10 of the Top-Rated Safari Experiences Per Viator Travelers
Some people love to take a walk on the wild side when they travel: Animal-spotting safaris by day, kicking back in a tented camp with sundowners on the savannah at night. But the difference between safari bliss and a bug-riddled, baking hot or rained-out misadventure lies in the details. Not all safaris were made equal. To take the hard work out of your trip planning we’ve gathered 10 Viator safari tours loved by travelers.
1. Take a Big-Five safari day tour from Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is a top safari destination, but if you’re short on time in Cape Town and can’t fit in a longer tour, head out on safari to a private game reserve near the city. Admire the views of the Breede River Valley along the way, then look out for lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo—the Big Five—at the reserve.
What one reviewer said: “If you're looking for an excellent day trip from Cape Town then this one should be on your shortlist. Our guide Werner was excellent, very knowledgeable, and a very friendly and likable chap. The scenery for the drive to the reserve is great and the lunch and safari were both very good.” Nigel_H, April 2024
2. See elephants at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Nairobi, Kenya
You don’t have to climb Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape (although if you have the fitness and stamina for multi-day mountain climbs, then you do you!). Instead, go on a day safari from the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, to the Amboseli National Park, which is home to herds of elephants. This is one of the top-rated wildlife safari destinations in East Africa.
What one reviewer said: “This park is all about elephants. The herd was massive and very healthy. Our driver and guide … was a very safe driver and so knowledgeable regarding the park and animal inhabitants.” Michael_B, December 2023
3. Go on a multi-day, multi-park safari in Tanzania
It can be hard to choose between national parks when you’re planning an East African safari, as there are so many places to go. If you want to see and do a lot in a few days, a safari tour that includes multiple game drives in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area ensures you get a diverse experience.
What one reviewer said: “Amazing experience. Went to the main areas with a good and knowledgeable driver and saw the Big Five. Campsites were good and meals were amazing.” Rui_D, February 2024
4. Explore the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert on safari in Morocco
Highly recommended safari tours typically include wildlife sightings. Sometimes, domesticated camels count. You can delve into parts of North Africa that would be a hassle to visit independently by joining a multi-day safari tour. From Marrakech, you have easy access to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert—two vastly different landscapes—and cultural attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou).
What one reviewer said: “The trip was great. It was well organized and very easy in terms of information and pickup. In terms of the tour itself, we had the best time, especially in the Sahara. The camel riding and sandboarding were so much fun and the overnight stay with music and entertainment was well worth it.” Luke_H, April 2024
5. Camp in the Namib Desert, Namibia
Some of the best safari adventures happen when you go back to basics: If you’re on a lower budget and like meeting new people while exploring beautiful natural landscapes, a week-long camping safari in Southern Namibia might appeal. From the capital city Windhoek, you’ll visit many of Namibia’s most dramatic and unbelievable landscapes—the harsh Skeleton Coast National Park, the red dunes of the Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, the Quiver Tree Forest—while camping out beneath the wide desert skies at night.
What one reviewer said: “We just finished a 7-day southern tour of Namibia. It was incredible. The landscapes were otherworldly and there was so much wildlife to be seen!” Tripadvisor reviewer, May 2023
6. Go dune-bashing in Dubai
You don’t need to travel too far outside the ultra-modern center of Dubai to discover a more natural setting. Half- and full-day tours take you out into the Arabian Desert, where you’ll dune-bash in a 4WD vehicle, ride camels, and visit a Bedouin village to learn more about the local desert culture.
What one reviewer said: “Great fun for all the family! Mujahid was excellent and made our trip even better with his amazing knowledge of the city and surrounding areas.” Mark_J, April 2024
7. Spot rhinos and tigers on Nepal’s jungle-covered plains
Nepal might be better-known for Mt. Everest and other enormous mountains, but savvy travelers also know that the Chitwan National Park is a top safari destination. Once a royal hunting reserve, Chitwan has run a successful one-horned rhinoceros conservation scheme, so you’re highly likely to see the enormous creatures while on safari here.
What one reviewer said: “As a female solo traveler, I felt very safe the whole time during the tour … The Lodge was so beautiful and peaceful. The staff and guides in Chitwan made this trip extra special. Food was delicious as well. The two days were packed with activities. I enjoyed the canoe ride and safari a lot. We saw lots of animals, from birds to rhinos. You can tell that they care a lot about preserving the park and protecting the animals.” Wade_S, February 2024
8. See India’s Golden Triangle … with tigers
Many travelers in India love visiting the historic and architectural wonders in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. But if you have another day to spare, you can take a break from these busy cities in the Ranthambore National Park in eastern Rajasthan. There’s a good chance of spotting the king of the jungle himself, the Royal Bengal tiger, on safari drives. Ranthambore provides one of India’s most popular safari experiences.
What one reviewer said: “Everything about this tour exceeded our expectations. Our driver Monu was excellent and highly attentive: always early for pickups and available to assist and support us throughout the day. All the local guides were fantastic and very insightful. We stayed in a fabulous range of 5-star hotels with great food and service … The itinerary is as described. Everything we had hoped for and more.” G_H, March 2024
9. Swim with the fish on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Swap binoculars for a snorkel mask and fins while exploring the underwater world at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef—one unexpected style of “safari” excursion, with excellent reviews. Tours operate from Cape Tribulation in Far Northern Queensland, so when you come up for air on your ocean safari, you can gaze on the ancient Daintree Rainforest that practically meets the water’s edge.
What one reviewer said: “Amazing to see sharks, turtles, fish, and huge mountains of coral on Mackay Reef. Incredible experience.” Kyle_S, October 2023
10. View native North American wildlife in Wyoming
You don’t need to travel halfway around the world to go on safari. Wyoming’s Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks contain one of the last remaining almost-intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone. This means you have a good chance of spotting bison, eagles, and even wolves on safari in these parks.
What one reviewer said: “I was hoping to put eyes on a moose and our guide, Michelle, made sure it happened! We also were fortunate enough to spot several bison, elk, deer, and birds. Michelle was knowledgeable and so kind.” Darija_M, November 2023
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