Safari travellers risk protection gap as trip costs exceed $25,000
Squaremouth data suggests demand for high-value safari holidays is growing faster than uptake of broader cancellation and interruption protection
Safari holidays are becoming increasingly expensive, but most travellers purchasing cover through US travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth are opting against enhanced cancellation and interruption protection, according to new company data.
The average insured cost of a safari booked through Squaremouth has reached US$25,169 in 2026, while demand has increased 10% year on year. More than one in 10 travellers surveyed by the company also said they would like to take a safari within the next two years.
However, Squaremouth said 82% of safari travellers purchasing policies through its platform this year had not selected cancel for any reason (CFAR) or interruption for any reason (IFAR) cover.
The figures point to a potential protection gap for travellers committing significant sums to trips in destinations where disease outbreaks, security incidents, and changing government travel advice can affect travel plans.
Standard comprehensive policies do not necessarily provide cancellation or interruption benefits solely because official travel advice changes. Cover may also be restricted where an event was already known or foreseeable when the policy was purchased.
Squaremouth said broader CFAR and IFAR benefits could provide additional protection where travellers decide against travelling for reasons that would not otherwise constitute an insured event. Coverage and exclusions vary between insurers and policies.
The issue is particularly relevant to safari destinations where travel advisories can differ significantly within national borders.
Squaremouth highlighted Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda among destinations currently affected by heightened US government travel advice in some or all regions, citing risks including disease outbreaks, political instability, and security concerns.
The company said travellers should pay particular attention to the timing of policy purchase and the geographical scope of exclusions, particularly where official advice changes after a trip has been booked.
The findings come as demand for premium travel continues to rise, increasing the potential financial exposure when high-value trips are cancelled or curtailed.