Where to Spot the Big 5: The Best African Safari Destinations

An African safari has made its way onto pretty much every traveler's bucket list and most people dream about spitting the elusive 'Big 5.' This iconic group of animals consists of the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Although some think the term 'Big 5' refers to their size, it actually relates to how difficult these majestic creatures were to hunt in the past. The name has stuck, and these days, many thrill-seekers embark on safari in the hopes of seeing these animals in action. However, finding the Big 5 in a single safari trip is no easy feat, but there are a select few destinations where you've got a great shot of spotting them all. We've rounded up our top picks below for an unforgettable Big 5 adventure!

Some Important Points to Note

Before we dive into this list of Big 5 destinations, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Firstly, as with any expedition that involves wildlife spotting, there's no sure-fire way to guarantee you'll see all of them. As such, you'll need to be in the right place at the right time. Fortunately, with some careful planning, you can certainly increase your chances. For example, visiting during the cooler, drier months from June to October makes the animals easier to notice, and early morning or evening game drives allow you to see these creatures when they're most active. All that said, even if you do everything right, you'll still need some luck on your side!

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is among the best places on the African continent to see the Big 5. Located inside the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this crater is the world's largest intact caldera, and the area's geography makes it perfect for game viewing. There's quite a high density of wildlife here, as the landscape makes it difficult for animals to come and go easily. The Ngorongoro Crater actually has the world's highest concentration of lions, so you can expect to see quite a few of these fascinating cats here.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Perhaps the most famous safari destination of all, the Serengeti is legendary for its expansive, varied landscapes and Big 5 sightings. Although there are populations of each Big 5 species here, rhinos are notoriously tricky to spot. However, even if you don't find all these magical creatures, you'll have a chance to witness the fabled Great Migration. During this time, thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of greener pastures. It's a sight to behold, but seeing it can be as challenging as finding a rhino here!

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is north of the Serengeti, lying just over the Kenya-Tanzania border. These parks come together to make up the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, meaning that you'll find most of the same species here as you would in the Serengeti. While its southern neighbor is incredibly vast, the Masai Mara has a much higher concentration of animals. As a result, it's often easier to find the Big 5, though rhinos remain tough to track down.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Tucked away in the northeast corner of South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves on the planet. The park is home to sizable populations of all the Big 5 animals and close to 150 other mammals. Various sections of the park are best for sightings of specific animals. Because Kruger is so immense, you'll need to move around quite a bit to search for each of these creatures, but that's all part of the adventure!

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park in Botswana is a little more under the radar than some of the other destinations on this list, but that's all the more reason to visit. This park is especially revered for its elephant population, but its diverse landscapes, including the Okavango Delta, make it a suitable spot for all of the Big 5 members. Not far from Chobe is Moremi Game Reserve, which is also abundant in wildlife. Many Botswana-based safaris include visits to both areas, giving you more opportunities than most to witness these animals in their natural habitat.

Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

For a totally different safari experience free from crowds and loaded jeeps, head to the Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi. This East African nation is often overlooked by neighboring safari meccas like Tanzania and Zambia, but it's unlikely to remain hidden for long. Poaching was rife in the Majete Wildlife Reserve during the 1970s, but you'd never suspect it when you see how many awe-inspiring animals reside in the park today. In just a few decades, what was once an area in decline has been transformed into a wildlife mecca.

North Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Zambia has two extraordinary nature reserves lying side by side: the South and North Luangwa National Parks. Each park has a similar line-up of animals, but currently, rhinos can only be found in the North. The South is much more developed, so prepare for a more untamed safari experience if you head to the North. That said, visiting the South is just as worthwhile. Although you won't see rhinos here, you're quite likely to stumble upon the other four.

Etosha National Park and the Waterberg Plateau Park, Namibia

Namibia is steadily becoming a more popular tourist destination for its jaw-dropping landscapes, but it's also one of the top places to seek out the Big 5. Unfortunately, you can't find them all in one place, but most safaris will include both Etosha National Park and the Waterberg Plateau Park. Etosha has four out of the five, only missing the buffalo, which you'll have a decent shot of finding in the Waterberg Plateau Park nearby.

Experience an Animal-Spotting Adventure in These Otherworldly Safari Spots

For your best chance of seeing the distinguished Big 5, these are the spots that you need to add to your list. While there's no guarantee you'll catch a glimpse of them all, you're bound to encounter quite a few of them in any of these dreamy locations.