What is the best luxury safari company?

There isn’t one universal “best” company—your ideal choice depends on style, budget, and destinations. Industry leaders often cited by travelers include Micato Safaris, Abercrombie & Kent, Wilderness Safaris, &Beyond, and Scott Dunn.

What are the best companies for combining luxury and adventure on an African safari?

Stanley Safaris is a standout for blending high-end comfort with adventure—think walking safaris, gorilla treks, and scenic flights paired with exclusive lodges. Wilderness Safaris and &Beyond also balance immersive activities with five‑star stays.

How do I choose the right safari tour operator?

Match company strengths to your goals: region expertise, access to private reserves, conservation ethos, photography support, family programs, and budget. Compare verified reviews, sample itineraries, and what’s included (parks, transfers, guiding).

Should I book with a local operator or an international agency?

Both can be excellent. International agencies offer scale and 24/7 support; reputable local operators can deliver great value and deep on‑the‑ground expertise. Choose based on your service preferences, itinerary complexity, and support needs.

Can African Safari Mag help match me with the right company?

Yes. Think of us as your safari matchmaker—tell us your style, budget, and dates and we’ll connect you with the best‑fit operator: https://www.africansafarimag.com/plan-african-safari. Prefer to explore ideas first? Chat with Savannah, our AI concierge trained on 20+ years of expertise.

Best Luxury Safari Companies for 2026: Expert Reviews & Traveler Insights

Q: Is a luxury safari worth it?

Yes, for travelers who value privacy, expert guiding, top-tier lodges, seamless logistics, and conservation impact. Luxury safaris deliver once‑in‑a‑lifetime wildlife moments with comfort and service that maximize your time in the bush.

Q: How much does a luxury safari cost per person?

Plan for roughly $800–$1,200 per person per day, with ultra‑luxury options exceeding $2,000 per person per night. A 7–10 day luxury safari typically ranges from about $5,000–$15,000 per person, excluding international flights.

Q: What is the best brand of safari clothes?

Focus on breathable, neutral layers over brands. Popular choices include Patagonia, Columbia, Craghoppers, and South African labels like Ruggedwear and First Ascent. Prioritize comfort, long sleeves/pants, a hat, and broken‑in footwear.

Craig Howes
Aug 22
5 min read

This guide was updated August 2025 to reflect the best luxury safari companies for 2026.

Best Luxury Safari Companies, Experience Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi in South Africa’s Sabi Sand. A luxury safari retreat with private pools, avant-garde design, and big game views. — Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, set in South Africa’s iconic Sabi Sand — where modern design meets the wild African bush.

Africa’s Wild Luxury Awaits

Planning a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime decision. The safari company you choose can transform your journey from good to unforgettable. But with so many claiming to be “the best,” how do you decide?

At African Safari Mag, we’ve combined traveler reviews, industry awards, forum insights, and our own on-the-ground expertise to curate the 11 best luxury safari companies for 2026. From iconic pioneers to boutique specialists, here’s who stands out, and why.

Why Choosing the Right Company Matters

Choosing the right luxury safari company can make or break your trip.

The truth is, there’s no single “best” company, there’s only the best company for you. - Craig Howes, Editor ASM

A Beautiful woman gets a private massage and spa treatment on a wooden deck on a exlusive highend luxury Safari in Okavango Delta Botswana — High End Luxury is about Privacy, Exclusivity, Experience and Conservation. Photo Craig Howes

Some travelers want five-star comfort with minimal travel stress; others want adventure-packed itineraries with gorilla trekking or walking safaris.

At African Safari Mag, we act as a safari matchmaker, connecting you with the operator that best fits your style, budget, and dream destinations.

Safari Match Maker

👉 Plan your African safari with us, and we’ll connect you directly with the best company for you.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re still exploring ideas and want inspiration before speaking to a planner, meet Savannah, our AI safari concierge.

Luxury Safari Virtual assistant and Ai Safari Concierge at African Safari Mag, Ai Safari Planning — Savannah our virtual Safari Expert

Trained on 20+ years of African safari expertise, Savannah can help you compare destinations, estimate costs, and explore itinerary options, all instantly, 24/7.

Chat with Savannah

👉 Chat with Savannah and start shaping your dream safari at your own pace.

Our Top Picks: Best Luxury Safari Companies

Here’s our expert-curated list of companies leading the way in luxury African travel.

1. Micato Safaris – The Award-Winning Icon

Known for: 10-time winner of Travel + Leisure’s #1 Safari Outfitter award.
Style: High-touch luxury, seamless logistics, family-like service.
Why choose Micato: Over 60 years of experience; combines East & Southern Africa itineraries.

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

Riders on a luxury horseback safari at Wolwedans in Namibia’s NamibRand Desert, showcasing that safaris are about unique lifetime experiences, not just the Big Five. — Horseback safari at Wolwedans, Namibia — a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience that goes beyond the Big Five, immersing travelers in the vast desert landscapes of the NamibRand.

2. Abercrombie & Kent – The Global Pioneer

Known for: Inventing luxury safari travel in 1962.
Style: Flagship itineraries across Africa with options from private jets to small groups.
Why choose A&K: Worldwide infrastructure + deep African roots = unmatched reliability.

3. Stanley Safaris – Luxury + Adventure Combined

Known for: Bespoke itineraries designed for thrill-seeking luxury travelers.
Style: Combines gorilla treks, walking safaris, helicopter rides, and exclusive lodges.
Why choose Stanley Safaris: Perfect for those asking: “What are the best companies for combining luxury and adventure on an African safari?”

“Safari is about storytelling,” says founder Shaun Stanley. “We design every journey to tell yours.”

Excellent for families, photographers, and travelers seeking insider access to Africa’s wildest corners.

4. The Luxury Safari Company – Boutique Bespoke Specialist

Known for: 300+ five-star reviews, custom planning.
Style: Small UK-based team delivering deeply personalized trips.
Why choose: Intimate service, access to exclusive camps, perfect for HNW travelers.

Cheetah with three cubs on a mound in the Serengeti grasslands, a rare wildlife moment highlighting the value of choosing the best luxury safari companies. — A cheetah with three cubs perched on a mound in the Serengeti’s golden grasslands — the kind of once-in-a-lifetime sight luxury safari companies make possible.

5. &Beyond – Conservation-Driven Luxury

Known for: Ultra-luxury lodges in Africa’s best reserves.
Style: Safari chic meets sustainability.
Why choose &Beyond: Consistently top-rated, strong conservation ethos, excellent guides.

Luxury dining setup with lanterns at Ngala Safari Lodge, offering guests an unforgettable safari experience beyond game drives. — Lantern-lit dining at Ngala Safari Lodge — an intimate luxury safari experience where world-class cuisine meets the magic of the African night.

6. Natural Habitat Adventures – For Wildlife Enthusiasts

Known for: Partnering with WWF for sustainable, wildlife-rich trips.
Style: Small groups, photography safaris.
Why choose: Perfect for travelers who want education and impact alongside luxury.

7. Wilderness Safaris – Exclusive Concession Specialists

Known for: Remote luxury camps in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia.
Style: Experiential, conservation-minded luxury.
Why choose Wilderness: Best for private, untouched safari experiences.

Bonfire scene at Wilderness Mombo luxury safari camp in Botswana, offering sustainable safari experiences with views across the Okavango plains. — Evenings by the fire at Wilderness Mombo, Botswana — a sustainable luxury safari camp where guests share stories under the stars, overlooking the wild Okavango plains.

8. Scott Dunn – Tailored Elegance

Known for: Award-winning bespoke itineraries, strong in US/UK markets.
Style: Safari + beach combos, family programs, private villas.
Why choose Scott Dunn: Luxury in every sense, with 24/7 support and polished service.

9. Rothschild Safaris – High-Touch Safari Planning

Known for: Bespoke safaris for luxury families and couples.
Style: Authentic, immersive, luxury storytelling safaris.
Why choose: Perfect for honeymoons or milestone celebrations.

Luke Evans on safari with African Safari Mag at Atzaró Okavango, reading a photobook on a luxury villa deck overlooking the Okavango Delta. Photo Craig Howes — Actor Luke Evans on safari with African Safari Mag at Atzaró Okavango, reading a photo book on the villa deck — blending luxury, creativity, and wilderness.

10. Audley Travel – Luxury for the Curious Explorer

Known for: Wide range of curated African itineraries.
Style: Tailor-made, accessible high-end safaris.
Why choose: Ideal for travelers who want variety across Africa.

11. Local Luxury Gems (SafariBookings Top-Rated)

MoAfrika Tours, Suricata Safaris, Jocky Tours
Known for: 3,000+ five-star reviews each on SafariBookings.
Style: Smaller operators delivering exceptional service.
Why include them: Proof that trusted local companies often rival global giants.

View from inside a helicopter on a luxury safari flight over the Okavango Delta in Botswana, showcasing aerial wilderness and water channels. — Helicopter safari over Botswana’s Okavango Delta — a breathtaking luxury experience offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on Africa’s wild waterways. Photo Craig Howes

How We Chose the Best Safari Companies

Traveler Reviews: SafariBookings (3,000+ reviews per operator), TripAdvisor forums, Reddit discussions.
Industry Awards: Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic.
Insider Expertise: Interviews with guides and planners like Shaun Stanley.
Luxury Standards: Service, lodges, guiding quality, exclusivity.

Tips for Choosing the Right Safari Company

Match style to budget: Luxury safaris typically cost $800–$3,500 per person/day.
Check reviews: SafariBookings and TripAdvisor offer unfiltered guest experiences.
Local vs International: Boutique operators often rival global brands in service quality.
Ask about adventure activities: Walking safaris, gorilla treks, hot-air balloon rides.
Check conservation commitment: Top luxury companies fund wildlife and community projects.

Pack of African wild dogs with pups in Zambia, a rare sighting highlighting the unique wildlife experiences offered on luxury safaris. — African wild dogs with playful pups in Zambia — one of safari’s rarest and most rewarding wildlife encounters, often exclusive to top luxury safaris.

FAQ: Luxury Safari Companies & Experiences

Q: What is the best safari tour company?

A: Travel + Leisure ranked Travel Beyond #1 in 2025, but Micato Safaris and Abercrombie & Kent remain iconic leaders. Stanley Safaris is our favourite Boutique Luxury Safari Tour Company.

Q: What are the best companies for combining luxury and adventure?

A: Stanley Safaris is the standout, blending gorilla trekking, walking safaris, and heli-rides with 5-star lodges. Wilderness Safaris and &Beyond also excel at this balance.

Q: Is a luxury safari worth it?

A: Yes. You get secluded camps, expert guides, conservation contributions, and memories that last a lifetime. It’s indulgence + immersion in Africa’s soul.

Q: How much does a luxury safari cost per person?

A: Expect $800–$1,200 per day, with ultra-luxury safaris reaching $2,000+ per night. A 7–10 day luxury safari typically costs $5,000–$15,000 per person (excluding flights).

Q: What is the best brand of safari clothes?

A: Practical outdoor brands like Patagonia, Columbia, and Craghoppers work well. Locals often recommend South African brands like Ruggedwear and First Ascent.

Final Word: Choose with Confidence

Africa offers endless safari possibilities, but only the best companies deliver luxury without compromise. Whether you want prestige, sustainability, or luxury-adventure, the operators above represent the gold standard for 2025.

👉 Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime safari today.

Craig Howes on Luxury Safari with Elephant drinking from Plunge pool at Mhondoro — ASM Editor Craig Howes Reviewing Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa

About the Author & ASM

This guide was written by Craig Howes, award-winning travel photographer and founder of African Safari Mag (ASM). Craig has explored Africa’s wilderness for over a decade, documenting safaris from Botswana’s Okavango Delta to Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

African Safari Mag is the leading online community for luxury and authentic African travel. Our mission: to guide travelers with first-hand expertise, independent reviews, and conservation-focused storytelling.

Let us know your thoughts, reviews and suggestions in the comments.