How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to weigh in on travel experiences across the globe, sharing their insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Notably, nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, representing a significant increase of approximately 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels, resulting in over 685,000 votes cast across more than 8,500 unique properties.

Tour operators and safari outfitters were rated based on the following criteria:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Activities
• Accommodations
• Food
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose from a rating scale: excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Final scores reflect the averages of these evaluations.

What Readers Loved

Consistency plays a crucial role in leading safaris, evidenced by the fact that seven of the top 10 reader favorites are repeat leaders from last year. Notably, Piper & Heath Travel, making a strong debut at No. 2, garnered praise for its attention to the specific needs of guests. A family traveling with a 7-year-old noted that the team was particularly thoughtful in selecting family-friendly camps and guides. Another commendation from a reader highlighted a dedicated travel consultant who set up a video call with their grandchildren to address numerous questions prior to a three-generation trip.

Piper & Heath Travel’s commitment to sustainability was another critical factor; one reader described a “seamless” Kenya trip that emphasized conservation.

Africa Adventure Consultants (No. 5) and Rothschild Safaris (No. 9) also reappeared on this year’s list, demonstrating strong traveler endorsement.

Unpredictability is part of the safari experience; for instance, Thomson Safaris climbed from No. 7 last year to No. 3 in 2023, successfully managing a reader’s medical emergency in the bush, leading to life-changing experiences.

The Winner

Alluring Africa

Team members at Alluring Africa consider themselves “safari matchmakers.” This Florida-based company is renowned for customizing animal-spotting adventures, thus rising to the top of our list this year after a successful performance last year. A traveler remarked that the journey was the “best African experience I could have ever dreamed of having.” This operator’s history of attracting repeat customers indicates a strong reputation, as exemplified by a reader who has embarked on four that “the first African ‘trip of a lifetime’ was so addicting, I continue to go back for more.”

The Full List

1. Alluring Africa

Reader score: 99.21

2. Piper & Heath Travel

Reader score: 96.89

3. Thomson Safaris

Reader score: 96.28

4. andBeyond

Reader score: 94.87

5. Africa Adventure Consultants

Reader score: 93.78

6. Go2Africa

Reader score: 93.75

7. Wilderness

Reader score: 92.22

8. Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 92.10

9. Rothschild Safaris

Reader score: 86.34

10. Africa Adventure Company

Reader score: 86.21