The USA safari tourism industry is anticipated to experience substantial growth. The market size is expected to rise from USD 4.1 billion in 2025 to USD 7 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to an increasing interest in wildlife experiences, improved travel accessibility to African destinations, and rising disposable incomes among American tourists.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated USA Industry Size (2025E) | USD 4.1 billion |
| Projected USA Value (2035F) | USD 7 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.4% |
The growing fascination with African safaris, supported by luxury and adventure travel, will propel this market. High-end safari lodges, tailored wildlife experiences, and eco-conscious tourism practices will contribute to further industry expansion.
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This section compares CAGR projections for the 2024 base year with the market outlook in 2025.
CAGR Values for USA Safari Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
In the first half of 2024, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%, reaching 6.0% in the second half. This positive trend continues in 2025, with growth predicted to reach 4.2% in the first half, and potentially increase to 5.4% in the second half, driven by rising demand for luxury safaris and immersive wildlife experiences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The USA safari tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 3.9 billion in 2024, contributing 45% of North America's safari tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists account for 55% of the market, with popular safari destinations like the San Juan Islands (Washington) and the Everglades (Florida). |
| International Market Share | International visitors make up 45%, with key markets including European travelers attracted to destinations like the San Juan Islands and African safari-inspired experiences in places like the National Bison Range (Montana). |
| Key Destinations | Prominent safari destinations include the San Juan Islands (Washington), Everglades National Park (Florida), and the National Bison Range (Montana). |
| Economic Impact | The industry drives billions annually through eco-tourism, wildlife tours, and local hospitality in destinations like the Everglades and the San Juan Islands. |
| Key Trends | Growth in wildlife conservation-focused safaris, such as whale watching in the San Juan Islands, and luxury safari lodges offering eco-friendly experiences. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Winter and spring are peak seasons, especially in destinations like Florida and Washington, due to mild weather and optimal wildlife sightings. |
The USA safari tourism industry has gained substantial momentum, with an estimated USD 5 billion market value, contributing 45% to North America's safari tourism sector. Domestic tourists are the backbone of this industry, drawn to immersive wildlife experiences in locations such as Florida's Everglades or the San Juan Islands in Washington, where whale watching and wildlife viewing are major attractions. International visitors also seek adventure, with Europeans and others favoring African-inspired safaris in places like the National Bison Range in Montana.
Major sites have turned into symbols in safari tourism, especially those that focus on the preservation of the environment. The Everglades National Park illustrates how eco-tourism benefits the local economy in that millions flock to see its abundant biodiversity. The industry trends lean towards environmentally friendly travel experiences, with more demand for upscale safari lodges that guarantee sustainability. The peak season for travel takes place in winter and spring when the weather is such that wildlife viewing is highly conducive. This synergy of adventure and environmentalism is what will define the future of safari tourism in the USA.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of "Ultimate Safari Adventure" Package: The Serengeti Safari Company introduces a high-end package offering private game drives, access to exclusive wildlife reserves, and private accommodations at Serengeti’s finest lodges. |
| Dec 2024 | Eco-Safari Lodge Opening in South Africa: A new eco-lodge, Zambezi Springs, opened in South Africa's Limpopo province, offering a sustainable, off-the-grid safari experience with solar-powered accommodations and guided wildlife walks. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of the “Wildlife Conservation Safari Program”: Uganda Wildlife Safari Tours introduced a new program that combines safari adventures with active conservation efforts, including tree planting and anti-poaching initiatives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. |
| Oct 2024 | Introduction of "Family Safari" Packages in Kenya: Kenya’s Elewana Collection launched family-oriented safari packages, focusing on educational and immersive experiences for children while also offering high-end amenities for adults. |
| Sept 2024 | Luxury Safari & Wellness Retreat Package: &Beyond Safari Lodges rolled out a new luxury safari package combining wellness therapies like yoga and spa treatments with game drives and wildlife viewing in the Serengeti. |
Online Direct Leads Safari Tourism Bookings
By 2025, 60% of bookings for safari tourism are expected to be booked online, a major shift in tourist planning and booking of their safari holidays. This is spurred on by growth in dedicated online safari booking sites as well as leading global Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb. These websites provide individuals with an easy, intuitive interface by which they can search through a range of safari activities and packages at their leisure, allowing them to select the vacation that is most suitable for their needs and budget.
One of the most significant drivers of online bookings is the price transparency that such sites offer. Travelers can promptly compare prices, inclusions, and reviews offered by a wide range of safari operators and choose accordingly. Price transparency is a big attraction, as people are now looking to steer clear of hidden charges or uncertainty that comes with calling or visiting a destination to make bookings. Additionally, many OTAs and booking websites feature detailed customer reviews and ratings, which further enhance trust and help travelers make confident choices.
Mobile technology convenience has also been instrumental in the transition to online reservations. Visitors can now research and book their safari experiences on-the-move through phone applications, reserving journeys from wherever there is access, at home, on-the-road, or on breaks at work. This flexibility supports spontaneous travel planning and the option to make on-the-go adjustments, rendering the process more dynamic and user-friendly than ever. The increased dependence on mobile phones, as well as the rise in internet penetration across the world, is propelling the shift in booking habits, setting online channels as the leading method of booking safari tourism by 2025.
Tour Operators Driving Safari Tourism
Tour Operators will in 2025 lead the safari tourism industry, commanding 50% of bookings, highlighting the increasing demand for guided and organized safari holidays. They play a crucial role in creating inclusive, all-rounded packages that make travel easy, which is popular with first-time safarists, families, and people who want an easy trip.
Tour companies such as Abercrombie & Kent and Intrepid Travel provide a wide variety of safari packages, tailored to suit different levels of comfort and adventure. They handle all the logistics, from accommodations to transportation and safari activities, so tourists can concentrate solely on the experience and not on the nitty-gritty of planning. For beginners, this is particularly attractive since safari holidays can be complicated, with far-flung locations, diverse wildlife encounters, and complex logistics like chartered flights to national parks and private game reserves. The reassurance of knowing that everything is taken care of is a big attraction.
Families specifically appreciate these packaged deals since they tend to feature family-friendly lodgings and activities that are child-friendly and geared towards entertaining children and adults. Most safari tours have kid-friendly facilities like educational programs, nature walks, and game drives specifically designed for children, which makes it convenient for families to have a safari experience without worrying about safety or suitability of activities.
At the luxury end, companies such as &Beyond offer upscale, exclusive safari packages with superior service, private guides, luxurious camps, and fine dining in seclusion in remote, pristine surroundings. At the affordable end of the spectrum, tour companies present cost-cutting options, such as tent camps and guided group tours, with the overall intent to ensure universal appeal to most classes of traveler. Tour companies' fusion of convenience, specialist knowledge, and choice within their offerings presents a major reason for tour operators dominating the safari tourist market.
The USA Safari Tourism Market is marked by a moderately fragmented competitive environment, with a number of leading tour operators controlling the market. Major players like African Big Cats Safaris, E-Trip Africa, and Wayfairer Travel are well-established, providing a variety of luxury safari experiences, from bespoke itineraries to guided wildlife tours in Africa. These operators serve high-net-worth individuals who want exclusive and immersive wildlife experiences. Along with these big players, there are many regional safari operators who cater to niche markets with specialized interests like eco-tourism, conservation tourism, or safaris for families, which diversifies the market even further.
2025 Market Share of USA Safari Tourism Players
Leading players include African Big Cats Safaris, E-Trip Africa, and Wayfairer Travel, followed by several other specialized safari tour operators focusing on specific regions or customized safari experiences.
The USA Safari Tourism Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 7 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include growing demand for luxury safari experiences, increased focus on wildlife conservation, and rising interest in African travel among American tourists.
Key players include African Big Cats Safaris, E-Trip Africa, Wayfairer Travel, and other premium safari tour operators offering customized and 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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USA Safari Tourism Market
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