Witness the Big 5 on an Africa Safari Vacation

If there’s one thing Africa does better than anywhere else in the world, it’s wildlife and there are few wildlife experiences that can beat the undiluted thrill of a face-to-face encounter with a member of Africa’s Big 5. Traditionally those animals who pose the greatest danger to their hunters, the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – are still commonly found throughout South, Southern and East Africa and their collective presence in a national park or game reserve adds an exhilarating edge to your safari experience.

Our Big 5 safari destinations range widely and we advise planning carefully with your safari expert to ensure your expectations are met. Safari first-timers would do well to choose Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater or private Kruger reserves such as the Sabi Sands which deliver virtually faultless Big 5 safaris where you’re more than likely to tick off each of the Big 5 after a couple of game drives.

For something wilder and more remote Zambia’s South Luangwa is not only known as the birthplace of walking safaris but also for its intense concentration of big game including an abundance of four of the Big 5 – don’t expect to see rhino. The same is true of the wetlands and grassy plains of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve: consistently good leopard sightings, big herds of elephants, lions, cheetah and packs of wild dogs, although once again no rhino.

But we know how important it is to see Africa’s signature animals, which is why on our recommended Big 5 tours and safaris you have a good chance of seeing all of Africa’s Big 5. We also know where to go and at what time of year: Botswana’s Chobe River during the dry season for example sees concentrations of elephants and buffalo that are hard to comprehend, we can tell you the top destinations to see rhino and leopard, or the best time to go on a Serengeti safari to catch the huge herds of migrating wildebeest with big cats hot on their hooves.

Simply browse our range of Big 5 safaris and accommodation or contact your Africa Safari Expert for assistance with planning a tailor-made vacation.