Luxury safaris once loved seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceroses – albeit while staying in nicer tents and enjoying delicious meals.
But that’s changing.
“Travel is no longer just about the Big Five,” said Lori Cohen, a writer who covers luxury travel. “People have a limited amount of time off in their lives, and they really want to use that time to do something special and transformative.”
“They want personal attention (and) a unique experience,” she said. They want to “express their emotions.”
As a result, the definition of luxury travel in Africa is changing, says Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager at exhibition organizer RX Africa.
“While top-notch amenities remain important, the focus has broadened to encompass unique and exclusive experiences,” she said. “Travelers, especially those seeking luxury, are increasingly driven by a desire for novelty and exclusivity. They crave experiences they’ve never had before.”
Samburu cultural dance organized by Loisaba Lodo Springs, Kenya, part of the Elewana Collection.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
That could be a walk with a veterinarian who works with gorillas, or seeing life in a neighboring community, Cohen said.
For others, Gradic said, it’s an experience that matches their interests, such as photography or the opportunity to track a specific animal, or a helicopter tour of a remote area. She said tourists are increasingly interested in “behind-the-scenes visits, where guests can participate in conservation activities, meet researchers or learn about anti-poaching efforts.”
“These experiences … (transform) traditional hunting activities from passive observation of wildlife to active and engaging adventures,” she said.
How luxury safari is changing
The luxury safari market is expected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 and $1.98 billion in 2032According to market research firm Business Research Insights.
2024 trend report The travel website “Africa Travel Weekly” pointed out that “seven-star or above experience” and “ultimate luxury” are on the rise in Africa. But Discover Africa website points out that luxury travelers are moving beyond opulence and into a “new era”conscious luxury,” which combines sustainable wildlife tourism with personalized itineraries.
Photos taken during a game drive at Emboo New Generation Safari Camp in Kenya.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
Kgomotso Ramothea, chief executive of the African Tourism Association, said people are more interested in walking and hiking because walking and hiking produce less carbon emissions than traditional travel.
Murielle Mignot-Vegezzi, product director at luxury safari company Discover Africa, said destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana remain top choices.
Babohi at Qwabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
But “returning visitors are looking for more participatory experiences, safari itineraries that span multiple countries rather than single-country tours.”
This can increase prices. By 2024, luxury safari bookings will cost $9,600 per person, she said.
How much does a hunting trip cost?
Basic and medium range safari tours
Basic African safari tours range from $100 to $300 per person per day.
This budget can often afford shared game drives set at specific times of the day. Wildlife viewing may be more limited than on a luxury safari in a private game reserve or reserve.
Meals are also fairly simple compared to high-end safari camps.
For $300-$600 per day, travelers can enjoy superior service and fewer traveling guests. There are often other activities available, such as guided bushwalks, night drives and experienced rangers.
In Kenya, camps that fall into this category include Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Tangulia Mara Camp and Kitumo Mara Lodges.
There’s also Serengeti Sopa Lodge in Tanzania; Sabie River Sun Resort in South Africa’s Kruger National Park; Moremi Border Crossing in Botswana; and Sossus Dunes Lodge in the Namib Desert of Namibia.
luxury safari
These lodges, which typically start at about $600 per person per day, offer luxury accommodations, private safari tours, fine dining and personalized services such as personal guides and butlers.
Beautiful place, Richard Branson’s safari camp in Kenya.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
Angama Mara, Embu – A new generation of safari camps, Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are the epitome of luxury safari camps in Kenya’s Masai Mara. There is Finch Hattons near Tsavo National Park, and the Angama brand has another luxury camp in Amboseli National Park. The Elewana Collection has camps at pristine locations in Kenya and Tanzania, and Asilia Camps also operates safaris in Uganda.
Tanzania has Singita Sabora Tented Camp and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, the latter offering views of the Serengeti, plunge pool and infinity pool.
A tent at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
Source: Harriet Akinyi
South Africa also has plenty of safaris in this price range, from Royal Malewane to Babohi at Qwabi Private Game Reserve, a premium lodge exclusively for adults.
Ultra-luxury safari
For the ultimate safari experience, be prepared to pay $1,500 to $10,000 per day for carefully tailored activities, extraordinary facilities and exceptional service.
In Rwanda, lodges such as Bisate Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest are located near Volcanoes National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas. These lodges offer delicious cuisine in stunning surroundings, private gorilla trekking safaris with expert guides, and remote locations ensuring an intimate experience for those seeking seclusion.
There are also Singita Grumeti in Tanzania and andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, which offer luxurious jungle villas with private plunge pools, private game drives and tracker trails.
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