When you’re planning your perfect safari, the term Big Five will pop up a lot. Coined by early African game hunters, the phrase refers to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Of course, our Big Five safaris are in no way associated with the unethical act of trophy/canned hunting (banned completely in Kenya and increasingly so in other areas of Africa). Today – thankfully – Big Five is used by guides and tourists to group together some of the most popular African wildlife species: African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant and rhinoceros.
The main question we’re asked is ‘where can I see the Big Five?’ They can be found together in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana but not in all parks within these countries. For example, in the Kenyan national park of Lake Nakuru there are black and white rhino and the occasional lion and leopard, while the world-famous Maasai Mara is home to all five species. Down in South Africa, there are private game reserves with ultra-luxe lodges where first-time safari goers have a great chance of seeing the Big Five.
Just remember that – as you’re trying to tick off these iconic animals – all African wildlife is incredible in its own way. Our safaris are about viewing wildlife in its natural habitat so we can't guarantee you will always see all of the Big Five, but our suggested safaris below should give you the best chance.
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This is the ultimate itinerary for an authentic, adventurous and responsible safari. With Porini, it’s all about wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism – they use local guides and lease Maasai ...
It’s all about big cats and the Big Five on this classic safari. Travel to a colonial farmhouse where you can explore two of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Then fly over the rolling plains to a tented c...
With stays in fantastic kid-friendly camps, this short safari has been created for families. Visit two of Kenya’s breathtaking national parks – Samburu and the Maasai Mara – and make memories together...
City, safari and coast are all covered on this 10-night itinerary. You’ll travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and spend a few nights in the beautiful national parks of Amboseli and Tsavo on the way. Head o...
This comprehensive and leisurely paced 11-night road safari will take you around the country’s breathtakingly diverse landscapes. Explore vast national parks and sprawling lakes, and get up close to e...
Spot big cats and the Big Five on the Mara’s rolling plains, then relax on the soft white sands of a beautiful island.
Head out on safari in Kenya's iconic national park, the Maasai Mara before flying over to the coast for some well-deserved beach time.
This extended version of our popular Governors’ Safari includes the collection’s newest property: Mugie House in Laikipia. With stays in three very different areas of Kenya – including a special wildl...
Combine Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve with an iconic city and a natural wonder of the world.
Take to the skies on an exclusive air safari around two of Kenya’s iconic national parks and a quieter private conservancy. You’ll travel in a bespoke Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft and stay at intimat...
Get a feel of South Africa’s urban and wild sides on this seven-night itinerary. Soak up culture, natural beauty and brilliant dining in the showstopper city of Cape Town, then go on to the Eastern Ca...
This is a honeymoon-worthy blend of cosmopolitan city highlights, epic wildlife and unbelievably dreamy scenes on Mozambique’s beaches. Do it in style with game drives in the private Sabi Sands Game R...
Spend time exploring the beautiful sights of Cape Town before travelling to the wildlife-rich haven of Chobe National Park.
This Northern Circuit safari visits the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, elephant hot spot of Tarangire National Park and wildlife-rich Serengeti. Two Serengeti stops – central plus northern or southern ...
An authentic wildlife-rich safari where the highlight is three nights under the stars in a semi-permanent camp inside the Serengeti.
This luxury twin-centre safari stays at two extra special properties, using them as a base to explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Look out for big cats and the Big Five across the picturesque plains of the Serengeti, before unwinding on Zanzibar’s frosted white sands.
A great introduction to Tanzania’s must-see highlights – the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. See superb wildlife like big cats and elephants, and stay in scenic lodges close to the action. This short...
Safaris don’t come much better than this. Travel in style between northern Tanzania’s game-rich parks, in a bespoke Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.
