At one time, looking out for wildlife such as leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos highlighted luxury safari trips. That said, this is changing.
“Safaris are not just about the ‘Big Five anymore,” said Lori Cohen, a journalist covering luxury safari excursions. ‘People have got limited time off in their lives, and they really want to use that time to do something special.”
Changing the African Tourism Arena
These differing sentiments have brought about a change in Africa’s luxury tourism market.
“While top-tier amenities remain important, the focus has expanded to encompass unique and exclusive experiences,” said Olivia Gruddige, marketing manager for safari exhibition organizer RX Africa. “Travelers, especially those seeking luxury, are increasingly driven by a desire for novelty and exclusivity.”
Such experiences might include walking with veterinarians caring for gorillas or looking into how communities along the safari’s path function. Others may yearn for photography opportunities or the chance to follow and study certain creatures. Sojourners have become interested in more intimate, hands-on experiences.
Kgomotso Ramothea, the chief executive officer of the African Travel and Tourism Association, said there is greater interest in walking and trekking safaris, which produce fewer carbon emissions than their traditional cousins.
How Luxury Safaris Are Changing?
Industry insiders expect the market to grow from the $1.7 billion industry it was last year to an almost $2 billion undertaking by 2032. Africa Travelers Week disclosed that these figures are inspired by luxury travelers’ increasing desire to take high-end trips. However, the website “Discover Africa” suggests that the days of purely opulent travel have ended. Many tourists opt for journeys that hold greater personal and sustainable endeavors.
Murielle Mignot-Vegezzi, head of product at the luxury company Discover Africa, said travelers’ most preferred destinations include South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya.
“But return visitors are looking for more involved experiences with safari itineraries across multiple countries instead of single-country trips,” she said.
Safari Costs
Such adventures do not come cheap. Basic African safaris range anywhere from $100–$300 a day per person. This typically includes amenities such as simple meals and common activities. Those able to shell out $300–$600 per person each day often receive more perks and enjoy traveling with a smaller group of people and being given amenities like guided bush walks, night drives, and more experienced rangers.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safari lodges begin at $600 a day. That said, the hefty price tag buys you more luxurious accommodations, private game safaris, gourmet meals, and personalized services like tour guides. Such camps are found in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda.
Specific examples include Angama Mara, Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri, and the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which fits the luxury category and can be found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Finch Hattons can be found in Tsavo National Park. Moreover, the Angama brand hosts luxury camps close to Amboseli National Park. The Elewana Collection plays host to camps in pristine portions of Kenya and Tanzania. Asila camps operate safaris in Uganda.
Ultra Luxury Safaris
The ultimate, high-end luxury excursions typically clock in at anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 a day per person. These exorbitant costs entitle you to activities specifically tailored to meet your desires, a plethora of luxurious amenities, and top-of-the-line services.
Such locations include Rwanda’s Bisate Lodge and Only Gorilla’s Nest, which are situated adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. This area is home to that nation’s mountain gorillas. Additionally, these settings offer gourmet dining and private trekking excursions led by expert guides in remote outposts.
Tanzania’s Singita Grumeti and South Africa’s Beyond Phinda National Private Game Reserve offer private and opulent bush villas with private pools, private game drives, and walks with experienced trekkers.
