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
Sun City and Madikwe Family Safari (6 days)
From Sun City's hedonistic pleasures to the majesty of nature at Madikwe Game Reserve, this journey combines the best of two very different worlds
per person
6 days
South African Bush and Beach Journey (10 days)
Explore the magic of Cape Town followed by the Scenic Garden Route and finally the Big Five members at the Kruger National Park
per person
10 days
Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania (11 days)
This tour is designed to allow maximum exposure to the Great Wildebeest Migration
per person
11 days
August Migration Safari with HerdTracker (10 days)
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Tanzania
per person
10 days
The Big Cats of East Africa Safari (10 days)
This safari to the Serengeti and Masai Mara in East Africa is all about big cats – lots of them and up close for outstanding photographs
per person
10 days
Luxury Safari in Botswana and Victoria Falls (7 days)
Experience the paradise of Botswana and enjoy game viewing as well as exciting activities in Zambia
per person
7 days
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Secret Selous Game Reserve Sojourn (6 days)
Explore the Selous Game Reserve and Stiegler's Gorge by 4x4, boat or walking safari, looking for Pel's fishing owl, wild dog, rhino and elephant
per person
6 days
Group Safari into Northern Tanzania (7 days)
Travel is so much better with friends. Experience the best parts of Tanzania through breath-taking landscapes, nature and wildlife at its best
per person
7 days
July Wildbeest Migration Safari with HerdTracker (10 days)
Experience the drama of the nature's greatest spectacle in the Serengeti National Park
per person
10 days
Elephant Kingdom: Chobe National Park Tour (3 days)
If seeing African elephants is on your travel bucket list, then the Chobe National Park should be right at the top
per person
3 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.
The term ‘Big Five’ refers to five of Africa’s greatest wild animals namely; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - Originally coined only by hunters. Hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt, the Big… go there.
Wi-Fi is the best option when planning on using your smartphone during your African safari. Using apps such as Skype for Android and iOS, Viber for Android and iOS as well as Google Hangouts for Android is the best way to stay in touch with… go there.
If the weather causes unforeseen problems on the day of your hot air balloon safari, we will try to move it to another day or you will be refunded. go there.
You are putting yourself in a position where you are exposed to wild animals for which many of them are dangerous. However on a safari every precaution is made to ensure your safety when going on a game drives or walks. This is why it is of… go there.
Africa for centuries has captured the imagination of explorers hence there really is a lot of information out there available on the continent from guide books to novels. go there.
Northern Tanzania! Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site, has some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the world as well as the Serengeti, but don't forget about the southern circuit. go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. 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
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