Big Five Safaris
Experience the thrill of a Big Five safari in East Africa, where you can encounter iconic animals like lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes in their natural habitats.
What Are The Big Five?
Africa boasts an unparalleled wealth of wildlife, and few wildlife encounters can rival the pure excitement of being face-to-face with a member of Africa's Big 5. The Big 5—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—are historically the animals that posed the greatest danger to hunters. Today, they are still prevalent throughout East Africa, and encountering these magnificent creatures in a national park or game reserve adds a thrilling dimension to your safari adventure.
Our destinations for Big 5 safaris vary, and we recommend careful planning with our safari experts to meet your expectations. For those new to safaris, prime choices include Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, Uganda's Murchison Falls National Park, and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. These locations offer exceptional Big 5 safaris, where you're highly likely to encounter each of the Big 5 after a few game drives.
For a more rugged and remote experience, Akagera National Park in Rwanda not only offers awe-inspiring walking safaris but also intense encounters with significant game featuring a wealth of the Big 5. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers similar experiences: consistent lion sightings, sizable herds of elephants, leopards, hippos, and an impressive array of bird species, although rhinos are not present.
Understanding the significance of witnessing Africa's iconic animals, our recommended Big 5 tours and safaris provide excellent opportunities to see all of Africa's Big 5. We are well-versed in the ideal locations and timing: during the dry season, Queen Elizabeth National Park, for instance, showcases staggering concentrations of elephants and buffalo that defy belief. We can guide you to the top destinations for encountering rhinos and leopards or advise on the optimal time for a Serengeti safari to witness the immense wildebeest herds with fierce big cats in pursuit.
Big Five Safari Packages
Be inspired by a selection of Big Five safari packages, extending to primate trekking adventures and including family-friendly holidays – all completely flexible and arranged to your travel needs.
Uganda Big Five Safari Adventure
AvailableALL YEAR
Duration6 DAYS
From$1,673
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$915
Essentials Planning For Big Five Safaris
Ensure you're adequately prepared for encountering Africa's most formidable wildlife by reviewing our Big 5 safari travel guidance.
Malaria-Free Destinations with the Big 5
Although the Big 5 are often portrayed as Africa's most dangerous animals, the true health risk stems from the malarial Anopheles mosquito. Numerous classic Big 5 destinations are located within East Africa's malarial zone. Despite the risk often being minimal or seasonal, it's highly recommended to collaborate with your safari expert and consult a medical professional to assess the risk severity and determine appropriate preventive measures and medication to avoid contracting malaria.
Best time for a Big 5 Safari
Africa's seasonal changes significantly influence animal movement, behavior, and gatherings, including the Big 5. Knowing when and where to visit is crucial. The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the most reliable game sightings. During this time, the vegetation thins out, and many animals cluster around permanent water sources. Travel is comfortable with dry weather, cool nights, and warm days. However, this period also sees high visitor numbers and elevated prices. Off-season Big 5 safaris can be equally fulfilling in terms of sightings, accompanied by cost savings, and often less crowded.
Safety Measures during a Big 5 Safari
Traditionally seen as the most dangerous animals in Africa, the Big 5 pose minimal risk to visitors armed with cameras and securely seated in sturdy 4X4 vehicles accompanied by professional guides and trackers. Nonetheless, remember that lodges and camps in East Africa's national parks and game reserves are rarely fenced. It's not uncommon for animals like elephants to roam through lodge premises. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you'll receive a safety briefing and guidelines from your driver/guide during game drives. Additionally, consider using a lodge guard or your guide for safe escorting to and from your room or tent, particularly at night.
Walking Safaris in Big 5 Territory
While game drives in Big 5 territory are exhilarating, walking safaris in such locations take the experience to a whole new level. With the potential of encountering large and potentially hazardous animals at every turn, a Big 5 walking safari offers an incredibly thrilling adventure. Your safety is the top priority, ensured by a well-armed guide supported by rangers and trackers. The selected Big 5 walking safaris in Murchison Falls National Park, Akagera National Park, Serengeti, and Masai Mara guarantee high standards of accommodation, food, and comfort.
