Safari Destination Demand Grows as Prices Increase

Image: Zebra graze during a safari with EF Go Ahead Tours in Kenya. (Photo Credit: Jorge Tung)
Image: Zebra graze during a safari with EF Go Ahead Tours in Kenya. (Photo Credit: Jorge Tung)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Thu September 14, 2023

Despite rising prices, new data indicates that travel demand for popular safari destinations continues to grow.

According to Squaremouth.com, travel insurance policy sales for destinations known for safari tourism more than tripled from 2020 to 2022, with policy sales for African destinations increasing for the third consecutive year in 2023.

So far this year, Squaremouth found that Travel insurance policy sales for popular safari destinations jumped by 18 percent, improving on the 55 percent surge in travel to safari tourism areas from 2021 to 2022.

South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are also the most popular safari destinations in 2023.

In addition to increased popularity, the price of safari tourism has steadily increased yearly, with the average cost rising 12 percent since last year. As for the most expensive, Botswana reported the highest trip cost this year at $23,577.

At over $1,000, the data shows that safari travelers are paying more for their insurance policies in 2023 compared to the previous four years.

Squaremouth provided a yearly comparison of trip costs and premiums:

Year
 Average Premium
 Average Trip Cost
 2023 $1,006 $16,361
 2022 $915 $14,615
 2021 $798 $16,043
 2020 $840 $17,172
 2019 $832 $15,083

 

In addition, the data also highlight this year’s trip cost and premium by destination:

 Destination Average Premium  Average Trip Cost 
 Botswana $1,053 $23,577
 Kenya $966 $16,452
 Mozambique $578 $9,451
 Namibia $871 $13,093
 Rwanda $1,220 $18,524
 South Africa $927 $14,961
 Tanzania $1,067 $17,510
 Uganda $718 $11,295
 Zambia $1,144 $17,356
 Zimbabwe $1,260 $20,936

 


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