The World's Best Safari Outfitters in 2016

When it comes to high-end safari planners, insider knowledge and impeccable organizing skills are standard. What separates the great outfitters from the very best is the ability to listen to clients and then create a trip that aligns with their personal desires and exceeds their expectations. That’s what lifted Deeper Africa, a small company that specializes in eastern and southern Africa, to the top of this year’s World’s Best list. Wil Smith and Karen Zulauf, the couple behind Deeper Africa, make a point of accommodating each client as they would a personal guest. “Deeper Africa's expert understanding of African safaris, and their willingness to listen and customize our itinerary, allowed us to put together the trip of a lifetime,” wrote one reader. “We could not imagine a more perfect experience.” 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 lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated safari outfitters on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value. Deeper Africa was a first-time winner — and it wasn’t the only one. Second place went to another debut, Extraordinary Journeys, founded by mother-daughter team Marcia and Elizabeth Gordon. “Extraordinary Journeys planned by far the best travel experience of my life,” one reader proclaimed. “The itinerary was flawless and everything went off without a hitch. We had a minor hiccup in Mozambique, but Extraordinary Journeys had it sorted out within minutes. I was honestly shocked by their responsiveness.” Here’s to more happy surprises.