Best Safari Travel Insurance for Kenya: A Complete Guide
Going on a Kenyan safari? Travel insurance is a must—covering emergencies like medical evacuations, trip cancellations, and wildlife-related incidents. Here’s how to pick the best safari travel insurance for your adventure.
Why You Need Specialized Safari Insurance
⚠️ Standard travel insurance may NOT cover:
- Air ambulance evacuations (critical in remote parks)
- High-risk activities (e.g., walking safaris, hot air ballooning)
- Wildlife injuries (rare but possible)
- Canceled tours due to political unrest or park closures
✅ Look for policies that explicitly include:
✔ Emergency medical evacuation (minimum $500,000 coverage)
✔ 24/7 emergency assistance
✔ Trip cancellation/interruption
✔ Coverage for adventure activities
Top Safari Travel Insurance Providers
1. World Nomads (Best for Adventurers)
✅ Why?
- Covers 200+ adventure activities (safaris, hiking, balloon rides)
- Flexible plans (can extend while abroad)
- Good for backpackers & solo travelers
❌ Downsides:
- Slightly pricier than basic plans
- Limited pre-existing condition coverage
💰 Cost: ~$100–$200 for 2 weeks
2. SafetyWing (Best for Digital Nomads/Long Stays)
✅ Why?
- Affordable monthly subscriptions
- Covers COVID-19 & travel delays
- Good for multi-country trips
❌ Downsides:
- Lower medical evacuation coverage (~$250,000)
- Fewer adventure activity inclusions
💰 Cost: ~$40–$110/month
3. Allianz Travel Insurance (Best for Families & Seniors)
✅ Why?
- Strong trip cancellation coverage
- Good for pre-existing conditions (with waiver)
- 24/7 multilingual support
❌ Downsides:
- Limited high-risk activity coverage
💰 Cost: ~$150–$300 (depending on trip length)
4. Battleface (Best for High-Risk Coverage)
✅ Why?
- Specializes in dangerous destinations & activities
- Covers helicopter evacuations
- Customizable plans
❌ Downsides:
- More expensive
💰 Cost: ~$200+ for 2 weeks
5. AXA (Best for Schengen Visa Applicants + Safari Add-Ons)
✅ Why?
- Complies with Kenya’s visa requirements (if needed)
- Optional adventure sports coverage
❌ Downsides:
- Basic plans exclude high-risk activities
💰 Cost: ~$50–$150
Key Features to Compare
| Feature | Minimum Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical Evacuation | $500,000+ (Africa requirement) |
| Medical Expenses | $100,000+ |
| Trip Cancellation | Up to trip cost |
| Adventure Activities | Must list “safari” or “wildlife tours” |
| Personal Liability | $1M+ (in case you harm wildlife/property) |
Safari-Specific Risks to Insure Against
- Medical Emergencies (malaria, injuries, snake bites)
- Emergency Evacuation (no hospitals in remote parks)
- Canceled Tours (due to political unrest or park closures)
- Lost/Delayed Gear (cameras, binoculars)
- Vehicle Accidents (common on rough roads)
How to Save on Safari Insurance
✔ Book early (some policies require purchase within 14 days of trip deposit).
✔ Check credit card coverage (some premium cards include basic travel insurance).
✔ Avoid over-insuring (e.g., don’t pay for cruise coverage if on safari).
✔ Compare policies