The Top 10 African Safari Tours
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. 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 Travel + Leisure 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 T+L.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L 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 T+L 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 T+L 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
This company has been voted onto T+L'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
Score: 98.21
More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com
3. Dazzle Africa
Score: 98.08
More information: dazzleafrica.org
4. Thomson Safaris
Score: 97.73
More information: thomsonsafaris.com
5. Travel Beyond
Score: 96.82
More information: travelbeyond.com
6. Volcanoes Safaris
Score: 95.78
More information: volcanoessafaris.com
7. Alluring Africa
Score: 93.26
More information: alluringafrica.com
8. Rothschild Safaris
Score: 92.81
More information: rothschildsafaris.com
9. Wilderness Safaris
Score: 92.80
More information: wilderness-safaris.com
10. andBeyond
Score: 90.20
More information: andbeyond.com
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.