Safaris across Africa provide opportunities to see amazing animals, stunning scenery and meet local people – experiences you will never forget. But as more and more people go on safari, some are becoming victims of crime (safari scams). You might be sold a trip by people who don’t own a single binocular; or see an amazing holiday online – but it turns out the website is fake! To have a great time and come home with some wonderful memories (not a nasty bill) It is important to know about safari scams tricks so that you can prevent yourself from being a victim of fraud and also stay safe.
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This guide which tells you everything you need to be aware of regarding safari scamming, how Travel scammers do it and what can be done if one becomes victimized plus many more helpful hints from Taveller and Safari guides themselves. You must read this before booking any safari!
Common Safari Scams and How They Work
Planning a dream safari in Africa? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—but it can also be a hotspot for travel scams. Safari scams are increasingly common, targeting both first-time and seasoned travelers. From fake safari companies to donation frauds, Africa safari scammers have grown more sophisticated in recent years. Understanding how these scams work is essential to avoid safari scams and keep your trip safe.
In this guide, we expose the most common safari scams and offer expert tips to stay protected.
1. Fake Tour Operators and Guides
One of the most widespread travel scams in the safari world involves fake tour operators or guides. These scammers create professional-looking websites, social media pages, and booking platforms to appear legitimate.
Common tricks:
- Use stolen or stock images of wildlife lodges and safaris.
- Offer prices that seem too good to be true.
- Pose as “local experts” with fake licenses or credentials.
Case studies:
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How to Avoid Safari Scams like this:
Always verify licenses through official tourism boards or safari associations. Read reviews on trusted sites like TripAdvisor, Google, or SafariBookings before sending any money.
🇹🇿 Tanzania
✔ Verify Licensing: Ensure the tour operator is licensed by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB). You can verify licenses directly on the TTB website.
✔ Check Memberships: Look for affiliations with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) or the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA). These memberships indicate a commitment to industry standards, ethics, and professionalism.
🇰🇪 Kenya
✔ Verify Licensing: Ensure the tour operator is licensed under Class C by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
✔ Check Memberships: Look for membership in the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) or the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) as indicators of credibility.(tra.go.ke)
🇺🇬 Uganda
✔ Verify Licensing: Confirm the operator is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
✔ Check Memberships: Membership in the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) or ATTA signifies commitment to industry standards.
🇿🇦 South Africa
✔ Verify Licensing: Tour operators should be registered with the Department of Tourism.
✔ Check Memberships: Affiliation with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) or ATTA indicates adherence to professional standards.(South African Tourism, satsa.com)
🇧🇼 Botswana
✔ Verify Licensing: Operators must hold a Tourist Enterprise Licence (TEL) issued by the Department of Tourism.
✔ Check Memberships: Membership in the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) or ATTA reflects industry commitment.(Government of Botswana)
🇳🇦 Namibia
✔ Verify Licensing: Ensure the operator is registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB).
✔ Check Memberships: Affiliation with the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) or ATTA indicates professionalism.(Visit Namibia, tra.go.ke)
🇷🇼 Rwanda
✔ Verify Licensing: Confirm the operator is licensed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
✔ Check Memberships: Membership in the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association (RTTA) or ATTA signifies industry adherence.(Rwanda Development Board)
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
✔ Verify Licensing: Operators must be registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
✔ Check Memberships: Affiliation with the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) or ATTA indicates credibility.(gamehuntingsafaris.com)
General Tips to Avoid Safari Scams:
- Verify Licenses: Always check the operator's licensing status with the respective national tourism authority.
- Read Reviews: Consult trusted platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, or SafariBookings for customer feedback.
- Check Memberships: Affiliation with reputable industry associations (e.g., KATO, AUTO, SATSA, HATAB, TASA, RTTA, SOAZ, ATTA) can indicate reliability.
- Secure Payments: Use secure payment methods and avoid transferring money until you've verified the operator's credentials.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance the safety and enjoyment of your safari experience across these countries.
2. Overpriced or Non-Existent Services
Another trick used by Africa safari scammers involves promising luxury services at unbeatable prices—or simply not delivering at all.
Common tricks:
- Adding hidden fees after the initial booking.
- Promoting “deluxe” lodges that don’t exist or are far below promised standards.
- Failing to show up on the scheduled day.
Travel Data Insight:
Up to 25% of reported safari bookings in East Africa involve scams, according to independent traveler surveys.
How to Avoid Safari Scams like this:
- Stick to well-known tour operators.
- Ask for full itinerary details in writing.
- Request recent client references before payment.
3. Fake Conservation and Charity Scams
Wildlife conservation pulls at the heartstrings—and scammers know it. Many fake safari-related charities target well-meaning tourists under the pretense of helping endangered species or supporting local communities.
Common tricks:
- Pose as wildlife protection organizations.
- Ask for cash donations or “sponsorships” for animals.
- Operate websites with stolen logos and fabricated testimonials.
Case studies:
A traveler donated $500 to a “Save the Big Five” initiative in South Africa. Later, they learned the website was a cloned version of a legitimate NGO
How to Avoid Safari Scams like this:
Before donating, verify organizations through official charity databases such as Charity Navigator or national NGO registries. Avoid sending money via social media or unfamiliar platforms.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Currency exchange traps are common around major safari hubs such as Nairobi, Arusha, or Johannesburg. These scams don’t just cost money—they can compromise your entire travel experience.
Common tricks:
- Exchange booths offering better-than-market rates, only to shortchange you or use counterfeit bills.
- Local agents who claim to “help” with currency exchanges but pocket the difference.
How to Avoid Safari Scams like this:
Use official banks or licensed forex bureaus. Avoid street vendors or anyone offering to exchange money in private settings.
5. ATM Scams and Skimming Devices
Even in tourist-friendly areas, ATMs are not always safe. Scammers sometimes install skimming devices that steal your card information, which they use to drain your account later.
Signs of a compromised ATM:
- Loose or misaligned card slots.
- Hidden cameras or unfamiliar attachments.
- Error messages requesting you try again after “taking” your card.
Best Practices to Avoid Safari Scams at ATMs:
- Only use ATMs located inside banks or trusted buildings.
- Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- Always check your bank account after withdrawals.
Tips to Keep Your Awake on Safari
Always verify operators, avoid panic payments, and use official channels for visas and gear. Stick to trusted booking platforms, confirm IDs, and be cautious with personal details. With a bit of vigilance, you can enjoy your safari with confidence and peace of mind.
Imposters Posing as Officials or Guides
You might encounter fake police, rangers, or immigration officers demanding money or fines.
- Red Flag: No badge or ID, pressure to pay cash.
- How to Handle: Politely ask for ID. Call your embassy or tour operator immediately.
Phony Emergency or Payment Scams
Scammers may call or email with fake emergencies to rush you into making additional payments.
- Example: "Your lodge is overbooked; pay $500 to upgrade immediately."
- Response: Contact your original booking agent directly. Avoid panic payments.
Fake Equipment and Visa Offers
Beware of websites offering visas or safari gear at discounted prices.
- Visa Tip: Use only official immigration websites (e.g., evisa.go.ke for Kenya).
- Gear Tip: Buy safari essentials from known outdoor retailers or in person.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Smart on Safari
An African safari should be the trip of a lifetime not a trap for scammers. As this guide has shown, safari scams are becoming more common and more convincing, targeting travelers through fake operators, charity frauds, and urgent payment tricks. But with the right preparation verifying licenses, reading genuine reviews, using secure payment methods, and staying alert—you can confidently avoid these pitfalls.
Always book with trusted, licensed safari providers, check affiliations with reputable industry associations, and never rush payments without verification. Whether it’s a breathtaking lion sighting or a quiet sunrise over the savannah, your safari memories should be about wonder—not worry.
Be informed. Be alert. And let your adventure be unforgettable—for all the right reasons.
FAQs
What are the most common safari scams in Africa?
Common scams include fake tour operators who disappear after receiving payment, fraudulent conservation donations, and emergency payment requests claiming sudden issues with your booking. Always verify claims before taking action.
How do I verify a safari company’s legitimacy?
Check if the company is licensed with a national tourism board, read recent reviews on trusted platforms (like SafariBookings or TripAdvisor), and confirm if they’re members of associations like ATTA, KATO, or TATO.
Are Facebook or Instagram safari deals safe?
Be cautious—many scammers operate through social media using stolen photos and fake testimonials. Avoid sending money directly through these platforms. Instead, confirm the company’s legitimacy through their website and third-party review platforms.
What’s the safest way to pay for a safari?
Use a credit card or secure services like PayPal. These offer payment protection and dispute resolution. Avoid direct bank transfers or cash payments unless you're absolutely sure of the operator’s legitimacy.
How do I know if a wildlife charity is real?
Check legitimacy through charity watchdog sites like Charity Navigator or the country’s government NGO registry. Real charities will be transparent with financials, have verifiable contact info, and are usually registered as non-profits.
Are safari scams more common in certain countries?
Scams can happen anywhere, but there are more reports from high-tourism countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. However, always apply the same level of caution no matter the country.
Can I get my money back after being scammed?
If you used a credit card or PayPal, you may be able to request a chargeback or file a claim. Unfortunately, money sent via bank transfer or Western Union is usually very difficult to recover.
Should I avoid local operators entirely?
No—many local operators are excellent and offer authentic experiences. Just make sure they are properly licensed, have real online reviews, and provide transparent communication before you book.
What should I do if someone demands money during the safari?
Don’t pay immediately. Politely ask for ID or written documentation. Contact your tour company or embassy for guidance. Unexpected payment demands are a common scam tactic used to intimidate travelers.
Can I report safari scams?
Yes. You should report scams to the local tourism authority, your embassy, or international consumer protection platforms like Scamwatch or the Better Business Bureau. Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim.