Explore the growing world of safari travel in Africa with insights from Go2Africa’s latest report. Find out how interest grew, budgets grew, and sustainable tourism became a priority. From solo adventurers to beach-loving couples, find out what’s driving the trend and where to experience the ultimate safari vacation.
African Safari Travel: Sustainability and Travel Budgets
Throughout 2023, interest in safari travel more than doubled worldwide, with most tourists having a particular interest in visiting South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. At the same time, there has been a significant increase of 25% in the average amount consumers are willing to spend on safari travel.
These are the highlights from Go2Africa’s annual State of Safaris report. The report, developed using Google search volume worldwide, along with exclusive search and booking data from Go2Africa, highlights a number of key factors impacting the safari industry across Africa this year.
In addition to the increasing number of safari trips, the report shows:
- Over the past four years, interest in eco-friendly safari tourism has increased by more than 1,000%.
- Intergenerational travel and beach/safari combinations are becoming more and more popular vacation options.
- These days, the average safari budget is between $5,500 to $6,500.
- Couples form the largest group, making up 47% of all travellers, with solo travellers making up about 12% of those considering safari travel.
Below is an in-depth look at some of the most important developments.
African Safari Travel are becoming more and more popular
As the world recovered from the pandemic and travel restrictions were eased, safari tourism became extremely popular.
2023 was the first year with virtually no travel restrictions left, with African safari travel searches on Google more than doubling during the first quarter, increasing 111% compared to the same period a year earlier.
Average safari budget increased by 25%
Go2Africa reports 70% of tourists from Australia, the US, and Canada have a “medium to high budget” for safaris. This is a significant increase compared to the 43 percent of tourists who had such a large amount of money saved for a safari holiday a year ago.
In contrast, more than 25% of tourists from South Africa, Europe, and the UK set a medium to high volume budget for a safari holiday, compared to only 18% in 2022.
Italian travellers are at the top in terms of spending on safaris, spending the most money on such holidays. The United States, the Philippines, Mexico, and Belgium are among the top five countries in terms of spending.
12 percent solo travellers would consider going on a safari
Go2Africa reports that the demographics of safari tourists do not appear to vary much from year to year. 47% of all people visiting the continent in 2023 were travelling with their companions, and they were the majority of safari travellers. However, this percentage is noteworthy, as it represents a decline from 2022 when couples accounted for 60% of all visitors to Africa.
In contrast, families accounted for 32.3 percent of safari travellers in Africa in 2023, with solo tourists coming in second at 12.5 percent and groups of friends coming in third at 11.9 percent. Go2Africa reports that groups of friends travelling to Africa chose Congo for their adventure.
Congo is a popular destination for individuals seeking a solo travel-friendly experience, as it attracts the largest number of solo visitors among African countries.
Sustainability remains the customer’s priority
The Go2Africa report revealed another important development: tourists want more authentic and eco-friendly vacation experiences on their trips.
The report says sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, but research shows it’s more than just a fad.
Interest in sustainable safaris has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with a growth of 6.4 percent from 2022 to 2023. However, looking at the bigger picture, interest in sustainable safaris has increased by more than 1,000% in the last four years.
Go2Africa’s head of positive impact, Liesel Van Zyl, reported that guests’ interest in sustainability and connection with local communities has increased due to some travellers requesting to volunteer for a day on their safari travel. Tourists want authentic community engagement experiences during their visits to Africa.
Beach Safaris
Last but not least, beach holidays with safaris are becoming more and more popular this year. This usually involves travellers spending half of the week with the animals in Africa and the other half relaxing and swimming at a seaside location.
According to the report, this emerging demand has led to some countries, including Malawi and the Seychelles, becoming hotspots that were not always popular.
Interest in travel to Zambia and Malawi between 2022 and 2023 increased by 78 percent and 41 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Seychelles saw a significant increase in tourist numbers, driven by a 20 percent increase in bush and beach combinations compared to the previous year.
According to Van Zyl, Zambia and Malawi combination safaris are gaining popularity due to their untouched, uncrowded parks and a quick one-hour trip to Malawi for beach and freshwater snorkelling, kayaking, and African sundowners.
Conclusion:
Finally, the State of Safari report reveals the dynamic landscape of African safari travel trends. From eco-conscious travellers to beach-going adventurers, safari tourism is rapidly evolving. With increased budgets and a focus on sustainability, the allure of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes continues to attract travellers from around the world.
What is the best country to go on safari?
If visiting the Big 5 is your main priority, then South Africa is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more rugged, authentic experience, then Tanzania or Zambia may be a better choice for you.
What is the best month to go on an African safari?
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the best time to go on safari. Since it is a cooler time of year, you are more likely to see animals searching for water.
Where is the best place to go for a safari for the first time?
National parks like Kruger and Serengeti are publicly owned areas protected by the government and are the best places for first-time safaris. Private game reserves like Sabi Sands are also great options, as are wildlife concessions like Mombo.
Where is the safest safari destination?
Botswana. Botswana is consistently ranked as the safest African safari country, making it one of the most profitable safari destinations in terms of both political stability and low crime rates.
