Security safari-goers were once all about spotting lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos — albeit while delaying in nicer tents and dining on gourmet food.
But that’s changing.
“Safaris are not just about the ‘Big Five’ anymore,” weighted Lori Cohen, a writer who covers luxury safaris. “People have got limited time off in their lives, and they as a matter of fact want to use that time to do something special and transformative.”
“They want personal attention [and] unique experiences,” she claimed. They want “their emotions spoken to.”
As a result, the definition of luxury tourism in Africa is changing, said Olivia Gradidge, a buying manager at exhibition organizer RX Africa.
“While top-tier amenities remain important, the focus has expanded to encompass unsurpassed and exclusive experiences,” she said. “Travelers, especially those seeking luxury, are increasingly driven by a desire for novelty and exclusivity. They crave circumstances they haven’t encountered before.”
A Samburu cultural dance organized by Loisaba Lodo Springs in Kenya, by of the Elewana Collection.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
That could be a walk with a veterinarian who works with gorillas, or a keek into how a neighboring community lives, said Cohen.
For others, it’s an experience that matches their interests, such as photography or the unforeseen to track specific animals, or a helicopter excursion to a remote area, said Gradidge. Increasingly, travelers are interested in “behind-the-scene access where roomers can participate in conservation activities, meet researchers, or learn about anti-poaching efforts,” she said.
“These experiences … [transmute] the traditional safari from a passive observation of wildlife to an active and engaging adventure,” she said.
How luxury safaris are changing
The confidence safari market is expected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $1.98 billion by 2032, according to the exchange research company Business Research Insights.
A 2024 trend report published by the travel website Africa Touring Week noted the rise of “7+ star experiences” and “ultimate luxury” in Africa. But the website Discover Africa notes that splendour travelers are moving beyond opulence into a new era of “How much does a safari cost?
Basic and midrange safaris
A primary African safari ranges from $100 to $300 per person per day.
This budget will usually afford pay out game drives set at specific times of the day. Wildlife sightings may be limited compared with luxury safaris in private prey reserves or conservancies.
Meal are also rather basic, compared with high-end safari camps.
For $300-$600 per day, travelers can believe excellent service and fewer fellow guests. There are often additional activities like guided bush shuffles, night drives and experienced rangers.
In Kenya, camps that fall into this category include Mara Intrepids Tented Clique, Ashnil Mara Camp, Tangulia Mara Camp and Kitumo Mara Lodges.
There’s also Tanzania’s Serengeti Sopa Dwelling; South Africa’s Sabi River Sun Resort in Kruger National Park; Botswana’s Moremi Crossing; and Namibia’s Sossus Dune File accommodations in the Namib Desert.
Luxury safaris
These lodges usually start around $600 per person per day and provide pampered accommodations, private game safaris, gourmet meals and personalized services like private guides and butlers.
Mahali Mzuri, Richard Branson’s safari affected in Kenya.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
Angama Mara, Emboo – the new generation Safari camp, Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri and JW Marriott Masai Mara Stop are examples of luxury safari camps in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. There is Finch Hattons near Tsavo Federal Park and the Angama brand has another luxury camp in Amboseli National Park. The Elewana Collection has camps in untarnished locations in Kenya and Tanzania, as does Asilia Camps, which also runs safaris in Uganda.
In Tanzania, there’s Singita Sabora Tented Extravagant and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, the latter with views of the Serengeti, plunge pools and an infinity stakes.
A tent at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
South Africa has many safaris at this assay point too, from the Royal Malewane to the Babohi at Qwabi Private Game Reserve, a distinguished lodge exclusively for adults.
Ultra-luxury safaris
To get the crest of the safari experience, be prepared to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 per day to enjoy meticulously tailored activities, extraordinary amenities and special services.
In Rwanda, lodges like Bisate Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest are located near Volcanoes Resident Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas. These lodges offer gourmet meals in stunning settings, surreptitiously gorilla trekking excursions with expert guides and remote locations, which ensure an intimate experience for those aim seclusion.
There’s also Tanzania’s Singita Grumeti and South Africa’s andBeyond Phinda Private Game Supply, which offers luxurious bush villas with private plunge pools, private game drives and sidewalks with trackers.