Big Five safaris, holidays & tours
Big Five safaris, holidays & tours
A sighting of one of these five incredible African animals can change your life forever
Big Five safaris, holidays & tours available in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, TanzaniaCustom designed Big Five safaris in Africa
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A sighting of one of these five incredible African animals can change your life forever
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.
Popular Big Five safaris in Africa
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Two weeks in Botswana - a luxury safari itinerary
The ideal safari to capture Botswana's unrivalled beauty and abundance of flora and fauna through the lens
$ 6,895
£ 5,260
R 98,463
€ 5,979
per person
14 days
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HerdTracker Kicheche Camps safari
The best of Mara North and Olare Orok Conservancies with Kicheche
$ 4,145
£ 3,162
R 59,192
€ 3,594
per person
7 days
Midlands meander in South Africa
Explore the Eastern Cape, Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal
Price on Request
per person
15 days
Chobe National Park - Savuti package
If seeing African elephants is on your travel bucket list, then the Chobe National Park should be right at the top
$ 1,870
£ 1,427
R 26,704
€ 1,622
per person
3 days
Sabi Sands & Madikwe Combo
Our selection of South Africa's top safari lodges and game reserves are guaranteed to suit every taste and budget. Consider this exciting safari package
$ 5,420
£ 4,135
R 77,400
€ 4,700
per person
7 days
Tanzania wildebeest migration safari
This tour is designed to allow maximum exposure to the Great Wildebeest Migration
$ 6,860
£ 5,233
R 97,963
€ 5,949
per person
11 days
The Serengeti on foot
There's no better way to get close to nature and feel alive than on foot, and no better place to walk than the remarkable Serengeti
$ 5,230
£ 3,990
R 74,686
€ 4,535
per person
10 days
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Nature, Romance, Exclusivity and Luxury - A Complete African Honeymoon
This exclusive African honeymoon through East and Southern Africa is the perfect way to celebrate the start of your new journey together
Price on Request
per person
14 days
Botswana Chobe and Moremi Adventure safari
Encounter the extraordinary herd of elephants and other species that will make your safari remarkable
$ 3,480
£ 2,655
R 49,695
€ 3,018
per person
7 days
Masai Mara safari adventure
Explore the jewel in Kenya's crown; the wildlife-rich Masai Mara National Reserve
$ 3,170
£ 2,418
R 45,269
€ 2,749
per person
7 days
More on Big Five safaris in Africa
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Five safaris in Africa
While a safari holiday can be at any time of year, it is worth noting that seasonality will impact the type of experience you’re likely to have as well as the cost of your safari. During the dry season, the wildlife tends to congregate… go there.
Life on safari has a rhythm of its own, largely dictated by the animal's movements. Generally, the most rewarding times for game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and also late in the afternoons when the animals are most active. A… go there.
Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. The warmer months from October to March are more pleasant - the scenery is greener and this is also the time most of the animals are born. However, the park is mostly about its scenery… go there.
The best time to visit Ithala Game Reserve is during the dry winter months, from May to September. During this season it is easier to spot the wildlife since the grass is eaten by herbivores. Expect to encounter and sight birds - such as… go there.
The best time to visit Marakele National Park is during May to September. Since animals tend to seek for reliable waterholes and stay close by during the dry winter months. However, this is the best time for wildlife viewing. Marakele is a… go there.
Augrabies Falls National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and September. When the popular three-day Klipspringer Trail is open. However, the waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood -… go there.
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern Rwanda is during the drier months of June to August or December to January. Even though June to August or December to January are categorically referred to as drier months… go there.
You may visit Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve all year around - winter (during the months of June and August) are chilly, and summer (during the months of November and January) are hot. Enjoy horse rides, mountain bike and game drive. go there.
The best time to visit Zanzibar Island is from June to October - during the dry months of spring. However, another popular time to visit the tropical Island is from December to February - when it’s hot and dry. go there.
Reviews on our Big Five safaris in Africa
Perfectly tailor-made tours that take all your wishes and requests into consideration. All my expectations were beyond fulfilled.
Henrik Wetterstrand
from Sweden
Discover Africa was the only tour operator I reached out to who wanted to have a Skype conversation to get to know more and my husband & my tastes and preferences. Megan Warrington was wonderful to work with - she crafted our activities and…
Stephanie
from United States of America
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
After shopping around for a couple of months, Discover Africa was the one who had the most diverse options for the price. Megan Warrington always responded quickly and was professional and patient with my endless questions. Discover Africa…
Kelly
from United States of America
They organized everything for our first visit to Africa, from the airport meet & greet through to the tours, great hotels and locations.
Michael
from United States of America
From the first approach to the end, Discover Africa, has been excellent . The hotels, the service and every think has been well above our expectation. The perfect choice ! Thanks to all and specially to Megan.
Enrico Liberati
from Italy
