Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards - Top Safari Outfitters 2020

By Samantha Scott

August 26, 2020

Each year, Travel and Leisure Magazine announces their much anticipated "World's Best Awards" covering the top consumer choices for tour operators, river cruises, safari outfitters, hotels and more. 

Results are compiled from a survey sent to real Travel & Leisure readers, so this list of safari outfitters is truly a representation of what real travelers prefer. The winners are chosen from a consumer survey sent to Travel & Leisure readers, so this list of tour companies is truly a representation of what real leisure and experiential travelers prefer. 

This year, of course, the world of travel and tourism has been turned upside down due to the devestating coronavirus. Travel all but shut down completely between March and August. And while many restrictions and quarantine measures are beginning to ease, there are still several countries that aren't open at all, and the CDC maintains a Level 3 (High Risk) warning for most countries around the world.


Curious about travel right now?

Read our blog to find out where it's safe to travel...


The survey for the 2020 World's Best Awards closed in March, just before everything shut down. So keep in mind these results reflect a pre-Covid travel perspective.

safari is at the top of many a travelers bucket list. However, this type of experience can be difficult to plan - you don't want to miss anything! The top 5 safari outfitters below make the planning part easy with expert knowledge and destination expertise, incoporating those little touches that make a safari even more special. 

Check our our Ultimate Safari Planning Guide! 

Here are the Top 5 Safari Outfitters of 2020 

1. Rothschild Safaris

Rothschild safari experience

A regular fixture in the top 5, Rothschild is well known for providing excellent itineraries that cover a wide range of interests and budgets. They have many options for families and have earned several repeat customers over the years.

Rothschild trips are not limited to Africa either. They provide amazing wildlife focused itineraries around the world including India, Australia, and the Americas.

Rothschild Safaris Reviews »

See all Rothschild Safaris tours »

2. Roar Africa

Africa travel, lion cub sighting

Maintaining their #2 spot from 2019 is Roar Africa. They provide luxurious safari experiences designed by locals and always incorporate personal touches. Their safari lodges are handpicked, and they are always as eco-conscious as possible. 

Roar Africa Reviews »

3. Deeper Africa

Springbok sighting on africa safari

Rising one spot, from #4 in 2019 is Deeper Africa. They focus on authentic safaris, specializing in East and Southern Africa. They work with expert local guides to help craft itineraries that take travelers beyond the tourist path.

Deeper Africa Reviews »

See all safaris with Deeper Africa »

4. Alluring Africa

Private villa on africa savannah

Alluring Africa are expert safari planners. They have a luxury focus, including private villas and lodges you can choose from. 

All Alluring Africa reviews » 

5. Micato Safaris

Baby elephant on africa safari

Slipping down just a few slots, Micato remains a top 5 choice for discerning safari-goers. Founded in 1966 they have been a leader in luxury Africa travel for decades. 

All Micato Reviews »

See all safaris with Micato »


Read the full Top 10 list on Travel & Leisure

See the Travel & Leisure World's Best Safari Outfitters 2019

Travel & Leisure Award Winners - full list 

All Tour Operator Reviews

How well do you know the world?

Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Connect & Share

Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!