Written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Obi Emelonye, Safari tells a story hinged on defiance and emotional captivity. It centers around two lives that find themselves united by a shared desire to escape the lives they are trapped in.
The feature is also yet another successful collaboration between Nollywood and the Kenyan tourism industry. The cast ensemble includes Osas Ighodaro, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ali Nuhu, Emmanuel Mugo, and Daniel Lee Hird.
Safari
Directed by: Obi Emelonye
Written by: Tunde Babalola
Genre: Drama
Released on: November 21, 2025 (Cinema)
Language: English
From Freedom To Murder Mystery
Safari kicks start with a clear picture of the dynamics behind Nkiru’s (Osas Ighodaro) marriage. And her husband’s constant political plotting as he takes on another wife. Heartbroken by the realization that her marriage was all a game plan, she takes a trip to a safari in Kenya.
However, her light breath of fresh air soon leads her into a murder case involving her tour guide. But Nkiru isn’t the only one trying to break free from an ugly situation. As the tour guide also finds himself trying to escape prostitution, a the hands of an aggressive boss.
Although they stall at admitting their growing desire for one, they soon choose each other as a reason to fight the ones who hold them captive. However, they must first prove their innocence even when everything points to them.
Pacing and a Lack of Depth almost ruin the momentum
The feature suffers at the hands of unnecessary scenes being prolonged, leaving no room for the scenes that truly matter. At the hands of the real evil perpetrators, we see no character depth and a watered-down narrative. Their characters are supposed to be those of people who master minded a clean murder and set-up, but we see how easily they fall with almost no difficulty.
For one, these powerful men seem to have little to no guards protecting them. And waved around their illicit acts so openly that one wonders why the police struggle to believe they were the murderers.
Impressive Performances All-round
Osas Ighodaro delivers a beautiful performance. From being the subtle yet vocal wife to the ever-manipulating husband. To a vibrant and cheery lady who finds her way back to the things she loves. Alongside Emmanuel Mugo, the two spark an exciting romantic chemistry from their very first meeting. So much so that, although the odds seem impossible, one starts to root for their love.
Other supporting acts like Jide Kene-Achufusi, Ali Nuhu and Ken Abami also give a remarkable performance, which aids the story flow throughout.
Beautiful Pictures That Properly Capture Culture
One unique thing Safari was able to do was to sell the tourism culture in Kenya. With the way it highlights the ambience, nature, wildlife, and its people. We didn’t just see the actors in those spaces, but we could see the intentionality given, especially with the synergy with the musical score and sound.
Safari is immersive. For a few minutes, one could easily forget they were in a cinema hall and not on a safari in Kenya.
Final Thoughts
Its always great to see how Nollywood is able to strengthen its collaboration slates. However, it’s more important if we can also emulate the same grace in how we highlight our tourism culture, too.
It’s also so funny how when a woman finds freedom from a hostile marriage, it’s often tied to her finding love somewhere else.
Verdict
Safari definitely leaves one hurriedly adding Kenya to one’s bucket list of trips. And definitely something to get one thinking and emotionally invested.
Rating: 3/5
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