Best Safari Companies for First Timers - June 2026

Global
Embark on your first wilderness adventure with our curated list of top-rated safari companies. We ensure expert guidance, safety, and unforgettable wildlife encounters for novice explorers.
1

&Beyond

South Africa, Johannesburg
4.9

Luxury African safaris with an emphasis on conservation.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1991
  • Employees: 2000+
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +27-11-809-4300
  • Email: safaris@andbeyond.com

About the Company

Known for their exquisite lodges and commitment to sustainable tourism, &Beyond provides seamless, high-end safari experiences. Ideal for first-timers who value luxury, expert guidance, and ethical wildlife encounters in iconic African destinations.

Pros

  • Luxury service
  • Elite expert guides

Cons

  • High price point
  • Limited availability
2

Nomad Tanzania

Tanzania, Arusha
4.8

Authentic bush camps and deep wilderness experiences.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1996
  • Employees: 500-1000
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +255-784-257-222
  • Email: safaris@nomad-tanzania.com

About the Company

Nomad Tanzania specializes in authentic, remote bush experiences. They excel at introducing first-timers to the wild without sacrificing comfort, offering professional guides and intimate camp settings throughout Tanzania’s best parks.

Pros

  • Authentic camps
  • Deep bush expertise

Cons

  • More rugged feel
  • Limited city luxury
3

Singita

South Africa, Cape Town
5.0

Ultra-luxury wilderness reserves and lodges.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1993
  • Employees: 1000+
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +27-21-683-3424
  • Email: enquiries@singita.com

About the Company

Singita is the gold standard for ultra-luxury safaris. Perfect for first-timers looking for total immersion in nature combined with world-class fine dining, refined architecture, and unparalleled game viewing opportunities in private concessions.

Pros

  • Unmatched luxury
  • Private reserves

Cons

  • Exclusive pricing
  • Highly sought after
4

Asilia Africa

Kenya, Nairobi
4.7

Sustainable and impactful safari tours in East Africa.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2004
  • Employees: 500-800
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +255-756-880-880
  • Email: bookings@asiliaafrica.com

About the Company

Asilia Africa creates exceptional safari circuits across East Africa. Their professional approach makes them a top choice for first-timers who want a balance between comfort and environmental responsibility while exploring the Serengeti and beyond.

Pros

  • Sustainable approach
  • Great circuit options

Cons

  • Some remote camps
  • Booking complexity
5

Wilderness Safaris

South Africa, Johannesburg
4.8

Conservation-focused safaris in remote African locations.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1983
  • Employees: 2000+
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +27-11-807-1800
  • Email: enquiries@wilderness-safaris.com

About the Company

With a massive footprint in southern Africa, Wilderness Safaris focuses on conservation and high-quality wildlife education. Their structured programs are perfect for first-timers who want to understand the ecology of the African bush while staying in premium camps.

Pros

  • Great conservation focus
  • Extensive locations

Cons

  • Complex logistics
  • Remote access
6

Micato Safaris

United States, New York
4.9

Award-winning, highly personalized luxury tours.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1966
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-212-545-7111
  • Email: inquiries@micato.com

About the Company

Micato Safaris is famous for its service-first approach. For first-timers who are nervous about international travel, Micato provides a 'concierge' experience from start to finish, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire safari journey.

Pros

  • Exceptional service
  • Stress-free travel

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Traditional style
7

Go2Africa

South Africa, Cape Town
4.6

Customized online safari planning and booking.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1998
  • Employees: 50-150
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +27-21-481-4800
  • Email: info@go2africa.com

About the Company

Go2Africa acts as a highly knowledgeable planning partner. Their platform and team of experts are excellent for first-timers who need guidance on choosing the right country, lodge, and season for their very first African safari adventure.

Pros

  • Customizable plans
  • Expert planners

Cons

  • Online-only nature
  • Third-party booking
8

Yellow Zebra Safaris

United Kingdom, London
4.7

Tailor-made luxury safaris with deep industry knowledge.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2013
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +44-20-8090-2230
  • Email: info@yellowzebra.co.uk

About the Company

Yellow Zebra is known for personal, tailor-made itineraries. Their staff has actually visited the lodges they sell, providing first-timers with honest, firsthand advice that helps clear up any confusion when planning an African itinerary.

Pros

  • Authentic advice
  • Tailor-made

Cons

  • UK-based support
  • Customization time
9

Tanzania Odyssey

United Kingdom, London
4.6

Specialists in customized Tanzania safari packages.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2005
  • Employees: 20-50
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +44-20-8704-1216
  • Email: info@tanzaniaodyssey.com

About the Company

If your first safari is destined for Tanzania, this is your go-to partner. They provide focused expertise on the region, helping first-timers navigate the Serengeti and Zanzibar combinations with ease and professional support.

Pros

  • Regional focus
  • Knowledgeable staff

Cons

  • Limited regions
  • Niche focus
10

Ker & Downey

United States, Houston
4.8

Bespoke safari luxury with a rich history.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1946
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-281-637-4000
  • Email: info@kerdowney.com

About the Company

A classic name in the safari industry, Ker & Downey excels at high-end, bespoke itineraries. They offer first-timers a sophisticated, traditional safari experience with attention to detail that ensures comfort and style at every single stop.

Pros

  • Classic heritage
  • Bespoke design

Cons

  • High entry price
  • Formal atmosphere
11

Expert Africa

United Kingdom, London
4.7

Independent travel experts for African safaris.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1999
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +44-20-8232-9777
  • Email: info@expertafrica.com

About the Company

Expert Africa provides immense value to first-timers through detailed online resources and honest, independent advice. They don't just book trips; they educate their clients on how to get the most out of an African safari experience.

Pros

  • Educational resources
  • Independent advice

Cons

  • Simple interface
  • Requires research
12

Easy Travel

Tanzania, Arusha
4.5

Local Tanzanian experts with reliable infrastructure.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1987
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +255-754-067-733
  • Email: info@easytravel.co.tz

About the Company

Easy Travel is a reliable local partner that handles all logistics on the ground. For first-timers, their strength lies in seamless transportation and local guide expertise, providing a very authentic and well-supported experience in Tanzania.

Pros

  • Local knowledge
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • Limited global reach
  • Basic booking flow
13

Natural World Safaris

United Kingdom, Brighton
4.7

Specialists in nature-focused wildlife encounters.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2005
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +44-1273-691642
  • Email: info@naturalworldsafaris.com

About the Company

If your priority is photography or seeing a specific animal, this team is perfect. They help first-timers structure their trips around specific wildlife goals, ensuring you have the best possible chance to see the 'Big Five' in their natural habitats.

Pros

  • Wildlife focus
  • Expert consultants

Cons

  • Niche-specific
  • Travel distance
14

Abercrombie & Kent

United States, Downers Grove
4.9

Global luxury travel with a long-standing safari legacy.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1962
  • Employees: 1000+
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +1-800-554-7016
  • Email: info@abercrombiekent.com

About the Company

A legacy travel firm that defines luxury group and private travel. First-timers who prefer the structure and high standards of a global travel company will find their safari operations to be perfectly orchestrated, comfortable, and thoroughly planned.

Pros

  • Global support
  • Reliability

Cons

  • Group feel
  • Less personalized
15

SafariBookings

Netherlands, Utrecht
4.6

The world's largest marketplace for safari tours.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2009
  • Employees: 20-50
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +31-30-767-0099
  • Email: info@safaribookings.com

About the Company

Ideal for first-timers who want to compare prices and read verified reviews before committing. It is the best starting point for researching various operators, reading genuine traveler experiences, and finding the perfect match for your budget.

Pros

  • Comparison tool
  • Verified reviews

Cons

  • Marketplace model
  • Overwhelming options

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I look for in a safari company for beginners? Look for reputable operators with certified guides, strong safety records, and all-inclusive packages.
  • What is the best time of year for a first-time safari? The dry season is typically best for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources.
  • Are first-time safari tours family-friendly? Many top operators offer specialized family-friendly itineraries with shorter game drives and child-safe lodges.
  • What should I pack for my first safari trip? Pack neutral-colored clothing, comfortable footwear, binoculars, and a high-quality camera for the best experience.
  • Do I need vaccinations for a safari? Depending on the destination, you may need malaria prophylaxis and other routine vaccinations; consult your doctor.
  • How long should my first safari be? A 3 to 5-day safari is generally ideal for beginners to experience the wilderness without feeling overwhelmed.