Big Five Safari Guide

The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — are the most sought-after animals on any African safari. Here’s where to find them.

Lion

Best locations: Maasai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), Ngorongoro Crater. Best time: Year-round. Easier to spot in dry season when grass is shorter.

Leopard

Best locations: Maasai Mara, South Luangwa (Zambia), Sabi Sands. Tips: Look in trees in the late afternoon. They often cache kills in branches.

Elephant

Best locations: Amboseli (Kenya), Chobe (Botswana), Tarangire (Tanzania). Note: Amboseli offers the best Kilimanjaro backdrop with elephants.

Rhino

Best locations: Ngorongoro Crater, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Note: Both black and white rhinos are critically endangered. Seeing one is very special.

Buffalo

Best locations: Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Kruger (South Africa). Note: Often seen in massive herds of thousands during the Migration.