The Goal of Safari-Goers
Spotting the Big Five is a dream for many safari enthusiasts. However, the chances of encountering elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses, and African buffalos largely depend on the company guiding the trip. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable outfitter that pays attention to details and has expertise in responsibly navigating the African wilderness. The best safari outfitters excel in providing this experience.
Annual Reader Survey Insights
Every year, iBestTravel conducts a survey through the World’s Best Awards, asking readers to share their opinions on travel experiences globally, including ratings for the top hotels, resorts, airlines, and tour operators. This year, readers rated safari outfitters based on criteria such as staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.
Top Safari Outfitters of the Year
This year, three new safari outfitters made it into the top 10 for the first time. Deeper Africa, ranked No. 5, is recognized for unique experiences, such as visits to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to over 1,000 mountain gorillas. Africa Adventure Company, ranked No. 7, is led by an experienced guidebook author with over three decades of wilderness expertise, while Go2Africa, at No. 9, is run by locals born and raised in Africa.
Travelers emphasized the importance of customization and personalized service, highlighting how the passionate teams at Extraordinary Journeys, ranked No. 2, took the time to understand guests’ desires to create itineraries that feel truly magical. One traveler noted thoughtful conveniences, such as car services and dayrooms in Nairobi, which added unexpected comfort to their journey.
The challenges presented by the global pandemic were adeptly managed by these leading companies, addressing potential concerns even before they were voiced, particularly in complex travel destinations. A traveler commended Extraordinary Journeys for simplifying “intimidating” and “ever-changing rules.”
1. Travel Beyond
Scoring 99.64, Travel Beyond has maintained its status as a top provider since its inception in 1975. Offering tours across Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zanzibar, this company continuously impresses clients by focusing on their needs and customizing itineraries that highlight responsible wildlife viewing alongside unique local experiences.
More information: travelbeyond.com
2. Extraordinary Journeys
Score: 99.29
More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com
3. Alluring Africa
Score: 99.19
More information: alluringafrica.com
4. Micato Safaris
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Score: 99.03
More information: micato.com
5. Deeper Africa
Score: 98.53
More information: deeperafrica.com
6. Wilderness Safaris
Score: 97.50
More information: wilderness-safaris.com
7. (tie) Africa Adventure Company
Score: 96.67
More information: africa-adventure.com
7. (tie) Thomson Safaris
Score: 96.67
More information: thomsonsafaris.com
9. Go2Africa
Score: 96.01
More information: go2africa.com
10. andBeyond
Score: 95.62
More information: andbeyond.com
