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Big Cat Safaris

Paula Rabeling Headshot

Written by  Paula Rabeling

 • Travel Writer

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An African big cat safari is the ultimate invitation to change pace, slow down, and tune into the primal rhythm of the wild. It’s an opportunity to explore a landscape where magnificent predators prowl – and you sit in the front row to see the action.

On African big cat safaris, lions, leopards, and cheetahs take centre stage. Imagine driving across the golden savannah; the vehicle stops, your guide points, and there it is: a flash of gold in the tall grass, a tail flicking slowly.

You hold your breath, tracing the outline of one of Africa’s most captivating predators for the very first time. This isn’t a checklist; it’s a conversation with the wild, and it’s where an exciting chapter begins.

Trace the paw prints of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the wild, guided by experts who know these landscapes and their residents intimately.

The Rush of A Lion Safari

If a lion safari in Africa is your dream, choose one of the world’s most dynamic wildlife stages. The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offer dramatic sightings, especially from July to October, when the Great Migration brings more than a million prey animals to the plains.

For a more exclusive Africa lion safari, think of Botswana’s Okavango Delta or South Africa’s Greater Kruger region. Private concessions such as Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Timbavati promise luxurious, exclusive safari lodges and phenomenal, close-range encounters.

These destinations consistently deliver the best lion safaris in Africa, where your expert tracker and guide often know every pride by name, offering a rare and personal glimpse into their complex world.

Follow the Stealth of the Leopard

The leopard is Africa’s shadow – elusive and magnificent. That’s why a successful sighting is one of the most rewarding moments on any safari. For seasoned travellers, the remote South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is unparalleled.

However, our local expertise points to South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve and neighbouring MalaMala for reliable, extraordinary proximity. Here, the leopards are so habituated you can watch them climb, hunt, and rest in trees with a rare intimacy.

Choosing a luxury tented camp or safari lodge in this area ensures that you are immersed in big cat country, hearing the stillness of the night punctuated by big cat calls under a ceiling of stars.

The Speed and Grace of a Cheetah Safari

If it’s the thrill of speed you seek, let’s craft a bespoke cheetah safari where you can witness the world’s fastest land animal in its element. The vast open plains of Kenya’s Mara Triangle or the arid landscapes of Namibia are spectacular choices.

For a cheetah safari in South Africa, we recommend Samara Karoo Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Crafting Your African Big Cats Safari

Your journey is expertly curated to maximise your chances of seeing the ultimate trifecta – lion, leopard, and cheetah – in predator-rich destinations like the Serengeti, Masai Mara, or Kruger.

For your most transformative experience, we recommend visiting during the dry season, from June to October, when the lack of thick vegetation and the concentration of wildlife around waterholes make sightings more predictable.

No two African big cat safaris are the same. Each roar, each flicker of a spotted tail, tells a story of wild Africa.

Inspired to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the wild? Let’s craft a journey that feels like yours. Start planning your African big cats safari with our safari experts today.

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

Susan Veldman

Cathy & Nat's journey was crafted with the expertise of Susan Veldman

What Our Guests Have to Say?

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"We had an amazing experience at Walkers Plains Camp. The wildlife viewing was superb from start to finish. Our guide Millie and tracker were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives an absolute pleasure. The camp was very luxuriou..."

Sue Panayiotes, United Kingdom28 Dec 2025

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"Amazing honeymoon - we had the best experience with Susan and Discover Africa in planning our honeymoon. Everything went smoothly and all the lodges / guides were incredible. She also put some special touches like a surprise dinner in the bush and a private..."

Kelly Halter, United States06 Oct 2025

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"I chose a travel agency for four reasons. Years in business, quantity and quality of reviews, customisability, and local expertise. Discover Africa and my agent, Adelle, met or exceeded all expectations. I gave Adelle my budget and modified one of their sug..."

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"We booked a safari with Susan and as it was something I have been eagerly anticipating most of my life, we opened the budget strings a little. If we were going to do it once, we really wanted to get it right and make sure to make the most of it. We were sti..."

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"Was the Safari of lifetime. We spent one week between Zimbabwe for the Victoria Falls and Botswana. Amazing. The river cruse in the Zambezi river is a dream. We saw also Chobe national park and the Delta of Okavango: a dream. Everything was well orga..."

Gaia, Italy20 Aug 2025

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"A Truly Unforgettable Journey – Thank You, Megan! I wanted to give a special thanks to Megan for planning such a wonderful trip for us. Our adventure began at the breathtaking Victoria Falls and continued to the stunning Chobe Lodge — what an amazing experi..."

Lorena, Italy07 Aug 2025

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