safari good company

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

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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.

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The Top 10 Safari Outfitters in 2020

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

For many travelers, a safari is a bucket-list experience — a trip they fantasize about, save up for, and, in many cases, use to mark a wedding or milestone birthday.

T+L readers want their dream trips to be, well, dreamy, so they have high standards when sharing their opinions on the world’s best safari outfitters. While these experts can’t control the weather or the wildlife, they can pair you with the most keen-eyed and knowledgeable guides to ensure that you have the optimal viewing experiences. They can choose the lodges that best suit your needs, tastes, and budget — and then take it up a notch by arranging for special surprise experiences and indulgences.

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.

Related : The World's Best Awards 2020

The top-ranked safari companies have a few things in common: they tend to be small but well-connected, and their staffers get to know clients intimately so they can plan trips that will delight at every stage. In the case of this year’s No. 2, Roar Africa, specifics are key. “They take the time to understand what your goals are and to ensure that your experience is all that you dreamed of and more,” said one reader.

Roar’s CEO and founder, Deborah Calmeyer, hasn’t just traveled extensively in Africa; she grew up there — as did the heads of several other safari companies on the list. Sunit Sanghrajka of Alluring Africa (No. 4) was raised in Kenya , where Elizabeth Gordon, cofounder of Extraordinary Journeys (No. 7), was born. They bring to their work a deep connection to and understanding of the continent and its challenges and wonders. “Africa can be intimidating but Deb and her team make it so easy to plan a very personal experience,” said one T+L reader of Roar Africa. She noted how carefully her accommodations had been selected: “They were each so different from one another but equally spectacular.”

Though the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and Cape buffalo) are what come to mind when most people think of safaris, the experience can go far beyond that (tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, for example). Wildlife lovers don’t even have to limit themselves to Africa: many of the experts on this list also plan trips to Costa Rica, India, Australia, Bhutan, and other awe-inspiring destinations.

With such spectacular sights, it’s little wonder that many clients end up taking multiple “once-in-a-lifetime” trips. Find out what set readers’ No. 1, Rothschild Safaris, apart — and who else joins them on this year’s list of the best safari companies.

1. Rothschild Safaris

Score: 99.26

More information: rothschildsafaris.com

“I credit them with providing me some of the best memories of my life,” wrote one of many satisfied Rothschild clients — some of whom said they traveled with the company a half-dozen times. Since 1998, the outfitter has been planning safari experiences that are flawless from arrival to departure, with special surprises sprinkled throughout. “At each camp, we had an exclusive or memorable experience different from the other camp visitors,” said one T+L reader. “Behind-the-scenes access to sanctuaries, up close experiences with rare animals, or exclusive outdoor dining with private chefs and staffing.”

2. Roar Africa

More information: roarafrica.com

3. Deeper Africa

Score: 98.88

More information: deeperafrica.com

4. Alluring Africa

Score: 98.66

More information: alluringafrica.com

5. Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.44

More information: micato.com

6. Africa Adventure Consultants

Score: 98.40

More information: adventuresinafrica.com

7. Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 98.23

More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

8. Go2Africa

Score: 98.05

More information: go2africa.com

9. African Travel Inc.

Score: 96.89

More information: africantravelinc.com

10. Wilderness Safaris

Score: 96.30

More information: wilderness-safaris.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020 .

Related Articles

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).

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Good Earth Tours ® was created to help people travel in Africa easily while also making a difference in the lives of the people we work with within the tourism industry . When it comes to finding an exceptional safari experience, there are a lot of choices – like where to go, where to stay, what to eat, and who will guide you. We know the regions intimately and care about all these things to make your safari the best it can be.

We don’t just design and deliver awesome safaris. We also give our team, suppliers and partners a good and supportive environment to thrive, so they can make your safari really special.

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15+ Best Tanzania Safari Companies – For Every Safari Holiday

Planning your own safari can be time-consuming and stressful and it's difficult to know which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies. A quick internet search will bring up hundreds of operators that all promise you the holiday of your dreams. So, how do you know whom to trust?

Over the years, I've discovered some of the highest-rated and most trusted international and local safari companies in Tanzania during my East African travels and wildlife conservation work. 

In this article, I will review the Best Tanzania Safari Companies in greater detail and give you a better sense of which safari company pairs well with specific safaris.

Let's get started. 

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Best Tanzania Safari Companies FAQs

Each safari company listed in this article has a good reputation and experience in helping you plan different types of safaris .

Now, let's discuss how you should go about choosing the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for your travel wants and needs.

How do I choose the Best Tanzania Safari Company?

An excellent question. I recommend that you choose the best Tanzania Safari Company according to three key criteria: 

• Read reviews about safari companies (the higher, the better).
• Check the safari company's website.
• Select a safari company based on style and your budget.

Read reviews

When deciding on a safari company, it is important that you choose an operator with good, recent reviews and high ratings on platforms such as TripAdvisor and TrustPilot .

Check the Company’s Website

Good travel companies usually have awards and acclimations displayed on their website. Also, find out how long they have been operating. The best way to check your local operator is to ask them how they accept payment.

Many local companies cannot accept payments other than via Western Union or cash on arrival. This doesn’t mean you have to be suspicious, but I’d recommend finding a company you can pay online instead.

On the other hand, many international companies have easy purchase frills, but might be coming with hefty price tags.

Select Based on Style and Budget

Each safari company specialises in a different type of trip, so be sure to compare Tanzanian safari prices and itineraries . You can also compare accommodation quotes with online lodge rates to see if you are getting a fair deal.

Which tour?  Here are 7 of my favourite Tanzanian safaris: 

• Gombe Chimpanzee Safari  (2 days)
• Nyerere (Selous) Budget Game Drive Safari  (3 days)
• Group Camping Safari (incl. Tarangire and Ngorongoro)  (4 days)
• Scenic Northern Tanzania Safari  (7 days)
• Epic Ruaha Adventure Safari (incl. Mikumi and Selous  (9 days)
• Family Luxury Serengeti Safari (starts and ends in Moshi)  (10 days)
• Best of Kenya and Tanzania (incl. 6 national parks)  (12 days)

See more  Tanzania and East Africa safari deals .

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies?

I'm so glad you asked. Overall, these are the 5 Best Tanzania Safari Companies based on their longstanding reputations as award-winners in the travel industry, with affordable tour packages and the highest customer ratings: 

• Roy Safaris
• Gosheni Safaris
• Nomad Tanzania
• Yellow Zebra Safaris
• National Geographic Expeditions

All of the Best Tanzania Safari Companies mentioned in this article are categorised into the following types of safaris below: group, private luxury, adventure, families, and conservation-focused.  

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for Group Safaris?

Altezza Travel, Roy Safaris, Suricata Safaris, Meru Slopes, and G-Adventures are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for group safaris. They offer small to medium group safaris which are  budget-friendly  and have fixed itineraries including  popular national parks and attractions in Tanzania. 

1. Altezza Travel

Specialists in mountain climbing, safari and beach holidays,  Altezza’s operations offices  are based near  Mount Kilimanjaro , so they are always close on hand to offer assistance. Altezza has its own vehicle fleet, two hotels and professional guides that undergo regular development courses.

2. Roy Safaris

Roy Safaris has 25 years in the travel industry and an impressive 70% of clients return or come from referrals. Their safari tours are aimed at small groups, also offering tailor-made packages, including photographic safaris. 

3. Suricata Safaris

Relatively new to the safari game,  Suricata Safaris  was started in 2016 but has hundreds of rave reviews for their knowledgeable and friendly guides and good food on camping trips. You can choose between 3-7 day  camping or lodge safaris.

4. Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris

A local company based in Arusha,  Meru Slopes  specialises in the budget to mid-range safaris as well as mountain climbing, trekking and  beach holidays . A lot of focus is on cultural experiences and supporting local communities.

 5. G-Adventures

As world leaders in small group travel,  G-Adventures  has finely tuned and well-tested itineraries led by expert teams. They offer multiple tour options across  Tanzania’s national parks  and  Zanzibar from 6-15 days.

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for Private And Luxury Safaris?

Gosheni Safaris, Micato Safaris and Lion King Adventures are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for private and luxury safaris . If you prefer more flexibility and exclusivity, these safari companies offer private safaris that allow you to custom-design your own experience. These three safari companies help you plan your dream holiday down to the finest detail.

1. Gosheni Safaris

One of the top locally owned tour companies,  Gosheni  has its own fleet of vehicles, drivers and guides who undergo regular training. Gosheni has received the  Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2015-2017 and prides itself on staying ahead of the trend in tailor-made safari experiences.

2. Micato Safaris

Micato Safaris  is family run with insightful Kenyan owners and round-the-clock support to clients. Their incredible attention to detail is why they have been named  #1 Best Safari Outfitters by Travel & Leisure Magazine  nine times .  They are best known for selecting decadent luxury lodges and their tips-included policy.

3. Lion King Adventures

A family-owned safari company in  Arusha ,  Lion King Adventures specialises in custom made safaris. Their small team of professional guides and travel advisors offer expert insights into your safari experience and a more personalised trip from start to finish.

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies For Adventure or Off-The-Beaten Track Safaris?

Nomad Tanzania, Shadows of Africa and Expert Africa are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for adventure safaris or safaris off the beaten track. Most safari routes are around Northern Tanzania, heading to the popular parks and attractions. However, these three safari companies offer return travellers to the region new adventures into lesser-known areas of the country.

1. Nomad Tanzania

Nomad Tanzania  has 14 of its own exclusive camps across Tanzania. Luxury Safari packages include fly-in safaris to the remote  Ruaha  and  Katavi National Park  as well as  Mahale Mountains to see chimpanzees. Nomad is dedicated to sustainable tourism through conservation and community projects.

2. Shadows of Africa

Tanzania Travel Award winner  and one of the top safari outfitters,  Shadows of Africa focuses on group and private safaris at competitive prices. Packages include a 9 day Tanzania Adventure safari with a daily dose of outdoor activities in the form of walking, horse-riding, cycling and kayaking.

3. Expert Africa

Established in 1994,  Expert Africa  is known for its carefully curated safaris in the less-visited Southern Tanzania national parks and chimpanzee trekking adventures in  Gombe and Mahale Mountains parks. The company prides itself on discovering new lodges and hidden gems. 

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for Family Safaris?

Easy Travel, Yellow Zebra and Rothschild are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for family-oriented safaris. These companies have special packages with family-friendly accommodation and itineraries to keep the whole family entertained.

1. Easy Travel and Tours

A Tanzanian safari company with a reputation for sustainable travel and personalised service.  Easy Travel  has been awarded  Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for four years running. The company focuses on creating unforgettable environmental and cultural experiences. Their well priced mid-range safaris include family-style options.

2. Yellow Zebra Safaris

Receiving the  World Travel Awards Winner   as Europe’s leading safari tour operator for six years running, this company offers in-depth expertise as their safaris are designed by professional guides and lodge managers.  Yellow Zebra curates special family packages by selecting child-friendly lodges and special family itineraries.

3. Rothschild Safaris

Boasting over 30 years of experience and  multiple awards  in the business of private travel,  Rothschild Safaris strives to source expert guides and eco-friendly accommodation. They offer a range of Family Safaris to East Africa and support local conservation and community projects.

Which are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for Conservation-Focused Safaris?

Overall, National Geographic Expeditions and Natural Habitat Adventures are the Best Tanzania Safari Companies for conservation-focused safaris. These safari companies offer exclusive safaris that include learning about conservation from local experts and through interactive experiences. In other words, these safaris are designed for the traveller that craves more insight - a safari experience with a difference.

1. National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions  offer an exclusive safari experience that combines  wildlife viewing and luxury accommodation with the chance to meet and learn from National Geographic’s network of local experts about wildlife conservation and cultural issues.

2. Natural Habitat Adventures

In partnership with the   World Wildlife Fund ,  Natural Habitat Adventures have been operating small group tours with once in a lifetime wildlife encounters and educational experiences since 1985. Tours are focused on sustainable tourism and encourage travellers to adventure and discover more about the natural world.

And that's a wrap on the Best Tanzania Safari Companies! Now that you know who to trust and who you can afford, you can begin planning an epic Tanzanian safari. 

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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We are planning a Safari in Tanzania between 28th of June and 13th of July. We can join existing groups, 2 adults. Quotations please. Thanks. Arul

Hi, Arul. You can send your queries to our safari quotation page using this link – https://www.climbkilimanjaroguide.com/safari/ . We'll be able to help you further from there, thanks for reading!

One of the nice article! Thanks for sharing

Thanks for reading our Safari Companies article, we’re glad you liked it, Mattis!

Hello! Me and my husband we are thinking about doing a safari in Tanzania. We have two weeks' holidays starting from September 2023, we are thinking of booking with this small company in Tanzania(Active Wonders Safaris). Do you have an idea of these company?

Hi Charlotte, I’m unfortunately not familiar with this company but if they have good online reviews, then you should be in good hands.

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8 Tips To Research & Choose The Right Safari Company

How to find the right safari tour company for you.

Even as an independent traveler there are times when you have to go on an organized tour, and going on safari tends to be one of those times. Picking the right safari company is perhaps the most important factor in having a good safari.

Competition amongst safari operators is fierce –  at both the top and bottom ends of the market. It’s worth remembering that you get what you pay for; some disreputable companies may enter parks without paying fees, or use standard minibus drivers as guides, vehicles that aren’t road-worthy, or will serve you inedible food. Here are our 8 top tips for choosing the right safari operator for your safari:

1. Do your research before arriving in Africa. Ask around friends and family for personal recommendations, or check out forums such as Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree for up to date information.

2. In some towns close to national parks – particularly in East Africa – everybody and their aunt is offering you safaris. If you’re approached on the street/bus stop/train station/bar for a safari just say no. Always speak to safari operators in their office.

3. Be wary of quotes that come in way cheaper than you think they should. If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. (Read our tips for organizing a budget safari. )

4. Shop around and don’t get rushed into anything. Take your time when assessing which company to use, and don’t feel pressured by a common tactic of being offered “the last place, leaving tomorrow”.

5. Go with a company that has its own equipment and vehicles, and ideally don’t pay your deposit until you see the vehicle you’ll be doing the safari in.

6. Be sure that your guide speaks English (or whatever your preferred language is).

7. Discuss the itinerary in detail to be sure of what you’re actually paying for. In particular, # days in national parks, standard of accommodation you’ll be staying in, # wildlife drives per day, any meals and/or drinks that are included.

8. Check to see if the country you’re planning to safari in has an official licensing organization, and if so, whether the safari company is licensed.

Once you’ve read and digested the above, check out our safari company guide which lists the most reputable safari companies by country and specialism.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
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Safari basics

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• Chobe National Park, Botswana
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Top 20 Best African Safaris - Compare 9,164 Tours

9-Day Flexible Migration Roundtrip Safari

$3,253 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Lake Natron, Pololeti GR (Greater Serengeti) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Paradise & Wilderness

4.9 /5  –  132 Reviews

9-Day Luxury Tailor-Made Tanzania Wildlife Safari

$7,890 to $11,991 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)

Wayfairer Travel

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

3-Day Uganda Gorillas and Chimp Trek at Kalinzu Forest

$2,013 pp (USD)

Uganda & Rwanda: Shared tour (max 4 people per group) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Kalinzu FR (Chimps) , Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Gorillas) , Kigali (End)

Bamboo Ecotours

5.0 /5  –  103 Reviews

7-Day Gorilla Chimpanzees and Wildlife Tour

$2,310 pp (USD)

Uganda: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Entebbe (Start) , Lake Victoria, Kibale NP (Chimps) , Bigodi Wetland (Kibale NP) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe (End)

Dav Safaris

5.0 /5  –  84 Reviews

8-Day Exceptional Luxury Safari-Magical Kenya Fairyland

$3,212 to $3,850 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Apodiformes Adventures

4.8 /5  –  175 Reviews

10-Day Luxury Bush and Beach Safari

$3,996 to $4,730 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Diani Beach, Nairobi (End)

Rochar Africa Expeditions

4.9 /5  –  15 Reviews

8-Day Great Migration Safari

$3,135 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Central Serengeti NP, Northern Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha (End)

Safari Soles

5.0 /5  –  248 Reviews

6-Day Fly-in and Drive-out Luxury Safari

$4,070 to $4,400 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (End)

African Big Cats Safaris

5.0 /5  –  364 Reviews

6-Day Join Group Camping Big 5 Tour Safari in Tanzania

$880 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Hotel

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Kilimanjaro Airport (End)

Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris

5.0 /5  –  309 Reviews

7-Day Tailor-Made Holiday and Tour in Uganda via Rwanda

$2,581 pp (USD)

Rwanda & Uganda: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Kisoro (Town) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe Airport (End)

Home To Africa Tours and Travel

5.0 /5  –  278 Reviews

7-Day Magical Kenya Luxury Safari

$3,801 to $4,400 pp (USD)

Estleon Adventures

5.0 /5  –  117 Reviews

3-Day Serengeti Luxury Trip & Four Seasons Safari Lodge

$2,761 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Central Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Shengena Adventure

5.0 /5  –  44 Reviews

6-Day Majestic Tanzania - High-End

$4,050 to $5,290 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  441 Reviews

5-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Tree-Climbing Lions

$2,079 pp (USD)

Uganda: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Entebbe (Start) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Kyambura Gorge (Chimps) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Lake Bunyonyi, Entebbe (End)

Nature Connect Safaris Uganda

4.9 /5  –  39 Reviews

7-Day Big Five Safari - Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Others

$2,750 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Karatu District, Arusha (End)

Savannah Explorers

5.0 /5  –  485 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Luxury Radisson Kruger Safari

$894 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours

4.9 /5  –  1215 Reviews

12-Day Kenya Photography Safari

$3,460 to $4,780 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Bogoria NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (City) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi Airport (End)

Kameraz of Afrika

4.8 /5  –  100 Reviews

3-Day Group Tour to Serengeti & Ngorongoro

$715 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Suricata Safaris

5.0 /5  –  1950 Reviews

3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Visit Lake Bunyonyi

$1,320 to $1,485 pp (USD)

Uganda: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Entebbe (Start) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Lake Bunyonyi, Entebbe Airport (End)

Kubwa Five Safaris

5.0 /5  –  127 Reviews

4-Day Affordable Masai Mara Safari

$3,010 to $4,750 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury+ Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Greater Masai Mara, Nairobi (End)

Discover Africa Safaris

4.9 /5  –  423 Reviews

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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

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Safari.com   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

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Safari booked. SA here I come.

I have never been to SA before, so naturally I was a bit apprehensive about booking a safari on my own. I turned to safari.com for help and I'm so glad I did. Keith was so helpful, patient and saved me money! That's a win, win, win. I would recommend safari.com to anyone planning their trip and their experiences in SA.

Date of experience : May 16, 2024

I highly recommend Shann Shaw

Shann Shaw has been great to work with and she has tried her best to try to meet our budget expectations. She is very kind, responsive and detailed in her explanations and really, really helpful. When I told her I decided to book through expedia or booking, she still explained how everything worked and how these websites sometimes don't have all the details you need, yet, she work hard in getting us our flights and the hotel that we really wanted for this experience. I couldn't be happier with her service and dedication and highly recommend her services!

Date of experience : May 09, 2024

Reply from Safari.com

Wow, Shann Shaw truly sounds like a superstar! 🌟 Thank you so much for sharing your experience and recommending her services. Here’s to Shann and many more beautifully planned trips! 🛫🌍✨

Candis was lovely to work with and…

Candis was lovely to work with and super quick to respond. The entire process from when we first reached out to her to inquire about a trip to when we confirmed the quote and booking was under a week. We sincerely appreciated having all of these details taken care of for us and the all of the attention she took in answering our questions and adjusting our trip to work within our timeline.

Date of experience : May 13, 2024

Thanks for sharing your experience and how much you appreciated Candis speedy and attentive service. Here's to Candis for making travel planning a breeze and to many more smooth-sailing adventures ahead

Sara - great travel agent!

Sara was amazing to work worth and was very quick to respond with any questions I had!! She put together multiple safari packages for me to choose from and guided me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her!

Date of experience : May 14, 2024

Oh, how wonderful to hear that Sara took such great care of you! 🌟 It sounds like she was your safari superstar, crafting those perfect packages. Thank you so much for your stellar recommendation.

Great customer service

Heleen went out of her way to find us accommodation. We left our planning way to late and were looking at the busiest time of year yet she worked her magic.

Date of experience : May 15, 2024

Trip planning made easily and with kindness!

I was in need of help quickly to book a place to stay for 6 people. I wasn’t sure if I should drive or fly and Pascal helped me so quickly and was so kind and patient. He texted with me, called me and was wonderful to work with. He provided me with 2 quotes and helped me through the booking process. Looking forward to our trip!

Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya

Thanks for taking the time to share your appreciation. Here’s to many more adventures with the wonderful help of Tanya! 🦁✨

Safar.com review. Victoria falls Safari

Leigh Anne was a pleasure to deal and worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best experience. Thank you.

Dorothy was very helpful and courteous

Dorothy was very helpful and courteous. Very patient and kept me at ease. One thig did not work she offered something else. Amazing problem solving skills , communication and something I do not see a lot of today.. Great customer service!!!

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

Wow, what a fantastic shout-out for Dorothy! 😊 Thanks a bunch for sharing your experience; we’ll make sure Dorothy receives your praise and knows just how much her efforts are appreciated. Looking forward to bringing you more of that great customer service in the future! 🌟👏

Wonderful experience with Safari.com

Wonderful experience with Safari.com. My Safari Agent, Dolan, has 20+ years of experience in booking a memorable safari. He guided me in picking the right lodging and safari within my budget. He offered several options and answered all my questions. His response time was fast, regardless of the international time difference, and we were able to make quick decisions. Highly recommend.

Date of experience : May 05, 2024

Thanks so much for your fantastic review! 🌟 Your recommendation means the world to us, and we're so grateful you chose Safari.com for your adventure. We can't wait to help plan your next memorable journey

Experienced a double booking

Before payment, we experienced an issue of double booking, where suddenly our chosen lodging is only available for 2 out of 4 days. I hope Safari.com can improve their system to avoid this in the future. While it will be an inconvenience on our part to have to move lodging half way, we also understand the high demand of the lodging as we make the booking just 5 months before departure. I really appreciate Nelia's quick action informing us and providing an alternative plan which works for us. Overall it was quite a smooth booking process.

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Shann was very responsive

Shann was very responsive, provided multiple options, and was flexible to our changing needs and desires. Our travel selection was somewhat last minute and Shann was able to accommodate with many price points and reserves that were lower malaria risks.

Your praise is much appreciated, and we'll make sure to let Shann know how much her efforts helped make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Thanks for choosing us for your adventure, and we hope to assist you again soon

Leigh-Ann was amazing.

Leigh-Ann was amazing. She worked incredibly hard to provide us with our complex safari in Botswana and our travel and accommodation in South Africa. Leigh-Ann was always very helpful and encouraging which must have been very difficult for her as we were within a very tight time schedule to arrange our holiday. She was very thoughtful and even included a list of the things we would need to take. I am so happy with the final outcome and I am very thankful to Leigh-Ann and the other Safari.com team members who worked so hard to make our dream safari a reality.

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

That's awesome to hear! 🌟 Leigh-Ann really seems to have pulled out all the stops to ensure your safari and travels were nothing short of amazing, especially with such a tight timeline. It’s great that her thoughtful touches and encouraging attitude made such a difference in planning your dream holiday. Thanks a bunch for sharing your gratitude and experiences; it’s super encouraging for us too! We can't wait for you to embark on your adventure and hope it’s as magical as it sounds. Big thanks from all of us here at Safari.com! 🐘🌄

Pascal is a travel angel! Highly recommend him.

We started planning for our safari trip contacting a bunch of different travel advisors but Pascal's service truly stood out to us as the best in the industry. He took care of planning everything from start to finish for our very last minute honeymoon trip (literally a month out and during the busiest safari season). He is extremely meticulous and very responsive to our 100 questions. He shared first hand experiences at each of the different lodges, personal pictures and gave us solid recommendations within our budget. He hopped on a call with us initially to explain all the differences to us first time safari goers, and continued to be very flexible and patient with us as we couldn't decide! We are very excited for our trip and cannot thank Pascal enough for being our first interaction on our upcoming trip.

Date of experience : May 08, 2024

Oh, what an adventure awaits you! 🌍✨ Thanks heaps for sharing your experience with Pascal’s top-notch service. Pascal really knows how to bring a safari dream to life! We’re just as excited for you and hope your Honeymoon trip is as magical as the planning stage. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your special journey.

Anja is awesome!

Anja is awesome!! She went above and beyond for me as I had several changes until I locked in my bucket list itinerary and then my friend cancelled. She wasn't mad and just went about cancelling her portion which saved me money in the long run. Anja is a true professional regardless and I have been dealing with her since Sept 2023. Cannot wait until my trip in Sept 2024.

Date of experience : April 26, 2024

Thanks a ton for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear how awesome Anja has been in handling your itinerary changes and cancellations. It's wonderful to have someone like her who not only meets expectations but truly exceeds them, ensuring everything is just right for your big adventure next September. Your excitement is absolutely contagious, and we're just as excited about your upcoming trip! Thanks again for your kind words and for sticking with us through the planning process. Safe travels until then

Fabulous and efficient service by Shann…

Fabulous and efficient service by Shann Shaw, highly recommend her services! Made the process simple and stress-free.

Date of experience : May 10, 2024

Wow, thanks for the fabulous shout-out! 🌟 We're super thrilled to hear that Shann Shaw made your experience smooth and stress-free. She's a true superstar around here! We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to her. Thanks for recommending our service, and we can't wait to assist you again soon! 😊💫

Dolan is Prompt and Knowledgeable

Dolan provided prompt and knowledgeable service. He determined what we were looking for and put together a safari that met those requirements. He is obviously knows the safari business and is very easy to work with.

Fantastic to hear! 😄 We're glad you found Dolan's services prompt and knowledgeable. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive review. We really appreciate it, and so does Dolan. Here’s to an incredible safari experience ahead!

Exceptional Planning and Service by Shann & Safari.com

I had an exceptional experience working with Shann as my travel advisor for planning my upcoming trip to Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. She was incredibly attentive and accommodating, seamlessly tailoring the trip to fit our budget and preferences. Shann’s meticulous attention to detail in the planning process has given us complete confidence that our trip will be smooth and memorable. She is always prompt in her responses and available to answer any questions we might have. I highly recommend her and safari.com

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

Wow, what a fantastic review! 😊 It sounds like Shann really went above and beyond to tailor your adventure perfectly. We're thrilled to hear that she provided such stellar service and made you feel confident about your upcoming travels. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for recommending safari.com. We hope your trip to Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls is as spectacular as the planning process was. Safe travels! 🌍✈️

Excellent service

I have been extremely impressed with the communication with John Pascal. He has taken care of my trip and I look forward to my visit. He has reduced my stress!

That's fantastic to hear! 😊 We can't wait for you to enjoy your trip

We really recommend Nelia

Nelia was great to work with! She was very patient with our multiple requests and got back to us within a timely matter every time we contacted her. She was very knowledgeable and found us multiple options. Things we're not quite as available in our budget range so Id reccomend booking further in advance than we did (approx 6 weeks) if its a peak season.

Date of experience : September 17, 2023

Lion World Travel

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$699 — 13,995

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How well do you know the world?

Lion world travel reviews & ratings, we had the best time ever.

We had the best time ever! It was truly the best vacation we've ever taken. The people were fabulous, service oriented, friendly, accommodating...a pleasure to be ar...

It was absolutely fabulous.

It was absolutely fabulous. Marataba is an experience beyond words. The animals speak for themselves but the lodge is extraordinary. Capetown was lovely but Maratab...

Scott & Mary B.

Memories for a life time

We have returned from our trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our accommodations and travel arrangements were excellent in each location, but our safari in Thornybush...

What a wonderful experience!!!

What a wonderful experience!!! Everything was absolutely great! I had read many reviews and heard good things about Lion World, but everything far exceeded my expec...

The experience far exceeded any expectations we had

We had a fantastic time. We felt so cared for by being greeted and guided each step of the way, once we reached Johannesburg (especially after doing all the logisti...

See all Lion World Travel reviews

Editoral Review of Lion World Travel

Despite the “World” in its name, Lion World Travel is all about African safaris and tours, promising “extraordinary experiences of affordable luxury” from East Africa down to South Africa.

You can choose between group travel and individual itineraries, where you can mix and match as you please. Along with wildlife safaris, for instance, Lion World Travel can set you up with a luxury train trip (such as South Africa’s Blue Train) on your itinerary or into a luxury resort on an island in the Indian Ocean.  

What Makes Lion World Travel Stand Out?

Lion World Travel has more than 50 years of experience running tours and safaris in Africa. While it’s now part of the giant Travel Corporation and is headquartered in Toronto, its roots are in Africa, and the company maintains offices and a full staff on the ground in Africa.

They know their stuff, including the top lodges and tented safari camps – where they negotiate the best prices for their customers. Lion World Travel also includes airfare and/or single traveler specials in many of its trips, making them more affordable. Guides in the field are top-notch.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Lion World Travel?

Lion World Travel is the perfect tour company for travelers who are after the classic luxury safari experience, but perhaps find the pricing for this kind of experience prohibitive from a lot of other luxury safari operators.

A luxury safari conjurs up images of comfortable lodges keeping out the bugs, sunsets with silhouettes of elephant and giraffe in the distance, cocktails on the veranda, and five star dining. This is exactly what you’ll experience with Lion World Travel - in addition of course to the incredible daytime activities out on the savannah in a comfortable (or as comfortable as possible) safari jeep vehicle encountering incredible species after another.

Lion World also doesn’t skimp on the cultural aspects of visiting Africa. Especially due to their legacy - with many strong relationships formed with local people over - you’ll feel a sense of warmth and welcoming.

Families, honeymooners, single travelers, and food and wine aficionados are all welcomed with special itineraries and deals. “Platinum Itineraries” are offered for those seeking luxury all the way.

Top Destinations

Lion World Travel runs safaris and other trips in 12 countries in East and southern Africa, including two Indian Ocean island groups, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

On the mainland, you can explore the wildlife parks and other attractions of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Namibia.

Lion World Travel Style

The Lion World Travel style allows you to either choose a set itinerary for a small group tour – such as “Victoria Falls and Botswana,” “South Africa Culinary and Wildlife,” or “Luxury Tanzania” (including the Serengeti) – or put together your own custom made itinerary with Lion’s Africa experts there to advise you.

Once you’re there, expect a luxurious feel with top notch friendly service, and excellent food and drink.

While luxury accomodations are a big part of traveling with Lion World Travel, they are also all about making sure you experience the best the Africa has to offer.

Safaris take advantage of full days, departing at 6am returning for a bit of rest and heading out again to observe the nocturnal behavior out on the savannah. The day might wind down with a glass of champagne but not before you’ve taken to the air in a hot air balloon!

Why Choose an Africa Tour With Lion World Travel?  

Lion World Travel combines more than five decades of experience in Africa with the resources and backing of the Travel Corporation, which owns two dozen respected travel brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Uniworld river cruises. If you’re seeking a well-organized luxury safari with good value, this might be the company for you.

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About the company.

Lion World Travel specializes in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa as well as Egypt. For fifty years we have demonstrated our destination expertise and have become one of North America's largest agencies for this exotic continent. Our experience in this niche market creates a level of comfort among clients that is unique. With our safari specialists all having first-hand knowledge of Africa, Lion World Travel can confidently assist clients in creating an African adventure that fulfills their specific interests as well as their budget. Lion World Travel has offices in Toronto, Edmonton, New York and Atlanta.

Lion World Travel is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation group of companies. The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group with over 25 award-winning brands including Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, Contiki and Red Carnation Hotels. The company’s guiding principle is one of providing the most enjoyable, enriching travel experience for its customers across the globe. The Group maintains an uncompromising commitment to offering the highest standards of product integrity and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.

We understand that an African adventure is an investment of time, money and especially dreams, and we are committed to offering a unique travel experience with memories that will last a lifetime.  Whatever your dreams of Africa, we are committed to assisting you in creating your perfect safari just your way.  We make it a reality by tailoring an itinerary to suit your desires, interests and price range.

Safari Your Way

Choose one of our best-selling, “In Style”, popular journeys which represent affordable luxury – luxury safaris at value for money prices. Perhaps add a recommended extension and customize your local sightseeing activities.

Peruse our collection of suggested inspirational safaris and take them as is, or use them to mix and match and create your own dream safari.  

For the best value we suggest checking our specials which are packaged to include airfare from North America.

Review your favorite itineraries with one of our Lion World Travel Africa specialists who will help you create an unforgettable African journey, just your way!

Affordable luxury, value for money, and our signature customer service are what keep clients coming back to Lion World Travel.

On Being Local

As part of The Travel Corporation group which owns companies in Southern Africa and North America, we are proud to say we have a truly local presence in both continents to better serve your needs.

Our parent company, The Travel Corporation, has its roots in Africa and Lion World Travel, now in its 5th decade is also proudly local. Our staff hail from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as from North America. Our Africa based associate tour companies and hotels provide us with a strong presence in Africa. Together with our decades of practice in the industry, this has allowed us to build a solid relationship with hotels and safari lodges, and provided us with exceptional buying power, which gives us a distinct advantage in terms of negotiating the best rates.  With our local offices in Africa providing 24 hour  emergency assistance and having personnel on hand to deal with any issues that may arise, our clients can feel safe and secure in travelling with us.

With our roots in Africa and our headquarters in Toronto and offices in New York, Atlanta and Edmonton, we are local in North America as well.  We are here to service you on, or close to, your own time zone and can answer travel questions immediately and provide quotes usually within 24 hours.  Together with our knowledge and experience in meeting the unique needs and desires of our clients, this differentiates us from other African-based tour operators.

At Home In Africa

We are indeed at home in Africa. We have local knowledge on what’s hot and happening and can plan itineraries around popular events. Whether you are interested in golf, cuisine, hot air ballooning, endangered species or culture, our safari specialists are at your service to make your dream a reality.

Lion World Travel Trips & Specials

Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania

Namibian Adventure

Tanzanian Highlights

Botswana In Style

Stunning Selous

Southern African Wild Wonderlands

Johannesburg Sightseeing Tours

Seductive Seychelles

VICTORIA FALLS IN STYLE - LAND ONLY - FROM $1399

Experience impressive Victoria Falls, river cruises, luxury accommodation & game drives, as an exciting add-on to a South African trip.

• CLASSIC TANZANIA - AIR INCLUDED - FROM $3299

Discover the awesome wildlife of Tanzania's Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.

• SOUTH AFRICA IN ABSOLUTE STYLE - AIR INCLUDED - FROM $3999

Affordable luxury is the signature of this South African vacation to Cape Town and a "Big Five" safari.

• LUXURY SOUTH AFRICA - AIR INCLUDED - FROM $4998

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--2010: South African Tourism Ubuntu Award for North America’s Top Producing Tour Operator

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What Does It Take to Build a Successful African Safari Business?

An African Safari is the adventure of a lifetime, but securing those first few bookings, and establishing a system for consistent success, requires planning for agents. Photo: Shutterstock.com.

Booking your clients on an African safari can be life-changing for them, and for you. Very few destinations and experiences can match the wow factor of going on a safari, setting your agency apart from your competition, while offering you the opportunity for greater sales referrals.

For example, Intrepid Travel’s safari bookings to Africa have grown 13 percent over the last 12 months, said Megan Bailey, director of sales & customer experience, North America.

Jim Alkon, a marketing and strategy executive in Connecticut, booked a safari with Intrepid Expeditions (a different company), in Naples, Florida, and traveled to Africa in July 2017, at the suggestion of his wife Ellen.

“It was the vacation of a lifetime — I still can’t believe I went,” Alkon said. “There is nothing like it. It is so different, so unusual, and an amazing feeling to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. This wasn’t the Bronx Zoo.”

But securing those first few bookings, and establishing a system for consistent success, requires the same level of thoughtful planning that it takes to find the elusive black leopard.

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Here are five tips for qualifying potential clients who may not think they’re ready for a safari –and delivering on the promise for travelers already bought into the concept.

1. Vet and align yourself with a top tour guide In 2014, Wes Freas, a realtor in San Francisco, California, and his partner Peter Elting went on safari with Jody Cole, who owns and manages Wild Rainbow African Safaris, LLC, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Cole has traveled to Africa more than 75 times and is one of only a few American women who hold two of the highest certifications from the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. She is a certified Level 2 Field Guide and Trails Guide.

“Jody was more than a guide in the bush,” said Freas. “From the first moment, when we entered the preserve, you could feel the excitement in her. She was welcoming us to her home and couldn’t wait for us to see the world she loves.”

“I have no doubt we would not have been aware of or recognized certain animals, in particular the bird life, for the fact that she has this encyclopedia of knowledge and an eagle eye. She would spot things without binoculars, and we would slow down or stop, to try to find it with a zoom lens,” said Elting.

Marilyn Cichowski, who lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and has gone on two safaris, also highly recommends Cole. “She works in tandem with the guides from the reserves, who don’t consider English their native tongue. We got so much more out of each [animal] encounter, because Jody and the guides only wanted to share their knowledge and love for the land and the animals,” Cichowski said.

2. A client’s passport stamps are no guarantee they won’t be interested Don’t get too caught up on where your clients have traveled to before. A passport filled with stamps in Canada, the Caribbean and Europe doesn’t mean a traveler won’t be interested in an African safari. “I had always wanted to go to Africa, ever since I was a child watching National Geographic with my dad,” said Lila Fox Ermel, owner of Lila Fox Travel Co., New Orleans. But well into her mid-30s, she had fallen into the very common experience of high-frequency European travel.

“My clients were also tending to heavily travel to Europe, as well. Then I got the opportunity to go to South Africa to attend a travel show and decided to add some time on safari to the trip with my husband. We were hooked,” she said.

Intrepid’s business development managers will often do safari-specific trainings for agents, and the company regularly hosts webinars to help advisors learn to sell the product better.

“We will often have agents who normally sell cruises or resorts call us and say their clients are asking about Africa. We are happy to walk them through the process of qualifying a safari passenger,” Bailey said. She said that travelers aged 51-70 make up half of safari bookings from agents.

Freas and Elting mostly had traveled together to urban areas in the Western world. The closest they had gotten to Africa was a trip Elting took to Egypt many years prior. Their 2014 safari actually started out as a gift idea for Elting’s ex-wife. “But the more we processed it, the more we thought, we had never been on safari, so we decided to give the same gift to ourselves,” Elting said.

3. Use your imagination and your client’s First-time travelers to Paris have a strong sense of what they should expect; the Eiffel Tower will offer stunning views. You customers will be humbled at the foot of the pyramids of Giza. But what so many safari-goers relate is how much they were surprised by their experience.

Sell them on something beyond their imagination.

“I anticipated we would see anumber of animals,” Elting said. “But we saw thousands and thousands, and thousands of them. I was unprepared for that. The scale of it was much vaster than anything I could have imagined.”

“You can’t really prepare for the feeling of being on a game drive, especially that first one,” said Fox Ermel. “You think you know how it will be, how it will feel, but there’s a certain venerability in the sense that you’re in their home and their terms, that you’re not the most powerful species on earth. And that’s a humbling, emotional experience.”

“One of our first encounters was with an elephant that seemed a bit unfriendly,” Alkon recalled about his safari. “Our guide said, ‘He’s bigger than us, he knows it, and he wants us to know it.’ He came right up to our jeep, and there were some nervous moments. After a few deep breaths, we couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.”

4. The devil is in the details Safaris, especially multi-country adventures, host an assortment of logistical challenges. Guides should be experienced in dealing with border crossings, working with private aircraft operators and need to be up on what shots your customers will need to enter the country safely.

Cichowski said she was put at ease participating in Cole’s pre-trip prep calls, where “we all got to introduce ourselves, express our concerns, and what we were hoping to get out of this trip. I remember Jody recommending shots for typhoid, and that we couldn’t get into South Africa without our Yellow Fever card. Even though we were talking about these things, she clearly had a command of what we needed to do to protect ourselves, and that put me at ease.”

5. Tap into your clients’ other interests Safaris are perfect for professional and amateur photographers alike, several travelers said.

“I love photographing animals more than any other subject, because they’re unpredictable – they’re constantly moving, and you can’t dictate what you’d like them to do,” said Fox Ermel. “There’s a lot of waiting, patience, but in that space comes learning about what you are photographing, because you’re observing. It’s something that I get a lot of joy from.”

Freas, an amateur photographer, took 3,600 photos on his digital camera over ten days when he and Elting booked with Wild Rainbow. “When I got home, and tried to cull my photos down, I couldn’t get below 1,800. It was that incredible,” Freas said. Intrepid encourages agents to seek out groups of wildlife enthusiasts and birders. “We also find our travelers are interested in seeing what life is really like for the local communities in Africa,” Bailey said.

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Travel agencies across Canada are looking to expand, but finding “quality” candidates continues to pose a challenge.

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Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief... Read all Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief. Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief.

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91-year-old Missouri man rescues fire department with $500,000 donation

A 91-year-old’s $500,000 donation has saved a tiny Missouri volunteer fire company from certain doom.

In April, Sam Sloan decided to make good on a promise he made to himself decades ago when he got out of the cattle and seed processing business: donate to the Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department.

“They need the money once I had the money. I’d been saving money for a long time,” Sloan said Thursday.

Sloan had an idea of the how cash-strapped the fire company was because he lives about 2 miles from it.

“It’s a small community, and I knew how much money they had each year to work with. I was in business for 40 or 50 years in this community,” he added.

Calhoun, which is about 85 miles southeast of Kansas City, has a population of fewer than 500.

But Sloan had no idea that at the end of this year's first quarter, it had only $169 left in its bank account. 

“It’s like a Cinderella story, isn’t it?” Fire Chief Mark Hardin said.

Hardin took over as chief in 2021, when it was just one volunteer firefighter. Now it has grown to 29 members. He said that even then he knew it was in trouble.

“We were relying on donations from other departments. That’s the only way we could get by,” he said.

Last month, Hardin said, he got a phone call out of the blue from Sloan, a man he’d never met or spoken to in his life. Sloan had a simple request of being treated to breakfast. 

“He had a lot of questions about the fire department,” Hardin said.

But that was it. Then, a week later, another call and another ask for breakfast. 

Week three came around, and the phone call came, but this time, Sloan invited Hardin to his home.

“There were cinnamon rolls and doughnuts on the table, and his bookkeeper was there. ... His wife was there,” Hardin said. “Never had never talked to the man before in my life, and three weeks later, he hands me a check for half a million dollars.” 

The fire company is already putting the money to use, having just completed buying a new engine it needed. 

“Every penny we buy, we kind of get his permission. Just so he’s still involved in it with where his money is going,” Hardin said.

The firefighters also made Sloan an honorary fire chief. 

“I really appreciate that they gave me a new chief, fire chief hat, and I’ve got it right here. Probably wear it once in a while; it really meant a lot to me,” Sloan said. 

His only other terms for the gift: a large community barbecue once the department gets new uniforms and a request that the new fire engine leads the procession of his funeral. 

But Hardin and the rest of the company hope that won’t be for a long time. 

George Solis is a national correspondent with NBC News.

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A river flood warning in effect for columbia county, attorney for family of teen who drowned in orange park airbnb pool urges company to enhance safety policies.

Khalil Maycock , Reporter , Jacksonville

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Lawyers representing the family of a teen who drowned in a pool at an Orange Park Airbnb want to warn others about the dangers of pools at short-term vacation rentals.

This comes after they recently settled a $1.3 million wrongful death suit against the company.

Todd Michaels, an attorney whose law firm represented 16-year-old Cameron Brown’s family, described how they are doing.

“They’re doing as well as they can but they’ve gone through the worst loss that anyone can go through,” Michaels said.

The family declined to be interviewed Friday but spoke with us last year a few weeks after their son died after drowning in a pool at their Airbnb rental.

The 16-year-old was standing in what he thought was the shallow end, took a few steps and went under.

His mom said there were no life jackets or safety devices around the pool to pull him out, so she jumped in to save him, but was unsuccessful.

He was taken to the hospital and died on May 26, 2023 — a day his parents said they’ll never forget.

“We miss our son. We love him,” Marcus Brown, father of Cameron, said.

Cameron’s parents said there were no indicators around the pool saying where it sloped or how deep the pool was.

For that reason, the family decided to file a lawsuit.

“People who are renting their homes through Airbnb and Airbnb themselves need to start treating the safety of their guests with the same urgency as they treat making money off of their guests,” Michaels said.

According to Pool Safely , there are some steps Airbnb owners can take to protect their guests and prevent tragedies like this one.

• Make sure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers because hair, limbs, or bathing suits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening.
• Install safety devices like fences, barriers, and alarms around the pool.
• Have lifejackets available. According to Water Safety USA, inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear them in pools or open water situations when other layers of protection are limited.

Michaels said Cameron’s parents want people who book vacation rentals to be aware of potential risks and look out for homes that do not have protections in place. Because if not, more drownings can happen.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, last year 99 children died from drownings statewide. This year, there have been 34.

Michaels also said the family hopes the rental company makes some policy changes.

“The hope is that Airbnb understands that… they have an obligation to anyone who is renting that unit renting that home, to make it safe and to bring it into compliance with normal safety standards,” Michaels said.

News4JAX reached out to Airbnb asking about this case, and if they have changed any safety measures since the death. A spokesperson sent back a reply saying, “We cannot comment on litigation matters.”

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Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA.

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