- info@greenwaynaturetours.com
- +256 704 324 972/+256 703 740 870
Our Big 5 safari Africa provides an incredible opportunity to encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife – the Big 5 animals. Originally named in the 19th century by big game hunters due to the immense challenge of hunting them on foot, these animals – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard —are now a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. This naturally leads to the question: where are the best places to see the Big 5 in Africa? From the expansive plains of Tanzania to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, a Big 5 safari offers an adventure like no other. If you’re planning one, here are some helpful tips to make your trip as exciting and unforgettable as possible.
Scroll past the safari packages below to find out EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW about Big 5 safaris in Africa.
Today, the Big Five is mainly associated with the most popular animals that tourists like to spot and photograph during their safari in Africa. The animals that make up the Big 5 are the:
Spotting these animals can be challenging, as some are rare or hard to find. Buffaloes, lions, and elephants are more commonly seen, as buffaloes and elephants typically live in large herds, making them easier to spot. Lions also live in groups and can be found in many locations. But, seeing a leopard is more difficult, as it tends to be solitary and primarily hunts at twilight and night. During the day, leopards often hide in trees and bushes. Rhinos, being the most endangered of the Big 5 animals, are found in fewer areas. To see all five animals on a safari, one must visit places where they reside. Additionally, luck and a keen eye are essential for spotting them.
The term “Big Five” originated in the 19th and early 20th centuries during the peak of big game hunting in Africa.
Hunters used the phrase to refer to the five animals that were not necessarily the largest to hunt, but were considered the most dangerous and challenging to capture.
While hunting still occurs in Africa today, the term “Big 5” is most often used by tourists who go hunting with their cameras to capture the animals on film.
Buffaloes, rhinoceroses, and elephants are known to not run away quickly when injured or when people get too close. Instead, these animals tend to charge and pursue those who pose a threat. Leopards, on the other hand, are hard to spot in the thick bushes and trees where they prefer to hide. Along with lions, leopards are carnivores, making them dangerous predators for potential prey, including humans.
Because of hunting and the loss and reduction of habitats, many animal species face the threat of extinction. Currently, four of the Big Five animals are listed on the International Red List of Threatened Species. The buffalo is the only Big Five animal not endangered, as it is widespread and well-represented. Lions and leopards are considered vulnerable, with their populations declining rapidly, putting them at risk of becoming endangered.
The elephant is also highly vulnerable, though thanks to various conservation efforts, their numbers are gradually increasing. Unfortunately, elephants remain at risk due to poaching for ivory and the shrinking of their habitats. The rhino is in the worst shape and is therefore seriously endangered. Rhinos therefore have an extremely high chance of extinction.
Fortunately, the Big Five can still be found in several countries. Below is a brief overview of the countries and parks where you can see the Big Five. The destinations listed are all part of the Greenway Nature Tours program.
Lions are present in most of the Kenya’s national parks, with the most formidable and aggressive lions found in Tsavo. Interestingly, the male lions here do not have manes. The largest lions can be found in the Masai Mara. Elephants are widespread across Kenya, with the highest chances of spotting them in Amboseli National Park, where they are known for their unique reddish-brown color. Tsavo, Masai Mara, and Samburu also boast healthy elephant populations.
The Masai Mara is home to the largest buffalo herds. For white rhinos, Lake Nakuru is the place to visit, while the best chances of seeing black rhinos are in the Masai Mara. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is another great spot for rhino sightings. Lastly, leopards can be found in several parks, including Nakuru, and recently, a black leopard was spotted in Laikipia County for the first time in 100 years.
The abundance of wildlife in northern Tanzania is remarkable! The majority of animals can be found in the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
For lions, the Serengeti is the best destination, while Tarangire is ideal for spotting elephants. If you’re looking for rhinos, head to either the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.
Leopards and buffaloes are also present in these parks, with leopards being the hardest to spot, while buffaloes are plentiful.
Four of the Big Five animals can be found in Ruaha and Katavi, two pristine and untouched nature parks where you’ll have the wildlife almost to yourself.
The Selous Game Reserve is another less crowded park, offering a chance to see the Big Five, though spotting them requires some luck.
While a few rhinos live in Selous, they are rarely seen due to the dense vegetation they inhabit. These three parks offer an additional perk—there’s also a chance to encounter the rare wild dogs.
Although not part of the Big Five, these animals are highly sought after by safari enthusiasts eager to capture them on camera.
The Big Five can also be found in Uganda, spread across various national parks. Lions, leopards, and buffaloes are present in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo National Parks. Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Queen Elizabeth are the best places to see elephants.
The only location in Uganda where rhinos can currently be found is the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch near Murchison Falls National Park.
In fact, Uganda is home to the Big Six, which includes the gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and even the Big Seven, with the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park!
In Rwanda, all of the Big Five can be found in a single park—Akagera National Park. In 2017, ten black rhinos were reintroduced from South Africa after the species vanished from the park in 2007.
Similar to Uganda, Rwanda also boasts the Big Six, which includes the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, and the Big Seven, which adds the chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest.
Timing is crucial for getting the most out of your Big Five safari experience. The dry season, typically from May to October, is the optimal time for spotting the Big Five, as animals congregate around scarce water sources, making them easier to find.
On the other hand, the wet season, from November to April, brings fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Think about your priorities—whether it’s avoiding crowds or witnessing peak wildlife activity—and plan your trip accordingly.
Since 2016 our tour company offers 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
+256 703740870
+256 704 324 972
info@greenwaynaturetours.com
