Where to Go on a Big 5 Safari

Africa’s legendary Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) were once the most sought-after animals by game hunters. Today, they’re the pinnacle of a safari experience, the prize being the chance to watch them roam freely in their natural habitat. While sightings are never guaranteed, a Mahlatini safari pairs you with expert guides and trackers who know the land intimately, maximising your chances of seeing every member of the Big 5, and understanding their behaviour as you do.

Here’s where to go for the best chance of a Big 5 safari, and what to expect in each destination.

Botswana

Begin your safari in Botswana by unplugging at a mobile camp in the Chobe National Park. Chobe is famed for the largest concentration of elephants in Southern Africa, making for great land based game viewing far from the crowds. Also enjoy sundowner cruises on the Chobe River spotting animals along the banks. Later, embark on a luxurious fly-in safari into the Okavango Delta where seasonal floodplains attract predators and plains game. Embark on privately guided 4x4 game drives, enjoy boat safaris, and relax on a mokoro (dug-out canoe) safari through the iconic Delta.

Big 5 Sighting Likelihood:

• Elephant: Chobe is renowned for them.
• Lion: Strong populations, especially in the Delta.
• Leopard: Excellent sightings in Moremi and Khwai.
• Buffalo: Large herds move through seasonally.
• Rhino: Mostly seen in protected areas like Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

South Africa

Indulge in fine wines and cuisine, elegant lodgings and some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer. Stay at the exclusive Ellerman House, admire its fine art collection and sip sundowners overlooking Bantry Bay. Continue to the Winelands in search of the finest Pinotage, enveloped in the opulence of La Residence in the Franschhoek Valley. End your journey in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve at Singita Boulders Lodge, set on the banks of the Sand River and famed for its big cat sightings. A true beacon of splendour and exclusivity, coupled with some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa, this is a truly first class itinerary.

Big 5 Sighting Likelihood:

• Lion: Consistent sightings year-round.
• Leopard: Sabi Sand is one of the best places in the world for leopards.
• Elephant: Regular sightings across the Greater Kruger region.
• Buffalo: Large breeding herds are common.
• Rhino: Both black and white rhino are found here.

Tanzania

For an amazing luxury family safari, visit Tanzania's rightly famous Northern parks. Begin in Tarangire for an exclusive wilderness experience before making your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to explore the famous crater highlands region. Venture on to the Serengeti to witness thousands of wildebeest fill the plains in the Great Migration. Round off your luxury safari on the white sands of tropical Zanzibar Island. Picture hopping between parks in a light aircraft, exceptional accommodation in family rooms, and the benefits of a private safari guide.

Big 5 Sighting Likelihood:

• Lion: High density across Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
• Leopard: Often seen lounging in acacia trees.
• Elephant: Especially in Tarangire.
• Buffalo: Large herds in Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
• Rhino: Best chance inside Ngorongoro Crater.

Kenya

The ultimate 'Out of Africa' experience. Expect endless savannas teeming with game, snow-capped mountains and fascinating cultural experiences, all whilst staying in the Safari Collection's luxurious camps tucked away in exclusive areas. This journey provides the very best of the wildlife and scenery Kenya has to offer. Solio Lodge is the only guest accommodation on the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve. Solio Lodge is tucked in the valley between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains. The reserve is recognised as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in the country and you may see up to 40 rhinoceros at a time!

Big 5 Sighting Likelihood:

• Lion: The Maasai Mara is known as “Big Cat Country”.
• Leopard: Good sightings along the riverine areas.
• Elephant: Regularly seen in Amboseli and the Maasai Mara.
• Buffalo: Almost guaranteed across reserves.
• Rhino: Solio has one of the highest densities in Africa.

Start Planning Your Big 5 Safari

At Mahlatini, we go beyond simply planning a safari. We design big 5 safari holidays that are deeply personal. Our team has lived and traveled extensively across Africa, allowing us to recommend not just the right lodge but the right reserve and the right season for you. With our meticulous attention to detail and trusted partnerships on the ground, you can expect a luxury experience that feels seamless, safe and entirely your own.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the lodges and camps that elevate a Big 5 safari, explore our blog our favourite big 5 safari lodges and camps. It showcases some of Africa’s most exclusive properties, from private villas to world-renowned safari lodges.

When you’re ready to begin planning, contact us and we’ll tailor every detail to your requirements.