Dorine Reinstein
For years, African safari have followed a relatively predictable formula: hop in a vehicle, tick off the Big Five and snap some photos. But this approach is giving way to a new breed of multisensory safaris that are turning the traditional experience on its head. In 2025, a new type of safari is emerging that's not just be about what guests can see but what they can hear, smell, touch and even taste.
"I've always felt that traditional safaris fall short. … It's about so much more than ticking off animals on a list! It's about feeling a deep, resonant connection with the heart of nature," said Fabia Bausch, owner of Chem Chem lodges in Tanzania.
So, what are multisensory safaris?
"A multisensory experience engages multiple human senses simultaneously, aiming to create a profound, immersive and memorable adventure," said Sarah Morris, general manager for private clients at Ker & Downey Africa. "It involves planning trips that integrate visual elements, sounds, touch as well as smell and taste. This means considering aspects like light, motion, colors and art when choosing locations to stay, along with the sounds of the bush at night."
Listen up
Sound is a sense that is taking center stage in this new way of experiencing safaris. Companies like Sound Safaris equip guests with high-sensitivity microphones and headphones, transforming game drives into immersive auditory adventures.
"Sound is often a neglected sense on a safari," said Sarah Solomon, who founded Sound Safaris with her husband, Derek. "Our safaris change that, and guests discover an in-depth and immersive appreciation of the natural environment. Imagine hearing a rhino chewing, giraffes' necks colliding, or mongooses chattering -- details usually missed on traditional game drives. It's like having the ears of a kudu, able to perceive the subtlest nuances of the soundscape."
But multisensory safaris are also going beyond amplifying existing sounds; they're exploring entirely new ways of experiencing the wilderness. Silent walking safaris, offered at lodges like Chem Chem, invite guests to connect with the bush on a more primal level. "A 45-minute stroll across the breathtaking shortgrass plains, guided by your private guide and accompanied by a Masai warrior," Bausch said. "Let the silence cradle you, allowing your senses to awaken to the raw beauty of your surroundings."
The sensory journey extends to taste and smell, as well. Ker & Downey's Morris emphasizes the importance of incorporating these elements into the overall safari experience, including touch and smell. She noted that it doesn't always have to be complicated.
"At the sand dunes in Sossusvlei [in the Namib Desert], walking on the soft sand provides a unique tactile experience underfoot. In the Cape [region of South Africa], you can immerse yourself in the cold Atlantic and forage for seaweed, which you'll later prepare and enjoy under the guidance of experts to ensure it's a delicious culinary experience," she said. "Meanwhile, lying beneath the stars in the middle of the bush engages your senses of sight and sound, reminding you of the vast, untouched spaces that still exist in this world."
Benefits for all
Multisensory approaches aren't just enhancing luxury travel; they're also making African safaris more inclusive for neurodivergent travelers or those with disabilities.
By incorporating detailed audio descriptions, tactile experiences and opportunities to engage with the environment through smell and touch, these safaris cater to a much wider range of travelers, including those with visual and hearing impairments. "For visually impaired guests, we work with lodges to create vivid mental images enhancing the enjoyment of wildlife sightings," said Morris. "Where safe, guests leave the vehicle to engage their senses of touch, smell and feel with items of interest." This commitment to inclusivity makes Africa accessible to everyone.
Moreover, the personalized nature of many luxury safaris, with dedicated guides and flexible itineraries, makes them particularly well-suited for neurodivergent travelers. Morris noted that the teams on the ground are always instructed to prioritize client comfort and safety at all times. This includes providing a clear overview of what to expect during game drives or at the lodge. "In the luxury sector, clients are primarily focused on maximizing their overall experiences, which applies across all levels of ability and walks of life.
For Nicole Bushhouse of Unruffled Travel, a travel company focusing on accessibility for visible and invisible disabilities, Africa is a great destination for neurodivergent travelers. "I do think that South Africa Africa is a great place for neurodiverse people … and I am seeing higher demand for neurodiverse travelers like myself," she said.
Challenges … but opportunities, too
While the industry still faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, training and awareness, particularly regarding accessibility, the opportunities for innovation are immense. Morris highlights the potential of technology, like mobile apps for navigation and audio descriptions and partnerships with accessible travel organizations.
Multisensory safaris tap into something universally desirable: a deeper, richer way to experience the world free from life's usual bombardment of screens and stimuli. As Solomon said: "By combining sound, touch and even smell, we create an inclusive experience that redefines what it means to go on safari."
"There's a growing pushback against the typical bucket-list approach of rushing from one high-profile attraction to the next," she added. "Multisensory safaris encourage travelers to truly slow down, be present and discover Africa in a much more genuine, impactful way."