safari

American  

[suh-fahr-ee] / səˈfɑr i /

noun

plural

safaris

1. a journey or expedition, for hunting, exploration, or investigation, especially in eastern Africa.

2. the hunters, guides, vehicles, equipment, etc., forming such an expedition.

3. any long or adventurous journey or expedition.

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verb (used without object)

safaried, safariing

1. to go on a safari.

safari British  

/ səˈfɑːrɪ /

noun

1. an overland journey or hunting expedition, esp in Africa

2. any recreational journey or expedition

3. the people, animals, etc, that go on the expedition

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Etymology

Origin of safari

1885–90; < Swahili < Arabic safar journey

Explanation

A trip to watch wild animals — especially in Africa — is called a safari. If you travel to South Africa to photograph elephants in their natural habitat, you're on safari. In Swahili, safari means "journey" or "expedition." The word has been used in English since the late 19th century to talk about hunting trips to Africa, the clothing these hunters would wear, and more recently, a journey taken to observe or photograph African animals. These days when someone talks about going on safari, they are probably planning to visit an African wildlife refuge or park.

Example Sentences

A one-tonne revolving sculpture created "on a whim" by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, has been installed at a safari park in Wiltshire.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Those major risk indicators are what ushered me into my own cancer prevention safari.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Rarely, too, does "the old man who saved the country" miss a chance to recall his heroics in the bush wars, sometimes exchanging his trademark safari hat for camouflage fatigues.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

They were boarding a whale safari boat tour when they learned their flight the following day had been canceled.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 28, 2025

Prior to his Brazil expedition, Teddy went on an African safari with his son Kermit, pictured here, and brought back specimens for the National Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• trek