Having been on one and now working in conservation, I would say that they are. The tourist dollars support conservation and livelihoods. Because they bring in so much money, the countries have a huge incentive to ensure the health and safety of the animals. Not to mention the conservation of the land which may otherwise be clear cut for farming or development.
My sense is that most tour operators try hard to be respectful of the animals and aim to leave no trace.
However, as in most things, there are exceptions to the rule.
Do some research and see what you think.

It wouldn’t be a vacation dream for me, but then again, I DON’T even go to the zoo.

Rest* in the shade

I went to Okavango Delta, Botswana, where animals are roaming free and humans adjust to the animals. So if the lions test in the shadow cast by the keep, you wait until they’re ready to move on.
Only exception is that they’ll clear the runway of elephants when the bush plane arrives for landing.

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to go on one and my husband loves animals too so I THOUGHT he would consider it when I pitched it as an idea for the big 20th anniversary trip we are wanting to go on, but he immediately was like "uh, no, definitely not" and equated it to voluntourism or swimming with dolphins at a resort...that kind of thing.

Why exactly does he think they are unethical?

Safaris are amazing, go to Kenya. Great way to spend your 20th, it will give you memories to cherish.

South Africa is less authentic.

Anonymous wrote:That's how you want to spend your 20th? I think you can come up with something better.

Such as?

Anonymous wrote:That's how you want to spend your 20th? I think you can come up with something better.

+1

That's how you want to spend your 20th? I think you can come up with something better.

I saw a horrible clip where there were so many trucks parked to watch the migration of the wilderbeest that the animals were forced from the traditional best route and fell down from higher cliffs on the river bank breaking their legs.

That wasn't ethical.

Depends on where. Some countries (Rwanda) highly limit tourism and charge high fees that go to conservation, so you are helping.

Achingly politically correct attempt.

Yeah go ahead. It’ll feed some African family for the night and you aren’t killing anything

Eye roll

I'd love to go on one and my husband loves animals too so I THOUGHT he would consider it when I pitched it as an idea for the big 20th anniversary trip we are wanting to go on, but he immediately was like "uh, no, definitely not" and equated it to voluntourism or swimming with dolphins at a resort...that kind of thing.