Top 10 African Safari Tours Loved by Our Readers in 2025

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2024, as destinations around the world. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

A safari tops most of iBestTravel readers’ bucket lists — a trip that many spend a lifetime daydreaming about, saving for, and eventually splurging on. On this type of adventure, travelers pull out all of the stops and have high expectations. One of the best ways to have that dream trip live up to expectations is to hire one of the best safari outfitters, as voted by the discerning readers of iBestTravel.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The safari companies favored by iBestTravel readers owe much of their success to the talented advisors, who get to know their clients so they can create truly customized trips. “We couldn’t have worked with a better group of people,” one reader said of No. 5 winner Travel Beyond. “They were friendly, efficient, informative, and made sure our entire trip went smoothly. We never had a care.”

Each safari outfitter also displays a deep connection to the national world and conservation efforts. Readers felt that No. 10 andBeyond particularly excelled in this area: “They have an excellent commitment to local communities, protecting wildlife and the environment.” Another reader said of No. 9 Wilderness Safaris, “Their commitment to local communities and protecting wildlife is outstanding.”

Read on to see the full list of iBestTravel readers’ picks for the best safari outfitters — all of which not only make spotting the Big Five easy but also arrange unparalleled perks and accommodations.

1. Micato Safaris

A group of guests observes Whinos from the top of a safari jeep with Micato Safaris, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of Micato Safaris

This company has been voted onto iBestTravel’s list of the world’s best safari outfitters every year since the awards’ inception — and for good reason. The family-run business has deep roots in Kenya, and its owners’ love for the country (and continent) is evident in the way they operate. Each itinerary, whether private or with a group, is tailored to be the most luxurious, comfortable, and exciting adventure possible. Readers couldn’t say enough kind words about their recent trips. “Never met tour guides or staff that were so friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and the locations and the culture,” wrote one reader. “They seemed to have a sixth sense for anticipating our needs. It was really something.” A few more touted Micato’s reputation, with one saying, “Simply the best safari outfitter in Africa. Bar none.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.88
More information: micato.com

2. Extraordinary Journeys

Portrait of an elephant seen on safari with Extraordinary Journeys, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 98.21
More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

3. Dazzle Africa

A portrait of a lion as seen on a safari with Dazzle Africa, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Cathy Smith/Courtesy of Dazzle Africa

Score: 98.08
More information: dazzleafrica.org

4. Thomson Safaris

Guest tents as seen on an outing with Thomson Safaris, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of Thomson Safaris

Score: 97.73
More information: thomsonsafaris.com

5. Travel Beyond

Zebras and wildebeests at Ngorongoro Crater seen on an outing with Travel Beyond, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of Travel Beyond

Score: 96.82
More information: travelbeyond.com

6. Volcanoes Safaris

A safari guide sits on the hood of a jeep on a Volcanoes Safari outing, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Alexandra Avila/Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris

Score: 95.78
More information: volcanoessafaris.com

7. Alluring Africa

A herd of giraffes at sunset as seen on an outing with Alluring Africa, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of Alluring Africa

Score: 93.26
More information: alluringafrica.com

8. Rothschild Safaris

Up close view of a Hartebeest, seen on a trip with Rothschild Safaris, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Mary Jane Sesto/Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

Score: 92.81
More information: rothschildsafaris.com

9. Wilderness Safaris

Stargazing at a property on a Wilderness Safaris outing, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Teagan Cunniffe/Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

Score: 92.80
More information: wilderness-safaris.com

10. andBeyond

Aerial view of a boat along a river in Botswana, surrounded by lush greenery, on an outing with andBeyond, voted one of the best safari outfitters in the world
Courtesy of andBeyond

Score: 90.20
More information: andbeyond.com

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