Study Shows Safari Tourism is Up

While thinking of a safari trip might conjure up thoughts of pricey, luxurious getaways, exclusive experiences and stays in extravagant safari tents, a safari trip might not be as truly exclusive as you think.

Despite the cost, a new study from Squaremouth shows safari tourism is growing, and more and more travelers are going on safari trips, with Squaremouth’s sale of travel insurance policies for safari tourism destinations tripling between 2020 and 2022. In 2023 alone, Squaremouth reported an 18 percent sales growth, following a 55 percent growth from 2021 to 2022. The current most popular destinations for safari tourism, according to the data, include South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.

However, while interest and bookings has risen, a price barrier still creates some exclusivity around this type of travel. Squaremouth reported trips to many safari destinations cost more than $20,000 (with the highest costs found in Botswana, with average trip prices at more than $23,500), and the cost of safari travel has increased more than 10 percent over the last year. Overall, average costs for safari trips across the board are around $16,000 this year, as compared to $15,000 in 2019. The most affordable prices, according to Squaremouth, can be found in Mozambique, where the average trip cost is less than $9,500.