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Wildlife Highlights of 2025: A Year of Unforgettable Safari Encounters

December 18, 2025

Nothing is wilder than a year in the African bush. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to moments that fluttered, rumbled, and roared, leaving a trail of memories in their wake.

Across all of our camps at Sun Destinations, every year is made up of 365 days where the extraordinary is effortlessly embedded into the everyday. While your average day on safari may follow a routine, that doesn’t mean there are two days that are ever the same. Which is exactly what makes every safari such a special experience. From unexpected encounters and laugh out loud moments to scenes that stopped us in our tracks, these are the wildest highlights of 2025.

Close encounters with a lion at Nambu Camp
Close encounters with the king at Nambu Camp

 

baby hyena
Known as part of the Ugly 5 but we think this little one is cute-  at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

 

lion eating at Umkumbe safari lodge
Time to feast at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

 

leopard close up
A leopards gaze at Nyala Safari Lodge

The creatures of the wild are full of character

Hyena pups at Nyala Safari Lodge

 

Nyala Safari Lodge

 

How we all feel after the holidays. Captured at Nyala Safari Lodge

 

Play time at Nyala Safari Lodge

 

mother and baby elephant
Sunset glow by guide, Matt Smith at Chacma Bush Camp

 

leopard close up
Kadimba meaning Ancient. Captured by guide, Matt Smith at Chacma Bush Camp

 

lioness with cub in mouth
A tender moment captured at Boteti tented camp

 

leopard hanging in a tree
Hanging out. Captured by guest, Sarah Calderwood at Nambu Camp.

 

hyena bath
Bath time in the bush at Nyala Safari Lodge

 

baby hippo
New additions in the Klaserie at nThambo Tree Camp

 

cheetah with kill
Prized possessions at Botheti Tented Camp

 

foam nest frog
Foam nest frogs at Chacma Bush Camp
elephant and guide
Close ups with giants at nThambo Tree Camp
Starling feathers up close
Birds are the jewels of the bush. Nyala Safari Lodge
buffalo
Feeling festive in the wild at Umkumbe Safari Lodge
wild dogs
Wild dogs at Nyala Safari Lodge
lioness
A regal queen captured by Chacma Bush Camp guide, Matt Smith

For unbelievable encounters in the African wilderness, book your stay at one of our iconic camps and authentic safari lodges here.