What does safari mean?
A safari is a journey, expedition, or organized tour devoted to seeing wild animals, especially in Africa or another wilderness region. It may involve guided drives, walking excursions, photography, or other activities associated with wildlife observation. The word can also be used more broadly for an adventurous trip, though its usual modern associations are with nature reserves, safari vehicles, and animals viewed in their natural habitats. “Go on safari” and “a wildlife safari” are common expressions, while “safari park” usually refers to a park where visitors observe animals kept in an open or naturalistic area. Historically, safari did not necessarily imply wildlife watching: the term originally referred broadly to an expedition or journey, before acquiring its strongly wildlife-oriented modern meaning.
A journey or expedition undertaken to observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
"The safari began before dawn, when the guide led the group across the reserve."
In contemporary use, the word usually denotes a wildlife-viewing journey or expedition.
To travel on a safari or undertake a safari.
"They safaried through the park and tracked a family of wild dogs."
The verb is relatively uncommon and may sound informal or literary compared with the noun.
The plural is formed by adding -s and is used for separate journeys or wildlife-viewing expeditions.
"The company organizes safaris throughout the dry season."
The word safari originally meant a journey or expedition, especially one into unfamiliar territory; today's wildlife-watching trip is only its most famous modern sense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does safari come from?
The English word comes through Swahili safar(i), meaning “journey” or “expedition.” Its ultimate source is Arabic safar, “journey” or “travel,” a word that also appears in related forms such as Arabic safara and South Asian safar. In English, the sense developed from a general expedition to the now-dominant meaning of a journey undertaken to observe wild animals.
How safari is actually used
The word is used in British and American English. In contemporary usage, it usually suggests wildlife observation or a professionally organized expedition, while the broader sense is less common.