12 Best Places for Big Five Safari

The Big Five have long captivated the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide and the 12 best places for a Big five safari shows you where to find the perfect safari adventure. Revered for their power, grace, and enigmatic allure, the Big Five have attracted countless travelers to the bush for unforgettable journeys across Africa's vast savannas, woodlands, and waterways. 

What are Big 5 Safari Animals?

The term "Big Five" refers to the five most iconic and sought-after animals in Africa: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. These animals were originally designated as the "Big Five" by big-game hunters, as they were considered the most dangerous and challenging to hunt. 

Today, the Big Five have become the holy grail of safari experiences, with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world flocking to Africa to catch a glimpse of each animal in their natural habitat.

The Best Big 5 Safari Destinations

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot the Big Five. This vast landscape covers 7,523-square miles in northeastern South Africa and is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five and countless other species. 

With well-maintained roads, numerous game drives, and a range of accommodation options, Kruger is a safari-lover's paradise. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers. When on your Kruger safari, you can take guided walking safaris to experience the bush up close, learning about smaller creatures, plants, and tracking techniques in between looking for the main attractions. 

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania hosts the iconic landscape renowned for its annual wildebeest migration and staggering abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five. The park's vast, open plains and diverse habitats make it ideal for spotting these elusive animals. 

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on Earth, with essential features remaining largely unchanged for millions of years. For a unique perspective during your Tanzania safari, you can experience a hot air balloon safari at dawn, floating silently over the plains in search of the Big Five active below while the weather is cool. 

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Just north of the Serengeti is the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, another must-visit destination for Big Five enthusiasts. This stunning reserve is known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the other members of the Big Five.

The Maasai Mara is also home to the Maasai people, whose rich cultural heritage adds depth to the safari experience. The reserve covers an area of 583 square miles and is part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. You can visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and join guided bush walks for a richer exploration of the area during your greater Maasai Mara safari experience.

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique safari destination, where annual floodwaters transform the landscape into a lush connection of dissected waterways. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers diverse safari activities, from traditional game drives to dugout canoe excursions on traditional mokoros. The Delta is home to some of the world's most endangered species of large mammals and you can take a horseback safari through the shallow waters, allowing closer proximity to wildlife than when in a vehicle. learn the different ways you can enjoy your experience during a customized Botswana safari and tour.

5. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park in Namibia is another prime location for Big Five safaris. This vast, arid park is centered around the Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat that attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. Etosha is known for its excellent opportunities to spot elephants, rhinos, and lions, as well as its stunning landscapes. The park's salt pan is so large it can be seen from space, and Etosha is home to the largest population of black rhinos in the world. Spend a night at one of the park's floodlit waterholes to observe nocturnal animals as they come to drink when you choose a bespoke Namibia safari. 

6. Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located adjacent to Kruger National Park and is a private game reserve renowned for its high concentration of leopards. In addition to these elusive big cats, Sabi Sand is also home to the other members of the Big Five, making it a top choice for safari enthusiasts seeking an exclusive wildlife experience. As the first private game reserve in South Africa, Sabi Sand has no fences between it and Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely. You can join photographic safaris with expert guides to capture stunning wildlife images when searching for the Big Five in South Africa.

7. Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania

Mkomazi National Park in Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five. This park is home to diverse habitats, from grasslands and savannas to rugged mountains and volcanic landscapes, providing a stunning backdrop for safari adventures in search of the Big Five. Mkomazi is an important bird area with over 450 species recorded and hosts successful breeding programs for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. While there, you can participate in conservation programs to learn more about efforts that protect endangered species like the rhino, elephants, and more.

8. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is the country's largest national park and a prime destination for Big Five safaris. With a vast, diverse landscape and a thriving population of elephants, lions, leopards, and more, Hwange is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic African safari experience. The park is home to over 100 mammal species, including one of the largest elephant populations in the world. Hwange has no permanent natural water sources, relying on man-made waterholes, where you can take night drives to spot nocturnal animals and experience the park's unique atmosphere after dark.

9. Limpopo National Park, Mozambique

Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is a relatively new addition to the safari circuit but is quickly gaining a reputation as a top destination for Big Five sightings. This park borders South Africa's Kruger National Park and offers a more remote and untouched safari experience. 

It forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, linking Limpopo with Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. The park is home to over 1,000 elephants that have migrated from Kruger National Park. One way to explore the park is to join a multi-day walking safari, letting you camp in the wilderness and track animals on foot while accompanied by a trained ranger.

10. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park in Kenya is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large population of elephants. In addition to these iconic animals, Amboseli is also home to the other members of the Big Five. The park's ecosystem is primarily savannah and acacia woodland, fed by underground water from Mount Kilimanjaro's melting snow. A number of the larger herds of elephants in Amboseli have been studied by conservationists for years. When visiting on a Kenya safari adventure, you can connect with a local Maasai community to learn about their heritage and how they coexist with wildlife.

11. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park in Botswana is a vast and diverse park that is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. In addition to these impressive creatures, Chobe also boasts healthy populations of the other Big Five animals, making it a prime destination for a comprehensive safari experience. The park is home to an estimated 50,000 elephants and the Chobe River forms the park's northern boundary, providing a lifeline for its abundant wildlife throughout the year. For an incredible connection to the wilderness on your Chobe Tour, you can take a water safari on the Chobe River, observing the animals and landscape from the water, as well as enjoying spectacular sunsets.

12. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional Big Five safari experience. This vast, remote park is known for its diverse landscapes, from rolling savannas to rugged mountains. Ruaha National park is also celebrated for its thriving populations of lions, leopards, elephants, and more. 

Ruaha is a great choice if you are seeking a more off-the-beaten-path safari adventure. Home to 10% of the world's lion population, and containing a unique transition zone where northern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap, you can join fly-camping expeditions, sleep under the stars in remote areas, and embrace the park’s authentic wilderness experiences.

Big 5 vs. the Big 7

While the Big Five are undoubtedly the most iconic and sought-after animals in Africa, there is another group of animals that have captured the imagination of safari-goers: the Big Seven. The Big Seven includes the Big Five, as well as the African wild dog and the cheetah. These two additional animals are equally impressive and elusive. Spotting them on a safari can be an equally thrilling experience.

See the Big 5 on Your Safari Adventure

Whether you choose to seek out the Big Five or the Big Seven, a safari in Africa is a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the raw power and beauty of nature. From the vast, open plains of the Serengeti to the lush, watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta, there are countless destinations across the continent that you can add to your safari wishlist. Speak to your travel specialist or connect with Born Free Safaris to start planning your Big Five experience.