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Rated Africa’s number 1 safari outfitter by National Geographic
 
 

RATED AFRICA’S NUMBER 1 SAFARI OUTFITTER BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

In the early days of safari, the spirit of exploration was central and the journey was far, out into the broad savanna with all its beasts. Today, we maintain this essence: wild, free and inspiring. Mark Thornton Safaris is an experienced team of widely respected, veteran safari guides. If you are going to walk across the Serengeti, you want a guide you can trust.

We outfit only a limited number of safaris each year, as our focus is on quality over quantity. 80% of our business is word of mouth with over 50% of our guests returning again, many becoming good friends through the years. Whether it's a walking, luxury or family safari, your trip is always private – your own expert guides, private vehicles and exclusive camps. This is the true authentic safari.

“We had been spoiled by savoring wide-open spaces at a slow pace with time to absorb, time to walk, time to see and think.”
— The New York Times
 
 
 
 

WE GO WHERE NO ONE GOES

From the beginning, our niche has been "remote". And to this day, our safaris are focused on going to places where no other tour operators go. This gives our travelers the true feeling of a safari and is the reason for our many international accolades over the years.

GREAT SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI

One of the natural wonders of the world is the Serengeti migration of 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra. It is the largest large mammal migration on earth, drawing exceptional numbers of cheetah, lion, and hyena. Along with the herds are other animals taking advantage of water and grazing conditions, such as topi, gazelles, eland, elephant and others. It can provide the most magical wildlife viewing experience in Africa.

PRESS & ACCOLADES

Check out Travel + Leisure’s November 2023 magazine featuring our unique group Serengeti walking safaris.

 

SERENGETI WALKING SAFARIs

10 days / 100 kilometers on foot across Serengeti National Park. This is the ultimate African walking safari. Easy walking terrain and tons of big game sightings from afoot each day.

 
 

FAMILY SAFARIS

“I liked sleeping in the tree with all the sounds and shooting stars.” Tucker, age 12

 
 

RWANDA & UGANDA

“Being in the presence of gorillas is like being in the presence of Buddist monks. Being in the presence of chimps is like being in the presence of the Italian mafia.” Gorilla-viewing guest, 2017.

 
 

SERENGETI walking safaris: privately guided, award-winning.

 
 
 
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“You are outstanding guides, companions, and friends. We have been on two trips with Mark Thornton Safaris, including the Serengeti Traverse. Walking through the bush with these guys is educational and exciting...but even more, almost a spiritual experience.”
— G. HACKBARTH