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See The Big 5

Where to find Africa's icons

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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.

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Ben Nelson
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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.

African Lion
  • The African lion is one of the most iconic and majestic animals in Africa.
  • Lions are known for their impressive manes, which are more prominent in males.
  • They are highly social animals, living in prides consisting of several females, their offspring, and a few dominant males.
  • Lions are skilled hunters and primarily prey on large ungulates such as zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.
  • They are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, with notable populations in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.

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.

Cape Buffalo
  • Have a robust build, curved horns, and a reputation for being one of the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.
  • Cape buffalos are highly social and form herds of up to several hundred individuals.
African Leopard
  • The African leopard is a solitary and elusive big cat known for its stealth and climbing abilities.
  • They have a distinctive spotted coat that provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.
  • Leopards are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and mountains to grasslands and deserts.
  • They are opportunistic hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including antelopes, monkeys, and smaller mammals.
  • African leopards have a widespread distribution across Africa, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching.

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