best african tour operators

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

The Top 10 African Safari Tours in 2021

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

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 .

The world’s best safari companies – African tour operators

Safari. What an adventure!

But only when you do it right .

It’s not just the quality of the guiding and accommodation that makes a difference; it’s where and when you go .

The best safari travel agents provide you access to exclusive, wildlife-rich areas where you can fully connect with your wild side.

Over the last two decades, I’ve witnessed the good, the bad, the very bad, but also the very best safari companies in Africa .

As they say at National Geographic magazine: “in a time when travel dollars are stretched, it’s essential that an outfitter delivers the trip of a lifetime, the first time”.

That is why the tour companies selected below are the best of the best, because they deliver on the first experience .

10 of the Best African Safari Tour Operators

I have based the listing of the best Africa safari companies on my own experiences, along with National Geographic Adventure’s selection of the Best Adventure Travel Companies .

Out of hundreds of safari companies and tour operators surveyed, only the very top were chosen (based on criteria like education , sustainability , quality of service, and spirit of adventure ).

Best Africa Tour Companies

If you’re looking to have an unforgettable safari in Africa, then you better check out some of the best Africa tour companies below.

1. Micato Safaris

“The Travel+Leisure 10-Year Winner.”

Best For : Exclusive, private safaris. This company focuses on Eastern and Southern African countries.

2. Wilderness Safaris

“Creating Life-Changing Journeys.”

Best For : Exceptional safari experiences in Africa’s untouched wilderness.

Wilderness Safaris have around 40 luxury safari camps in over 5 countries , including Botswana , Kenya , and Rwanda.

They are committed to eco-friendly tourism , which is why these luxurious trips help protect biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and give back to local communities.

wilderness-safaris.com

3. andBeyond

“Leaving Our World a Better Place for 30 Years.”

Best For : Luxury safaris, though they do have broader options for families.

andBeyond have a luxury safari experience in 9 different countries in Africa , including South Africa , Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia .

andbeyond.com

4. Thomson Safaris

“40 Years of Wildlife Safaris.”

Best For : Safari in Tanzania. Their packages are well suited to every budget, which is why they are known as one of the best Tanzania safari companies.

Destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro , Serengeti , Selous Game Reserve , Olduvai Gorge , Ngorongoro Crater , Tarangire National Park , and Zanzibar .

thomsonsafaris.com

5. Mark Thornton Safaris

“It’s Not Only What You See. It’s How You See It.”

Best For : Tarangire and Serengeti walking safaris in Tanzania . This is one of the best Tanzania safari tour operators on the continent.

thorntonsafaris.com

6. Volcanoes Safaris

“The Number 1 Gorilla Safari Company.”

Best For : Gorilla trekking . Volcanoes Safaris is especially renowned for its gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda .

Volcanoes Safaris also organize trips to the DRC and Tanzania.

volcanoessafaris.com

7. Africa Adventure Consultants

“Safaris for the Discerning Traveler.”

Best For : A tailored multi-destination (multi-country) safari.

Destinations include (East and Southern Africa)  Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda , Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia , Zimbabwe , Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

adventuresinafrica.com

8. Gamewatchers Safaris

“Exclusive Safaris in Africa’s Finest Wildlife Areas.”

Best For : Classic safari experiences in East Africa .

9. The Africa Adventure Company

“Your Passport for a Safari Trip to Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries.”

Best For : An East and Southern Africa safari specialist, this is one of the best-rated African safari tour companies for good-value first-time adventures.

africa-adventure.com

10. Africa Dream Safaris

“Experience Your Dreams.”

Best For : Activities concentrated in East Africa, including unique safari activities .

africadreamsafaris.com

More of the Best Africa Safari Companies

The above list is by no means exhaustive .

There are many other top safari companies that will also do a great job, but they do not fall within the top 10.

Abercrombie & Kent

If you are looking for the best luxury safari companies in Africa, then you have found the right one.

Abercrombie & Kent cater to those who want to experience luxurious travel but still rough it out in the African bush .

Norman Carr Safaris

Norman Carr Safaris operates in Zambia, specifically in South Luangwa National Park .

They are one of the original safari operators in this park, and the pioneers of walking safaris to promote eco-safari tourism.

Deeper Africa

As one of the world’s best African safari tour companies, Deeper Africa is an East Africa safari specialist .

Embark with them for an enriching experience guided by African wildlife experts.

African Portfolio

African Portfolio is best for first-time visitors to East and Southern Africa looking for simple safari itineraries .

They also have trips to Morocco and Egypt.

There is no standard route in Africa. After more than a decade of exploring, I still haven’t seen half the continent .

There is always somewhere new to go, and something new to try. So I really encourage you to live out the Africa of your dreams , wherever and whatever that may be.

It can be a little daunting at first. To get started, check out the safari planning pages on Africa Freak.

Once you understand a little about African safari check out these incredible safari deals – you’re sure to find a wildlife adventure like no other.

Used an African safari company’s services before?

Why don’t you share your experience in the comments section.

About The Author

Michael Theys

Related posts.

15 of the best golf courses in Africa (for wildlife enthusiasts)

8 African wildlife pics that will knock your socks off

8 essential tips for an unforgettable African safari

19 thoughts on “the world’s best safari companies – african tour operators”.

For that time may be true but nowadays there’s lots of tour companies which offer best services with affordable price. You might also found them in Tanzania including https://luitours.com/ . You should pay another visit soon.

LuiTours & Safaris is Tanzanian Tour Company based in Moshi (Kilimanjaro) and Dar es Salaam, and it offers the most competitive rates on safari tour packages. https://luitours.com/ If you are looking for the ultimate safari experience, day trips or looking to relax on best Indian Ocean beaches of Zanzibar, our team will make sure that your holiday becomes unforgettable.

Elevate your adventure with upcoming safari company, standing out among the top ten best African safari companies. Expert guides guarantee exclusive wildlife encounters, from the Big Five to birdwatching delights in diverse destinations like the Serengeti and the lush Okavango Delta. As you sip sundowners against Africa’s breathtaking sunsets, rest assured that upcoming company is committed to eco-conscious travel and your safety and comfort. Capture every awe-inspiring moment on your camera, making memories that will last a lifetime. For me once used Tanzania Inside and Safari, and everything went well

There are so more amazing companies just like: https://www.sunstripafricasafaris.com/

We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Kenya and Tanzania. Our guides were incredibly nice and patient with us and very informative.

Thank you for having these selections.

Perhaps, there are so more amazing companies just like https://wildtravelsafaris.com . We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Uganda & Rwanda. Our guide Richard was incredibly nice and patient with us for the 2 weeks. He answered almost every question and made sure everything was in order as per the earlier agreement.

When it comes to Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, you want to use https://wildtravelsafaris.com and also https://www.ugandatravelsafaris.com as an alternative platforms of them. They offer unforgettable journeys to gorillas. Give them an opportunity, you won’t regret it.

Thank you Michael for the insights.

We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Uganda. Our guide Tony was incredibly nice and patient with us. He answered all the little questions and made sure all was in order as per the earlier agreement.

When it comes to Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, you want to use https://silverbackgorillatrekking.com , they offer unforgettable journeys to gorillas.

Give them a shot and you wont regret.

I have see that you point out 10 of the Best African Safari Tour Operators that is Great but there is another company that deserves space in the top 10 – Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris ltd, website https://www.footslopestours.com/ They organize the best private custom safari, honeymoon, Kilimanjaro climbing, hiking and trekking mountain family holidays in Tanzania. They have experienced safari guides and staffs are best in the industry.

In essence it’s a tough pick for the best safari companies as best is relative and times change. Moreover, companies evolve for better and unfortunately others for worse. There are also local based companies that have competence and overall good service.

Check out https://www.alphadeantoursandsafaris.com/ as well as https://www.africamagicalsafaris.com/index.php

It would also be nice to consider Kenya-based safari companies like Explorer Kenya Tours and Travel for honeymooners safaris, photography safaris and Kenya wildlife safaris. See them on http://www.explorerkenya.com .

This is not a definitive, or updated list of the world’s ”best” safari companies. I think A&K should surely make the proper list, along with & Beyond. But someone has rightfully pointed out that these companies are quite expensive. A few years ago, I enjoyed a fabulous African Safari in Kenya with Shoor Safaris ( http://www.shoortravel.com/ ) at much cheaper rates using the same properties I was being offered by a top US operator. So do shop around and book wisely.

Thanks for your comment Carol. Sure, it’s not a “definitive” list. At the end of the day, it all depends on what YOU’re looking for. Choose wisely and “safari njema”! 😉

Based on the dates you posted the article, that was true but now things have really changed. Those tour companies that are not keeping up with the advancement of technology especially online marketing are being overtaken by smaller operators who have invested heavily in online marketing.

Most of the companies listed above are very expensive. I found a newer tour operator based in the US that runs their trips out of an office in Tanzania. They where almost half the price of the quote I got from Micato and 35% less than Thomsons. Our trip was great. I guess that the others charge more because they have a name. Anyway, check them out and see if they can do your trip cheaper http://www.etripafrica.com .

Good Safari.

I have gone through the list of safari companies listed and while it is true that they do offer great services, I am not sure that they are the top 10. There are a number of companies operating regionally and internationally that offer just as good or better services.

Another thing is there are some good companies who have had their names sullied by one disgruntled client over the most minor issue. Tour guides are humans and something like a flat tire is something that is sometimes unavoidable. However, some clients since they book these tours way in advance a few things could have happened in the months leading up to the safari making them wish they hadn’t booked. Take the world economic crisis, a client books his safari one or two years in advance only to lose a job. So reviews by clients should be taken in totality not from one disgruntled client.

Hello Michael.

I have seen the list of the top 10 safari companies doing safaris in Africa. In Uganda you have listed Volcanoes only. There is another company that deserves space in the top 10 – Advantage Safaris ltd, website http://www.advantage-safaris.com . They organize the best birdwatching, gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking and family holidays in both Uganda and Rwanda. The guides and safari drivers employed by Advantage Safaris ltd are the best in the industry.

All safari goers should be a little wary of the ‘group style’ safaris on offer. Remember that you are trying to get close to wildlife and be sensitive as well as be educated. Larger groups, of say 16 people or more, in numerous vehicles can find this a little difficult. Large groups are often led by ‘an expert’ with driver/guides in the other vehicles. Whilst this keeps the cost per head down some the overall ‘life time experience ‘ can get a little diluted by sharing one so called ‘expert’ between 16-20 group members.

Tanzania is a wonderful safari destination but you cannot beat a small group of up to 8 visitors being guided by two excellent guides in two well equipped vehicles. Guides that know the back roads and want to explore.

Camp in remote locations, don’t be surrounded by cement in a lodge. It costs more but these basic rules can get a visitor closer to that dream vacation.

I agree that it is impossible to limit the world’s best safari companies down to a list of 10, especially when each safari company is focused on a different region and/or type of trip (adventure, family, honeymoon, luxury, etc.). In many cases it’s like comparing apples and oranges.

Thanks for the feedback, you definitely have a point here. Of course, they can't possibly make a "real" top 10 out of the thousands of safari companies out there. But then again, how would you do it? Did you check out their methodology? Basically, it is based on surveys that follow specific categories: education, sustainability, quality of service and spirit of adventure.

About the "trip of a lifetime" experience. This goal should always be on top of the list, totally agree with you. The question is: are they all going for it? I don't think so. I have read a few stories where people were really not well catered for. In my opinion, there are always companies out there that are looking for a quick buck no matter what… even if it has to be at the expense of their clients.

Not quite sure what you're trying to imply about the recession bit. Did you read that? Possible but am not aware of it.

Hello Michael,

Interesting topic that is being discussed here. I must say though that the premise of NG a bit of an awkward one is. 'Delivering a trip of a lifetime the first time'?? In my opinion a safari outfitter should ALWAYS try to achieve this goal the first time. Now NG suggests that there are a number of operators out there that are not doing their utmost to accommodate clients the first time and that they will only do so in times of recession.

I therefore dare to say that this survey is absolute nonsense, as NG will not have the possibility to survey 100's of operators. Why? Because they have other things to do than being a consumer watchdog on safaris. I am not implying that the mentioned companies are no good, I am just saying that out of all the thousands of companies selling safaris, you can not just make a list of 10.

What do you think yourself Michael?

Cheers from Holland.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• // // // //

Luxury African Safaris

With Micato Safaris, the Only Travel+Leisure 10-Time #1 Winner

Why Micato?

Why Safari with Micato

From our 24-hour Concierge Team to paying for a child’s education to no tipping ever, we’ve thought of every luxury.

Micato Fans

Familiar Faces on Safari

Here are just a few of the travellers who have chosen Micato for their luxury safari. We bet these faces will be familiar.

Our Guest Book

Micato Safaris Reviews

We love hearing from our travellers. And here’s a collection of 325-plus Five Star reviews our guests have been kind enough to share online.

Find Your Popcorn

One of the next best things to joining Micato on safari is perusing our treasure trove of captivating, joyful videos.

Recent Press Articles

Travel+Leisure Micato Hits #1 Historic 10th Time

Fortune For African Safari, Choose Micato

Forbes Micato Safari Is A Dream Trip

Elite Traveler Responsible Luxury Travel

The pinto family.

35 Years of Service

AmericaShare

As an African-born company we have a special responsibility to our homeland. Luckily, it’s a joyous, fruitful duty.

Private Safari Villas & Estates

Unabashedly but thoughtfully luxurious, our exclusive-use Private Villas and Estates are enchanting get-aways into Africa’s ancient calm and its unique excitements.

Micato Safaris treat their guests like well-loved, out-of-town relatives. Travel + Leisure Magazine

Our Luxury Safaris

The planet’s greatest game lands, Africa’s warmhearted people, and its mesmerizing landscapes, revealed gracefully, thoughtfully, and joyously by the world’s greatest luxury safari company.

It’s Lonely at the Top

These awards inspire us to work even harder as stewards of Micato’s esteemed reputation and of your safari. Here is a small sampling of our proudest moments.

Travel+Leisure

Unprecedented Ten-Time Winner of Travel+Leisure’s Award for #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter

Condé Nast Traveler

Unprecedented Five-Time Winner of the Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award for Education and for Doing It All

National Geographic

National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic Adventure Best Outfitters on Earth

Best VAST (Active) Operator, Best Escorted Tour Operator, Virtuoso Performance Award

India Journeys

Swirlingly colourful, endlessly enchanting India, in the company of a company with deep roots in “the most extraordinary country the sun visits on his rounds.”

The 2023 Micato Hot List

Very Private African Safari Retreats

A Safari Primer: Where to go, What to Expect

African Safari Specialists: 16 Experts We Trust

By Paul Brady

Even the most hardcore travelers we know—the sort of people who plan their own hikes through Patagonia , ride motor scooters up and down Vietnam, and bareboat charter in the BVIs—get a little skittish when it comes to that most bucket-y of bucket trips, the ultimate African safari . And who can blame them? It’s tough to find legit info, the geography’s confusing, there’s a bunch of indecipherable lingo, and the price tag— oh, the price tag . When you’re spending more than $1,000 a day for what’s supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, even the most intrepid travelers are gonna get skittish.

Which is why we always advise travelers to book their next African adventure with the help of a travel specialist , somebody who’s actually stayed in the tented camps, walked through the bush with the guides, and been on those puddle-jumpers you’re planning to take. These experts know what’s up, because they’ve already been where you wanna go—and the other places you hadn’t even considered that may even be a little bit better. So whether you want to see the big five, track the Great Migration, paddle through the Okavango, or cruise the Skeleton Coast, these are the go-to experts that can help you pull it off.

Dan Achber, Trufflepig Achber knows Botswana particularly well—he’s organized multiday paddles on the Selinda Spillway and game counts with zebra researchers working in the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Cherri Briggs, Explore, Inc. Briggs has spent more than two decades planning trips to Africa , and her latest focus is lesser-known but awe-inspiring places like Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Zambia.

Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa With her far-reaching network that includes some of the region’s savviest guides, she can get you into private homes, gardens, and art collections you can’t otherwise see.

Linda Friedman, Custom Safaris She’s planned lots of multigenerational family safaris, and she’s also expert at gorilla tracking in Rwanda .

Julian Harrison, Premier Tours He’s arranged trips with wildlife film-makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, as well as with lion and rhino researchers.

Ryan Hilton, AuthentEscapes He’s planned photography workshops in the bush, connected travelers with anti-poaching teams, and coordinated a ten-day, 62-mile walking safari through raw wilderness.

Will Jones, Journeys by Design A native of Africa, Jones has been working in safaris since 1994, managing camps, guiding trips, and planning way-out-there expeditions into tribal villages and stretches of untouched wilderness.

Michael Lorentz, Passage to Africa Lorentz shines at back-of-beyond trips to Ethiopia and mobile safaris in Botswana, where you’ll spot meerkat, hyena, and other wildlife.

Henrietta Loyd, Cazenove + Loyd She’ll arrange safaris through tribal regions of Kenya, art tours in Cape Town , and meetings with politicos in Ethiopia.

Mark Nolting, The Africa Adventure Company For off-the-map safaris led by researchers in places like the rarely visited Mabuasehube Game Reserve, Nolting is our guy.

Wil Smith and Karen Zulauf, Deeper Africa They take walking safaris seriously, pairing you up with leading researchers, game wardens, anti-poaching teams, and guides for itineraries in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Teresa Sullivan, Mango African Safaris Sullivan knows which routes, camps, and game reserves are best suited to families, and she’s coordinated multiday walks in the Kenyan bush.

Phoebe Weinberg, Greatways Travel Weinberg can get you the best rooms (like No. 6 at Singita Lebombo Lodge or No. 1 at Vumbura Plains), plus over-the-top extras like helicopter flights above the Okavango Delta.

Nina Wennersten and Daniel Saperstein, Hippo Creek Safaris This duo pulls off spectacular trips in Kenya (to the Segera Retreat, for example), South Africa (where they’ll arrange private wine tastings), and Tanzania (where they recommend Roving Bushtops).

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Africa Tours & Vacations

Surrender to the lure of Africa and its diverse wildlife, thousands of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. 

Meaning ‘to travel’ in Arabic and Swahili, the word ‘safari’ can describe many types of epic adventure in Africa. There is the ancient Egypt kind – discovering the lost city of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings. The nomadic one – veering away from Morocco’s souqs and medinas and being hosted by a Berber family in the Sahara. The local village version – cherishing moments with Maasai , San, and Malagasy cultures. The wildlife way – search for the Big Five in any number of game reserves and parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kruger, and Lake Nakuru, to name a few. What does your African adventure look like? 

Our Africa trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Africa highlights

Africa tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Classic Morocco

One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge

Botswana Adventure

North Morocco Adventure

South Morocco Discovery

Galapagos or Madagascar? Which unique destination should be at the top of your travel list?

Egypt or Jordan? Which country should you travel to?

Meet Leitah Mkhabela and the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit

Meet Rambo, the marine ranger helping to protect wildlife in Comoros 

What it’s like to visit Egypt as a transgender traveller

The top 8 destinations for travel in June 2024

The top 10 destinations to travel in May 2024

The top 7 destinations for travel in April 2024

Browse by destination

Protect Your Trip »

12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

• Africa Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Africa 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Africa. Below you will find 170 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Africa offering in total 1772 tours and holidays through-out Africa. Combined they have received 2427 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Africa are: Wildlife, landscapes and nature, Adventure and sport & Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history.

• Tours in Africa
• Africa Travel Guide

171 Tour Operators in Africa with 2,427 Reviews

Enosa Expeditions

• Address P.O.BOX 8294 MOSHI,TANZANIA, MOSHI, Tanzania
• Response Rate 94%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Truly Egypt Tours

• Address Gazirat Al Awameyah, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 85952, luxor, Egypt
• Response Rate 89%

Vacations to Go Travel

• Address 56 Hassan Ma'moun St. Nasr City , Cairo, Egypt
• Response Rate 87%

Aardvark Expeditions Limited

• Address Swahili Street, Arusha, Tanzania
• Response Rate 100%
• Response Time 3 hours

Travel Talk

• Address 18 Exhibition House Addison Bridge Place, London, England
• Response Rate 96%
• Response Time 1 hour

Habari Adventure

• Address 7644 - Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tanzania

Kanuth Adventures Safari

• Address Njia panda ya Segerea- Near JNIA. , Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Altezza Travel

• Address Kawawa St., plot 5, section III, block C, Moshi, Tanzania
• Response Rate 93%

• Address Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Response Rate 74%

Not Just a Tourist

• Address Plz Rosa de Pasion, 4, 6C, Seville, Spain
• Response Rate 69%

• Address Longonot Place, 4th Floor, Kijabe Street., Nairobi, Kenya

DesertBrise Travel

• Address Dour Aarib Mhamid El Ghizlane zagora Morocco, M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
• Response Rate 85%

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

Amazing Memories Safaris

• Address Donholm, Nairobi, Kenya
• Response Rate 67%

Africa Tour Reviews

• Amelie Wyatt
• Amelia Rowan
• Africa budget tours
• Eco tours in Africa
• Africa guided tours
• Africa family tour packages
• Africa honeymoon packages
• Africa luxury tours
• Africa private tours
• Africa self-guided tours
• Africa small group tours
• Africa solo trips
• Africa tours for senior citizens
• Africa tours for young adults
• Africa group tours
• Africa last minute deals
• Africa travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Botswana Tours
• Egypt Tours
• Ethiopia Tours
• Ghana Tours
• Kenya Tours
• Lesotho Tours
• Madagascar Tours
• Malawi Tours
• Mauritius Tours
• Morocco Tours
• Namibia Tours
• Rwanda Tours
• Senegal Tours
• South africa Tours
• Tanzania Tours
• Tunisia Tours
• Uganda Tours
• Zambia Tours
• Zimbabwe Tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Best Africa Luxury Tour Companies

Search 748 Africa tour operators and travel companies, with 5,843 reviews.

Insight Vacations

Featured Africa Trips

Luxury Gold

Memphis Tours

Charlie The Traveler

Health Safety

Zama Tours & Safaris

Classic Africa

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Metropolitan Touring

Immersion Journeys

Lion World Travel

Infinite Safari Adventures

Uncharted Africa Safari Co.

The Safari and Conservation Co.

Mango African Safaris

Tradition Tours

Africa Adventure Consultants

Volcanoes Safaris

Heritage Tours Private Travel

201 match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

View Africa trips

Plan your Africa trip

Africa Reviews & Ratings

History in the heat.

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl

I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...

See all Africa reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

South Africa Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable South Africa tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in South Africa and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 189440 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of South Africa travel companies & tour operators with 189440 reviews

Earthstompers Adventures

• Excellent - 144 reviews for South Africa tours

With Gareth we had a great, well organized short week, too short but ful of information, entertainment, fun.

Gareth lead a phenomenal tour of the Garden route! He coordinated the itinerary so that the whole group benefitted from the best panorama views and checked off each person's special request while covering all the highlights. We liked his stories and explanations and especially his safe driving!. Gareth's sense of humour kept us amused as we learned about the Garden Route; animals and South African society in the present and we especially liked his music choices. We were lucky to meet a great group of travellers from around the world and a super tour guide!

• Excellent - 1,890 reviews for South Africa tours
• This operator has no South Africa reviews

• Excellent - 1,272 reviews for South Africa tours

Loved every minute of our stay in South Africa and I didn’t know what to expect from this beautiful country. I will definitely go back one of these days. Doing a tour was the best way for us , we saw a lot of South Africa .

Absolutely exceeded my expectations! A very thorough tour of South Africa, with more activities than I even imagined! Thank you for fulfilling one of my bucket list destinations!

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 258 reviews for South Africa tours

Such an incredible journey to South Africa! Our tour guide, Arthur, was absolutely amazing. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable about the country, but he was also super friendly and had a great sense of humor. We had such a fantastic time with him!

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,092 reviews for South Africa tours

Amazing experience. Namibia has become one of my favourite countries. The tour was amazing and don’t let you be discouraged by the camping, is not that bad. Lulu and Angelica were the best CEO agents anyone could of asked for.

My first tour with G Adventurers and most likely my last. Communication with company prior to trip was ok but got worse closer to trip. I never received a detailed intinerary though I asked for one. Our only guide, or CEO as G Adventures refers to them, met us for dinner on the first night and self-admitted he had not been to places we were going

Wanderful Holidays LLC

• Excellent - 74 reviews for South Africa tours

Our honeymoon vacation through South Africa was amazing! We got to see a little of everything and even with all the traveling around it was stress free. Our guide was terrific and we would 1000% book again!

Great itinerary, would have added Soweto as part of the standard to make the experience complete. CapeTown guide/driver was very pleasant, knowledgeable, prompt, and made us feel safe.

Cape Xtreme

• Excellent - 71 reviews for South Africa tours

A very good package entails a variety of experiences widely diverse in their nature as they are geographically distinct. The Western Cape was surprisingly charming, and the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the various safaris taken at several locations, including Kruger. Highly recommended and a good value for money.

Fantastic experience with a great guide. Thank you!

• Excellent - 422 reviews for South Africa tours

The trip was overall good . Our Tour Guide TK was very good and knowledgeable . We especially really enjoyed the Kysna cruise , Cape Agulas , Hermanus & the game drive in Bottleskop .

Um viel Zeit zu sparen würde ich persönlich die Backpackers und 3 / 4 Sterne Reisende trennen und die Unterkünfte in der Nähe buchen. Ansonsten war die Reise sehr gut und die Orga bzw. die Guide sehr unterhaltsam

• Excellent - 19,644 reviews for South Africa tours

Margaret was great

Bokbus Garden Route Adventu…

• Excellent - 13 reviews for South Africa tours

Ben, our guide, was excellent, he deserves 5 stars. On the other hand, the tour itself had one notable weakness, the lack of native South African cuisine.

The 4-day Garden Route Adventure tour with Benjamin as our operator is impressive and unforgettable. Benjamin is knowledgeable, professional, friendly and patient. He managed well to meet the additional requests by this group. In addition to the scheduled programs, this group did Knysna Elephant Park, Cango Wildlife Ranch visit, and Bloukrans Bungy. We stopped many times at scenery spots for picture taken. We have covered so much that every is happy with their requests. The whole tour started well with booking, communication, food and accommodation. Everything is excellent and I highly recommend this tour if you choose a short tour on Garden Route Adventure.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,702 reviews for South Africa tours

The accommodation is very nice and the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I would particularly like to highlight the trip through the Kruger National Park with Daniel, with whom I traveled alone in a jeep. He has an excellent eye for animals that I would never have seen on my own. The best way to describe his very friendly manner is to give you an example. We were driving on a dirt road and Daniel asked an elderly couple coming towards us if they had spotted any animals, which they agreed. A few meters further on, Daniel spotted a cheetah and immediately turned around to tell the couple, as you don't see cheetahs every day. They were very grateful and we were able to watch the cheetah for about 30 minutes before it moved too far away. Many thanks to Daniel and all the other people who made my stay unforgettable. I still don't know whether I will travel to the national park again. It does sometimes seem a bit bizarre when 10 fully packed jeeps stand around an animal to get the best angle for a photo. On the other hand, this way of deriving economic benefit from wildlife is probably the only one that can contribute to the preservation of their habitat. At least within capitalism.

Amazing trip, highly recommend. Tour leader was very lovely helpful. Great meals only need to be a bit earlier :)

Wonderful Holidays UK

• Excellent - 6 reviews for South Africa tours

The Mzansi Experience

• Excellent - 69 reviews for South Africa tours

I had such an amazing experience seeing the animals. The tour was very well organized. I received plenty of communication before the tour. The tour operator for the game drives was one of the best I've had in Africa. I felt safe and well taken care of. The hotel was nice, especially the dinner. The staff at the hotel were very friendly, but the rooms could use some upgrades. It was clean, though. My only complaint is with the Safarilink transfer from Johannesburg. The van is very small and cramped for a 5 hour drive, and they really pack it. As if that wasn't uncomfortable enough, people were vaping throughout the ride making it very difficult for me to breathe. I decided to mention it to the driver on my return in hopes the ride home would be better, but when I told him about it, he seemed instantly irritated and uninterested in addressing the issue. I went to the van to see if I could get a better seat to find it reeked of vape from the drive up that morning. When I asked the driver if he could air out the van before we leave, he brushed me off again and said he would deal with it later. Having asthma and other allergic reactions to it, I took it upon myself to air out the van myself. I sat in the front and upon him entering the drivers seat, I finally noticed that he was the one who reeked of vape and continued to reek of it after every stop we made, so I see why he was protecting the people who were causing the problem, which could have also been him, rather than the person being affected by it. When I told him someone was vaping in the van later on in the drive, instead of addressing it, he said, "no one is vaping." What kind of idiots do these people think we are? We can smell it, and with me, it affects my breathing, and my ears pop very painfully. I would highly suggest you find another transfer company or require Safarilink drivers to assure the safety of the riders by making sure vaping is not happening. The driver was very concerned about people's comfort when it came to air conditioning, but when it came to someone breaking the law and causing someone health problems, he was totally apathetic and even a bit hostile. I gave this four starts because without the Safarilink experience, it would have been 5.

The tour was really awesome. Each day we got to see so much and we were so lucky to get to see the Big 5! The only thing that let the experience down was the accommodation which was pretty dated and felt damp. But it had been wet and we were reluctant to overuse the aircon. The food was generous and the staff were very friendly and accomodating. Next time we go safari, we will spend a little more now that we know what to experimenter. Thank you for a great tour.

Expat Explore Travel

• Excellent - 4,252 reviews for South Africa tours

Very comfortable pace tour, and u will get to see most of the good stuffs. It could have been shorter but at the expense of rush factor. But it's very comfortable for me. The tour guide Matt, and our driver Benny, were both very professional, with Benny also being a high average driver. Just take note of the optional tours and it's prices that you are keen to take up and prepare some cash in advance. Matt will arrange time for ATM visits occasionally though. Nice tour!

An incredible experience that will stay with me my whole life

Cullinan Guided Journeys

The tour was amazing. We had a large variety of experiences and excellent guides. Everything ran very smoothly. We would highly recommend this tour.

Cost-effective with great guides -- Zach Tathane and Jonathon Muller. However, our objective is to photograph memories rather than just get to the next hotel. Don't necessarily need more tours but you must add more photo stops!

List your company on TourRadar

Popular tour operators in:.

• Africa (421)
• Southern Africa (96)

• You are here:
• Top Rated Tour Operators
• South Africa

Top Rated Safari Tour Operators in South Africa

MoAfrika Tours #1 of all South Africa tour operators

Moafrika tours, safari tours 186 – offered by moafrika tours, customer reviews.

Pembury Tours #2 of all South Africa tour operators

Pembury tours, safari tours 8 – offered by pembury tours.

Discover Africa Safaris #3 of all South Africa tour operators

Discover africa safaris, safari tours 67 – offered by discover africa safaris.

Roho Ya Chui #4 of all South Africa tour operators

Roho ya chui.

Safari Tours 3 – Offered by Roho Ya Chui

Compass Odyssey #5 of all South Africa tour operators

Compass odyssey, rating breakdown, about compass odyssey, viva safaris #6 of all south africa tour operators, viva safaris, safari tours 13 – offered by viva safaris.

Wildlife Safaris #7 of all South Africa tour operators

Wildlife safaris, safari tours 6 – offered by wildlife safaris, african welcome safaris #8 of all south africa tour operators, african welcome safaris, safari tours 2 – offered by african welcome safaris.

Safari With Us #9 of all South Africa tour operators

Safari with us, safari tours 25 – offered by safari with us.

Wild Planet Safari #10 of all South Africa tour operators

Wild planet safari, safari tours 23 – offered by wild planet safari.

Safarilink SA #11 of all South Africa tour operators

Safarilink sa, safari tours 9 – offered by safarilink sa.

Shadows of Africa #12 of all South Africa tour operators

Shadows of africa, safari tours 27 – offered by shadows of africa.

The Kruger Safari Co. #13 of all South Africa tour operators

The kruger safari co., safari tours 79 – offered by the kruger safari co..

Mmilo Tours #14 of all South Africa tour operators

Mmilo tours, safari tours 18 – offered by mmilo tours.

Safari Online #15 of all South Africa tour operators

Safari online, safari tours 11 – offered by safari online.

Red Africa Safaris #16 of all South Africa tour operators

Red africa safaris, safari tours 15 – offered by red africa safaris.

Giltedge #17 of all South Africa tour operators

About giltedge, safari.com #18 of all south africa tour operators, safari tours 26 – offered by safari.com, traipsing africa's safaris and tours #19 of all south africa tour operators, traipsing africa's safaris and tours, safari tours 13 – offered by traipsing africa's safaris and tours.

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours #20 of all South Africa tour operators

Gems of africa safari and tours, safari tours 22 – offered by gems of africa safari and tours.

Full Review

Related Searches

• South Africa Tour Companies
• South Africa Safaris
• Motswari Travel Agencies
• Sabi Sands Travel Agencies
• Nambiti Travel Agencies
• Dulini Travel Agencies
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Travel Agencies
• Golden Gate Highlands Travel Agencies
• Mabula Travel Agencies
• Amakhala Travel Agencies
• Kariega Travel Agencies
• Klaserie Travel Agencies

THE 10 BEST Africa Tours & Excursions

Africa tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Santa Maria, Sal: All inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay

2. From Marrakech: Desert & Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride

3. Overnight Camel Trekking in Merzouga Desert/ Erg Chebbi

4. Quad Bike & Camel Ride & Dinner Show In Agafay Desert

5. Layover Tour from Cairo Airport

6. Marine Dolphin Seal Cruise

7. Hot Air Balloon Marrakech - Balloon Flight in Morocco

8. Full day (5-6 hours) island tour on Mahé with pick-up

9. Day tour of the mountains to the Volcano + breakfast

10. 2 days Mount Toubkal Trekking In Morocco

11. Union tour Full Day Private tour

12. Private 3-Days Desert Trip From Marrakech to Merzouga

13. 2days 4x4 SAFARI from Sousse, Hammamet,Tunis - 4*hotel accommodation

14. All of Algeria UNESCO Sites Tour Package in 2 Weeks by Algeriatours16

15. Private Creative Pictures Full Day Island Tour (Off Road inc.)

16. Private Sani Pass LONGER Day tour into Lesotho fully inclusive

17. Mahe Private full day tour

18. 8 or 10 Days Private Tour of Morocco; Imperial Cities, Atlas Mountains & Desert

19. 8 Days Uganda Primates Safari

20. Cape Verde - Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente & Santo Antão Islands 11 Days

21. Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech

22. Marical dinner and camel ride at sunset in Desert of Marrakech

23. Combo tour to Djibouti, Somaliland, and Mogadishu (Somalia) for 7 days

24. Amazing Dinner in Agafay Desert with Sunset and Berber Camp

25. Imlil Atlas Mountains Full-Day Tour from Marrakech

26. Sunset Camel Ride in the Palm Grove Of Marrakech

27. Sunset Hike to Lighthouse, Dona Amélia, São Vicente, 2h

28. Randonnée - Le Sud Sauvage

29. Full Day Private Day Trip From Marrakech Ouzoud Waterfalls

30. PRIVATE 2 day SAFARI (Ksar Ghilane and Atlas Mountains) from Jerba

What travelers are saying.