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
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Botswana Photographic Scheduled Safari
Let us take you one the adventure of a lifetime through the Chobe National Park, Khwai Community Area and Moremi Game Reserve.
$ 2,880
£ 2,056
R 34,858
€ 2,339
per person
10 days
Affordable Makgadikgadi Pans and Okavango Delta Safari
Game viewing by land and water come together at Makgadikgadi, Moremi and the Okavango Delta, treating you to a varied Botswana safari
$ 3,880
£ 2,771
R 46,961
€ 3,151
per person
7 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
£ 3,735
R 63,301
€ 4,248
per person
10 days
Rwanda gorillas and the migration, both sides of the Mara River
Enjoy two of Africa's most magnificent wildlife experiences – mountain gorillas and the Great Migration – on one unforgettable safari
Price on Request
per person
11 days
South Africa and Mauritius Island Holiday
South Africa has so much to offer, from spotting the elusive leopard, to exploring Johannesburg's historical sites. Include the tropical island of Mauritius for an even more unforgettable vacation.
$ 6,244
£ 4,459
R 75,577
€ 5,071
per person
12 days
Tanzania safari adventure - Itinerary
With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
$ 2,350
£ 1,678
R 28,443
€ 1,909
per person
7 days
Mauritius and South Africa honeymoon safari
Start your trip in South Africa and finish in Mauritius. Experience the stunning beaches and the Big Five in the Phinda Private Game Reserve.
$ 5,096
£ 3,639
R 61,680
€ 4,139
per person
11 days
8-day Botswana premier safari collection
Choose our Botswana premier collection and experience a traditional big game wildlife safari in one of Africa’s top destinations.
$ 4,140
£ 2,956
R 50,108
€ 3,362
per person
8 days
Okavango Delta Explorer - Scheduled Safari
Moremi Private Game Reserve is home for 4 days on this safari. Highlights are a helicopter flight to the Delta, boat and foot safari's and en-suite tented accommodation
$ 1,965
£ 1,403
R 23,783
€ 1,596
per person
4 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.
Family safaris in Africa are a worthwhile and meaningful experience. Aside from spending quality time with your nearest and dearest under a wide blue African sky, a safari in Africa offers invaluable experiences including unique cultural… 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 Tankwa Karoo National Park is from autumn through winter to early summer of April to September. However, this is a perfect place to indulge in blessed idleness. If you want to see the landscape and animals, you'll… 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.
Reviews on our Big Five safaris in Africa
Perfectly tailormade tour taking all lour wishes and requests into consideration. Best presentation seen and all expectations fulfilled or beyond.
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
