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
Africa's biggest elephant and the endangered Hunter's hartebeest
Search for the almost extinct hirola antelope in Tsavo East, find Africa's largest elephants and visit Chyulu Hills to see Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak
$ 4,780
£ 3,707
R 67,266
€ 4,231
per person
7 days
February Calving Season Safari in Tanzania
Visit Tanzania during the calving season to see wildebeest calves join the massive herds making their way through the Serengeti for the great migration.
$ 7,595
£ 5,889
R 106,880
€ 6,723
per person
9 days
Makgadikgadi Pans and Okavango Delta safari
Encounter the best Makgadikgadi Pan National Park and Okavango safari has to offer
$ 3,780
£ 2,931
R 53,194
€ 3,346
per person
7 days
South Africa and Zambia honeymoon
Explore the romantic Atlantic Ocean with it's multi-cultural heritage and a Big Five safari in the Sabi Sands, finally ending off at Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
$ 4,733
£ 3,670
R 66,610
€ 4,190
per person
10 days
Affordable Okavango Delta and Chobe Safari
Spent three nights at Chobe safari Lodge, two nights at Pom Pom Camp, two nights Moremi Crossing, as well as a full day visit to Victoria Falls
$ 3,575
£ 2,772
R 50,309
€ 3,165
per person
8 days
Namibian Etosha Self Drive Adventure
Drive yourself through the majestic landscapes of Namibia en-route to Etosha and spend your days searching for, and finding the wildlife that Etosha is known for
$ 1,321
£ 1,024
R 18,585
€ 1,169
per person
8 days
Sun City and Madikwe Luxury Safari
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
$ 2,726
£ 2,114
R 38,365
€ 2,413
per person
6 days
Big Five in the Kruger National Park
Encounter the Big Five safari and discover the elusive leopard
$ 1,550
£ 1,202
R 21,810
€ 1,372
per person
3 days
Highlights of Southern Africa
Exploring these areas of the Southern African continent should on top of your bucket list
$ 5,207
£ 4,037
R 73,270
€ 4,609
per person
13 days
Kruger to the Mozambican coast
Combining the bush and the wildlife found in the famous Sabi Sand in the Kruger National Park with a tropical stay in one of the sublime lodges of Mozambique's Ponta Mamoli
$ 4,690
£ 3,637
R 66,000
€ 4,152
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.
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
