Safari Tourism Market Size & Share 2023 to 2032
Market Size by Type (Adventure Safari, Private Safari), by Seasonal Variation (High Season, Low Season), by Booking Channel (Direct Booking with Safari Lodge & Camps, Travel Agencies, Online Tour Operators).
Report ID: GMI5993
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Published Date: June 2023
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Report Format: PDF
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Authors:
Preeti Wadhwani, Aishvarya Ambekar
Safari Tourism Market Size
Safari Tourism Market size valued at USD 32.2 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5% between 2023 and 2032. The growing interest in safari travel among bloggers and influencers is a major element driving the expansion of safari tourism.
Safari Tourism Market Key Takeaways
Market Size & Growth
Key Market Drivers
Challenges
The market of luxury tourism is set to cross USD 150 Billion by 2032. Rising inclination toward distinctive & exotic vacation experiences, the increasing middle & upper-middle-class spending, and the expanding effect of social media on the travel sector are primary factors, which will drive market growth.
Safety and infrastructure issues can hamper the safari tourism market growth. Inadequate infrastructure including poorly maintained roads, limited access to remote areas, and insufficient accommodation options can discourage tourists from visiting safari destinations. Similarly, safety concerns related to wildlife encounters, diseases, and political instability in certain regions can also deter potential travelers. To foster market growth, investments in infrastructure development including road networks and accommodation facilities are necessary. Also, ensuring the safety of tourists through stringent safety protocols, well-trained guides, and effective wildlife management strategies can help build confidence among travelers, thus promoting the market demand.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on the safari tourism market. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, and health concerns resulted in a sharp decline in international travel, leading to the closure of safari destinations and a decline in tourist arrivals. Many safaris operators & related businesses faced financial hardships and had to adapt their operations or temporarily suspend services. As vaccination efforts progressed and travel restrictions eased, the market was expected to gradually recover, although challenges including changing travel regulations & traveler preferences persisted in the short term.
Safari Tourism Market Trends
The growing demand for sustainable & responsible travel practices is driving the global safari tourism industry size. Travelers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly safari experiences that prioritize wildlife conservation, minimize environmental impacts, and support local communities. To meet these demands, safari operators are implementing sustainable practices, supporting conservation initiatives, and incorporating cultural interactions into their itineraries. Additionally, there is a rising interest in off-the-beaten-path safari destinations and unique wildlife encounters as travelers seek more exclusive & immersive experiences.
Safari Tourism Market Analysis
The adventure safari segment held over 50% of the safari tourism market share in 2022, due to growing trend among travelers to seek more immersive & exciting experiences. Adventure safaris offer activities such as trekking, canoeing, mountain biking, and even diving with sharks, which appeal to adventure enthusiasts. Secondly, adventure safaris cater to a younger demographic that prioritizes experiential travel and seeks unique & off-the-beaten-path destinations. Lastly, rising social media platforms and the desire to share awe-inspiring experiences have fueled the demand for adventure safaris.
The safari tourism market from solos segment was reached USD 8.3 billion revenue in 2022. Solo safaris provide the freedom to explore wildlife destinations at one's own pace and cater to individual preferences. Improved safety measures and a growing focus on solo travel options have boosted confidence among solo travelers, encouraging them to embark on safari adventures alone. Lastly, rising digital connectivity and social media platforms have made it easier for solo travelers to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and support.
Asia Pacific safari tourism market is projected to witness 6.5% CAGR through 2032. The growing middle-class population in countries, such as China and India, with increasing disposable incomes is leading to a rise in outbound tourism. Asia Pacific is home to several countries with diverse wildlife and natural landscapes such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Indonesia. These destinations offer the potential for safari tourism to thrive, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Lastly, increased connectivity, improved infrastructure, and targeted marketing efforts are further propelling the regional market growth.
Safari Tourism Market Share
Major companies operating in the safari tourism market are:
Safari Tourism Industry News
This safari tourism market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:
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Market, By Type
Market, By Tour
Market, By Seasonal Variation
Market, By Booking Channel
The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:
Research methodology, data sources & validation process
This report draws on a structured research process built around direct industry conversations, proprietary modelling, and rigorous cross-validation and not just desk research.
Our 6-step research process
1. Research design & analyst oversight
At GMI, our research methodology is built on a foundation of human expertise, rigorous validation, and complete transparency. Every insight, trend analysis, and forecast in our reports is developed by experienced analysts who understand the nuances of your market.
Our approach integrates extensive primary research through direct engagement with industry participants and experts, complemented by comprehensive secondary research from verified global sources. We apply quantified impact analysis to deliver dependable forecasts, while maintaining complete traceability from original data sources to final insights.
2. Primary research
Primary research forms the backbone of our methodology, contributing nearly 80% to overall insights. It involves direct engagement with industry participants to ensure accuracy and depth in analysis. Our structured interview program covers regional and global markets, with inputs from C-suite executives, directors, and subject matter experts. These interactions provide strategic, operational, and technical perspectives, enabling well-rounded insights and reliable market forecasts.
3. Data mining & market analysis
Data mining is a key part of our research process, contributing nearly 20% to the overall methodology. It involves analysing market structure, identifying industry trends, and assessing macroeconomic factors through revenue share analysis of major players. Relevant data is collected from both paid and unpaid sources to build a reliable database. This information is then integrated to support primary research and market sizing, with validation from key stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and associations.
4. Market sizing
Our market sizing is built on a bottom-up approach, starting with company revenue data gathered directly through primary interviews, alongside production volume figures from manufacturers and installation or deployment statistics. These inputs are then pieced together across regional markets to arrive at a global estimate that stays grounded in actual industry activity.
5. Forecast model & key assumptions
Every forecast includes explicit documentation of:
✓ Key growth drivers and their assumed impact
✓ Restraining factors and mitigation scenarios
✓ Regulatory assumptions and policy change risk
✓ Technology adoption curve parameter
✓ Macroeconomic assumptions (GDP growth, inflation, currency)
✓ Competitive dynamics and market entry/exit expectations
6. Validation & quality assurance
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Our triple-layer validation process ensures maximum data reliability:
✓ Statistical Validation
✓ Expert Validation
✓ Market Reality Check
Trust & credibility
Verified data sources
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GMI archive
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Parameters studied & evaluated
Every data point in this report is validated through primary interviews, true bottom-up modelling, and rigorous cross-checks. Read about our research process →