Luxury safari travelers were once obsessed with seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. Even if it means staying in nicer tents and eating gourmet food.
But that is changing.
“Safari is no longer just for the Big Five,” says Lori Cohen, a writer who covers luxury safaris. “People have limited time off in their lives, and they really want to use that time to do something special and transformative.”
“They want personal attention. [and] They want people to talk about their feelings.
As a result, the definition of luxury tourism in Africa is changing, said Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager at exhibition organizer RX Africa.
“First-class amenities remain important, but the focus has expanded to include unique and exclusive experiences,” she said. “Travelers, especially luxury-seeking travelers, are increasingly driven by a desire for novelty and exclusivity. They crave experiences that have never been encountered before.”
Dance of the Samburu culture hosted by Loisaba Lodo Springs in Kenya, part of the Elewana Collection.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
That might mean taking a walk with a veterinarian who treats gorillas, or peeking into life in a nearby community, Cohen said.
For others, Gradidge said the experience will be tailored to their interests, such as opportunities to take photos, track specific animals, or tour remote areas by helicopter. Travelers are increasingly interested in “behind-the-scenes access to participate in conservation efforts, meet researchers and learn about anti-poaching efforts,” it said.
“These experiences… [transform] “The traditional safari has changed from a passive observation of wildlife to an active and engaging adventure,” she said.
How will luxury safaris change?
The luxury safari market is expected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $1.98 billion by 2032, according to market research firm Business Research Insights.
A 2024 trends report published by travel website Africa Travel Week points to the rise of “7-star+ experiences” and “ultimate luxury” in Africa. But the website Discover Africa points out that luxury travelers are moving beyond luxury to a new era of “conscious luxury” that combines sustainable safari tourism with personalized itineraries. .
Photo taken during a game drive at Embu New Generation Safari Camp in Kenya.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
African Travel and Tourism Association CEO Kgomotso Ramothea said there was growing interest in walking and trekking safaris, which have a lower carbon footprint than traditional safaris.
Muriel Migno-Begezzi, head of product at luxury safari company Discover Africa, said countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana remained top choices.
Babohi at Kwabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
However, “repeat travelers are looking for more complex experiences, such as multi-country safari itineraries, rather than single-country trips.”
That could cause prices to rise. The reservation price for a luxury safari will reach $9,600 per person by 2024.
How much does a safari cost?
Basic and mid-range safaris
A basic African safari costs between $100 and $300 per person per day.
This budget usually allows for shared game drives set at certain times of the day. Wildlife viewing may be limited compared to a luxury safari in a private game reserve or reserve.
The food is also quite simple compared to more expensive safari camps.
For $300 to $600 per day, travelers can expect great service and fewer companions. There are also many additional activities such as guided bush walks, night drives and experienced rangers.
In Kenya, camps that fall into this category include Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Tangria Mara Camp, and Kitsumo Mara Lodge.
There is also the Serengeti Sopa Lodge in Tanzania. Sabi River Sun Resort in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Moremi crossing in Botswana. and Sossus Dune Lodge in Namibia’s Namib Desert.
luxury safari
These lodges typically start around $600 per person per day and offer luxury accommodations, private game safaris, gourmet meals, and personalized services such as private guides and butlers.
Mahali Mzuri, Richard Branson’s safari camp in Kenya.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
Angama Mara, Embu – A new generation safari camp, Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is an example of a luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Near Tsavo National Park is Finch Huttons and Angama Brand also has another luxury camp in Amboseli National Park. Elewana Collection operates camps in unspoiled locations in Kenya and Tanzania, as does Asilia Camp, which operates safaris in Uganda.
Tanzania is home to Singita Sabora Tented Camp and Four Seasons Sabora Lodge Serengeti, the latter offering views of the Serengeti, plunge pools, and infinity pools.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge tent.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
South Africa has plenty of safaris to enjoy in this price range, from Royal Malewane to Babohi (a famous adults-only lodge) at Kwabi Private Game Reserve.
super luxurious safari
For the best safari experience, be prepared to pay between $1,500 and $10,000 per day and enjoy meticulously tailored activities, exceptional amenities, and excellent service.
In Rwanda, lodges like Bisate Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest are located near Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas. These lodges offer gourmet dining in stunning surroundings, private gorilla trekking tours with expert guides, tours in secluded locations, and more, ensuring an intimate experience for those who prefer to get off the beaten track. .
There’s also Singita Grumeti in Tanzania and the &Beyond Finda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, offering luxury bush villas with private plunge pools, private game drives and tracked walks. Masu.
