The Most and Least Loved Safari Tourists

By Jeroen Beekwilder

THE NETHERLANDS - Over 400 African safari operators participated in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the most and least loved safari tourists. The results are in and Americans are the clear winner.

This extensive survey was conducted by SafariBookings.com, the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. In similar surveys for other destinations, Americans are often one of the least favored tourists. But not in Africa. They love Americans. No less than 85% of the surveyed operators rated Americans as pleasant to very pleasant. They indicated Americans are friendly, have great humor, and tip generously.

Italians Are the Least Favored Safari Tourists

Although operators appreciate clients from all nationalities, Italians were the least loved. More than 18% of operators found Italians to be annoying, or very annoying. They indicated Italians are ruder, seldom on time, and often completely ignore the guide's instructions. On the bright side, the survey also shows Italians are easy to please.

Brazilians Are Notorious Latecomers and the Dutch Are Least Likely to Tip

The survey also included other stereotypes. Brazilians love life… and are the 2nd worst latecomers, after Italians. A stunning 45% of operators indicated Dutch to be the worst tippers. Of all other nationalities, only the French came close to them in the “poor tipping” department.

British Are Hard to Please, Germans Most Punctual

Overall, British tourists did very well. Operators hold them in high regard. They said British are polite, on time, and pay attention to the guide's instructions. The only point of criticism was, according to 55% of operators, the British are most hard to please. Germans are considered to be most punctual. Over 61% of operators indicated Germans are always on time. Regarding punctuality, British and Germans scored significantly better than other nationalities.

Native English Speakers Are More Friendly and More Fun

Surprising was that nationalities who have English as their native language scored much better than non-English nationalities. We were unable to explain exactly why, but we suspect that having English as the native language makes it easier to communicate with the tour guide.

Differences Between Operators in East and Southern Africa

Operators in East Africa are especially fond of American tourists. In Southern Africa, operators are more charmed by British and Canadian tourists. In South Africa they like their national tourists least, although they do think South Africans have a good laugh and are fun to be with.

Survey Data

Respondents by country
Move your cursor over a country to see the percentage.

How Safari Tourists are rated by African tour operators

Easy to please

Canadians (51.47%)
Americans (50.28%)
Australians (46.75%)

Generous tippers

Americans (66.94%)
Canadians (47.56%)
British (32.41%)

Are friendly

Americans (74.44%)
Australians (69.35%)
Canadians (67.10%)

Are on time

Germans (61.54%)
British (61.11%)
Americans (49.44%)

Have humor

Americans (46.11%)
Australians (40.87%)
South Africans (35.97%)

Respect local customs

Americans (47.50%)
Canadians (43.97%)
Germans (43.14%)

Bad tippers

Dutch (45.18%)
French (43.60%)
Brazilians (39.02%)

Are rude

Italians (19.18%)
Germans (15.50%)
French (14.22%)

Never on time

Italians (22.83%)
Brazilians (21.14%)
South Africans (14.85%)

Don't listen to instructions

Italians (19.18%)
Americans (15.50%)
French (14.22%)

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News & Research

By Jeroen Beekwilder

Jeroen is co-owner of SafariBookings.com. His desire to feel connected powers his love of travel. He has traveled all over the world with his wife and two children.