US Safari Tourism Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the US Safari Tourism Market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 10.4 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 15.5 Billion.

The US Safari Tourism Market encompasses the travel and leisure industry focused on wildlife exploration within the country. With abundant national parks, reserves, and diverse ecosystems, the market offers immersive experiences with iconic species. Key elements include guided safaris, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures.

US safari operators emphasize sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices, and collaborating with conservation efforts. The market caters to a broad audience, attracting adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking unique wildlife encounters. Technological advancements and a commitment to responsible tourism contribute to the market’s appeal and ongoing growth.

US Safari Tourism Market – Significant Growth Factors

The US Safari Tourism Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Biodiversity and Iconic Wildlife: The diverse ecosystems in the US, including national parks and reserves, housing iconic species like bears and bison, serve as a major driver. Wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to these natural habitats, contributing to the growth of the safari tourism market.

• Adventure Tourism Trends: The increasing popularity of adventure tourism plays a significant role. Travelers seek immersive experiences, driving demand for safari adventures that offer both wildlife encounters and outdoor exploration in the US.

• Focus on Sustainable Tourism: The emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism practices enhances the US safari market. Tour operators align with environmentally conscious travelers by implementing eco-friendly measures and supporting wildlife conservation.

• Cultural and Educational Aspects: US safari experiences often include cultural and educational components, providing a holistic understanding of local ecosystems and indigenous cultures. This combination of natural wonders and cultural immersion attracts a diverse range of visitors interested in both wildlife and educational exploration.

• Rising Interest in Domestic Tourism: The increasing trend of domestic tourism presents an opportunity for US safari operators. Promoting wildlife experiences within the country caters to travelers seeking nature-based adventures closer to home, especially in light of global uncertainties affecting international travel.

• Technological Integration for Enhanced Experiences: The integration of technology, such as virtual reality experiences and wildlife tracking apps, offers opportunities to enhance the overall safari experience. Technological advancements can attract tech-savvy travelers and provide innovative ways to engage and educate safari-goers.

US Safari Tourism Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The US Safari Tourism Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the US Safari Tourism Market include:

• In 2023, &Beyond has unveiled plans to reconstruct Phinda Forest Lodge in South Africa’s &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Opting for a refurbishment over a complete rebuild, the initiative aims to minimize habitat disruption, retaining the lodge’s ‘Zulu-zen’ concept while integrating modern architectural elements for an enhanced guest experience.

• In 2022, Gamewatchers Safaris, a Kenyan tour operator, has introduced a new luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara. This addition expands the company’s portfolio, providing tourists with a high-end accommodation option amidst the stunning landscapes of the renowned Maasai Mara region.

• In 2022, Natural Selection has inaugurated a new camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offering luxurious tented accommodations and immersive safari experiences. This addition enhances the portfolio of safari options in the region, providing guests with an elevated and intimate wildlife encounter in the heart of Hwange.

• In 2023, Wilderness has introduced the Wilderness Mokete tented camp in Botswana’s Mababe Concession. Covering 124,000 acres between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, this unique camp provides a remote oasis for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring abundant sightings of elephants, buffalos, lions, and hyenas. It marks the first camp of its kind in this location.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the US Safari Tourism Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

US Safari Tourism Market – Significant Threats

The US Safari Tourism Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Natural Disasters and Climate Change: Natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, pose a threat to the US Safari Tourism Market. Events like wildfires, hurricanes, or extreme weather conditions can impact wildlife habitats, disrupt travel plans, and lead to safety concerns, affecting the overall appeal of safari destinations.

• Overcrowding and Habitat Degradation: The risk of overcrowding in popular safari destinations can lead to habitat degradation and negatively impact the behavior of wildlife. Maintaining a balance between tourism and conservation is crucial to avoid environmental stress and ensure sustainable safari experiences.

• Political Instability and Safety Concerns: Political instability and safety concerns, both domestically and internationally, pose threats to the US Safari Tourism Market. Events such as civil unrest or geopolitical tensions can result in travel advisories, deterring tourists and impacting the safety of safari destinations.

• Economic Downturns and Budget Constraints: Economic downturns and financial uncertainties can lead to reduced consumer spending on leisure activities, impacting the US safari market. Budget constraints may prompt potential travelers to postpone or cancel safari plans, affecting the industry’s revenue and growth.
• Regulatory Changes and Land Use Policies: Shifts in regulatory frameworks and land use policies can pose threats to safari operators. Changes in environmental protection laws, zoning regulations, or access restrictions to protected areas may impact the viability of safari tourism, affecting the ability to offer certain experiences and limiting the growth potential of the market.

Category-Wise Insights

By Accommodation:

• Safari Resorts & Lodges: Safari resorts & lodges in the US provide upscale accommodation amid natural landscapes. Featuring luxurious amenities, guided safaris, and proximity to wildlife, they cater to travelers seeking comfort. A trend involves sustainable design, blending with the environment, and offering immersive wildlife experiences.

• Safari Camps: Safari camps offer a more rustic lodging experience in the US, often situated in remote wilderness areas. Characterized by tented accommodations, they emphasize a closer connection to nature. A trend involves eco-friendly practices, low-impact designs, and personalized, intimate safari experiences.

• Treehouses: Treehouses provide a unique and elevated accommodation option in the US Safari Tourism Market. Nested among trees, they offer panoramic views and a distinctive lodging experience. A growing trend involves eco-conscious designs, incorporating sustainable materials, and providing an immersive connection with the surrounding natural environment.

• Others: The “Others” category encompasses diverse accommodation options within the US Safari Tourism Market, ranging from boutique hotels to glamping sites. Trends involve a focus on experiential stays, innovative designs, and the integration of technology to enhance the overall safari lodging experience.

By Safari Type

• Adventure Safari: Adventure Safaris in the US involve immersive and active wildlife experiences. Participants engage in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife tracking. The trend in the US Safari Tourism Market sees a rising demand for adrenaline-fueled adventures, appealing to thrill-seekers who desire a combination of wildlife encounters and outdoor exploration, aligning with the broader trend of adventure tourism.

• Private Safari: Private Safaris provide exclusive and personalized wildlife experiences in the US Participants enjoy customized itineraries, private guides, and secluded accommodations. The current trend emphasizes a growing preference for privacy, luxury, and tailored experiences, catering to individuals, couples, or small groups seeking an intimate and personalized safari adventure.

• Others: The “Others” category encompasses diverse safari types, including photography safaris, family-oriented safaris, and conservation-focused experiences in the US Emerging trends indicate a demand for specialized and unique safari offerings, accommodating a wide range of preferences. This segment reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of US Safari Tourism, offering diverse options beyond the traditional adventure and private safari experiences.

By Traveler Type

• Friends: Friends, in the US Safari Tourism Market, refer to groups of companions seeking shared adventure. The trend sees an uptick in group safaris, fostering camaraderie among peers. Operators offer dynamic itineraries, focusing on group-friendly activities, and accommodations conducive to social interactions, catering to the energetic and social preferences of friend-travelers.

• Families: Families, a significant segment, comprise parents and children seeking educational and enjoyable safari experiences. The trend involves operators designing family-friendly packages, incorporating wildlife education, and providing accommodations with amenities suitable for all ages, fostering memorable and bonding family adventures in the US.

• Couples: Couples in the US Safari Tourism Market denote romantic partners seeking intimate wildlife encounters. The trend showcases a rise in exclusive and private safari options, emphasizing secluded accommodations, romantic settings, and tailored experiences for two. This caters to the desire for romantic and unforgettable moments amidst nature’s beauty.

• Solo: Solo travelers, a growing segment in the US Safari Tourism Market, represent individuals seeking independent exploration. The trend involves operators offering solo-friendly packages, ensuring safety, social opportunities for like-minded adventurers, and personalized itineraries that allow solo travelers to immerse themselves in the unique and diverse landscapes of US safari destinations.

By Mode of Booking

• Direct Booking: Direct booking in the US Safari Tourism Market involves customers reserving safari experiences directly with tour operators. This trend has seen growth with the rise of online platforms, offering users the ability to customize experiences and access exclusive deals, providing a personalized and efficient booking process.

• Agents Booking: Agents booking refers to tourists securing safari packages through travel agencies or tour operators. This traditional mode remains relevant, offering expertise, convenience, and package deals, catering to travelers seeking guided experiences and comprehensive itineraries.

• Others: The “Others” category encompasses alternative booking methods like online marketplaces and aggregator platforms. In the US Safari Tourism Market, emerging trends show increased use of unconventional booking options, providing tourists with diverse choices beyond direct or agent bookings, reflecting a dynamic and evolving market landscape.

Report Scope

Competitive Landscape – US Safari Tourism Market

The US Safari Tourism Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating. Some of the key players in the market include:

• TCS World Travel
• Wilderness Safaris
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Micato Safaris
• African Travel Inc.
• Thomson Safaris
• Abercrombie & Kent USA LLC
• Tauck Inc.
• Gate 1 Travel
• Natural Habitat Adventures
• Intrepid Travel
• Tauck
• Big Five Tours & Expeditions
• Off the Beaten Path
• Austin Adventures
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.

New entrants in the US Safari Tourism Market, such as Natural World Safaris and Wildlife Safari, leverage innovation through immersive technologies and sustainable practices. These players adopt cutting-edge approaches to attract modern travelers.

Key market dominators, including TCS World Travel and Abercrombie & Kent, maintain their positions through established brand recognition, comprehensive networks, and a commitment to sustainability.

Industry leaders consistently invest in technological advancements, offering exclusive experiences and collaborating with conservation organizations, solidifying their influence in the competitive US safari tourism sector.

The US Safari Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Accommodation

• Safari Resorts & Lodges
• Safari Camps
• Treehouses
• Others

By Safari Type

• Adventure Safari
• Private Safari
• Others

By Traveller Type

• Friends
• Families
• Couples
• Solos

By Mode of Booking

• Direct Booking
• Agents Booking
• Others