The World’s Best Safari Companies!
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The 10 Best Safari Companies in the World…
The listing is based on National Geographic Adventure’s 2009 selection of Best Adventure Travel Companies. Out of hundreds of safari companies and tour operators that were surveyed, only the very top were chosen! The magazine focused on the premise that “In a time when travel dollars are stretched, it’s essential that an outfitter delivers the trip of a lifetime, the first time”.
NB: Click on the screenshots to enter their sites!
Used their services? Why don’t you share your experience in the comments section…
Thanks!
1. Mark Thornton Safaris
It’s Not Only What You See. It’s How You See It!
Tarangire and Serengeti Walking Safaris, Tanzania.
2. Africa Adventure Consultants
Safaris for the Discerning Traveler!
Destinations (East and Southern Africa): Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, & South Africa.
3. Thomson Safaris
Our Home. Your Adventure…for Over 25 years!
US-based operator working closely with Thomson Safaris, in Arusha (Tanzania). Destinations include: Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Selous Game Reserve, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Zanzibar.
4. Micato Safaris
The Travel+Leisure 6-Year Winner!
Focuses on Eastern and Southern African countries.
5. Gamewatchers Safaris
Exclusive Safaris in Africa’s Finest Wildlife Areas!
Mainly operate in East Africa.
6. Deeper Africa
Unforgettable African Safaris!
East Africa Safari Specialist.
7. Volcanoes Safaris
The Number 1 Gorilla Safari Company!
Especially renowned for their gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Volcanoes Safaris also organize trips to the DRC and Tanzania.
8. African Portfolio
See Africa Through Our Eyes!
Organize the typical itineraries in East and Southern Africa, but also have trips to Morocco and Egypt.
9. The Africa Adventure Company
Your Passport for a Safari Trip to “Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries”!
East+Southern Africa safari specialist.
10. Africa Dream Safaris
Experience Your Dreams!
Activities concentrated in East Africa.
Other Very Useful Safari Contacts to Have
- Abercrombie & Kent - For luxury safaris.
- andBeyond Africa - Previously known as CC Africa, the company also specializes in luxury safari travel.
- Norman Carr Safaris – THE Zambia Safari.
Leave a Comment
November 2, 2009 at 7:57 am
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
November 2, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Hi Johan,
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? If not, here it is: http://bit.ly/4137td 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…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…
Cheers
,
Mike
November 2, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Hi Johan,
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? If not, here it is: http://bit.ly/4137td 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…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…
Cheers
,
Mike
December 3, 2009 at 6:42 pm
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.