retreat features a warm, homely atmosphere. Ensuite cottages with private verandas are thoughtfully positioned to maximise lake and garden views, while the lodge is deeply eco-conscious, running entirely on solar power and gravity-fed water systems.
• Kyambura Gorge Lodge Set on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and perched on the edge of the dramatic Kyambura Gorge – a vital habitat for endangered chimpanzees – this sensitively restored lodge blends sophistication with character. Intimate, welcoming, and eco-sensitive, it provides an ideal base for exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to abundant wildlife and more than ten primate species, as well as the famed Kazinga Channel.
• Asilia Erebero Hills Tucked into the hillside and providing exceptional privacy with uninterrupted forest views, each glass-fronted suite of this lodge features expansive indoor and outdoor living areas. Located on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas – it serves as a serene base for one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Highlights: 

• A fully equipped safari vehicle and expert guide for an immersive first 5 days of the journey.
• Transformative game-viewing encounters..
• Water-based cruise to experience Uganda's wildlife and birdlife up close.
• Tailormade chimp and gorilla trekking experiences in sought-after locations.
• Unscripted cultural immersions with local communities.
• Handpicked accommodation in remote settings.
• Staying within touching distance of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park – considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
• Regenerative travel & reforestation
• Wellness through nature – experiencing the benefits of slow travel, healing botanicals, forest walks.
• Hands-on family activities – including soap-making and a medicinal plant walk.
• Community-led experiences.

“What sets this journey apart is its balance – it's not just about ticking off Uganda's iconic wildlife experiences, it's about slowing down, staying in places with a strong sense of place, and connecting with both the landscapes and the people who call them home. This is Uganda experienced with depth, comfort, and purpose.” – Ashley Gerrand, Go2Africa Safari Expert

* While we recommend a minimum duration, each journey can be extended or shortened to suit flight schedules, personal preferences, and family dynamics. All our Signature Itineraries are fully customisable, serving as starting points for unforgettable experiences. Every element – pace, budget, lodge style, activities, dates, accessibility, and age-specific preferences – is tailored so that no two journeys are ever the same.

4. Join the Conversation

Wellness in the Wild: An Evolved Approach to Restoration

“Safari has become the ultimate reset button – a form of wellness rooted in space, nature, and simplicity. We increasingly see travellers across all demographics seeking quiet, nature-based restoration, fewer destination hops, and rooms with views, air, and light.” – Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director of Go2Africa

Wellness travel in Africa today is less about spa treatments and more about slowing down, breathing, and reconnecting with oneself – and the continent offers that in a very natural way. Its restorative power comes from its authenticity. “Whether walking through an ancient forest, watching elephants move across the plains, or sharing a quiet moment with people who live close to the land, Africa has a way of settling the mind and steadying the heart. The pace is unhurried, the landscapes are vast, and the connection to nature is immediate,” De Rijk-Uys explains.

At Go2Africa, this understanding shapes every itinerary. “Travellers often leave with a renewed sense of clarity and calm, even if they didn't come seeking it. Africa reminds us to be present. That, to me, is the truest form of wellness.”

Wellness in Africa is about experiences that invite presence, connection, and balance: walking safaris that engage the senses, and lodges designed around sustainable living. It is nature-first, not spa-first – woven seamlessly into the journey rather than layered on.

Depending on the journey, travellers can enjoy elements such as:

• Forest bathing in locations like Arusha, Bwindi, and Ruaha.
• Digital detox zones to unplug.
• Botanical workshops with local communities,

Another emerging trend in wellness travel is an appreciation for slow travel, with a growing preference for itineraries that involve fewer lodge changes, allowing journeys to unfold more naturally.

“Travellers now want to fully experience an area, spending three to four nights in one spot. It gives them time to relax, refresh, and engage more deeply with their surroundings,” notes Go2Africa Safari Expert Kate McIntosh. ”It's about taking the time to really enjoy one or two destinations versus bouncing from location to location trying to cram as much in as possible.”

For travellers seeking more than a standard getaway, Africa offers restorative experiences that quiet the mind, ground the senses, and inspire new perspective and hope.

“You don't need to chase wellness here – it meets you where you are.” – Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director.

Luxury That Leaves a Legacy: Regenerative Travel in Action

“More people are paying attention to what their travel supports, not just what it delivers. Regenerative travel, as NawiriGroup understands it, is about creating experiences that contribute to the long-term health of the places involved.” says Maija de Rijk-Uys MD of Go2Africa, part of NawiriGroup. 

“This isn’t new to us” explains Maija “we were the first B Corp certified company in Africa in 2012, building accountability into how journeys support ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who live alongside them is key to how we operate,” Maija explains.

With guests increasingly seeking our purposeful journeys where impact goes beyond contributions or checklists, it becomes a tangible part of their journey. That's why each of our itineraries is designed to offer authentic opportunities to see, feel, and participate in initiatives that reflect their values, interests, and hopes for both the environment and Africa's communities.

Depending on individual journeys, guests may:

• Join local guides for anti-poaching briefings, gaining a grassroots understanding of the delicate bond between humans and wildlife.
• Walk through reforestation projects like Asilia's Erebero Hills, witnessing trees planted years ago now flourishing.
•  Meet local artisans, students, or community guides, hearing stories of creativity, resilience, and hope.
• See conservation efforts in action – thriving wildlife corridors, restored forests, and healthy ecosystems.

Every journey with Nawiri is designed with purpose. We work alongside locally rooted safari operators and community-led conservancies to ensure travel directly supports conservation and livelihoods, with the majority of each journey's value remaining in Africa.

Our partners are chosen for shared principles and proven practice – from protecting vital ecosystems to supporting long-term economic opportunity for the people who live alongside them. Impact is not added on; it is built into how our journeys are created.

For travellers in 2026, luxury is about more than comfort and beauty. It is the confidence of knowing that your journey contributes to something lasting – helping keep Africa's wilderness alive and supporting the communities who care for it.

“Our focus is on impact that is real, visible and accountable – never voyeuristic or extractive.” – Maija de Rijk-Uys.

The Rise of Multi-Gen Safaris: Africa, the Ultimate Meeting Ground

“We're clearly seeing how multigenerational travel continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments. Families are not simply vacationing together; they're forging memories that span generations and creating bonds that endure. 

For loved ones travelling together in 2026, the best destinations don't just deliver exceptional experiences or authentic encounters with wildlife and conservation initiatives – they provide a springboard for shared moments that truly connect them in breathtaking locations.

Africa's wild spaces could not be better suited for multigenerational explorations. Its untamed landscapes invite families to slow down, witness, and wonder together: standing in awe of elephant herds moving through ancient wildlife corridors, greeting the first golden rays of sunrise across the savannah, or listening to local guides share age-old wisdoms of conservation and resilience. In Africa, families don't just travel together – they grow together.

Younger travellers are actively helping to shape family safari experiences through their participation and willingness to contribute ideas for meaningful activities. Our annual State of Safari Report points to Millennials and Gen Z prioritising:

• Wellness through immersions in nature, 
• adventure with purpose,
• sustainable and regenerative travel,
• remote work + safari hybrid trips, and
• authentic experiences over traditional notions of luxury.

Booking further in advance than pre-pandemic, they're seeking out off-grid destinations such as Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda – places where families can truly disconnect, explore, and spend meaningful time together.

With these insights in mind, Go2Africa is perfectly positioned to create tailor-made itineraries that meet this growing demand. Every journey is built around three key pillars:

1. Family-perfect lodges Child-friendly, secure, and staffed as needed to support every age.
2. Private guides and vehicles Tailoring pace and experiences to the whole group.
3. Built-in rest days Keeping energy and spirits high for every generation.

Every family is assigned a dedicated Expert with 24/7 support, and each itinerary is carefully crafted to meet the needs of every age: from flexible activities for toddlers and grandparents to private vehicles suited to mixed-age groups, educator-guides for teens, gentle wildlife encounters for younger children, and quiet downtime for grandparents to recharge.

“Ultimately,” says Maija de Rijk-Uys, MD at Go2Africa, “Africa has become the new meeting ground for families seeking connection across generations – not just through shared activities, but through moments of discovery, awe, and meaning in the wild. It's where curiosity is sparked, relationships deepen, and memories are etched in a way only Africa can provide: timeless, transformative, and profoundly moving.”

Unique Itineraries: Beyond the Obvious

“Travellers are increasingly looking for completely immersive, life-changing experiences rather than run-of-the-mill journeys. Sure, everyone goes to Victoria Falls to see the waterfalls – but what else is there? How do you make a trip truly special and unique? That's where you start looking beyond the obvious, towards the out of the ordinary: a distinctive property, a memorable experience.” – Kate McIntosh, Go2Africa Safari Expert

At Go2Africa, our unique itineraries are shaped by three foundational elements that set each journey apart.

• Access: Through long-standing relationships, we're able to introduce travellers to places and people they would otherwise never experience.
• Positive impact: Each journey includes purpose-led elements connected to Nawiri or trusted conservation partners.
  
• Personalisation: No two Go2Africa safaris are ever the same; and each reflects a traveller's individual style, pace and priorities.

All of our itineraries are also closely aligned with insights from our State of Safari Report, which highlight a growing interest in multigenerational travel, wellbeing through nature, and adventures that balance exploration with purpose.

5. Meet The Team

Lezl Swart: Group PR Manager

Shaped by my love for Africa, my curiosity about people, and my drive for sharing genuine travel experiences, my career has brought me to a point where I have the privilege of overseeing media, brand storytelling, and communications across some of Africa's most coveted safari and hospitality brands.

As Group PR Manager for NawiriGroup – representing Asilia Africa,  Go2Africa, and the NawiriGroup – it is my passion and purpose to celebrate the continent's unique magic, support nature based, positive impact-focused travel, and help travellers connect with the people and places that make every itinerary unforgettable.

Growing up as a second-generation hotelier, I was inspired by my mother, who worked extensively with international five-star hotels. That early exposure sparked my love for service and the rich layers of experiences that set genuine journeys apart. My professional path has taken me from Johannesburg and Cape Town to London and China, and along the way, I gained hands-on experience in PR, marketing, partnerships, guest experience, event management, and more.

I hold a Higher Diploma in PR Management from UNISA, furthered my studies in digital marketing at the University of Cape Town, and studied Mandarin during my time in China.

IMM: 22 January 2026
Deskside meetings: 20, 21 and 23 January.

• Email 
• LinkedIn
• Phone: +27 76 179 4799

“It's an honour to represent NawiriGroup at this year's IMM event, and I can't wait to engage with industry leaders about 2026's immense potential for Africa's travel landscape. With exciting new openings on the horizon, a standout collection of bespoke itineraries, and meaningful insights from our State of Safari Report – including the most up-to-date trends in multi-gen travel and the rising importance of true wellness and purposeful journeys – 2026 is shaping up to be a headline year. With so many compelling stories to share, I look forward to exploring its potential together.”

Kate Waite: Head of Communications

Anchored in a love of wild places and a belief in the transformative power of storytelling to change how people see them, my career in travel and tourism spans two decades. Starting in travel publishing, I learned how narrative, imagery, and honest reporting can bring a destination to life. Over time, my path led me to head up marketing for luxury tour operators, developing strategies that balanced commercial growth with more responsible ways of talking about travel.

As Head of Communications for NawiriGroup, I shape how we tell the story of impact across Asilia Africa, Go2Africa, and the wider group. With sustainability at the core, my focus is on projects rooted in Africa's landscapes – particularly education, livelihoods, habitat protection, and community-led conservation.

Working at the intersection of media, brand direction, and purpose, I help guests appreciate the lasting value of responsible travel – and how their journeys support the people and places they visit. I thrive when I'm uncovering and sharing grassroots stories, from communities building bright new futures, to individuals restoring Africa's great ecosystems, to the travellers who help to sustain them.

SKIFT Megatrends Conference: 22 January 2025

Deskside meetings: 20, 21 and 23 January.

• Email
• Website
• LinkedIn