The UK safari tourism industry is set for phenomenal growth, with the size of the market set to increase from USD 2.2 billion in 2025 to USD 4.1 billion in 2035, a CAGR of 6.1%. The growth is chiefly spurred by increasing demand for authentic, experiential wildlife experiences as more British travelers seek to interact with nature in its purest state. Additionally, improved convenience of travel to African countries, in terms of more flights and better travel amenities, is reducing the remoteness of these former far-off experiences.
With British tourists increasingly looking for luxury and adventure tourism, the safari business has expanded to cater to these preferences with tailor-made safari packages like exclusive game drives, high-end lodges, and spa retreats blended with wildlife tours. Another major driver is the rising disposable incomes of UK travelers, enabling them to spend more on high-end, longer, and tailor-made safari vacations, thus driving the market growth.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated UK Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2.2 billion |
| Projected UK Value (2035F) | USD 4.1 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.1% |
The allure of African safaris, particularly within the luxury and adventure segments, is expected to drive this growth. High-end safari lodges, tailored wildlife encounters, and an increased emphasis on eco-tourism will all contribute to further expansion.
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This section compares CAGR projections for the 2024 base year with the market outlook in 2025.
CAGR Values for UK Safari Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
In the first half of 2024, the market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, reaching 4.8% in the second half. This positive momentum continues into 2025, with growth projected at 5% in the first half, potentially climbing to 6.1% in the second half, driven by the increasing appetite for luxury safaris and unique wildlife experiences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The UK safari tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 2.1 billion in 2024, contributing 22% of Europe's safari tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists account for 50% of the market, with key destinations like the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Yorkshire Wildlife Park. |
| International Market Share | International visitors make up 50%, with notable markets including European travelers drawn to destinations like the Highland Wildlife Park (Scotland) and African safaris in the UK-inspired Knowsley Safari Park (England). |
| Key Destinations | Famous safari destinations include the Cotswolds Wildlife Park (England), Highland Wildlife Park (Scotland), and Knowsley Safari Park (England). |
| Economic Impact | Safari tourism generates significant revenue, impacting local economies through tours, accommodations, and attractions like the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Knowsley Safari Park. |
| Key Trends | Increased demand for family-friendly safari experiences, sustainability-focused wildlife parks, and luxurious glamping experiences near safari parks. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Spring and summer see the highest number of tourists, especially in parks like the Cotswolds and Knowsley, offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. |
The UK safari tourism sector, which adds £1.2 billion to the overall market of Europe, is remarkable in being popular among both foreign and domestic tourists. Domestic travellers, including families, visit wildlife parks like the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
These attractions have a range of indigenous and foreign species, drawing local residents looking for an adventurous yet accessible wildlife experience. Overseas tourists, particularly Europeans, are attracted to UK parks that offer African safari-style experiences, including Knowsley Safari Park in England and the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland.
Main Trends in UK Safari Tourism Industry: Eco-travel has picked up considerable momentum, as indicated by the success of eco-luxury safari camps such as Angama Mara in Kenya, where sustainability and wildlife conservation are an intrinsic part of the experience.
In addition, exclusive, small-scale safari tours are increasingly a popular option, where travelers can participate in local conservation projects or have private wildlife experiences in less-populated areas.
The UK has also witnessed increasing demand for upmarket safari opportunities with wildlife joined by wellness elements. Luxury brands such as &Beyond are offering yoga, meditation, and spa treatment in combination with their safaris, attracting the high-net-worth customer in search of an overall holistically rejuvenative experience in tandem with wildlife tourism.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of "Exclusive Safari Retreat" Package: A high-end safari operator in Tanzania launches an exclusive package that includes private game drives and accommodation in ultra-luxury lodges overlooking the Serengeti. |
| Dec 2024 | Eco-Conscious Safari Lodge Opening in Botswana: A new eco-lodge opens in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, offering solar-powered accommodations and guided eco-safaris focusing on environmental sustainability. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of the “Conservation Safari” Program in Kenya: The Mara Conservancy introduces a new program where guests can participate in anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring activities. |
| Oct 2024 | Family Safari Packages in South Africa: South Africa’s Elewana Collection launches a family-focused safari experience with kid-friendly accommodations and educational wildlife programs. |
| Sept 2024 | Safari & Wellness Experience in Zimbabwe: A new luxury safari and wellness retreat package is unveiled, combining fitness programs with bespoke game drives in Hwange National Park. |
Online Direct Leads Safari Tourism Bookings
By 2025, the UK safari tourist bookings are forecasted to rise by 65% through the use of digital channels, an enormous change in how British holidaymakers book and organize their safaris. Behind this change are specialized safari-booking websites, in addition to international online players such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb, making it simpler than ever to organize a range of safaris.
These sites offer convenient, easy-to-navigate venues where tourists can browse through numerous different safari packages, from luxury tours to economy options, and compare prices, services, and accommodations with the touch of a button.
The ease of comparison has been at the centre of this shift. With access to well-detailed information on every safari tour, including customer feedback and open prices, tourists can better-informed decisions, their expectations being met and without unnecessary costs.
Online booking is also more flexible since tourists can book their tours at any time and from anywhere. Regardless of whether planning is done at home or on the move, the convenience of using mobile technology is making safari planning more spontaneous and convenient.
In addition, as internet penetration rises worldwide, increasingly travelers are resorting to the web for trip planning. The convenience of making real-time changes and instant booking through mobile applications is further fueling the demand for online bookings. Therefore, by 2025, online channels will account for most of the UK safari tourism business, transforming how safaris are planned and consumed.
Tour Operators Driving Safari Tourism
In 2025, tour operators will be expected to control the safari tourism market of the UK for 50% of the bookings, highlighting increased interest in such organized and facilitated safari tours. The operators assist significantly in reducing the travel complication for British holidaymakers, particularly first-time tourists to the safaris, children, and consumers who like experiencing a smooth and hassle-free tour.
Top operators such as Abercrombie & Kent and Intrepid Travel provide extensive selection of customized safari packages encompassing all the necessary elements of the journey, including accommodations, travel, and activities.
This comprehensive approach guarantees that the tourist is free to focus only on the enjoyment of his/her safari, without having to worry about arrangements like transfers, park entrance fees, or game drive planning.
For families, these packages are particularly helpful, as they often have family-friendly accommodations and activities that appeal to younger groups. Some operators offer wildlife walks, nature-oriented educational programs, and family game drives designed to engage all ages in the safari experience. This enables families to see wildlife together in a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment.
For those seeking the ultimate in safari luxury, operators like &Beyond offer customized itineraries that elevate the safari experience to new levels. These luxury safari packages often include private guides, stays in upscale lodges, customized wildlife encounters, and gourmet dining in wilderness settings, making safari tourism more appealing to upscale travelers.
With such tailor-made and upmarket products, tour operators are likely to remain a key supplier in the UK safari market and appeal to a wide range of travelers seeking experiential and well-organized safari holidays.
UK Safari Tourism Industry is relatively fragmented, with several tour operators offering luxury as well as budget safaris. Well-positioned players such as Safari Soles, The Luxury Safari Company, and Wild Wings Safaris, are followed by numerous small operators catering to niche interests such as conservation-based safaris, eco-tourism, and family safaris.
2025 Market Share of UK Safari Tourism Players
Leading players include Safari Soles, The Luxury Safari Company, and Wild Wings Safaris, with several regional operators targeting specific customer interests or destinations.
The UK Safari Tourism Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include increased demand for luxury safari experiences, heightened focus on wildlife conservation, and growing interest in African travel among UK tourists.
Leading players include Safari Soles, The Luxury Safari Company, and Wild Wings Safaris and other premium safari tour operators offering customized, high-end safari experiences.
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.
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UK Safari Tourism Market
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