BIG FIVE SAFARI

Big 5 Safari Destinations.

Our Big 5 safari destinations have been carefully selected to include populations of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, with the exception of Namibia's Etosha National Park which does not have buffalo. It's important to note, however, that there are no guarantees of seeing all members of the Big 5 during your safari. Leopards, for example, are known to be elusive, and rhino numbers are decreasing throughout Africa.

To ensure that your Big 5 safari meets your expectations, speak to your Africa Safari Expert who can help you select the right destination. We can advise you on which destinations offer better and more certain sightings than others, and even provide guidance on where to go to see a particular animal, such as a leopard, or for the most impressive Big 5 sightings, like large herds of elephants or lion prides hunting buffalo.

Tanzania - Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

In Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the wide open grasslands of the Serengeti are better suited for grazing wildebeest and zebra herds, rather than elephants and rhinos. Nonetheless, the extensive wildlife population will more than compensate for the absence of a Big 5 member. With the migration passing through the Serengeti between November and July, the likelihood of witnessing a lion hunt is significant, and the scarcity of trees makes leopards more visible than expected.

Kenya - Masai Mara

Despite the extensive coverage of the wildebeest migration, many people disregard the Masai Mara as a Big 5 safari location. For exceptional Big 5 sightings, visit the private conservancies, and if you plan your trip between August and November during the migration period, your probability of witnessing lion hunts is considerably high.

Zimbabwe - Hwange & Mana Pools National Parks

Zimbabwe is often disregarded as a safari destination, but seasoned travelers attest to its blend of authentic lodging, amiable guides, and uncrowded national parks. The largest reserve in the country, Hwange, accommodates around 30,000 elephants and several other lesser-seen animals such as bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, sable and roan antelopes, and the endangered black rhino. It is also famous for exceptional Green Season bird watching with over 400 species spotted.

Mana Pools is located on the Zambezi River, offering water-based activities like canoe safaris (an unforgettable experience of paddling past an elephant standing in the river) and sunset boat cruises. It features four significant pools ('mana' means four in the local Shona language) and a minimal number of visitors.

Namibia - Etosha National Park

While Namibia's prime reserve, Etosha National Park, may not be home to buffalo (although they can be found in nearby areas like Waterberg Plateau and Caprivi Strip), the considerable population of elephants and lions more than compensates for it. Etosha is also the ideal destination in Africa to catch a glimpse of black rhinos; keep an eye on the waterholes during the night and revisit them during the day, as both lions and leopards frequently employ them as ambush locations.

Botswana - Chobe National Park & Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve

While spotting rhinos might be challenging in Botswana's two premier safari destinations, the country's claim to Africa's largest elephant herds, substantial numbers of buffalo and lion, and robust leopard populations will likely compensate for it.

The Okavango Delta and Savute area of Chobe National Park are excellent for viewing elephants, buffalos, and lions throughout the year. However, the Chobe River is at its most elephant-dense peak from August until late October.

South Africa: Kruger National Park & Private Reserves, Eastern Cape & Madikwe