The South African safari tourism industry is poised for significant growth. The market is expected to increase from USD 10.6 billion in 2025 to USD 26.6 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising global demand for African wildlife experiences, improved accessibility to South Africa's prime safari destinations, and the increasing popularity of eco-conscious travel among international visitors.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated South African Industry Size (2025E) | USD 10.6 billion |
| Projected South African Value (2035F) | USD 26.6 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.6% |
The rising international demand for wildlife holidays, driven by luxury and eco-tourism trends, will be a key driver of South Africa's safari sector. South African game parks and safari camps, especially along Kruger National Park and Eastern Cape, will take advantage of an influx of both adventure and ecotourists.
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
This section compares CAGR projections for the 2024 base year with the market outlook in 2025.
CAGR Values for South Africa Safari Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
In the first half of 2024, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9%, reaching 9.1% in the second half. By 2025, growth is anticipated to increase to 9.2% in the first half, with further potential to reach 9.6% in the second half, as high-net-worth individuals seek exclusive safaris and international travelers favor South Africa for its diverse wildlife and luxurious offerings.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The South African safari tourism industry is projected to generate USD 9.7 billion in 2024, contributing 60% of Southern Africa's safari tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists account for 40% of the market, with notable safari destinations in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. |
| International Market Share | International visitors make up 60%, with key markets including Europe, the USA , and Australia, seeking safari experiences in the iconic Kruger National Park and private game reserves. |
| Key Destinations | Major safari destinations include Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Addo Elephant Park, and Sabi Sand Reserve. |
| Economic Impact | The industry is a major contributor to South Africa’s GDP, driving billions annually through eco-tourism, wildlife tours, and local hospitality. |
| Key Trends | Sustainable safari tourism, luxury conservation-focused lodges, and immersive wildlife experiences featuring private game drives and walking safaris. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Summer and autumn (November through May) are peak seasons, with favorable weather for wildlife viewing and an array of migratory species. |
The South African safari tourism industry continues to thrive, with an estimated USD 3 billion in 2024, contributing significantly to the region's tourism market. Domestic tourists are drawn to the country's diverse safari experiences, from the Big Five at Kruger to intimate wildlife encounters at boutique lodges in the Eastern Cape. International visitors, particularly from Europe and the USA, seek out world-renowned destinations like Kruger and the Sabi Sand Reserve, where luxury lodges offer all-inclusive experiences.
Destinations such as Kruger National Park, which is one of the biggest game parks in Africa, are key to the industry's success, having huge areas to cover with a high level of biodiversity. Growth is being led by new eco-friendly trends such as luxury camps that prioritize conservation and sustainability. For example, camps such as &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve emphasize the protection of wildlife and interaction with communities, having high-end luxury combined with responsible travel.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of “Bespoke Safari Journey”: The Lion’s Share Safari Company introduces ultra-luxury safaris offering private air transfers, bespoke guided tours, and stay at remote safari camps in the Western Cape. |
| Dec 2024 | Eco-Safari Lodge Opening in the Eastern Cape: The new Eco-Wild Lodge, located in a private game reserve, offers solar-powered accommodations, with a focus on wildlife conservation efforts and community tourism. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of “Conservation & Adventure” Program: The South African Wildlife Foundation launches a program that combines safari experiences with hands-on conservation work, such as tracking rhinos and supporting anti-poaching efforts in the Western Cape. |
| Oct 2024 | Introduction of “Family Safari Packages” in Kruger: The Kruger Experience Group introduces tailored family safari packages, focusing on educational programs and child-friendly wildlife activities. |
| Sept 2024 | Wellness Safari & Conservation Retreat: Safari Lodge &Beyond introduces a new wellness program combining yoga, meditation, and safari excursions in the Kruger region. |
Online Direct Leads Safari Tourism Bookings
Through platforms, 55% of the safari tourism holidays in South Africa will be booked by 2025, as there is expected to be a huge change in the way individuals plan their holiday safari. It is mainly promoted by the rise of dedicated booking websites for safari holidays like SafariBookings.com, and mainstream global online travel agencies (OTAs) including TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb, who have easy to use and seamless interfaces for users to book for safari holidays. These websites enable visitors to quickly navigate a wide range of safari packages, from group tours on the cheap to super-luxurious, customized safari vacations. In doing so, tourists can obtain safari holidays that are most convenient for them in terms of choice and budget without having to trust word-of-mouth referrals or hardcopy catalogs.
The heightened transparency provided by these websites is an important factor driving this trend. Travelers can now easily compare different safari experiences, browsing through trip itineraries, cost structures, accommodations, and activities between a number of different providers on one website. Transparency helps build trust and keeps the potential for hidden costs or unexpected surprises during the process of booking. It also goes hand-in-hand with user-generated content like reviews and ratings that further facilitate decision-making. Potential safari travelers are able to read firsthand reviews of past visitors, learning about the quality of experience, customer service, and wildlife interactions at various safari camps or lodges.
Increased usage of mobile devices and broader access to the internet across the world is another contributing factor. Booking safaris online through smartphones or tablets, one can now easily plan, compare, and book their safari vacation from anywhere, at any time. This will continue to grow, and online booking will become the most favored way of arranging a safari holiday by 2025.
Tour Operators Driving Safari Tourism
By 2025, tour operators will lead the South African safari tourism sector, commanding 55% of total bookings. This is due to their capacity to provide inclusive, stress-free experiences for all types of tourists, from old-time explorers to novice safarigoers. Top operators such as African Travel and Rhino Safaris offer tailor-made packages that encompass everything, from logistics to accommodations and guided tours, so that all the details are taken care of. This end-to-end service is especially attractive for those who desire a smooth, well-organized safari experience without having to plan each component by themselves.
Tour operators provide a wide variety of safari experiences, ranging from traditional Big Five safaris in iconic locations such as Kruger National Park to more specialized, off-the-beaten-path conservation-based tours. These niche itineraries appeal to travelers who are not only interested in wildlife experiences but also wish to support conservation initiatives or visit South Africa's more remote areas. By providing a range of packages with different interests-whether photography, luxury, or eco-tourism-tour operators are able to cater to the unique needs of a wide range of demographics.
For parents, high-end operators such as &Beyond customize their products to produce family-oriented safari packages that balance adventure with comfort. The packages aim to ensure safety and participation for children, offering educative activities such as nature walks and game drives, in addition to providing luxurious amenities for adults. These pre-arranged tours are also a relief to first-time safarists since the assurance that all elements of the trip are handled by professionals means they get to enjoy themselves without any issues of logistics or safety. These tour operators provide expertise and convenience, making them a necessary element of the safari tourism business in South Africa.
The South African Safari Tourism sector has a competitive but fragmented market with numerous major players. Major operators like MoAfrika Tours, Discover Africa Safaris, Pembury Tours dominate the high-end safari market, providing exclusive safari experiences, custom itineraries, and a strong focus on conservation. Moreover, some regional safari operators also serve niche markets, such as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism.
2025 Market Share of South African Safari Tourism Players
Leading players include MoAfrika Tours, Discover Africa Safaris, Pembury Tours, followed by other specialized operators focusing on customized safari experiences.
The South African Safari Tourism Industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is forecast to reach USD 26.6 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include the increasing demand for luxury and sustainable safari experiences, the rise in global travel to Africa, and South Africa’s strong reputation for diverse wildlife and conservation efforts.
Key players include MoAfrika Tours, Discover Africa Safaris, Pembury Tours and other leading safari tour operators offering exclusive, tailored safari experiences in South Africa.
The industry is segmented into Airlines, Hotels and Resorts, Tour Operators, Travel Management, and Others.
The market is analyzed by age groups: Under 18 years, 18 - 25 years, 26 - 35 years, 36 - 45 years, 46 - 55 years, and Over 55 years.
The market is segmented into Domestic and International tourists.
The industry includes In-person Booking, Phone Booking, and Online Booking.
UK Medical Tourism Industry Analysis from 2025 to 2035
GCC Countries Travel Agency Services Industry Analysis from 2025 to 2035
France Sports Tourism Market Analysis - Growth & Forecast 2025 to 2035
China Sports Tourism Market Analysis - Growth & Forecast 2025 to 2035
Germany Medical Tourism Industry Analysis from 2025 to 2035
Canada Travel Agency Services Industry Analysis from 2025 to 2035
South Africa Safari Tourism Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
