Is Safari Insurance Really Necessary? The Honest Truth.
- DONALD ELISANTE
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Hey there, future Tanzania safari star!
So, you are planning the trip of a lifetime to Africa? Amazing! We want to make sure your adventure is nothing but incredible memories. That’s why we are talking about something super important today: travel insurance.
Think of it as your invisible superhero cape. You hope you never need it, but you will be so glad it’s there if something goes wrong!
But... Do I Really Need Insurance for Africa?
Yes, 100%!
It doesn’t matter if you are coming for a safari, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or to see gorillas in Rwanda; good travel insurance is not just a smart idea, it’s essential. It’s your safety net for:
Getting sick or hurt: From a stomach bug to anything that requires medical attention.
Lost stuff: Your bags, your camera, your phone-it happens!
Big emergencies: If you need to be rushed to a hospital or even flown home.
Trip troubles: Cancellations, missed flights, or delays.
Don't just take our word for it. Jack, our client from Canada, almost had his safari dream start with a nightmare. His connecting flight to Tanzania was delayed, and in the rush at Kilimanjaro Airport, he left his brand new camera, with all his lenses on a bench at the baggage claim.
By the time he realized, he was already an hour away at his lodge. He was devastated. But because he had taken out a good travel insurance policy that covered lost personal items, he was able to file a claim right from his phone. The insurance team guided him through the airport process and, while the camera was never found, he was refunded for the full value. He didn't have to cancel a single game drive.
He emailed us after his safari saying, "I thought insurance was just for medical emergencies. I almost skipped it to save a few bucks. Getting that camera replaced would have cost me over $3,500. The insurance paid for itself ten times over.
At Travel Wise Safari, we care about your safety. That’s why we require all our travellers to have insurance. It’s the best way to protect your dream vacation investment.
When Should I Buy My Travel Insurance?
As soon as you book your trip!
Don’t wait. If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason before you even leave home, you will be protected. Buy it early and travel with peace of mind.
5 Things Your Safari Insurance MUST Have:
Super-Strong Medical Cover: Make sure it covers at least $100,000 for medical emergencies. This is super important for things like altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro, which might need a helicopter evacuation to a good hospital.
Trip Cancellation Protection: Life is unpredictable. This ensures you can get your money back if you suddenly can’t travel.
Coverage for Your Adventures: Normal insurance might not cover a safari or mountain climbing! Double-check that your policy includes the activities you plan to do.
Theft or Loss of Baggage: You will be moving around a lot. Make sure your camera gear and luggage are protected if they get lost or stolen.
24/7 Help Line: If you have an emergency, you want to be able to call someone for help, any time of day or night.
Don't just take our word for it. The data shows that being prepared is far from an overreaction.
Consider this: According to a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), medical emergencies and trip interruptions are among the top unforeseen incidents faced by travelers to wilderness destinations. In fact, data from a major travel insurance provider shows that on average, 1 in 7 adventure travellers visiting East Africa end up filing a claim for something from cancelled tours and missed flights to more serious medical evacuations. This isn't meant to scare you but to show that these situations are common than many tourists realize. Having a powerful policy means you are part of the prepared majority, not the stressed-out minority.
How Do I Pick a Good Insurance Company?
Look for a company that:
Covers Africa, especially countries like Tanzania and Kenya.
Has great reviews: See what other travellers say.
Is clear about their rules: Understand what they do and do not cover.
Some people like to use comparison websites to see different options. A few well-known companies that often cover adventure travel are World Nomads, Allianz, and AXA.
Please note: Travel Wise Safari is an amazing tour company, but we are not an insurance company. We don’t sell insurance or officially recommend one company over another. The choice is yours! Our goal is just to give you the info you need to choose wisely.
Getting good travel insurance is one of the easiest and most important steps in planning your safari. It lets you swap worry for wonder, so you can focus on the important stuff like spotting your first elephant or lions!
Ready to start your adventure? We are here to help you plan the perfect, safe, and unforgettable safari.
Have questions about your upcoming trip? Get in touch with us!
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