Big 5 Safari

Big 5 Safari

When it comes to a safari trip in Africa, one of the best things that people get excited about is the Big Five Safari! Consisting of the African elephant, black rhinoceros​, African leopard, African lion, and cape buffalo​, the term Big Five was given by big-game hunters. The reason is that these are the five most difficult animals in the whole of Africa that are difficult to hunt on foot! However, these days, these animals are best seen in national parks and reserves. And this is the main reason why an Africa safari is always on top of the safari destinations!

If your motive of embarking on a safari in Africa is to be part of the Big Five Safari, you need to keep in mind that you won’t find them in all the countries on this continent. To help you with just that, listed below are six countries in Africa where you are likely to spot them and fulfill your quest! 

Botswana Safari

In Botswana, you can be part of a Big Five Safari by visiting the Chobe National Park. This park’s diversity is such that you will witness a wide range of wildlife through game drives, boat cruises, and walking safaris. You will also be able to sight some of the hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and lions here!

The other place you need to visit for your Big Five Safari is the Moremi Game Reserve. Apart from the Big Five, you will be able to discover a huge population of wildebeests, zebras, wild dogs, and cheetahs. If you are lucky, you will also be able to spot the rare lechwe antelope and sitatunga! For bird watchers, this place is a plus point because there is an abundance of bird species here- as many as 550!  

Namibia Safari

Although Namibia lacks the presence of the cape buffalo in Etosha park, you will witness elephants and lions in plenty during your Big Five Safari here. While in Namibia, visit the Etosha National Park, where you may sight black if your lucky. You may also see lions on the hunt. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to witness these predators in action!

This park has one of the largest populations of black rhino and is also home to the white rhino. If you want to catch sight of hippopotamus and cape buffalo, you’ll have to travel northwest to the Caprivi Strip that goes up to the Victoria Falls. 

The Etosha National Park is large both in size and the amount of wildlife. In fact, it’s so large that you can even see it from outer space! Another interesting fact is that this park’s size can be easily compared to that of the whole of Switzerland!

Kenya Safari

When in Kenya, you can start your Big Five Safari journey at the Masai Mara National Park, which is the most famous game park in the world. This park will take you on an epic journey among the wilderness as you look forward to spotting the Big Five! Along the way, you will also encounter plenty of other spectacular bird and animal life. Go for a game drive while here and witness the big cats resting or in action against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro! Visiting the Masai village will be an added bonus if you’d like to experience the culture and traditions of the locals here!

Tanzania Safari

Your Big Five Safari wouldn’t be complete without making a stop in Tanzania! This spectacular safari destination is certain to provide you with an unforgettable Big Five Safari! From the Serengeti National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. With special and memorable activities waiting to be experienced here, this country is sure to leave you spell-bound!

During your Big Five Safari here, you will also witness the breath-taking scenery of the wildlife-filled plains. Whether you want to set your eyes on the Big Five or take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature, Tanzania will never fail to please you!

South Africa Safari

Next up on this list is South Africa, where you are sure to enjoy the most spectacular Big Five Safari! This tourist-friendly country will give you access to plenty of private game reserves as well as national parks that the Big Five call their home! One of the parks that you simply need to visit is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Being the country’s oldest game reserve, this park will allow you to spot all of the Big Five! Having been founded with a goal to conserve African rhinos, you will get to see them in plenty! Although spotting cats here can be a tad difficult, you might find lions idly lounging under trees to escape the summer heat!

Zambia

Last but not least, don’t forget to check Zambia off your list for your Big Five Safari experience! In order to spot the famous Big Five, head to South Luangwa National Park, considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries! This park is famous for having originated the walking safari, which is one of the greatest ways for experiencing the wilderness of Africa first-hand! You are sure to witness all the five animals in this park, thus fulfilling your quest!

While in Zambia, you can also head to the Lower Zambezi National Park and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for the ultimate Big Five Safari experience!

All of the parks and reserves in Africa offer a variety of comfortable accommodations. From being pampered with hot baths to scrumptious food and incredible landscape, your Big Five Safari will be a once in a lifetime experience. So, if you are interested, make sure to check out the places that our partners offer since these are only some of the places that we recommend. Don’t let go of the opportunity to see the Big Five up close, and start planning for your Big Five Safari right away! It will certainly be one of the best experiences that you will cherish forever!