What are the Big Five?

The Big Five are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — an old hunting term now used for conservation-minded safaris and iconic wildlife viewing.

Where are the best places to see all five?

Private reserves that border Kruger such as Sabi Sand and Timbavati offer outstanding leopard and Big Five viewing. Phinda adds black rhino strength and sand forest specialists. In Kenya, Lewa is a leader for both rhino species. The Masai Mara and the Okavango deliver classic big cat and elephant action.

Are night drives and off-road viewing allowed?

Yes in many private reserves and conservancies with licensed guides. Sabi Sand and Timbavati allow off-road and night drives. In the Masai Mara system, night drives are not allowed in the National Reserve but are offered in private conservancies.

When is the best time of year?

Dry months typically offer concentrated wildlife at rivers and pans, while green months bring rich birding and dramatic skies. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day for sightings.

Is ethical rhino tracking possible?

Yes. Select reserves run conservation-led rhino experiences that fund protection and research and follow strict protocols. We only use vetted partners and tailor suitability to each guest.

Big Five Safaris

Male lion resting near safari vehicle on a guided Big Five game drive

From the wide plains of the Serengeti to South Africa’s private Phinda Reserve and Botswana’s Okavango Delta, NOMARA’s Big Five Safaris place you at the heart of Africa’s most iconic wildlife moments. Spot lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino in pristine settings where expert guiding and conservation shine.

Plan Your Journey

Endangered white rhino grazing at sunrise on a conservation, focused Big Five safari

Tracking Africa’s Icons

Morning light warms Phinda Mountain Lodge as rangers follow lion spoor across dew-drenched grasslands. By afternoon, elephants gather at Sandibe’s lush floodplains, while sundown reveals rhino silhouettes near Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Each day is an unfolding story, where the legendary five appear against backdrops as diverse as Okavango lagoons and crater walls.

QUICK FACTS
Legendary wildlife
Diverse landscapes
Specialist guides
Iconic sightings
Year-round safaris

Leopard perched on a termite mound near vehicle, classic Big Five photo moment

Cape buffalo herd watched on foot by professional guides, classic Big Five encounter

Two African elephants bonding, tusks and trunks intertwined, Big Five safari viewing

Experiences & Highlights

Big Five safaris focus on unhurried time in prime reserves with exceptional guiding and flexible days. In South Africa, Lion Sands River Lodge and Tengile River Lodge place you on river systems where elephants and buffalo drink and leopards hunt at dusk. Nearby, Kirkman’s Kamp covers classic Sabi Sand territory known for reliable big cats, while Phinda Vlei and Phinda Forest Lodge in KwaZulu Natal add black rhino tracking and a mix of open grassland and sand forest.

East Africa brings wide horizons too, with Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara delivering open plains for lion prides and seasonal rhino sightings. On Lewa Conservancy, Kifaru House and Lewa Safari Camp provide exceptional black and white rhino encounters that complete the five. Game drives pair with guided walks where permitted, night drives on private land, and unhurried time at productive waterholes. Throughout, your ranger and tracker tune each outing to light, wind and wildlife movements so you can focus on the moment.

CUSTOMISE YOUR JOURNEY.

Talk to us to customise your journey

Journey Inspiration.

Treetops to Craters - Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro

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Treetops to Craters - Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro

$950.00

*Indicative of per person sharing/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, and exclusive of seasonal flight transfers

This safari combines treehouse suites in the Mahogany Tree forests on the shores of Lake Manyara and all its beauty as well as unique dome design tented units in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you are surrounded by a number of craters to explore. Your first introduction to Maasai culture will fascinate you.

Highlights/Activities

Unique accommodation in special locations, tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park, game drives within the Ngorongoro crater and nature hikes in sister crater nearby, fascinating Maasai Cultural experiences.

Countries Covered: Tanzania

Kenya Legends of the Land: From Samburu to the Mara

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Kenya Legends of the Land: From Samburu to the Mara

$1,345.00

*Indicative of per person sharing/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, and exclusive of seasonal flight transfers

Embark on a journey through Kenya’s wild heart, from breakfast with giraffes in Nairobi to Samburu’s rugged landscapes and the iconic plains of the Masai Mara. This immersive safari blends luxury, culture, and conservation across private reserves and riverfront camps, offering rare wildlife encounters, authentic Samburu traditions, and front-row views of The Great Migration.

Highlights/Activities

Breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor, giraffe feeding and afternoon tea, game drives in Samburu and Westgate Conservancy, Samburu Special Five sightings, guided bush walks, community visits, camel safaris, optional fly camping, sundowners and stargazing, pool and spa time, game drives in the Maasai Mara, Big Five sightings, Great Migration viewing in season, sunrise hot air balloon, bush breakfasts and picnic lunches, family-friendly activities.

Countries Covered: Kenya

South Africa Family Discovery: From Cape Town’s Wonders to a Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari

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South Africa Family Discovery: From Cape Town’s Wonders to a Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari

$560.00

*Indicative of per person sharing as a family/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, inclusive of safari transfer flights, exclusive of CT to JHB flights

Embark on a seamless family adventure from vibrant Cape Town to an exclusive malaria-free Big 5 safari. Stay in luxury family suites at Cape Cadogan before heading to Marataba Safari Lodge for thrilling game drives, bush walks, and Mack & Madi kids adventures – creating lifelong memories in South Africa’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights/Activities

Cape Town city tours, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach penguins, Cape Cadogan Stable Suites family stay, Marataba Private Reserve, malaria-free Big 5 safari, family luxury tents, kids Mack & Madi activities, bush walks, sunrise and sunset game drives, stargazing, scenic sundowners, nature immersion, conservation-focused experiences.