Safari Travel Costs Hit $37K as Peak Season Begins: Squaremouth Data
Event summary
- Average safari trip costs $25,000 in 2026, with Rwanda reaching $37,000.
- South Africa leads destinations at 36.5% of bookings; Uganda has highest risk (Level 4).
- Only 25% of travelers purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) coverage.
- Peak safari season runs from late July to early September, driven by The Great Migration.
The big picture
Squaremouth's data highlights the tension between rising safari travel costs and elevated geopolitical risks in key destinations. As travelers face average trip expenses of $25,000—peaking at $37,000 in Rwanda—the market underscores the need for robust insurance coverage. The industry must balance demand-driven pricing with adequate risk mitigation strategies.
What we're watching
- Risk Exposure
- How high advisory levels in destinations like Uganda and Rwanda will impact traveler behavior.
- Insurance Uptake
- Whether low CFAR/IFAR adoption rates leave travelers financially vulnerable during peak season.
- Premium Pricing
- The pace at which safari costs rise as demand for high-risk, high-cost destinations grows.
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