Big Five Safaris in Africa
The Big Five was traditionally used as a hunting term to describe the five most dangerous animals in Africa to hunt. Their reputation has spilled over into the tourism industry and now elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino remain the most sought after species to see on the continent.
But they're not really the most dangerous animals in Africa. In fact, the two species that kill the most people are not even part of the Big Five; they are the tiny mosquito and the lazy hippo. Out of the Big Five, the black rhino is the hardest to find by far, with the leopard coming in at second place.
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Experience our Tailor-made Big Five Safaris in Africa
What You Need To Know
There are a few sweet spots in southern Africa - the easiest places to spot the Big Five.
Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater combined with the Serengeti are the most sought after Big Five safari experiences. Ngorongoro has a healthy black rhino population and some leopard in the Lerai fever tree forest. It also holds some of Africa’s biggest elephant alive today and good buffalo and lion numbers. It's tricky to spot leopard in Ngorongoro, but if you combine it with the Serengeti then you'll almost certainly see leopard in its Seronera or Lobo areas.
Namibia’s Etosha is an incredible dry season park and wonderful for black rhino. Lion, elephant and leopard are often seen at Etosha's waterholes but there are no buffalo. The Caprivi strip and the Waterberg close by are great for buffalo.
In Kenya, the Masai Mara may be a tricky place to see black rhino, but the rest of the Big Five is guaranteed. Combine the Mara with Lake Nakuru and you're bound to see the entire Big Five in Kenya.
In South Africa, it's easy to spot all the Five in the Sabi Sands, as the rangers and guides are excellent trackers and communicate constantly. Finding the Big Five in Kruger National Park on a self drive is far more challenging. The south of Berg-and-Dal is good for rhino, the north of Satara for lion and Lower Sabie and the Sabie River loops for leopard. Buffalo and elephant are easy to spot.
Popular
Big Five Safaris in Africa
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests.
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget.
3 Day Tour
Big Five Safari in the Kruger National Park
7 Day Tour
Botswana Big Five Safari
8 Day Tour
Sabi Sands and Okavango Delta Big Five Tour
Travel with Peace of Mind
Plan your safari with confidence. Refundable deposits and flexible rebooking terms standard on your Kenya safari.
Refundable
Rebookable
Flexible
Authentic
What Destinations have Big Five Safaris in Africa
Kenya
Namibia
Tanzania
South Africa
Botswana
