safari

IPA/sɐfˈɑːɹi/
KK[səfˈɑri]IPA/səfˈɑːriː/

safari — noun

1. a planned adventure or excursion into the wilderness for the purpose of photogra

1.nounB2
Definition

a planned adventure or excursion into the wilderness for the purpose of photographing or watching wildlife in its natural environment

Example

The family decided to go on a safari through the savanna to see wild elephants.

go on a safari + through [place] — typical pattern

On safari in Kenya last summer, they managed to photograph three rare leopards.

be on safari — common fixed phrase

Common collocations
  • photographic safari
  • luxury safari
  • African safari
  • book a safari
Synonyms
  • expedition

    Broader; can refer to any scientific or exploratory journey, not just wildlife-focused.

  • excursion

    Usually shorter and less physically demanding than a typical multi-day safari.

  • game drive

    Specific to the act of driving through a park to view animals; often a component of a safari.

Grammar Patterns

go on a safari

be on safari

Usage Note

Often used with 'go on' or 'be on' to describe the act of traveling for wildlife viewing.

Common Mistakes

We visited the zoo on a safari.
We went on a safari in the savanna to see wild animals.
a safari means going into the wild, not visiting a zoo.
We will safari tomorrow.
We will go on a safari tomorrow.
safari is a noun, not a verb.

2. time that you spend traveling or staying away from your usual home or work, ofte

2.nounB1
Definition

time that you spend traveling or staying away from your usual home or work, often for pleasure or to discover new places

Example

After retiring from teaching, Felipe went on a six-month safari through South America.

go on a + time-period + safari — traveling away from regular life

The agency specializes in culinary safaris that take food lovers to different regions.

culinary safari — noun modifier for a themed travel experience

Common collocations
  • culinary safari
  • cultural safari
  • shopping safari
  • six-month safari
  • weekend safari
Synonyms
  • journey

    Broader and more general; does not carry the sense of being away from home or work as a core feature.

  • trip

    More casual and often shorter; lacks the organized or themed aspect that 'safari' suggests.

  • expedition

    Suggests greater planning and purpose, sometimes for research or exploration rather than relaxation.

Grammar Patterns

go on a safari

plan a safari

take a safari

Usage Note

This sense extends the traditional wildlife-trip meaning to any journey away from home or work, often focused on a specific interest such as food, culture, or shopping.

Common Mistakes

I went on a safari to the grocery store.
I went on a weekend safari to the countryside.
this sense still implies a meaningful trip away, not a trivial errand.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words relate to organized travel. Safari specifically implies a journey into the wilderness for wildlife observation. Expedition is a broader, often more formal term that can involve scientific research or exploration. Excursion is the most general term, suggesting a short, recreational pleasure trip that lacks the intense preparation required for a safari.

expedition ↗excursion ↗game drive

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • go on a safari

Prepositions

Etymology

ArabicSwahiliEnglish

The word comes from the Swahili word 'safari', which means 'a journey'. Swahili borrowed this word from the Arabic word 'safar', which refers to traveling. It originally entered English to describe long, arduous expeditions in Africa, though it now commonly refers to recreational wildlife trips.

First known use

1859