Between December lists, last-minute emails and the chaos of finding matching wrapping paper, we’re not going to let gifts be a chore this year.

2025 has been a year, the kind that makes you pause and realise just how much there is to be grateful for. On safari, it really is the simple things that make it so special. The hot coffee brought to your room at wake up, the quiet chats with family on the game vehicle or the traditional song the staff sing to you around the fire. These are the moments that make your heart warm, the ones that linger long after you’ve left.

So why not take a page out of that book when gifting this festive season? Let’s be honest: do you remember what your sister-in-law gave you two holidays ago? Probably not. But you do remember when she dropped a coffee and croissant off at your office because she knew you were having a bad week. It’s those small gestures, thoughtful, human, uncomplicated, that stay with you.

So this year, we’re saying no to more “stuff” and yes to experiences that make you feel alive. Less hustle, more heart. 

This is YPA’s 2025 Gift Guide, a few “safari-style” experiences you can gift your loved ones (or yourself, because you’ve earned it):

1. Take your best friend to a sip-and-paint evening and laugh over your questionable masterpieces.
2. Put on your chef’s hat and apron for a homemade pizza night with your kids. Let them get flour everywhere, and eat as much pizza as they want!
3. Take your mum on a sunrise walk, followed by breakfast at her favourite spot.
4. Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive to watch the sunset with a loved one – blankets and sundowner snacks to-go.
5. Invite Gran and Grandpa to a “safari-style” high tea in your garden, hosted by your kids …scones, cakes, cookies! (We’re not sure who’ll love it more, the kids or the grandparents.)
6. Surprise your family with a weekend getaway, somewhere adventurous! And maybe do a stargazing evening with marshmallows and hot chocolate one night.
7. Make your partner breakfast in bed, or plan a spa day just for two, and leave the phones behind.

Because at the end of the day, these are the gifts that last, the stories you tell, the laughter you share, and the moments that remind you how good it feels to just be.

(BUT… if you are heading on safari soon and want to get everyone excited, we’ve got you covered with our ‘Safari-Inspired Festive Gift Guide’ waiting for you on the blog and a couple safari gift ideas to give you some inspiration!

From all of us at Your Private Africa, happy holidays, may your days be a little wilder, your heart a little lighter, and your to-do list blissfully short.