See The Big 5
Where to find Africa's icons
If witnessing the majestic Big 5 in their natural habitat is a total priority, then best you visit these stunnning and iconic safari destinations. Awe-inspiring sights in every direction you look.
East Africa
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Experience the thrill of encountering the Big 5 in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation area. Combining these two parks maximizes your chances of spotting these incredible creatures. The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly renowned for its high concentration of predators and diverse wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to see lions, wildebeest, elephants, rhinos, leopards, hippos, buffalos, and zebras. The crater is also a haven for bird enthusiasts. Make sure to check out camps like Entanamu Ngorongoro and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for exceptional game drives.
Masai Mara & Lewa Conservancy, Kenya
These magnificent creatures can be found in various national parks and reserves throughout Kenya, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, among others. Going on a safari in Kenya offers excellent opportunities to encounter and observe these incredible animals in their natural habitats. Lewa Wilderness must be included in your itinerary if you want to see rhino.
Southern Africa
Kruger National Park, South Africa
The vast Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning nearly 2 million hectares, it is home to approximately 147 mammal species, including the Big 5. With an impressive number of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos, you can spot all five in a single day. The park also boasts a rich birdlife with over 500 species. Visit during the dry season (April-September) for better visibility and congregating animals or the wet season (October-April) to witness the lush vegetation and the birthing season. Kruger National Park is a year-round destination.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Namibia offers a unique safari experience with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Etosha National Park is a must-visit destination, housing four of the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino. Journey south to the Waterberg Plateau, where you can complete your Big 5 sightings with the park's approximately 400 buffalo. Before exploring Etosha National Park, stay at Onguma The Fort, a remarkable lodge overlooking the scenic Etosha Pans, surrounded by wildlife and Camel Thorn trees.
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Botswana's Okavango Delta, a remarkable inland river, offers a mesmerizing wildlife experience. With its abundance of resources, the delta attracts a wide array of animals, including elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and more. Explore the delta's waterways in a traditional Mokoro for a unique adventure. Botswana is renowned for its conservation efforts, uncrowded parks, and effective anti-poaching programs. Moremi Game Reserve stands out as one of the top parks to visit, with its high concentration of plains animals and big cats. Consider staying at Okuti or Kanana camps for unparalleled views of the reserve. Don't miss Chobe National Park, known for its massive herds of buffalo and Africa's largest elephant population, as well as sightings of lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles along the river.
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