What does "safari" mean?

1. (a group on a trip) the group of people, vehicles, and equipment going on a wildlife trip. 2. (a search or quest) any trip or search where you try to find something new or win prizes.

safari

US //səˈfɑɹi// UK //sɐfˈɑːɹi// sa·fari

1 a group on a trip (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the group of people, vehicles, and equipment going on a wildlife trip.

the organized caravan or party of people, animals, and equipment engaged in a wildlife expedition.

Example

The safari stopped at the river to watch the elephants drink.

Example

The entire safari, consisting of three off-road vehicles and a local guide, departed the camp before the heat of the midday sun became unbearable.
2 a search or quest (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

any trip or search where you try to find something new or win prizes.

a journey or quest undertaken for the purpose of discovery or the acquisition of specific items or trophies.

Example

The journalists went on a fact-finding safari through the remote villages.

Example

The CEO described the acquisition tour as a corporate safari, intended to identify and capture the most promising tech startups in the region.

Origin

From Swahili safari (“journey”), from Arabic سَفَر (safar).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026