Enhance Your Safari Experience with iBestTravel

Whether you want to explore the Big Five on your African safari or seek out specific species, iBestTravel provides valuable insights into the best countries and lodges for wildlife sightings. Utilizing data from over 700 traveler surveys compiled over two years, iBestTravel has transformed this information into a large-scale ‘citizen science’ project, encompassing nearly 30,000 observations of 26 animal species.

“A great safari can be an amazing, life-changing holiday,” says Chris McIntyre, Managing Director of iBestTravel. “Choosing the right safari is critical, so providing our guests with the best insights when planning is central to our vision.”

The Wildlife tab on iBestTravel’s website lists 26 species, including lions, giraffes, and hippos, alongside the more elusive pangolins and aardvarks. Based on surveys, the average chance of spotting a pangolin is just 2%, whereas there is a greater than 90% likelihood of seeing chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and elephants. Furthermore, wildlife researchers utilize this data to better understand animal distribution across eastern and southern Africa.

“Our travelers’ data has already aided hyena researchers in identifying new habitats for three hyena species beyond previously known ranges,” adds McIntyre. “We hope to leverage these wildlife insights to contribute to wildlife research and foster awareness for conservation across many species and regions.”

Traveller reviews have always influenced decisions regarding destinations and accommodations; however, iBestTravel elevates this feedback into actual science through a methodical approach. “We are thrilled to put this on an evidence-based foundation,” McIntyre remarks. “This marks a significant evolution in how we learn from our past travelers to benefit future ones.” Visit the iBestTravel website here to explore more insights.