Africa's Big Five — Where to Find Them and Why They Matter
The term "Big Five" was originally coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Today, thankfully, the only shooting we do is with cameras — and these magnificent creatures remain the most sought-after sightings on any African safari.
The Lion — King of the Savannah
Best places to see them: Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), Kruger National Park (South Africa), Okavango Delta (Botswana)
There's nothing quite like your first lion sighting. The sheer presence of a male lion, mane caught in the golden light of sunset, is the kind of moment that stays with you forever. Lions are social cats, living in prides of up to 30 individuals, which makes them relatively easier to spot than their solitary counterparts.
Insider tip: Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best chances. Lions are most active during cooler hours and often hunt at dawn.
The Leopard — The Elusive Artist
Best places to see them: Sabi Sands (South Africa), South Luangwa (Zambia), Masai Mara (Kenya)
Leopards are the introverts of the Big Five. Solitary, nocturnal, and masters of camouflage, spotting one feels like winning the safari lottery. Look up — leopards often rest in the branches of large trees, sometimes with their prey draped beside them.
Insider tip: The Sabi Sands private reserve, bordering Kruger, has some of the best leopard sightings in Africa. The animals here are remarkably relaxed around vehicles.
The Elephant — The Gentle Giant
Best places to see them: Chobe National Park (Botswana), Amboseli (Kenya), Hwange (Zimbabwe), Addo Elephant Park (South Africa)
African elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth, and encountering a herd is a humbling experience. Watch a matriarch lead her family to water, or a baby elephant stumble over its own trunk, and you'll understand why people return to Africa again and again.
Insider tip: Chobe National Park in Botswana has one of the highest elephant concentrations in Africa — over 120,000. A boat safari along the Chobe River offers unforgettable close encounters.
The Rhino — The Armoured Warrior
Best places to see them: Kruger National Park (South Africa), Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya), Etosha (Namibia)
Rhinos are perhaps the most emotionally charged of the Big Five. With fewer than 27,000 remaining in the wild due to poaching, every sighting feels precious. Both black and white rhinos can be found in Africa, despite neither being truly black or white — the names derive from a mistranslation.
Insider tip: Many reserves now keep rhino locations confidential for their protection. Your guide will know where to go — trust them, and respect the protocols.
The Cape Buffalo — The Unpredictable One
Best places to see them: Masai Mara (Kenya), Kruger (South Africa), Serengeti (Tanzania), Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Often underestimated, the Cape buffalo is considered the most dangerous of the Big Five by many experienced guides. With their imposing horns and unpredictable temperament, they command respect. A herd of buffalo moving across the plains is an awe-inspiring sight — thousands of hooves raising dust into the African sky.
Insider tip: Buffalo are often found near water sources. Look for oxpeckers (small birds) on their backs — they feed on ticks and serve as the buffalo's early warning system.
Planning Your Big Five Safari
Seeing all five on a single trip is possible but never guaranteed — and that's part of the magic. Nature doesn't perform on demand. What we can do is put you in the right place at the right time, with expert guides who read the bush like a book.
Our most popular Big Five itineraries combine:
- Kruger & Sabi Sands (South Africa) — 5 days, excellent all-round Big Five chances
- Masai Mara (Kenya) — 4 days, especially during the Great Migration
- Chobe & Okavango (Botswana) — 6 days, for the ultimate wilderness immersion
Ready to meet the Big Five? Let's plan your safari together.