Top Safari Outfitters in Africa

When you’re taking a bucket-list trip like a luxury safari in Africa, you don’t want to leave the planning in just anyone’s hands. It takes a true expert with years of experience to arrange a stress-free, bespoke itinerary and guide you to the best destinations, lodges, and experiences.

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

Rankings of the Best Safari Outfitters

Coming in at No. 3, Micato Safaris has consistently been featured on the World’s Best list since the survey’s inception 23 years ago. Founded by the Kenya-based Pinto family in 1966, this legendary company has set a high standard in the safari industry. One satisfied customer remarked, “Cannot say enough about Micato Safaris. Used them two times in Kenya and Tanzania, and both trips were way beyond any expectations! The Pintos are involved in many charities in the area, and we were happy to join in with their impactful work.”

Roar Africa has also secured the No. 2 spot for the second consecutive year. Founded by Deborah Calmeyer, who was raised on a farm in Zimbabwe, she applies her extensive knowledge when organizing trips across various African destinations, from Botswana to Uganda to Namibia. “I have been to Africa numerous times and find that the services, guides, and exclusivity exceed any other company that we have traveled with,” said one happy traveler. Another echoed this sentiment with, “Seamless from start to finish.”

Read on for the full list of top safari outfitters — and discover which one claimed the No. 1 spot (you might not recognize its name from last year).

10. Africa Adventure Consultants

Wildebeests with Africa Adventure Consultants — Courtesy of Africa Adventure Consultants

Score: 95.63

More information: adventuresinafrica.com

9. andBeyond

andBeyond safari in Grumeti — Courtesy of andBeyond

Score: 95.65

More information: andbeyond.com

8. Travel Beyond

Elephant with Travel Beyond — Courtesy of Travel Beyond

Score: 96.74

More information: travelbeyond.com

7. Extraordinary Journeys

Elephants with Extraordinary Journeys — Courtesy of Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 96.97

More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

6. Thomson Safaris

Safari with Thomson Safaris — Courtesy of Thomson Safaris

Score: 97.08

More information: thomsonsafaris.com

5. Rothschild Safaris

Africa with Rothschild Safaris — Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

Score: 97.14

More information: rothschildsafaris.com

4. Deeper Africa

Zebra spotting with Deeper Africa Safaris — Kevin Zimmermann/Courtesy of Deeper Africa Safaris

Score: 97.50

More information: deeperafrica.com

3. Micato Safaris

Cheetah with Micato Safaris — Courtesy of Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.31

More information: micato.com

2. Roar Africa

Safari with ROAR Africa — Courtesy of ROAR Africa

Score: 99.05

More information: roarafrica.com

1. African Travel, Inc.

Tangarire with African Travel — Courtesy of Elewana Collection

Score: 99.78

More information: africantravelinc.com

After an absence from the World’s Best list since 2015, this fourth-generation, family-owned outfitter has achieved the No. 1 spot this year. The company arranges a variety of traditional safari trips across the continent, including popular destinations like Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. Additionally, they create customized itineraries for private cruises in Zimbabwe and volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. One traveler acclaimed, “This was one of the very best trips we have experienced. There was only excellent staff, food, safaris, knowledgeable guides, and accommodations. This was an amazing trip, and I would do it again.”