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.

 

Big 5 Africa Safari Tours (Tailor-Made Big 5 Safaris)

Tanzania's Serengeti and Katavi

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8 days
Antelope in Katavi. Elephants making their way through the camp grounds at Mbali Katavi Lodge. Exterior of Katavi lounge area at Mbali Katavi Lodge. Hippo grazing in close proximity to the camp. located in a  predator rich area. The wetlands are home to stately storks and great rafts of pelicans. Unwind by the boma. The swimming pool at Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge.
Highlights

Great combination of the Serengeti and Katavi for diverse wildlife and landscapes. Excellent for heavyweight game viewing of elephants, big cats and buffalo.

Destinations visited
Serengeti Tanzania

East Africa Year-Round Migration Safari

From $8,310 per person sharing
10 days
Primates in close proximity to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Exterior of Arusha Coffee Lodge. Arusha Coffee Lodge is Tanzania's largest coffee plantation. Arusha Coffee Lodge room exterior. Arusha Coffee Lodge cottage interior. Unwind next to the lodge's swimming pool. Pathway to Gibb's Farm dining room. Gibb's Farm is on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater overlooking the Great Rift Valley.
Highlights

First night spent on a coffee estate with Mount Meru as your backdrop. Big Five encounters at the famed Ngorongoro Crater.

Destinations visited
Arusha Kenya Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti
8 days
Highlights

Well-paced, balanced itinerary in three major Kenyan reserves. Fly between destinations – no long drives!.

Destinations visited
Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi Samburu

10 Day Family Livingstone, Linyanti & Delta

From $8,240 per person sharing
10 days
The mighty Victoria Falls. Thorntree River Lodge bedroom interior. The main swimming pool at Thorntree River Lodge. Explore the Zambezi River by canoe. Explore the Zambezi River by boat. Embark on a walking safari. Child friendly activities. Game drive.
Highlights

Marvel at mighty Victoria Falls. Safari in the game-rich elephant paradise of Chobe National Park.

Destinations visited
Botswana Okavango Delta Victoria Falls Zambia

Family Botswana's Khwai River & Linyanti Channel

From $7,875 per person sharing
7 days
Glide along in a traditional mokoro. Exceptional wildlife encounters on game drives. Child-friendly, safari activities. Kids can enjoy the swimming pool while mom and dad relax. Linyanti Ebony exterior at night. Take a walking safari. Massive elephant herds crossing in front of camp. Share stories of the day and its adventures at Khwai Leadwood.
Highlights

Air transfers between camps. Spacious family suites throughout.

Destinations visited
Botswana Chobe National Park Linyanti Moremi Game Reserve Okavango Delta
11 days
Your tour begins at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, close to the mighty Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Lodge overlooks an active watering hole, for game viewing from the comfort of camp. Your second stop is Somalisa Acacia, located in the Hwange National Park. Hwange is the largest conservation area in Zimbabwe and is home to the Big 5 as well as cheetah and the rare African wild dog. Big cat predators are often sighted, including leopard, lion and cheetah. Hwange is best known for its very large herds of buffalo. Your journey then continues on Lake Kariba where you will cruise and explore aboard Matusadona Luxury Lake Safari Cruiser. Stop on land at remote and scenic spots to enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful lake vistas.
Highlights

Perfect for families or groups of friends. Exclusive use of properties & houseboat.

Destinations visited
Hwange National Park Lake Kariba Zimbabwe
10 days
Safari luxury at Saseka Tented Camp. Enjoy sumptuous cuisine in the African wild. Engage with the local community and their inspiring upliftment projects. The gorgeous bedrooms at Tswalu The Motse. An afternoon game drive sighting. The perfect gathering area after game drives. Wild dog in the Kalahari. Private plunge pools off the rooms.
Highlights

Search for the Big 5 in Thornybush Game Reserve. Engaging community tour at Nourish Eco Village.

Destinations visited
Kruger National Park South Africa