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Experience Africa’s iconic wildlife—the Big 5—with purpose, comfort, and adventure.
Few adventures compare to the thrill of a Big 5 Safari in Africa. But where are the best places to see the Big 5 in Africa? Let us take you on safari to the exclusive private game reserves of South Africa & Botswana, or the legendary plains of Tanzania's Serengeti & Kenya. Why not see them all if you can? Our Big 5 Safaris offers unmatched wildlife viewing.
The term “Big Five” was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Today, the phrase symbolizes the ultimate wildlife experience for safari-goers and conservationists alike.
Find Your Perfect Big 5 Safari Tour
Botswana Big 5 Safaris:
Tanzania Big 5 Safaris:
Kenya Big 5 Safaris:
South Africa Big 5 Safaris:
Need Help Planning Your Big 5 Safari?
Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo on a safari journey you’ll never forget.
Big 5 Safari Tips & Tricks
If you’re planning a trip, here are some expert tips to help you make your Big 5 safari unforgettable.
1️⃣ Africa Is BIG - Choose the Right Destination
How To Choose The Right Safari Destination – tips for selecting between Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and more
2️⃣ Pick the Best Time of Year
See our Beginner’s Guide on the Best Time of Year to Go on an African Safari—country-by-country breakdown for timing your trip best.
3️⃣ Go with an Experienced Guide
Discover the differences between private, small-group, luxury, walking, family, and photography safaris in African Safari Styles. You also have the choice to make your trip to Africa about more than just a safari, but a fully immersive experience that you'll remember forever.
4️⃣ Mix Game Drive Types
Our guide on safari length explains how varying your drive types -morning, evening, full-day enhances your chances of Big 5 sightings. Game drives in open 4x4s are the classic choice, covering wide terrain to spot the Big 5. Boat and cruise safaris offer a unique perspective, gliding past elephants and hippos—perfect in places like Chobe. For a raw, immersive feel, walking safaris put you on the ground with expert guides, while canoe trips explore wetlands teeming with birdlife. For something truly different, horseback safaris blend riding freedom with wildlife encounters.
5️⃣ Stay in the Right Area
Explore unique itineraries like the “Great Migration Safari” in Kenya—focuses on Big 5 hotspots, cultural immersion, and hot air balloon experiences. See Great Migration Safari. Or if you are looking for exclusivity, a way to avoid the crowds and properly immerse in nature is inside Botswana’s private reserves.
6️⃣ Be Patient & Flexible
Be prepared to get up early and go out late, wildlife are most active at dawn & dusk. Check out our post on What Are Africa’s BIG 5 Safari Animals?—it reminds wildlife and nature seekers that multi-day safaris are the best way to see all five.
7️⃣ Use Binoculars & Cameras Wisely
Spot the big 5 (leopards, rhinos, lions, buffalo and elephants) with binoculars. Capture moments with a good zoom lens & preserve moments without disturbing wildlife. Having at least a 10x optical zoom on your binoculars and 250mm (the bigger the better, 600mm is great!) on your camera is key to being able to see the wildlife in the way you'll want to when you're on safari. On a big 5 safari you will have some epic wildlife moments that are so close that you won't need anything to help you remember them later! No photo will ever replace the experience of being there in person.
Adventure Out Loud - Why Travel with Purpose?
Adventure Out Loud specialises in planning tailor-made African tours for people of all ages and abilities. We partner with lodges and communities that support conservation and empowerment donate 50% of our profits to education and conservation across Africa. Every trip you book helps fund vital projects across Africa while immersing you in genuine wildlife and African cultural experiences.
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