THE BEST
PLACES TO GO IN 2025

WHY – It’s the middle of the Green Season and the plains are at their most beautiful, lush and green. The rainy season makes this a magnificent time to see the thundering Victoria Falls and it is a great time for birdwatching.

HIGHLIGHTS – Whilst many of the bush camps are closed at this time of year, the beautiful camps in the Lower Zambezi are open for business and the water levels are at their peak - perfect for boating safaris that will take you to places that are hard to reach when it’s dry. The proximity to nature on the flowing waterways, and the peace and quiet is an extraordinary experience.

TOP TIP – Book a specialist photography safari for a chance to capture the dramatic landscapes of Zambia on film. From the stormy skies to the vibrant green, it’s a particularly dazzling time of the year to take the perfect shot. 

HOT HOTEL – Lolebezi is one of our favourite camps on the banks of the Zambezi. 

WHY – Springtime brings vibrant blooms across the diverse landscapes of China’s Yunnan province. The mild weather is perfect for exploring the province’s dramatic scenery, including the terraced hills of Yuanyang, the towering peaks of Shangri-La, and the picturesque UNESCO listed Old Town of Lijiang.

HIGHLIGHTS – A trek through Yunnan’s famed Tiger Leaping Gorge will reveal the true raw beauty of China. One of the world’s deepest river canyons, during the hike marvel at the snowy peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain and the flowing waters of the Jinsha River.

TOP TIP – For a classic tailormade tour of China combine a few days soaking up the modern city atmospheres of Beijing or Shanghai, before exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of Yunnan Province from your base at Amandayan in Lijiang - a firm favourite of ours.

HOT HOTEL - The brand new Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing is a remarkable property with elegant hutong courtyard houses for a restful night's sleep.

WHY – The dry season has begun in Tanzania offering some of the best conditions for wildlife viewing in the renowned national parks and reserves. The clear skies and cooler temperatures make for exceptional safari experiences and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. These are the reasons why it is one of the best places to go in 2025.

HIGHLIGHT – The mad rush of the Great Migration season is nearly upon the Serengeti. If you’re lucky you could get to see the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras traversing the golden plains in the western corridor before the Mara crossings reach their peak in July and August.

TOP TIP – After the thrill of safari, head for the pristine shores of Pemba, a small island next door to Zanzibar which is quieter and more pristine. Manta Resort is a perfect hideaway where you can immerse yourself in the magic of the beautiful isle. 

HOT HOTEL – Usawa is a mobile tented camp that moves with the herds, ensuring you get a front row seat to all the action as it unfolds. 

WHY – The world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia, gets our pick as an alternative to European summer family holiday and one of the best places to go in 2025. It’s good value for money once you get there, with a great healthy and vibrant food scene too.

HIGHLIGHTS – Embark on a tailormade island-hopping tour onboard a luxurious phinsi yacht and you’ll be transported to deserted beaches and the region’s best surfing and diving spots.

TOP TIP – Whilst Bali will always have a place in our hearts, there’s much to explore beyond Indonesia’s most famous island. In Sumba, Cap Karoso perfectly captures the mood for adventures that take you one step further, where the only choice is to slow down and live to the rhythm of traditional Sumbanese village life.

HOT HOTEL – The Sira has opened on a beautiful stretch of coastline on understated but up-and-coming Lombok island.

WHY – The sunshine extends well into Autumn in Greece making it our favourite time of year to visit and one of the best places to go in 2025. The country’s famous islands are much quieter than during the peak summer months but are still easy to reach via ferry throughout October and into much of November.

HIGHLIGHTS – It’s the best time of year to explore Greece’s archaeological sites in Athens and beyond or embark on long hikes through Crete’s Samaria gorge or the mountainous region of Arcadia in the Peloponnese. Plus, you can enjoy long alfresco meals in the middle of the day without constantly reaching for the factor 50!

TOP TIP – Athens has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, blending its ancient heritage with a dynamic modern edge. With a thriving contemporary arts scene, innovative culinary experiences and stylish new hotels, it’s reinvented itself as a vibrant, must-visit destination.

HOT HOTEL – One&Only Kea Island is an incredibly private all-villa property on this small island only one hour away from Athens.

WHY – With festive celebrations adding a lively charm, December is a wonderful time of year to visit our favourite island nation. The dry, sunny weather in the southern and western regions make it ideal for exploring the golden beaches, old colonial towns, hidden temples, lush tea plantations, and vibrant wildlife that Sri Lanka is famed for.

HIGHLIGHTS – With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, a safari in Sri Lanka should not be missed. For the active amongst you, the recently inaugurated Pekoe Trail takes hiking in Sri Lanka to new heights with 22 stages winding through the scenic Central Highlands. Join one of the brilliant guides – including a small team of female guides – and discover the history, ecology and epic vistas along the way.

TOP TIP – Sri Lanka has an incredible collection of private villas that can make a wonderful alternative to spending the festive season at home. With a team of staff and a private chef to look after you, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company and get some much-needed rest at the end of the year.

HOT HOTEL – With so many incredible hotels to choose from in Sri Lanka, it’s impossible to pick our favourite. Uga Halloowella will open its doors in January 2025 in the Hill Country near Hatton.