TOP DESTINATIONS

  • Kruger Park
  • Okavango Delta
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Victoria Falls

TOP COUNTRIES

South Africa

TRAVEL DEALS

View All Travel Deals

SOUTHERN AFRICA

East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

  • Beach Holidays
  • Family Safaris
  • Honeymoon Safaris
  • Desert Safaris
  • Luxury Rail Safaris
  • Multi-Generational Safaris
  • Positive Impact Safaris
  • Photographic Safaris
  • Walking Safaris

WILDLIFE SAFARI

Big five safaris.

  • Birding Safaris
  • Gorilla Trekking Safaris
  • Migration Safaris
  • Mobile Camping Safaris
  • Horseback Safaris

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Comfort levels, property types.

  • Tented Camps
  • Boutique Hotels

Featured Safari Collections

  • Newmark Hotels
  • Great Plains
  • African Bush Camps
  • Extraordinary

GET TO KNOW US

  • Meet The Team
  • Pricing Explained
  • Traveller Reviews
  • Traveller Stories
  • Why Book With Us?
  • HerdTracker
  • Safari Cost Calculator
  • South Africa In 360
  • Trusted Safari Partners

What are you looking for?

  • Safaris & Tours
  • Destinations
  • Experiences
  • Accommodations
  • Why book with us?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.

Alternatively, we recommend...

Schedule a phone or Zoom call with one of our safari planners

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

big 5 afrika tours

Big Five Safaris in Africa

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris.

Team Member Headshot

By Devryn Panaino

Safari Travel Planner

For safari-goers, nothing beats seeing the Big Five: elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinoceros. A Big Five Safari is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some of Africa’s most famous animals and get close to some of the continent’s most vibrant ecosystems. Every safari option comes with an expert guide who knows the area and wildlife inside and out.

When you go on a safari tour , you’re also choosing to support the conservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitat. It’s a way to ensure that Africa’s wildlife continues to thrive, making your trip a part of something bigger.

Popular Big Five Safaris in Africa

Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests..

big 5 afrika tours

Best of South Africa and Botswana Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Cape Town Kruger National Park Johannesburg Botswana

From $ 7450 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

Governors Camp Collection Safari

East Africa Kenya Lake Naivasha Lake Nakuru National Park Laikipia, Lewa and Ol Pejeta Conservancy Maasai Mara

From $ 11800 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

Sabi Fly-in Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Sabi Sands

From $ 3540 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

Family Safari in Kenya

East Africa Kenya Laikipia, Lewa and Ol Pejeta Conservancy Maasai Mara

From $ 15300 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

Highlights of Kenya Luxury Fly-In Safari

East Africa Kenya Nairobi Chyulu Hills Maasai Mara

From $ 10068 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

Sabi Sands and Kruger Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Kruger National Park

From $ 2950 /USD

big 5 afrika tours

97 Big Five Safaris to choose from

Stay for 3 - 18 days

What Destinations have Big Five Safaris in Africa

big 5 afrika tours

A glimpse into Big Five Safaris in Africa

What you need to know about Big Five Safaris in Africa

big 5 afrika tours

UPDATED: New Flight Routes Improving Access to Top Destinations

big 5 afrika tours

  • Kruger’s New Gate to Grow Tourism + SA’s Top Parks to Visit in 2024

big 5 afrika tours

Federal Airlines to Connect Marakele and Madikwe Game Reserve

big 5 afrika tours

10 of the Best Places for Taking a Big Five Safari in Africa

big 5 afrika tours

Brave elephant mum breaks free of the vicious jaws of a crocodile

big 5 afrika tours

Expert Q&A: Africa’s best Big Five safari destinations

big 5 afrika tours

Five reasons why you should go to a elephant safari in Botswana

big 5 afrika tours

10 reasons why you should visit Tembe Elephant Park

big 5 afrika tours

Top Five Places to Spot Elephants in Southern Africa in 2024

big 5 afrika tours

Three of the best places to see elephants in Southern Africa

big 5 afrika tours

Where elephants came from

big 5 afrika tours

Nine Unforgettable camps to see the Big Five in Tanzania

Faqs about big five safaris in africa.

  • The term ‘Big Five’ refers to five of Africa’s greatest wild animals namely; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - Originally coined only by hunters. Hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt, the Big Five were the most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa to the degree of danger involved.

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, excellent service awesome safari experience with discover africa and susan swanepoel.

9 Day Panorama and Greater Kruger Safari Review

Stella, United States 28 Aug 2023

Susan read our minds and gave us the best trip.

8 Day Victoria Falls Holiday Review

Kelsey, United States 19 Jul 2023

Top notch service great responsiveness, flexibility and dedicated customer service.

9 Day Victoria Falls & South Africa Safari Review

Camilo Tafurth, Colombia 07 Jul 2023

Amazing service- catered to all my needs and very reliable.

4 Day Luxury Timbavati Safari Review

Colleen, United States 30 Nov 2022

Very nice etosha holiday, thanks to discover africa safaris.

Etosha National Park Safari Review

Wasén, Sweden 01 Dec 2017

Meticulous personalized tour arranged by megan.

Amazing South African Adventure Review

Margery, Andorra 16 Sep 2016

Travel with confidence, with over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect african safari for your adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, ready to plan your tailor-made safari.

big 5 afrika tours

Adelle Belle, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Registered Members of these Organizations

USEFUL LINKS

  • African Safaris
  • African Safari Tours
  • African Safari Lodges
  • Why Book with us?
  • Content Collaborations
  • Safari Cost Estimator Tool
  • Wildebeest Migration
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Terms of Use

POPULAR COUNTRIES

  • View All Countries
  • South Africa Safaris
  • Botswana Safaris
  • Kenya Safaris
  • Tanzania Safaris
  • Namibia Safaris
  • Rwanda Safaris
  • Uganda Safaris
  • Zambia Safaris
  • Zimbabwe Safaris

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

  • View All Destinations
  • Cape Town Holidays
  • Kruger Safaris
  • Victoria Falls Safaris
  • Masai Mara Safaris
  • Serengeti Safaris
  • Etosha Safaris
  • Chobe Safaris
  • Okavango Delta Safaris

TRAVEL BLOGS

  • Cape Agulhas Development Enhances Africa’s Southernmost Experience
  • Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways improve connectivity to Kenya
  • South Africa’s Mega Landscapes Plan: Conservation Boost or Nature Risk?
  • Rwanda vs Uganda: Which is Better for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?

DISCOVER AFRICA SAFARIS

  • 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530
  • Experiences

Big 5 Safari

The magic of the big 5 safari in africa.

Experience the thrill and majesty of Africa's wildlife with Rhino Africa's premier Big 5 safaris. The Big 5 include the elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and the rhino. They stand as a symbol of our rich fauna and seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for any wildlife enthusiast.

Choosing the Perfect Big 5 Safari Destination

Africa is home to numerous game reserves and national parks that offer exceptional Big 5 sightings. Some of the best Big 5 safari destinations include South Africa's Kruger National Park , Tanzania's Serengeti National Park , Botswana's Chobe National Park , and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve .

Each destination offers a unique safari experience and houses a diverse range of ecosystems as well as wildlife beyond the Big 5.

Experiencing the Big 5 with Rhino Africa

At Rhino Africa, our Big 5 safaris are about more than just ticking all five animals off your wildlife checklist. We aim to provide an immersive and educational wildlife experience , where you not only see these iconic creatures but also understand their behaviour, habitat, and conservation challenges.

Tailor-Made Itineraries for Your Big 5 Safari

Just like every traveller is unique, so should their safari experience be. Our Travel Experts will help you curate a Big 5 safari itinerary that matches your preferences. 

Whether you're a photographer keen on capturing these magnificent creatures, a family on a vacation, or a couple on a romantic getaway, we've got you covered.

Luxury Accommodations: Perfect End to a Perfect Day

After a day filled with unforgettable wildlife sightings, retire to our carefully selected luxury lodges and camps .

Located in the heart of the wilderness, these accommodations offer top-notch facilities, exquisite cuisine, and spellbinding views of the African landscapes, adding an extra layer of luxury to your Big 5 safari.

Responsible Tourism: Safeguarding Africa's Treasures

As we delight in the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa's wildlife, it's crucial to remember our responsibility towards their conservation. 

Our Big 5 safaris follow the principles of responsible tourism, ensuring the welfare of the wildlife and contributing to local communities. And by travelling with Rhino Africa, you leave your lasting legacy in Africa by empowering us to continue making a difference ! 

Book Your Dream Big 5 Safari with Rhino Africa

To see Africa's Big 5 in real life is an experience that stays with you forever. So, what are you waiting for? Contact our Rhino Africa Travel Experts today to plan your best Big 5 safari in Africa. 

With our expert first-hand knowledge, personalised service, and passion for Africa, we'll ensure your safari is an unforgettable adventure. Let’s start planning !

How it works

  • 1 Describe your dream trip
  • 2 A Travel Expert will help curate your experience
  • 3 Confirm & start packing

Let's plan your trip

Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.

Ready to start your journey?

ZA Number: +27 21 469 2600

Why book with us.

Africa's Most Awarded Safari Company

SFA_Logo-07.png

SAFARIS FOR AFRICA

Need help? 

emma-head-shot-small.jpg

Our team are here ready to help you book your dream trip

BIG 5 SAFARIS AND TOURS

For those looking to embark on an African Safari you would have come across the term Big Five, which was originally the name given to the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. These animals are the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino, and although hunting is no longer the objective, the phrase stuck and is still used in tourism circles today. Those looking to go on safari prefer to visit Big Five Game Reserves because the thrill of stumbling upon a rhino and her calf in the wild, or catching sight of the elusive leopard dangling from a tree, is an experience second to none. Over the years we have sourced, piloted, and packaged some of our favourite Big Five safari experiences and have placed a handful over here for you to choose from. Our safaris will take you into wild places where animals roam free, and are inclusive of open vehicle game drives, lodge accommodation, meals, and on some occasions flights and transfers to make your holiday planning process an easier one. We are quite certain that your time with us will be memorable and will stretch your mind and heart beyond what you thought was possible; so, into the bush we go!

If you want to customise one of our packages, just ask us. We will tailor it to your needs.

RECOMMENDED BIG 5 TOURS

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sand Game Reserve

leopard-sleeping.jpg

Kruger National Park Fly-In Safari

huts-in-kruger-national-park.jpg

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

Leopard Mountain Safari_edited.jpg

BIG 5 SAFARIS & TOURS

Hamilton’s Tented Camp

Hamilton’s Tented Camp

2 Nights 3 Days

A bucket list safari experience in true ‘Out of Africa’ style.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

3 Nights 4 Days

A three-night stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Kruger National Park Fly-In Safari

Home to the Big Five, namely Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard, as well as plenty of other animal species, the Kruger is an animal lover’s dream and a worthy bucket-list item

Phinda Private Game Reserve Big Five Safari

Phinda Private Game Reserve Big Five Safari

Authentic African safari experience in one of the best game reserves in South Africa

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

A unique wildlife safari for nature enthusiasts in the arid region of the Little Karoo.

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

Experience the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve on this all-inclusive two-night stay

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

Award-winning safari lodge in KwaZulu-Natal

St Lucia World Heritage Site & Manyoni Private Game Reserve

St Lucia World Heritage Site & Manyoni Private Game Reserve

4 Nights 5 Days

St Lucia World Heritage Site and a safari in the magnificent Manyoni Private Game Reserve

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Amakhosi private game reserve is home to an award-winning lodge set on the banks of the Mkuze River in northern KwaZulu-Natal

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sand Game Reserve

5 Nights 6 Days

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands safari

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve & Kruger National Park

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve & Kruger National Park

A luxurious retreat into the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park for an unforgettable Big Five Safari

Wilderness Trail

Wilderness Trail

A walk on the wild side in a Big 5 game reserve

SafariBookings

  • You are here:

Best Places To See the Big 5 on Safari in Africa

Best Places To See the Big 5 on Safari in Africa

Ariadne is an Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author many guidebooks to African countries.

Going on safari in Africa has become closely associated with seeing the Big Five. Have you ever wondered what that is all about and where you should go? The term ‘Big Five’ originated in the early days of game hunting. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino were the most dangerous animals to hunt and were therefore considered the most valuable trophies. Today, with most visitors armed with cameras, the Big Five are still perhaps the most exciting encounter on a safari. Below are some of the best places to see the Big Five in Africa.

10,938 African Safaris

1. Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

Elephant together with a buffalo at Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater offers incredible wildlife viewing. Although animals can move in and out of the crater, climbing the steep caldera walls requires some effort, so much of the wildlife is resident inside. This includes a healthy population of black rhino. These shy creatures are rarely seen in East Africa, but the crater is one of the few places where they are easy to find. The other four members of the Big Five are prolific as well, although leopard sightings are hit-and-miss, and less likely inside the crater than on the forested rim. The good news is that these elusive cats are quite common in the Seronera area of Serengeti National Park, the next stop after Ngorongoro on most northern Tanzanian safari itineraries.

  • When to visit Ngorongoro Crater : Wildlife viewing is always good in the crater, but marginally better in the Dry season when the grass is short and animals are easier to spot. The calving season of the wildebeest is from January to February and the best time to avoid the crowds is in the low season months, April and May.
  • Where to stay: Several upmarket lodges are perched on the crater rim offering great views over the crater floor. There is a campsite on the rim as well, but be warned, it gets very cold here at night. Several lodges and hotels in the gateway town of Karatu are also used for visits to the crater. There are no accommodations within the crater, itself.

3,358 Ngorongoro Safaris

2. Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Lion pride with cubs resting at Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five but is most famous for big cats. You’ll be tripping over lions and cheetahs as they are remarkably common, and leopards are regularly seen too. Black rhinos are also present, but unless you’re fortunate enough to stay in the remote Mara Triangle in the far west, your chances of seeing one are slim. However, Lake Nakuru National Park, a popular stop-over en route to the Masai Mara, is home to both black and white rhino (but no elephants). White rhinos are commonly seen in small family groups grazing around the lake, especially from mid-morning and in the late afternoon.

  • When to visit Masai Mara : Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. To catch the wildebeest migration, you should aim to be here between late August and early October.
  • Where to stay: There is no shortage of accommodations inside and just outside the reserve. All budgets and styles are catered for. There are several campsites as well.

1,854 Masai Mara Safaris

3. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

Hippos in the Victoria Nile below Murchison Falls, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park is as much worth visiting for its spectacular scenery as for its wildlife. It is bisected by the Victoria Nile River. A boat trip to the base of the waterfall for which the park is named is not to be missed. The river is home to hundreds of hippos and crocodiles and, in the afternoon, you’re likely to see buffalo and elephants on the shore. Murchison Falls is not a complete Big Five destination as there are no rhinos, but many visitors stop in at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route for an exciting rhino tracking experience.

  • When to visit Murchison Falls : December to February is best for general wildlife viewing but be prepared for hot weather at that time.
  • Where to stay: There is a good choice of upmarket and mid-range lodges inside the park and budget accommodations are available just outside. There are several campsites too.

543 Murchison Falls Safaris

4. Kruger National Park – South Africa

White Rhinos drinking at Kruger National Park, South Africa

Whether you’re on a guided tour or self-driving, Kruger National Park is a great choice for a Big Five safari. The park is the size of a small country, and the wide variety of habitats it protects is reflected by the varied wildlife. Identifying all the different antelope species in Kruger can be an enjoyable challenge. In terms of the Big Five, lion, buffalo and elephant are easily found in southern Kruger, which is also one of the best places to see white rhino. With time on your hands and a bit of luck, you might spot a leopard too. Make sure to be out and about at dawn and dusk to increase your chances of seeing this shy cat which is active at night.

  • When to visit Kruger : Wildlife viewing in Kruger is best from May to September. These are the dry winter months when animals don’t stray far from waterholes and rivers. During the wet summer months, the bush gets very thick and animals are more difficult to spot.
  • Where to stay: Well-equipped, basic rest camps offering campsites and huts can be found throughout Kruger. Several private concessions within the park offer a luxurious and more exclusive alternative.

365 Kruger Safaris

5. Okavango Delta – Botswana

Mokoro trip over the Okavango delta, Botswana

The Okavango is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The Delta is home to all of the Big Five, although rhino (both black and white) can be hard to find; Moremi Game Reserve offers the best chance, or visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a half-day’s drive away as an add-on. Buffalo and elephant thrive in the wetlands, and you should see some big cats as well. The most productive activity for spotting typical safari animals, including the Big Five, is a game drive. But you should put aside time to do a guided walk and for exploring the Delta’s channels by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe). Gliding silently through waterlilies, dodging the odd hippo and scanning the shore for animals coming to drink, is an experience that will stay with you long after your trip.

  • When to visit Okavango : The best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October.
  • Where to stay: There are dozens of luxury lodges in the Okavango. Camping is popular too.

207 Okavango Delta Tours

6. Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Kenya

Lion cubs in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

High on the Laikipia Plateau, just north of Kenya’s Central Highlands, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a fine place to see the Big Five just a few hours north of Nairobi. Seeing lions on a guided game drive is always possible, but the conservancy also offers a fine lion-tracking excursion, which really increases your chances. Rhinos are also commonly seen, both roaming free out on the grasslands, and in the enclosures for the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. Leopards inhabit the dense thickets and riverine woodlands, while elephants and buffalo are also common. Some of the nearby private and community conservancies, including Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, are more exclusive, but are also known for their Big Five possibilities.

  • When to visit Ol Pejeta : The June to September Dry season promises the best weather for visiting Ol Pejeta with clear skies and mild temperatures the norm. It’s usually dry from December to February, but hotter and more humid. The best birding is from November to April, when migratory species are present.
  • Where to stay: Ol Pejeta Conservancy has a good range of lodges and tented camps, as well as a campsite for budget travelers. Unlike most other Laikipia conservancies, you don’t need to be staying overnight to visit Ol Pejeta.

107 Ol Pejeta Safaris

7. Akagera National Park – Rwanda

Buffalo at Akagera National Park, Rwanda

While Rwanda is well known for its mountain gorillas, it is also home to the Big Five and many other savannah-dwelling animals. The place to go on a classic safari in Rwanda is Akagera National Park . Wildlife here was heavily depleted by warfare and poaching, but since 2010 it has made an impressive comeback. The reintroduction of black rhinos and lions in 2017, followed by white rhinos in 2021, means that Akagera offers a truly off-the-beaten-track opportunity to see the Big Five in Africa.

  • When to visit Akagera : The Dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit.
  • Where to stay: There is a luxury tented camp, a seasonal bush camp and a mid-range lodge inside the park. There are also several campsites without facilities available to self-sufficient travelers.

106 Akagera Safaris

8. Sabi Sand Game Reserve – South Africa

Leopard portrait at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Spotting the Big Five doesn’t get easier than in Sabi Sand Game Reserve . This cluster of jointly managed private reserves has open borders with Kruger and forms part of the same ecosystem, but animals tend to be more relaxed. Furthermore, unlike in Kruger, guided drives in open vehicles are permitted to head off-road, which makes for fantastic close-up viewing. The real star of Sabi Sands is the leopard. Nowhere else is this usually shy creature so habituated. Most guests are treated to sightings of leopards as they go about their daily routine: a male patrolling or hunting, a female nursing cubs, possibly even a mating pair in action.

  • When to visit Sabi Sands : There is no bad time to visit Sabi Sands, but wildlife viewing is best in the dry winter months from May to September.
  • Where to stay: There are many lodges spread over the different reserves of Sabi Sand. All offer a similar experience inclusive of meals and activities. The standard of decor, service and guiding is superb. There are no camping or budget accommodations in Sabi Sands.

85 Sabi Sands Safaris

9. Madikwe Game Reserve – South Africa

White rhinoceros in Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is arguably the top African safari pick for those who want a good chance of spotting most of the Big Five in a malaria-free destination. Forged from formerly unproductive ranchland in 1991, this exceptional park protects a 750km² /290mi² tract of semi-arid savannah in North West province, some four to five hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Shortly after being created, it was stocked with 8,000 individual animals comprising 28 species, including all the Big Five. Today, you’re very likely to see lion, elephant and white rhino over the course of a few days in Madikwe, and there’s a fair chance of buffalo and leopard. Madikwe is also known as one of the best places to look for the endangered African wild dog, while other wildlife includes cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a wide variety of antelope. An unusual feature of Madikwe is that it is a state-owned property that functions more like a private reserve insofar as it is closed to self-drive safaris and day visits. 

  • When to visit Madikwe : There is no bad time to visit Madikwe, as the expert guides are good at finding animals at any time of year. However, optimum wildlife viewing is over the dry winter months of May to September, when animals stick close to perennial water sources. 
  • Where to stay: Madikwe is serviced by several small upmarket lodges that specialize in all-inclusive packages with guided game drives taking place in open 4x4s. There are no budget accommodations or camping facilities.

20 Madikwe Safaris

10. Majete Wildlife Reserve – Malawi

Elephant herd at Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of Africa’s modern environmental success stories. Prior to 2003, the park was almost completely hunted out. Since then, under the management of African Parks, nearly 5,000 individual animals, including all of the Big Five, have been reintroduced. Elephants have bred so successfully that a surplus of 200 individuals were relocated to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Although sightings require a bit of patience, Majete offers a totally unspoiled experience, far away from the crowds. A ‘behind the scenes’ tour, offering insight into what it takes to run a Big Five reserve, is recommended.

  • When to visit Majete : You can visit anytime, but July to October is best for wildlife viewing.
  • Where to stay: There are two mid-range lodges to choose from (one inside and one just outside the game reserve). Top of the range is an exclusive luxury lodge that operates in its own private concession. Campers are taken care of in a well-equipped community campsite.

Majete Safaris

11. Phinda Game Reserve – South Africa

Cheetah with cubs at Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa

Phinda is one of South Africa’s top private Big Five game reserves. You have a choice of four stunning accommodations spread out over the reserve’s different habitats: Rock, Mountain, Forest and Vlei (wetland) Lodge. The guiding is superb and you’ll easily see four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo and white rhino) as well as some Zululand specials, such as the graceful nyala and the shy red duiker. Although there are plenty of leopards around, you’d be lucky to see one. As compensation, Phinda’s flagship species is the cheetah and sightings of this graceful big cat tend to be incredible.

  • When to visit Phinda : Phinda’s wildlife viewing is always great but animals are slightly easier to find in the Dry season from May to September.
  • Where to stay: There are four luxury lodges in Phinda.

Phinda Safaris

Want To Go on an African Safari?

Click on the button below to compare African safaris offered by top-rated tour operators.

About SafariBookings

SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Easily compare offers from top-rated tour operators. Make decisions like a pro by using our 102,416 reviews and 223 destination guides. More About Us

Safaris by Type

  • Luxury Safaris
  • Budget Safaris
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Chimp Trekking
  • Family Safaris
  • Private Safaris
  • Group Safaris
  • Photo Safaris
  • Overland Tours
  • Camping Safaris
  • Fly-in Safaris
  • Walking Safaris
  • Birding Safaris
  • Self-drive Safaris
  • Canoe Safaris

Most Popular Blog Posts

  • Best Time for African Safari
  • Best Safari in South Africa
  • Family Safari in South Africa
  • African Safari Tips
  • Game Reserves Near Cape Town
  • What to Pack for a Safari
  • Best African Safari Parks
  • Top 5 Best African Honeymoon Safaris
  • Top 5 Best Tanzania Family Safaris
  • Best Places to See Cheetahs in Africa
  • How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
  • Best Places To Visit In Africa in 2024

Blog Categories

African safari tours.

big 5 afrika tours

9-Day Customized Uganda Holiday and Tour to See Gorillas

$3,061 pp (USD)

Uganda & Rwanda: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Kisoro (Town) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Kibale NP (Chimps) , Murchison Falls NP, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Entebbe (End)

Home To Africa Tours and Travel

4.9 /5  –  278 Reviews

big 5 afrika tours

8-Day Drive and Fly Back Safari Serengeti

$2,862 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)

Paradise & Wilderness

4.8 /5  –  124 Reviews

big 5 afrika tours

4-Day Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Adventure

$1,910 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Savannah Explorers

5.0 /5  –  484 Reviews

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Big Five Tours & Trips in South Africa

With its convenient location, Johannesburg is a brilliant base to embark on a Big Five safari at Kruger National Park . If you prefer to name stunning Cape Town as your base, then the abundance of elephants resting under the acacia trees at Addo National Park is an unmissable sight in South Africa.

103 Big Five tour packages in South Africa with 334 reviews

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Amazing trip, fantastic guides, and no hidden costs! Will definitely do G adventures again

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Tour

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger

Gareth is a very knowledgable person. For the Kruger trip I recommend to use a flight rather the 6hrs van trip from Joburg. It s very exhausting and a long dtive

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days) Tour

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

The lodge(Bundox) was fantastic! Great staff, nice glamping type accomadations(plus an amazing partly outdoor shower), bug spray in all rooms, and delicious food when eating at the restaurant. The pre-packed meals for the safari day were okay.... After waking up at 5am, they did not serve us breakfast until 10am, and by then I was starvvving! I also take medicine in the morning so an earlier breakfast would have been appreciated. Luckily I packed snack but not everyone did. We waited about an hour before actually getting into Kruger Park and I would suggest to Intrepid to serve breakfast(even if it meant eating in the vehicle) during that waiting period. The guides were great though and a nice variety of tours were included. The reason I did not give this tour a higher rating is the communication prior to departure was poor. We had no idea where we were staying and many things listed under items to pack(Things like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bug spray, lotion, etc were all provided. I also would have appreciated being given the adaptor types as I had to pack four just in case) were not needed because of this. Apparently they recently changed to a different lodge but I would still like to be given an idea of where I am staying. Also, no communicatiom before being picked up at the hotel so you wait and hope you will be picked up. Otherwise, great tour! Perfect amount of time as well.

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour Tour

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

Der Krueger Nationalpark und die Guides waren sehr gut. Leider war die Unterkunft, in der wir untergebracht waren sehr schmutzig feucht und schmuddelig . Es hat alles sehr gut geklappt von der Abholung bis zur Rückbringung zum Flughafen.
  • €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder

We had a wonderful trip, enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend it.

Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane Tour

Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane

We had an amazing holiday we were always picked up on time and the staff were always helpful. Met some lovely travellers. The accommodation in Capetown was dreadful even though staff lovely. Our hotel was changed from the one we booked for and our guides agreed the Hotel cape Milner was the best and as I booked a long time ago I don’t understand why we were moved. We were only offered a small room no balcony overlooking a building site we then had to pay ourselves to upgrade. This hotel is catered for business clients the restaurant looks onto shipping crates we also realised after 3 days that we were only booked in for 4 nights not 5 but we rang rep who sorted it out . Even thouythe staff helped us out it did spoil the Capetown visit .

The Big 5 in South Africa Tour

The Big 5 in South Africa

Super South Africa Tour

Super South Africa

Just came back from Dubai & South Africa tour with Indus Travels. Excellent safari guides and drivers. Most hotels were good. Some of the tours should have been longer. Some of the optional tours were not worth the money spent. Overall a great experience. Will use Indus again for sure!

Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys Tour

  • Overland Truck

Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Very well organised tour.

3 Day Big 5 & Bungy Safari Tour (Return) Tour

3 Day Big 5 & Bungy Safari Tour (Return)

This was a great tour !! I loved every moment of it ! The highlight for me would have been the bungy jumping which was just insane ! The views driving around were amazing ! I definitely recommend this tour

Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route

I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip. Our tour guide was amazing and so insightful about daily life in South Africa.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sun City and Cape Town Tour

Sun City and Cape Town

I had a wonderful experience in south Africa and Dubai

Best of Kruger National Park Tour

Best of Kruger National Park

Es hat organisatorisch alles geklappt. Alle Mitarbeiter von Kurt Safari haben sich große Mühe gegeben. Unterkunft und Verpflegung alles sehr ausreichend. Hatte erwartet, mehr Tiere zu sehen. Das Gras war aber auch ziemlich und es gibt ausreichend viel wasser im Park. Bei eigener Safari vor langer Zeit in der Etoscha pfanne habe ich etwa 100 mal so viele Tiere gesehen. Trotzdem war es ganz gut. Sehr gut leider nicht.

5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari Tour

5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

Het was voor ons de eerste ervaring met Tour Radar , het mooie was dat alles klopte , het contact , antwoord op vragen , informatie aanbod , vervoer met de shuttle bus was goed , doordat alles goed georganiseerd was , hadden we een geslaagde vakantie .

South Africa Highlights (Hermanus Itinerary) Tour

South Africa Highlights (Hermanus Itinerary)

What people love about big five tours in south africa.

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.
We cannot express our gratitude enough to this company for an amazing trip. I travelled with my grown up daughter and although am fit was a little nervous as did not want to be on a party trip. The communication with Eunice was excellent and she organised us our own twin room and bathroom. Our Capetown leg was amazing with Tariq our guide who was professional, informative, lots of fun and looked after us so well. Our backpackers were basic but clean and the trip from start to finish was so well organised. Our Jhb Kruger part of the trip was also amazing. We saw so many animals and our guides were informative and our accomodation was great. The best was staying in Marc’s treehouses where you will see the best of nature. If you are laid back, easy going and enjoy young people from different cultures and great experiences this trip is for you. Thank you to all the amazing staff for your exceptional service and helping us create lifelong memories,
Really great tour, I chose a good time of the year(june) and so it felt like I had the place to myself. The kruger and surrounding game parks were all magic and the bundle lodge where I stayed was just an absolute pleasure. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, it felt like a home away from home. And the food was better than most restaurants I have been to. Highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it.

Regions in South Africa

  • Kruger National Park (59)
  • Limpopo (23)
  • Garden Route (12)
  • Western Cape (11)

Travel Styles

  • 10 Best Big Five Safaris in Africa 2024/2025 - Best Deals
  • South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • Best Time to Visit South Africa 2024/2025
  • 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
  • Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Südafrika Big Five Safari
  • Français: Afrique du Sud : Circuits big five 2024/2025
  • Español: Big Five Circuitos en Sudáfrica
  • Nederlands: Grote vijf Rondreizen in Zuid-Afrika

Alexander Roberts

800-221-2216

Gorillas + the big five.

Overall Rating based on 4 Reviews

Our Distinctive A+R Style

  • Observe. Encounter... Engage! Our unique safari itinerary reveals the Big Game of the plains and the endangered Mountain Gorilla.
  • Get closer to the Big Five with our expert safari guides in special 6-passenger open-top jeeps – it’s a front-row seat for every thrilling encounter!
  • Take to the skies over the Serengeti on a Hot Air Balloon Safari… And touch down to find a Champagne breakfast waiting!
  • Silent observation and engagement with a Gorilla family in their natural jungle habitat will be one of the most poignant and life-changing animal encounters you will ever have.
  • Our unique approach allows you to personalize your safari: Add a 2nd Gorilla Trek or unwind on the beaches of Zanzibar – or do both!
  • With 9 nights luxury safari lodgings; morning + afternoon game drives; Guided Gorilla Trek with Permit; 23 meals; house wines + spirits at our safari lodges; all transfers; 3 internal flights; and all gratuities except for your safari guides.

Show all itinerary details

Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha Coffee Lodge - Arusha, Tanzania

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transfered to the Arusha Coffee Lodge ; set on one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, you’ll find spacious guestrooms with beamed ceilings, wide-plank floors and canopied 4-poster beds that evoke the heritage of this delightful property. This evening is yours to dine and relax as you wish.

Onward to Ngorongoro

Neptune Luxury Lodge - Ngorongoro, Tanzania

After breakfast, a scenic overland journey takes you westward into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge . Set on 50 pristine acres of landscaped grounds and wild Tanzanian bush, you’ll find just 20 private cottages, all with open fireplaces in the bedroom and living room, spacious baths, and expansive terraces overlooking the Ngorongoro landscape.   After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the breathtaking wilderness setting of our luxury lodge. This evening’s dinner features fine Mediterranean-inspired cuisine prepared with farm-fresh produce from our Lodge’s own garden – and accompanied by complimentary house wines, cocktails and beverages.  Meals B+L+D

Down to the Crater Floor

There is no place anywhere on the planet that is quite like Ngorongoro Crater c , and it offers an absolutely unique environment for wildlife viewing. First, you will rarely see any giraffe or impala inside the crater; though they would love to graze the abundant vegetation, these delicate-legged animals find it nearly impossible to navigate their way down the steep cliffs. But because it is so enclosed and the crater floor is mainly open grassland, this conservation area is easy for game officials to patrol, and the result is a healthy population of endangered species including Black Rhino and Cheetah. Indeed, it’s like a giant fishbowl, and this morning’s game drive across the crater floor will be amazing! In addition to plenty of Big Game, Ngorongoro is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 500 species recorded in the Crater grasslands and highland forests.   Back at our luxury Lodge, you’ll enjoy lunch and a leisurely afternoon.  Meals B+L+D

Into the Serengeti

Lemala Kuria Hills - Serengeti, Tanzania

Lemala Nanyukie - Serengeti, Tanzania

Sanctuary Kichakani - Tanzania, Serengeti

This morning after breakfast, we’ll take you to the airstrip for an exciting safari transfer into the Serengeti c . Thrill to cinematic aerial views over the African landscapes and a chance to see vast herds roaming the plains below. After touching down at Serengeti National Park, you’ll be met and escorted to one of our luxury safari camps. With remote settings in the Southern, Central and Northern Serengeti, they’re handpicked to keep you closer to the wildlife – whenever you travel. You’ll arrive in time for lunch and your first afternoon game drive in the Serengeti! This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a congenial dinner accompanied by complimentary house wines, spirits, beer and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.  Meals B+L+D   We Adjust Our Itinerary Seasonally to keep you closer to the Great Migration - whenever you go:   From January through March , when the Great Migration reaches the remote southern Serengeti for the calving season, you’ll spend 3 nights at  Sanctuary Kichakani - perfectly situated here for the unfolding drama. With only 12 under-canvas suites, our luxury camp overlooks predator-populated plains so you’ll have front-row seats when the Wildebeest Migration passes through at full throttle.   From April through June and November to December , you’ll stay at Lemala Nanyukie where 15 luxury tents feature canvas walls, cathedral-like tented ceilings, sunken outdoor lounges and private plunge pools. This sector of the Central Serengeti is crossed by the vast herds of the Great Migration in their inexorable quest for water and food. And throughout the year, the sweeping grasslands are home to a large concentration of predator cats, promising thrilling wildlife spectacles.   From July through October , when the Great Migration moves into the Northern Serengeti to ford the Mara River, you’ll be close by at Lemala Kuria Hills . This luxury lodge features 15 glass-fronted suites with private plunge pools and sweeping views of the sloping grasslands, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses that distinguish this remote sector of the Northern Serengeti. Close to the Mara River within the main corridor of the annual Wildebeest Migration, it’s perfectly situated for unforgettable, uncrowded viewing of the Great Migration River crossings.

Morning + Afternoon Game Drives

The Maasai call it Siringitu - "the place where the land moves on forever." Indeed, these wide open expanses are awe-inspiring in their natural beauty. But the Serengeti is also renowned for its extraordinary concentration of plains game - including of course the Big Five - so today's safari drives are sure to be heart-pounding and inspiring. And in the company of our engaging, impassioned and knowledgeable safari guides, these activities will also deepen your understanding and appreciation for Africa's abundant natural wealth. Cap off your afternoon game drive with Sundowner cocktails surrounded by the wild beauty of the Serengeti, and then return to your luxury lodge for another congenial dinner. Meals B+L+D

Day 6 –Ballooning + Game Drives in the Serengeti

Animals, too, have their regular routines and this morning’s hot air balloon safari in the sharp clear light of dawn is an amazing time to gaze down as the wildlife of the Serengeti greets another day. Touch back down for a champagne breakfast and a morning game drive. Back at camp, you’ll have time to relax and to share your impressions of Africa with your fellow adventurers over lunch.   Featured in numerous nature documentaries, Serengeti National Park is certainly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. Established in 1952, the Park covers 5,700 square miles - larger than the state of Connecticut. Its ecosystem is one of the oldest on Earth. Indeed the essential features of climate, vegetation and wildlife that you see today have changed little over the past million years! Unequaled in its abundant natural beauty and high-density of wildlife, this afternoon’s safari drive promises more encounters with the wide variety of primates, birds, horned bovines, wild dogs, ungulates and big cats that roam the Serengeti.  Meals B+L+D

Fly to Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali Serena Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda

Embark on a final morning game drive and return to the Lodge for an early lunch. Then we’ll take you to the airstrip for another exciting safari transfer flight to Mwanza, situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. Your connecting international flight to Rwanda is also included. Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Kigali Serena Hotel where the evening is free to dine and relax as you wish.  Meals B+L

Discover Kigali + Travel to the Virunga Mountains

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

After breakfast, our guide will be waiting to introduce you to the capital city. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you’ll learn about the country’s turbulent history and the tragic events of 1994. Then experience firsthand the resilience of the Rwandan people as you explore the downtown district; Kigali was founded more than 100 years ago as a German settlement and is now known for its progressive entrepreneurs, vibrant arts scene, and great dining. After lunch on your own, you’ll depart Kigali and travel northwest through the beautiful terraced hills that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape. As we climb gradually toward the mighty Virunga Range, you’ll have breathtaking views of the volcano peaks rising high above the verdant countryside. Arriving in Ruhengeri, you’ll check in to the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge . Comprised of private cottages and suites, each with a fireplace and sheltered verandah, our luxury lodge enjoys a privileged location in the foothills of the Virungas close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. You’ll have time to refresh before dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy the ambience and setting of your lodge.  Meals B+D

Gorillas in the Wild

After an early breakfast, we’ll take you to National Park Headquarters where you’ll register for today’s Gorilla Trek. An informative briefing with Park staff follows, during which you’ll learn the important Dos and Don’ts while in the presence of the Gorillas. Today there are about 10 Gorilla families that are habituated to human contact, and their movements along the forested mountain slopes will determine the duration of your trek.   Setting out in a small group of no more than 8 visitors, you’ll trek with your guide to catch-up with your designated Gorilla family. A+R guests will also have the additional services of an attentive and experienced porter to carry their daypack and water bottle. After locating your assigned group, you’ll have one amazing hour to watch quietly as these magnificent primates go about their daily routine (Park regulations limit Gorilla / Human contact to 60 minutes each day). Then retracing your steps down the volcano, we’ll take you back to the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge . An informal Mountain Gorilla Talk with our guide will enrich your understanding and appreciation for these extraordinary primates.   Depending upon the duration of this morning’s Gorilla Trek, you might join a guided afternoon excursion to experience the traditions and daily life of Iby’Iwacu village. Or you could explore the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo - where the scenic forested shores provide prime habitat for a rich variety of birds.  Meals B+L+D

Back to Kigali

After breakfast, we’ll take you back to Kigali for your onward flight. Meals B   If you want to finish your adventures on the exotic Spice Isle of Zanzibar, we’ll include your morning flight to Zanzibar City via Dar es Salaam and 3 nights at your choice of luxury beachfront resort. You could also add a second fully-guided Gorilla Trek with all fees and Trekking Permit included.

Extend Your Trip

big 5 afrika tours

Continue to Zanzibar after your Safari

4-day Post Safari Extension from $1,299

With its idyllic beaches, this friendly island is the perfect place to unwind after your safari adventures. To make it easy, we include private fast track arrival transfers, 3 nights at your choice of luxury beachfront resort, and a privately guided tour.

On arrival in Stone Town, you’ll be warmly greeted, escorted through customer and chauffeured to your choice of beachfront resort: Choose the stylish Breezes Beach Club or delight in your own private villa at either the luxury Baraza Resort & Spa or The Residence , a lavish resort set amidst tropical gardens on a powder-soft white sand beach. The balance of this day is yours to relax and unwind as you wish.

Discover the Spice Island

After today, you’ll appreciate why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island! Your tour of Stone Town c reveals a unique blend of Sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts and harborfront warehouses that bear testament to the colorful history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Meals B+D

Delight in Zanzibar

This entire day is yours to do as you wish. You can unwind on the beach, take a dip the pool, or indulge in a spa treatment. Additional resort activities and guided tours are also available.  Meals B+D

Depart Zanzibar

We take you to the airport today to connect with your onward journey.  Meals B

Gorilla Trek in Tanzania

We adjust our itinerary seasonally...  

Family + friends.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

Accredited Business

big 5 afrika tours

T erms and conditions

Social Media

Secret Africa

When and Where to see the Big 5 in Africa

While Africa’s Big 5 is surely in need of no introduction, it makes sense for us to give credit where credit is due. There is no disputing that the famous Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant – are Africa’s most renowned and highly sought-after wildlife species.

The Big 5 are Africa’s undisputed super stars, its X-FACTOR, the reason why people come back time and time again – they just can’t get enough – and who are we to blame them?

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa

The mere possibility or slight opportunity of getting to witness these majestic animals in action, even for a brief moment, is one of the top reasons people travel to Africa and why avid wildlife enthusiasts and tourists set out so eagerly on dawn and dusk game-viewing excursions, safari drives, and wildlife expeditions – ITS ALL ABOUT AFRICA’S BIG 5!

While some may argue that giraffes and zebras are far prettier creatures than the mighty and rugged buffalo, or that cheetahs can be much easier to spot and find than the wildly elusive leopard, it simply doesn’t matter, because getting to see any of Africa’s Big 5 living wild and free in their natural habitats is, and FOREVER will be, one of the most unforgettable thrills at the top of every travelers’ safari tick list.

**Interesting fact: Did you know that the term ‘Big 5’ was originally coined in the 19th Century by big game hunters who listed African elephants, leopard, Cape buffalo, African lion, and rhinoceros as the five most dangerous creatures to hunt on foot in Africa?  Fortunately, every member of the Big 5 are now protected species in all National Parks and private game reserves across Africa. In addition, today’s tourists play a big part in contributing directly to the conservation of these magnificent animals across encroachments like poaching, wildlife trafficking, and habitat destruction.

Where Are the Best Places to See the Big 5 in Africa?

While the various members of the Big 5 are found in different concentrations across Africa, lucky for you, you can find these magnificent wildlife species in several countries across the continent. From Kenya and Tanzania to Botswana and South Africa, here’s a look at some of the best destinations and places to see the Big 5 in Africa.

South Africa

Long a stronghold of the Big 5, South Africa offers perhaps Africa’s most reliable Big 5 sightings.

The Kruger National Park

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Kruger National Park

Deemed one of the greatest National Parks in the world , the Kruger National Park is not only the second largest park in Africa, but South Africa’s flagship National Park. The pristine wilderness within the Kruger Park is spread across an impressive 2 million hectares of unspoiled African bushveld that stretches for 352 kilometres across the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the far north-eastern corner of South Africa. As the oldest, largest, and most established park, the Kruger National Park is home to the highest population density of Big 5 in South Africa. This undoubtedly makes it a staple on any safari-goer’s bucket-list, whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned traveller to Africa.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Kruger National Park

The Kruger Park is believed to support the world’s largest population of white rhino (one of the mighty members of the Big 5), roughly estimated at 8,000. In addition to the largest population of white rhino, the Kruger National Park is also home to the largest wild concentration of leopards than anywhere else in the world.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Boasting one of the richest game populations in the country, Sabi Sand Game Reserve is home to some of the most diverse and unique wildlife species in Africa. While Sabi Sands is most  famous for its spectacular leopard sightings , the most elusive member of the Big 5, it is also deemed one of the best, if not  THE  best, game reserves / places in the world to see the African Big 5 in action. In fact, it is not at all uncommon for travellers and tourists to the Sabi Sands to spot all of the members of the Big 5 in one day. This undoubtedly makes the Sabi Sand Game Reserve one of the best places to see the Big 5 in Africa.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Another major perk of visiting the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa is the fact that in addition to boasting 65,000 hectares of vast untamed wilderness, the notorious park shares a 50km/30mi unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, allowing animals to wander at will and roam freely between the reserves. This ensures an unforgettable and unmatched African safari and wildlife experience.

Madikwe Game Reserve

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Madikwe Game Reserve

From a low-yield cattle farm to a flourishing conservation area,  Madikwe Game Reserve is a land of wild unapologetic natural beauty, untamed African bushveld, vast grasslands, sloping mountains, and rocky outcrops.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Madikwe Game Reserve

Brushing against Botswana’s border and the tip of the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve boasts an extensive wildlife population with sensational sightings of the iconic African Big 5 being almost guaranteed on any visit to this premium reserve. In addition, the reserve not only provides a haven for all wildlife species, including the Big 5, but it has also been a fierce proponent of community upliftment initiatives.

Chobe National Park :

Chobe National Park boasts an impressive and exceptional  population of African elephants , which is said  to exceed 120,000  – Undoubtedly making it one of the top places, if not  THE  top place, on the planet to witness these remarkable gentle giants of the African bushveld in their natural environment.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Chobe National Park in Botswana

Savuti region of the Chobe National Park :

Famously coined Chobe National Park’s  ‘Predator City’,  the Savuti region of Chobe, set at the remote heart of the park, is deemed as one of the best places in Africa to witness the most dramatic predator action. The Savuti region of the Chobe National Park is also notorious for its brutal clashes between lions and hyenas – in fact the intense and extreme rivalry between the area’s lions and spotted hyenas have made Savuti one of Botswana’s and Chobe’s most famous wildlife and safari attractions.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Savuti Region of the Chobe National Park in Botswana

Okavango Delta

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Okavango Delta in Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve

big 5 afrika tours

Here is a quick guide for the best chance of spotting the Big Five in Botswana:

  • Chobe National Park for the highest concentration of elephants.
  • Savuti region for excellent lion sightings and encounters.
  • Northern Okavango to see the large Cape buffalo.
  • Moremi Game Reserve will offer excellent rhino sightings.
  • Mashatu Game Reserve plays host to the elusive leopard.

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa - Kenya

Amboseli National Park

Tsavo national parks..

  • Head for the private conservancies for exclusive Big 5 sightings, and if you time your visit to coincide with the August to November migration, your chances of seeing lions on the hunt are high.

The Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro crater, katavi national park, tarangire national park, hwange national park, mana pools national park, south luangwa national park, lower zambezi national park, etosha national park, other national parks, game reserves, wildlife parks & safari destinations to add to your big 5 african safari itinerary, here are a few more must-visit destinations to add to your big 5 safari:.

  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
  • The Nxai Pan National Park
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
  • Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve
  • Kwandwe Game Reserve
  • Balule Private Game Reserve
  • Nyanga National Park
  • South Gonarezhou National Park
  • Lake Kariba

Top destinations, National Parks & game reserves to spot the various members of Africa’s Big 5

#african elephants.

big 5 afrika tours

Where to see big herds of elephants in Africa :

  • Chobe National Park in Botswana
  • Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
  • Amboseli National Park in Kenya
  • Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
  • Etosha National Park in Namibia

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa

The African or Cape buffalo is a large, horned bovine found in South and East Africa. Both males and females have horns that form a continuous bone shield across the top of their skulls. Buffalo are very unpredictable and quite fearless. A herd of buffalo can easily intimidate a pride of lions and there is footage of a resolute buffalo putting its head down and simply ‘walking off’ attacking juvenile lions.

Where to see big herds of buffalo in Africa:

  • Addo in South Africa
  • Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

#African Lions

big 5 afrika tours

About 10 000 years ago, lions were among the most widespread large land mammals after humans. Today, they are a vulnerable species with most of the world’s wild lions living in sub-Saharan Africa. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats – a pride consists of related females, their cubs and a handful of adult males. Prides spend their days dozing in comfort and hunt in the dark hours between dusk and dawn. Females typically hunt together and are considered apex predators.

Best places to see lions in Africa:

  • Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa
  • Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
  • Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
  • The Masai Mara in Kenya
  • South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

When and where to see the Big 5 in Africa

Leopards are solitary creatures that make excellent use of camouflage and are strong enough to drag their prey up into trees, away from rival predators and scavengers. Leopards are one of the fastest big cats, able to reach speeds up to 58km / 36mi per hour. Leopards are masters of camouflage, naturally shy and nocturnal, which is why they are so hard to find and observe in the wild.

Best places to see leopards in Africa:

  • Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa
  • Moremi / Moremi Game Reserve min Botswana
  • South Luangwa Nation Park in Zambia

big 5 afrika tours

Rhinos range in colour from pale grey to medium brown – it’s not their colour but the shape of their upper lip that determines which sub-species is which. ‘Black’ rhinos have a hooked, pointed upper lip while ‘white’ rhinos have a broad, square upper lip. The species is classified as critically endangered.

Best places to see rhinos in Africa:

  • Moremi / Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve, Madikwe and Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya
  • Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania

When is the Best Time to See the Big 5 in Africa?

Peak safari season runs from about June to October across Africa. This coincides with the continent’s cool, dry winter season , making it the best time to see the Big 5 in Africa.

Here are some of the top reasons why Africa’s dry season is the best time for extraordinary game-viewing opportunities, magnificent Big 5 sightings and encounters, as well as several safari highlights (among other reasons):

  • Prime time for wildlife sightings as game viewing is at its peak (apart from Namibia which is great all year round).
  • Optimal visibility due to sparse vegetation. The lack of rain during the dry winter season means that most of the reserves and park’s vegetation dries up and thins out, making it far easier to spot any of Africa’s Big 5, along with a vast array of other wildlife species, compared to the long, dense grass and heavy foliage present during the summer months. This particularly applies to leopards, which spend much of their time in trees – as the trees will have fewer leaves and be far less dense during the dry winter season, it will undoubtedly make these sleek and elusive felines easier to spot.
  • The lack of rain during Africa’s dry winter season also means that ponds, streams, puddles, and smaller water sources dry up. This forces animals to congregate around the remaining large lakes and rivers – Resulting in the concentration of wildlife around water sources being at their highest during Africa’s dry season. As wildlife continue to gather around the park’s surrounding water sources, it offers visitors incredible and rewarding game viewing opportunities and sensational Big 5 sightings. Most animals must drink every day, which means that they don’t stray too far away from the remaining water sources. This is particularly true as it pertains to herds of elephants and buffalo, which often migrate to lile-giving rivers like the Chobe / Chobe National Park at the border of Namibia and Botswana.
  • Best time of the year for walking safaris; providing visitors with a unique perspective of the region’s wildlife and surrounding scenery.
  • Water levels reach its peak in the Okavango Delta, creating waterways and channels Botswana is famed for. This is the perfect time for traditional mokoro safaris, boating & canoe safaris
  • Peak migration period for animals to the Okavango Delta resulting in truly spectacular wildlife and Big 5 sightings and encounters.
  • Other benefits of visiting Africa during its dry winter season is that visitors can enjoy lovely and mild day-time temperatures as well as minimal rain. The risk of malaria is also at its lowest during Africa’s dry season.

Contact Secret Africa

+27 21 204 6073

Email: [email protected]

Address: Workshop17, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005

Important Pages

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Newsletter Sign Up

Chobe National Park in Botswana

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Webfonts.

Google Map Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Maps.

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds: Click to enable/disable video embeds.

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

big 5 afrika tours

See More Stories Like This

big 5 afrika tours

Wildlife Photography by Jay Parmar

Developed & Maintained by Jumaa Subira

  • Cast & crew

Back to Black

Marisa Abela in Back to Black (2024)

The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

  • Sam Taylor-Johnson
  • Matt Greenhalgh
  • Marisa Abela
  • Eddie Marsan
  • Jack O'Connell
  • 1 Critic review

Official Trailer

  • Amy Winehouse

Eddie Marsan

  • Mitch Winehouse

Jack O'Connell

  • Blake Fielder-Civil

Lesley Manville

  • Cynthia Winehouse

Juliet Cowan

  • Janis Winehouse

Bronson Webb

  • Raye Cosbert

Sam Buchanan

  • Nick Shymansky

Amrou Al-Kadhi

  • A & R Manager

Matilda Thorpe

  • Aunt Melody

Daniel Fearn

  • Perfume Paul

Tim Treloar

  • CID Officer

Michael S. Siegel

  • Uncle Harold

Colin Mace

  • Island Records Senior Executive

Christos Lawton

  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Fatal Addiction: Amy Winehouse

Technical specs

  • Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

Marisa Abela in Back to Black (2024)

  • See more gaps
  • Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Production art

Recently viewed

big 5 afrika tours

2024 Valero Texas Open best bets: PGA Tour odds, predictions, picks

Stephan Jaeger was able to outlast everyone at the Houston Open to help us claim our first big outright win (+5000) of the year. 

He didn’t exactly go out and win it, but he made very few mistakes and caught some breaks on the back nine. 

I thought he was toast once Scottie Scheffler hit it to five feet on the 18th hole, but the golfer’s cold putter finally worked in my favor for once. 

Betting outrights on golf requires a lot of patience.

We aren’t going to hit winners every week or even every month, but we only need to hit a few to make the entire year profitable. 

Let’s try to carry some of last week’s momentum into the Valero Texas Open, which kicks off Thursday in San Antonio. 

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) is a par-72 that measures 7,438 yards and features narrow fairways that are lined with trees and thick rough. 

While distance is a big advantage on the par-5s, the course is more about total driving than pure power.

If you stray too far offline, you can get into some real trouble (Kevin Na once made a score of 16 on a single hole at this event). 

We’ve seen several shorter hitters have success here over the years.

This doesn’t mean the bombers can’t play well this week, but they will need to hit it straight. 

The greens are average in size (6,400 square feet) and are tiered. Golfers will need to be dialed in with their irons in order to give themselves good birdie looks. 

The greens feature bermudagrass with poa trivialis overseed (the same type of grass we’ve seen the last few weeks on PGA Tour stops). 

In 2023, the field hit just 61 percent of greens in regulation, which is well below the Tour average. This places an emphasis on around-the-green play.

We’ve seen plenty of good scramblers (Jordan Spieth, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, etc.) play well at TPC San Antonio over the years. 

As is always the case in Texas, the wind will play a big factor this week. Light winds on Thursday are expected to turn to moderate by mid-morning Friday and stay throughout the weekend.

When it comes to the betting board this week, I’m looking for golfers who are very solid, tee to green and have a good track record in Texas. 

Let’s try to add to the bankroll before the Masters next week. 

Horschel is one of the streakiest golfers on the PGA Tour. His wins are usually telegraphed by solid incoming form. I’m hoping that’s the case again this week, as he’s finished T12 or better in three of his last four starts. 

After last week’s top-10 finish where he had the low round of the day on Easter Sunday, he mentioned something about the lie in his irons being off and that his swing feels a lot better now that it is fixed. 

The results certainly seem to back up what he said, as he’s coming off three of his best approach performances in the last 12 months. 

He’s one of the best in the field when it comes to hitting greens in regulation and he’s finished T11 or better in four of his last seven trips to TPC San Antonio. 

If I could only make one bet this week, it would be on An. 

He has quietly posted five top-eight finishes in his last 13 starts on the PGA Tour. During that stretch, he’s been in contention four times. 

I would argue he should have won earlier this year at the Sony Open, but he had some bad putting luck in a playoff against Grayson Murray. 

An is elite off the tee and around the greens. He can have spike weeks with his irons and with his putter, which gives him a ton of upside. 

He also seems to like TPC San Antonio, where he’s finished in the top 10 in two of his last three appearances at this event. 

  • Check out the best sports betting sites
  • Download the best sports betting app

Rai’s odds are too good to pass up this week. 

For whatever reason, he seems to love playing in Texas. He has an excellent track record at Memorial Park (T7 there last week) and he’s finished in the top 30 at this week’s event in both of his appearances. 

Perhaps he likes the Lone Star State because ball strikers tend to play well in the wind. He’s accurate off the tee, he’s an elite iron player and he’s underrated around the green. 

The putter is always a wild card for Rai, but I’m willing to give him a chance at +6600. 

Glover is another poor putter who has made my outright betting card for the week because he has long been known as one of the best ball strikers on the PGA Tour. 

Recently, he has gained strokes putting in six of his last seven starts. The putter can be awful at times, but he proved in the fall that he’s capable of gaining strokes on the greens, winning back-to-back events. 

He has a solid track record at TPC San Antonio and in Texas as a whole. My model has him as the best value on the betting board this week. 

Commercial Content. 21+. Action Network is the official betting partner of the New York Post, which edits this content.

2024 Valero Texas Open best bets: PGA Tour odds, predictions, picks

Read the Latest on Page Six

  • Sports Betting
  • Sports Entertainment

Recommended

Rory mcilroy doesn’t see pga tour-liv golf divide as sustainable: ‘need to be a correction’.

  • View Author Archive
  • Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Rory Mcllroy expressed concern for the health of the game of golf as the split between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continued. 

In an interview with Golf Week, Mcllroy viewed the situation as unsustainable and described things as not benefiting anyone while explaining how unfortunate it is that the best golfers play on separate tours for a good portion of the year. 

“There needs to be a correction. I think what’s happening is not sustainable right now, so something needs to happen to try to bring it all back together so we can all move forward so we don’t have this division that’s sort of ongoing,” McIlroy told the outlet, per Reuters . “They keep going down those different paths and I just don’t see how that benefits anyone in the long run. … I think [it’s] a shame for the overall game of golf.”

Rory Mcllroy doesn't think golf can keep going the way it is with the deep divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

Merger talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been ongoing, but there have been little in any substantive updates from either side regarding those plans. 

The PGA Tour did secure a $3 billion investment deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of U.S sports team owners, which includes Mets owner Steve Cohen, in January. 

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told reporters last month that the PGA Tour would be willing to move forward with just SSG if the LIV deal isn’t able to be figured out. 

And any hope of getting something secured between the two sides still seems far off to Mcllroy. 

​​”We’re probably still quite a long ways from it, but I would hope that in the future that we can get there, unify the game and get the best players back together again,” he said. 

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley didn’t sound too optimistic about a merger deal getting done quickly either, he said during an interview on RTE Radio 1. 

LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman

“Don’t hold your breath,” he said during the interview, according to The Daily Mirror . “I think both parties are still wide away from each other in terms of where the common ground is.”

Share this article:

big 5 afrika tours

Bearcat mascot posing with balloons at event

UC Blue Ash to host spring open house April 17

Tour the campus, preview programs and apply for free, event information.

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College will host a free open house for prospective students and their guests on Wednesday, April 17 from 5-7 p.m. in Muntz Hall on the UC Blue Ash campus.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to explore more than 50 academic programs, meet with faculty and take a guided tour of the park-like campus. Staff will also be available to answer questions about financial aid, grants and scholarships. The college’s $50 application fee will be waived for anyone who applies during the event.

Helene Harte, PhD, professor of education, left, meets with a prospective student and their guest at a recent open house.

Mollie Watson from Q102 radio will also be at the open house with music, games and prizes.

UC Blue Ash is located in the thriving suburb of Blue Ash, Ohio and has an enrollment of nearly 4,500 students. It combines the advantages of low tuition, small class sizes and a great location with the academic excellence and resources available through the University of Cincinnati.

Walk-ins are welcome, but anyone who plans to attend the open house at UC Blue Ash should  register in advance online . For questions or assistance with registration, contact the admissions office at 513-558-9998 or  [email protected] .

Featured photo at top of Bearcat mascot at UC Blue Ash College. Photo/University of Cincinnati.

About UC Blue Ash College

UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati. It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to a nationally recognized UC education in more than 50 degree and certificate programs, as well as tuition that is about half of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call 513-558-9495,  visit us online , like us on  Facebook  or follow us on  Twitter  and  Instagram .

Additional Contacts

Pete Gemmer

[email protected]

  • Blue Ash College
  • College bound

Related Stories

Uc blue ash to host two open houses in october.

September 16, 2021

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College will host two fall open house events in October that are free and open to prospective students and their guests.

UC Blue Ash students register early and win big

July 5, 2023

Joel Osbourne says he knew the odds of winning a scholarship through an early class registration drawing at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College were long, but he tried to stay optimistic. “It’s a lottery, so you don’t want to get your hopes up, but you still hope.”

Decision Day brings surprises and scholarships to future UC Blue Ash students

January 24, 2023

There were tears, laughter and a lot of smiles as two students received the news that they were admitted to UC Blue Ash College during the University of Cincinnati’s annual Decision Day.

Moscow Bike TOur

  • Page active

Image

Description

Highlights:.

  • Find adventure at every turn
  • Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
  • Enjoy the icons in style
  • Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
  • Expert commentary as you travel around the city
  • Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
  • Get an Endorphin Rush
  • Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

  • what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
  • names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
  • what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
  • how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
  • what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
  • what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
  • what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

  • where is hidden an island Moscow;
  • where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
  • why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
  • the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
  • the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
  • why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
  • where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
  • myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
  • story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
  • how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
  • what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
  • why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

  • where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
  • why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
  • why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
  • what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

  • the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
  • pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
  • the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
  • the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
  • English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
  • Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
  • the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow
  • + Private & customized tour
  • + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
  • + An authentic experience of local life
  • + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

Write your review

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

A damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east.

Taiwan earthquake: nine dead and 900 injured as buildings collapse

Dozens believed trapped and awaiting rescue after island hit by 7.2-magnitude quake, its strongest in 25 years

‘People were screaming’: Hualien residents in shock after Taiwan earthquake

Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in 25 years has killed nine people and injured at least 900, causing building collapses, power outages and landslides on the island, and triggering initial tsunami warnings in southern Japan and the Philippines.

The fire agency said 64 people were trapped in one coalmine, and six in another, while rescue workers had lost contact with 50 people who were travelling in minibuses through a national park as the earthquake wiped out phone networks.

The quake, given a magnitude of 7.2 by Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 by the US, struck close to Hualien, a city popular with tourists on Taiwan’s eastern coast, damaging buildings and trapping people amid aftershocks after the quake, which started at 7.58am.

Videos on social media showed children being rescued from collapsed residential buildings. One five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, its first floor collapsed and the bulk of the building leaning at a 45-degree angle.

Taroko national park in Hualien said nearly 1,000 tourists and staff were stranded in its mountains. Local media reported that three hikers and one driver died after rockslides in the park.

Taiwan’s Centre for Science and Technology (CST) said people and vehicles were trapped in the Dachingshui tunnel. Train lines were also damaged, and schools and workplaces were closed across large areas of the city. Tens of thousands of homes were without power.

Witnesses in Hualien described driving while rocks dislodged from nearby mountains fell down around them, while others rushed outside after feeling the strength of the tremors.

People rescue a child from a partially collapsed building

Farther north, part of the headland of Guishan Island, a tourist attraction also known as Turtle Island because of its shape, slid into the sea. In the capital, Taipei, several people were rescued from a partly collapsed warehouse, and tiles fell from buildings.

Although it was measured at 7.7 in Japan , Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude of Wednesday’s quake as 7.2, making it Taiwan’s strongest since 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude quake 93 miles (150km) south of Taipei killed 2,400 and injured 10,000.

Hualien’s last big quake in 2022, recorded as 6.9 magnitude, toppled buildings and derailed a train, killing one person and cutting off power for thousands of residents.

Wednesday’s quake caused TSMC, Taiwan’s leading semiconductor manufacturer, which is responsible for the production of most of the world’s advanced semiconductors, to evacuate its production lines, according to Bloomberg News.

Taiwan’s CST said more than 15 aftershocks exceeding a magnitude of 4.0 had occurred so far, but the magnitude had been decreasing.

Damage was visible on some buildings in central Taipei, such as outside the Howard Plaza hotel, where the earthquake had damaged brickwork and dislodged some of the lettering on the hotel’s sign.

Mike Hung Hsu, a hotel guest from the US, said he was woken up by the earthquake. “I’ve never felt this kind of earthquake in LA, even though we have earthquakes pretty often,” he said. “I used to live in Taiwan, in my memory we never had an earthquake like this one.”

Japanese media initially said the quake could trigger waves as high as 3 metres in some areas of Okinawa prefecture, located roughly 1,600km south of Tokyo, but the forecasts were later downgraded. Japan’s meteorological agency lifted all tsunami advisories at around noon local time, while the chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said there had been no reports of injury or damage.

However, an official from Japan’s meteorological agency urged people to continue evacuating until the advisory was lifted. Some residents of the main Okinawa island had evacuated to a nearby US military base, media reports said, while footage showed others watching the sea from the safety of high ground in the prefectural capital, Naha.

The agency has warned that aftershocks, with a similar intensity to those felt in Taiwan, may be likely over the next week.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake’s epicentre was 18km (11 miles) south of Taiwan’s Hualien city at a depth of 34.8km.

The Philippines’ seismology agency on Wednesday issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean, saying they were expected to experience “high tsunami waves” but later lifted the warning.

Rescuers search toppled buildings after powerful Taiwan quake – video report

It has been only three months since a magnitude-7.6 quake and tsunami killed 244 people and caused widespread damage on the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast.

Japan’s biggest earthquake on record was a 9.0-magnitude undersea jolt in March 2011 off Japan’s north-east coast, which triggered a tsunami that left about 18,500 people dead or missing.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said it was “highly concerned” about the earthquake, which was also felt in coastal cities in China’s Fujian province, and offered to provide assistance.

Additional reporting by Gregor Stuart Hunter

  • Asia Pacific
  • Earthquakes

More on this story

big 5 afrika tours

Taiwan earthquake: search for survivors continues into night after nine people killed in quake – as it happened

big 5 afrika tours

Taiwan 7.2 magnitude earthquake – in pictures

Most viewed.

All-inclusive private tour: Moscow Highlights Overview tour and River Cruise

big 5 afrika tours

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Hotel pickup. Transport by private air-conditioned coach
  • Private sightseeing tour. Sightseeing 2.5-hours cruise
  • Professional private guide
  • Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance
  • Entry/Admission - Hotel Ukraine
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Entrance fees
  • You will be picked up from your centrally located Moscow hotel. Your tour finishes at the pier near the hotel "Ukraine". Make your own way to your hotel/hostel. To take a taxi (own expense), please use pier reception or use international companies like Uber or Gett.
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Manezh Square Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 2 Aleksandrovskiy Sad Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 3 Red Square Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 4 Saint Basil's Cathedral Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 5 Moscow Kremlin Stop: 5 minutes See details
  • 6 Prechistenskaya Embankment Stop: 5 minutes See details
  • 7 Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 8 Our Lady of Smolensk Novodevichy Convent Stop: 30 minutes See details
  • 9 Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU) Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 10 Victory Park Stop: 15 minutes See details

big 5 afrika tours

  • jamesrolandj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Inside the Minds and Machines of SpaceX and Blue Origin In his captivating journey into the heart of the space industry, James Roland Jones masterfully blends his rich background in engineering and journalism to bring an enlightening perspective on what propels companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin into the stratosphere of innovation. From his vantage point as both a keen enthusiast and an insightful observer, Jones peels back the layers of technical complexity and corporate vision, allowing his readers to glimpse the sheer magnitude of effort and ingenuity that goes into every rocket launch. His reporting goes beyond mere facts, capturing the spirit and ambition that drive individuals like Elon Musk to redefine humanity’s place in the cosmos. Through his vivid narratives and astute analysis, Jones does not just inform; he inspires, inviting us all to look upward and dream of the stars. Hailing from Hermosa Beach and armed with a dual prowess from UCLA, he is not merely reporting on space exploration; he is storytelling at its most compelling, making the intricacies of rocket engineering not only accessible but utterly fascinating. Read more Written February 14, 2024
  • P6945VRwilliamh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very clean hotel with friendly environment. Clean and friendly environment. Haley who checked us in was very friendly and answered all of our questions. Read more Written July 22, 2023
  • teopingping 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Bad experience with U Visit Russia This tour operator canceled my booking without going through proper channel making my trip to Murmansk a bad experience. Refund is not done on time. Highly not recommended to use this tour operator. Help service is not helpful as well. Read more Written January 4, 2022
  • Sputnikcat13 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Tour around Volgograd. I can highly recommend this company. My Guide was friendly, professional, punctual, and knowledgeable, The tour took in a wide range of sites connected to the Battle of Stalingrad. Explanations and stories were offered at each site and it's significance was explained in detail. Even if you didn't know about anything about the Battle of Stalingrad you would learn a lot in an interesting and fun way. Read more Written November 13, 2021
  • Katrina S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing impression!!! Thank you for all your efforts and deeds to provide us the key to a magnificent, wonderful and a high artistically show. Above any expectation, both musically and visually. The Bolshoi is a world well-known stage for the highest level of music, opera and ballet show and that is why we wanted to catch a glimpse of that legendary place. I lack words to describe the performance (we are well acquainted with the music and we know and even the story, however, the words were meaningless but, anyone can overcome that barrier since the music, and the performance supplied us with pleasure of the highest level). Read more Written August 15, 2021
  • P121PSjenniferg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend Can I just thank you for organising this tour. All the arrangements worked out perfectly and our guide, Valeria (I hope I've got her name right) was terrific - full of interesting information, which she passed on in a most engaging way. Please pass on our thanks to her also Kind regards Read more Written July 5, 2021
  • johnatang55 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good excursion An amazing place in Moscow! 16-century buildings with a difficult story, a lot to see and to listen about. Guide Natalia was good. Metro ride is also an excursion. Moscow metro is like a museum. Read more Written July 4, 2021
  • johnatang55 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Main attraction of Moscow Actually too much time to see only Kremlin for me. But we were with the kids, and it was a good way to explore everything at our own pace. Daria is a very experienced guide, knows a lot about Kremlin. Best of all was to skip the lines. Read more Written July 2, 2021
  • johnatang55 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Russian Versailles This is the best part of Saint-Petersburg! With our great guide Victoria we had a really good time! The speed boat called "meteor" is much better than going to Peterhof by car - no traffic jam and going right from the city center. Good for kids. Read more Written July 2, 2021
  • johnatang55 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting Yusupov Palace is not as famous as Hermitage but we were shocked by how amazing it is. Victoria is a very knowledgeable nice guide. Highly recommend. Read more Written July 1, 2021
  • john m 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Appalling service, and very costly. We booked for the Swan Lake ballet on 25 December 2019, with travel date on 24 May 2020, through U Visit Russia. . Due to the Covit19 pandemic we were unable to visit Russia nor attend the ballet. Two tickets were purchased for US$465.50. U Visit Russia was advised of not being able to attend and agreed to pay a full refund but there would be a delay due to the number of cancellations. After some time no refund was forthcoming and U Visit Russia was again contacted by email and we were advised that due to the volume of cancellations the refund would be credited to our credit card within 9 weeks. Nothing and again they were contacted by email but no response was ever received. No refund was ever received. Nothing!! The lesson is to beware of ever dealing with this company. Read more Written February 24, 2021
  • WesternGardener 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Where are the refunds I booked a private tour for Kamchatka with UVisit Russia for several people (40). Each person paid a deposit (through PayPal) of US$15.30. On June 22, those that first cancelled received a refund. However, I've sent email after email to this company's rep requesting refunds for 18 persons. To date, September 4, 2020, those 18 individuals have not received refunds. Not happy. Read more Written September 4, 2020
  • Dmitry F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles U Visit Russia company way to go to see Russia Great people working for U visit Russia. I had pleasure to work with Maria Nerkrasova who arranged for our group of 14 Americans to visit Sergiev Posad (u must visit that monastery). She arranged for us tour guide Svetalna in Sergiev Posad - who provided us with excellent information. We visited Matroshka factory where we meet lady who's family been doing matreshka art for over 50 years, we had fabulous lunch with Russian traditional non alcoholic molt drink - kvass at Trapeznaya restaurant. We had awesome driver Ilya who drove our group from Moscow to Sergiev Posad and back with smile and confidence. Our group of 14 visitors from US can't say enough good things about U Visit Russia. Great company, great and caring people to work with like Maria, Anna, and their guides. If you decide to utilize U Visit Russia when you in Moscow ask them to secure Svetlana to be your tour guide, when you in St. Petersburg ask for Victoria to be your tour guide. When I come back to Russia again, i will use U Visit Russia company again 100%. Thanks, D Read more Written February 28, 2020
  • Scott M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Guide, Great Experience Today’s tour of the Kremlin, Dimond Fund and Armoury was absolutely fantastic. My guide Irina was incredibly knowledgeable full of fun facts, humour and a love of her nation it’s history and treasures. She even went out of her way to make sure that I knew the meaning behind a series of Icons in church’s and historical objects in the armoury. 100% recommend this tour. Even if it’s just to skip the 50 line to hope to get tickets at the Kremlins offices. Read more Written January 5, 2020
  • 131natashal 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Do NOT purchase from this company!!!!!!! I bought a tour ticket for my daughter on her first visit to Moscow. We were asked to send over her passport information, and they even called us and demanded we send it right away (we were out and wi-fi connection was spotty). We sent it and everything seemed fine. On Thursday we got to the theatre and everyone that worked there told us the tickets were FAKE, they’d never seen anything like these, etc etc. I had to pay the tour fee (2000 rubles) AGAIN to buy ANOTHER TICKET there. Only after the tour had finished did they actually send us the PDF files that they had claimed to send earlier (which they did not). This also happened to TWO OTHER people on the same tour, they received their PDFs from Viator at the end of the tour. Save yourself 4000 rubles and the headache and just buy directly from the Bolshoi Theatre. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read more Written November 28, 2019

All-inclusive private tour: Moscow Highlights Overview tour and River Cruise provided by U Visit Russia

  • Luxury Egypt Tour
  • Kenya Luxury Tours
  • Namibia Luxury Tours
  • Rwanda & Uganda

South Africa

  • Tanzania including Zanzibar
  • United Arab Emirates & Oman
  • Zambia, Zimbabwe & Malawi
  • Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet
  • Cambodia & Laos
  • Malaysia & Singapore
  • Myanmar Luxury Tours
  • Argentina & Paraguay
  • Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
  • New Zealand
  • President’s Picks
  • New Beginnings Collection
  • New Energies Collection
  • Precious Journeys®
  • Precious Journeys® College Edition
  • Kids Kouncil Approved
  • Safari Tours
  • Visible Asia
  • Faces of Five
  • White Glove Service®
  • Travel Reviews & Testimonials
  • Media Center
  • Spirit of Big Five Foundation
  • Tell a Better Story
  • Travel Advisor Search
  • Navigator Series® Order Form
  • Trip Feedback
  • Travel Insurance
  • Latin America

Request your Navigator Series® Book

Request your Navigator Series® Book

Sustainable Travel Initiative

Sustainable Travel Initiative

Find a Travel Advisor

Find a Travel Advisor

Our Process

Our Process

big 5 afrika tours

Tour Detail

  • Africa & The Middle East
  • Discover charming Cape Town, Cape Point and Table Mountain
  • Explore the unique fynbos ecosystem at Grootbos Nature Reserve  on the southern tip  as well as excellent land-based whale-watching
  • Enjoy a private tour of the famous Winelands of South Africa with a wine estate tour and tasting
  • Go on safari at Phinda Game Reserve in search of lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard, rhino, hippo and some of the 400 species of birds
  • Savor a stay in a relaxed beach lodge in the pristine coastal Maputaland area with a variety of water and beach activities

Find A Travel Advisor

Share This Tour

Pin It

  • Tour Overview
  • Tour Inquiry
  • Get Started

COUNTRIES VISITED

Starting at...

Price starts at $650 Land per person, per day, double occupancy.

TOUR LENGTH

Tour highlights/full description, call for rates.

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa On arrival at Cape Town airport, you are met and escorted to your hotel, the lovely Cape Grace, situated on a private quay overlooking the yacht marina in Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.   Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world.  Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest while it’s unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience.  Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room (B)

Day 2:   Cape Town Today explore this charming city, starting with a trip up Table Mountain by cable car for panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula. Enjoy a short walk at the summit to admire the incredible scenery. Note that the cable car tickets are for your own account as the ascent is weather dependent.   Afterwards, you travel into the city where you see the Castle of Good Hope, the original fort in Cape Town built in 1652, and now painstakingly restored. From there, you continue to the historic center of Cape Town with its many 18th-century buildings, where there is time to visit a museum or two, or take a stroll through the Company Gardens past the Parliament buildings, depending on your interests. Finally, you explore the picturesque Malay quarter, a historic sector of the city with original Malay buildings, brightly colored, and narrow streets.  You return to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.  Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room (B)

Day 3:  Cape Town On your private Cape Peninsula excursion today you travel along the coastal road through the chic suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and onto the picturesque fishing community of Hout Bay.  Next you enjoy a dramatic, scenic drive along Chapmans Peak as it hugs the cliff side.  Continue south to reach Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, said to be the romantic meeting point of two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian.  Sir Francis Drake, the famous explorer, once called it “the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the Globe.”   Returning along the Indian Ocean, visit the unique penguin colonies at Boulders beach, often a highlight of your time in Cape Town, and meander through the historic naval base of Simonstown and onto the serene Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens nestled on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Here, some 4,000 of the 22,000 Southern African flowering plants are cultivated in a setting of mountain streams, pools and rolling lawns.  In the late afternoon, you are returned to your hotel.  Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room (B,L)

Day 4:  Cape Town / Hermanus / Gansbaai You will be transferred by road to Grootbos Nature Reserve.  The Southern Cape is a bountiful area of gentle rolling green pastures, vineyards, forests and unspoiled coastline between the Cape Winelands in the West and the Garden Route to the East.  The southern coast boasts some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world with sightings of Southern Right Whales that come into the bays to give birth, between July and December, (normally peaking in August and September).  Enthralling sightings are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and whale songs.   Secluded sandy beaches are backed by velvety mountains covered with exceptional fynbos vegetation.  The wild flowers are particularly enchanting.  Walking trails follow the coast for whale watching, or take you into the mountains.  The more adventurous can dare cage diving among the sharks at Gansbaai (at an additional cost ).  More relaxing pursuits include shopping in local arts and craft boutiques in Hermanus and enjoying the panoramic views of Walker Bay while dining alfresco.  A visit to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and nearby Arniston are also possibilities.  Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – One Bedroom Luxury Suite (B,L,D)

Day 5:  Gansbaai Enjoy some of the activities offered by this remarkable lodge.  Grootbos Nature Reserve, amid the spectacular fynbos and ancient dunes of the southern coast, is an award-winning gem. Overlooking Walker Bay, it is a nature-lovers paradise, with inclusive activities such as guided fynbos 4×4 drives, milkwood forest walks, horseback riding, beach visits and guided land-based whale-watching as well as the optional activities such as whale watching by boat or plane and shark cage diving.  A dedicated team including marine biologists and conservationists help you to appreciate what makes this area so unqiuel.  Grootbos consists of two lodges, the family-friendly Garden Lodge with one and two bedroom suites and the new contemporary Forest Lodge.  All of the suites, nestled in the milkwood forest, have a separate lounge, full bathroom, private wooden decks with panoramic sea or mountain views, filter coffee machines, minibar, fruit basket, fireplace and underfloor heating. Each lodge has its own swimming pool, telescope for whale-watching, library, restaurant and environmental center.  Grootbos combines excellent service, with supremely comfortable accommodation and delicious food.  Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – One Bedroom Luxury Suite (B,L,D)

Day 6:  Gansbaai / Cape Winelands You are collected by your private guide for a private Winelands tour.  A combination of the favorable effects of the two major ocean currents meeting off the Cape makes the climate in the Winelands perfect for the acres of vineyards.  The stunning backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the tree-lined streets and the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads all blend in tranquil harmony.  Visit a wine estate for a fascinating tour of the winemaking process.  Here is the perfect opportunity to sample Cape wines and experience the rich historical and architectural traditions of the region.  Continue to Stellenbosch, where it is easy to see why Simon Van Der Stel decided to build a village in such a charming spot.  Walk up Dorp Street, one of the longest rows of old Cape Dutch buildings in South Africa.  Visit the Village Museum, a collection of preserved houses that provide insight into the lives of the early settlers in Stellenbosch through to the Victorian era.  Then, enjoy a scenic drive over the majestic Helshoogte Pass to the charming village of Franschhoek for lunch and a little time for browsing in the galleries and shops.  The origins of this charming and beautifully situated village date back to 1688 when French Huguenots, fleeing religious persecution settled in the valley, later known as French Corner or ‘Franschhoek’ in Afrikaans.  The tour ends at your hotel, an intimate country inn, known for its extraordinary culinary experiences as defined in its two distinctive restaurants.  Le Quartier Francais – Auberge Room (B,L)

Day 7:  Cape Winelands / Phinda Game Reserve You will be met by our representative and transferred by road to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Durban.  On arrival, you are met and transferred to Phinda Game Reserve, north of Hluhluwe and the St Lucia wetlands.  Rich both in game and stunning scenery, Phinda encompasses the diversity of seven contrasting ecosystems, including sand forest, mountain bushveld and wetlands.  Phinda offers a winning combination of soft adventure, thrilling game viewing and inspired lodge design.  The lodge is a sophisticated harmony of ethnic décor, superb cuisine, and personalized service.  Additional facilities include a dramatic open air “boma” enclosure; shaded swimming pool and lookout deck for relaxation; and bird and game watching.  Phinda Mountain Lodge – Suite (B,L,D)

Day 8:  Phinda Game Reserve Today, enjoy activities offered by the lodge that includes game drives, nature walks, birding, rhino tracking, boat cruises, canoeing and community visits.  Wildlife here include lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard, rhino, hippo, antelope and prolific bird life, with more than 400 species recorded.  Given the reserves proximity to the Indian Ocean, optional extras include coastal flights, beach excursions and snorkeling.  Phinda Mountain Lodge – Suite, (B,L,D)

Day 9:  Phinda Game Reserve / Thonga Beach Today, enjoy a private road transfer from Phinda Game Reserve to your lodge in the coastal Maputaland area in the far northern point of KwaZulu Natal, just south of Mozambique.  The Maputaland Marine Reserve stretches 200km/124mi from Lake St Lucia, one of the world’s finest marine sanctuaries teeming with water birds, crocodiles and hippo, to Kosi Bay near the Mozambican border.  Kosi Forest Coastal Reserve is an unspoiled wilderness region of pristine golden beaches backed by forested dunes and captivating freshwater lakes.  This truly is a magical area, untouched by large-scale tourism development.  Sustainable tourism practices involve significant local community involvement.  Activities revolve around the ocean and the lake system with snorkeling for tropical fish, canoeing and evening excursions in the summer to view the rare giant leatherback turtles as they lay their eggs, usually from October to February.  This area also draws scuba divers, with its spectacular coral formations and a number of magnificent reefs teeming with tropical fish.  Thonga Beach Lodge is a stylish and relaxed beach lodge on the shores of the secluded Mabibi Bay.  Thonga Beach Lodge – Standard Room (B,L,D) 

Day 10:  Thonga Beach Today, participate in some of the activities offered by your lodge in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Mabibi Beach is a magical place with a long sandy beach, reefs, coastal forest and shimmering lakes.  The lodge, in the canopy of the dune forest, offers panoramic ocean views.  It has a spacious, relaxed beach feel with a stylish outdoor eating area, a secluded upstairs seating area with a DVD player for children, an open air bar and wooden walkways leading to the rooms.  Activities revolve around the ocean and nearby Lake Sibaya.  There is a board at the bar indicating activities offered for the following day and you sign up for whatever takes your fancy.  Complimentary activities include snorkeling from the beach, bird-watching and sundowner cruises or guided canoe trips on Lake Sibaya and turtle tracking walks in season.  The white sandy beach is  just a brief walk via a boardwalk with an extended deck area with sun loungers overlooking the beach.  Additional activities include  diving courses, cultural village visits and boat-based turtle tracking are optional.  You also can do an optional whale and dolphin-watching cruise, which involves at exciting boat launch in the surf followed by a whale-watching cruise to a reef site for some leisurely snorkeling.  Children are welcome at Thonga Beach Lodge and one child can share with parents or two or three children can take a separate chalet close to their parents.  Thonga Beach Lodge – Standard Room, (B,L,D)

Day 11:  Thonga Beach / Johannesburg / Depart Today you have a private road transfer from Thonga Beach Lodge to Richards Bay Airport, where you connect with your flight to Johannesburg.  On arrival in Johannesburg, you connect your onward flight home.  (B)  

Land price, per person, double occupancy:    Fr om $ 650 per person per day. Internal air additional.

TOUR INQUIRY FORM

Request more information now we will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our tours. ***checked boxes mean "yes" and an unchecked box means "no"., step 1 of 2.

  • FULL NAME First
  • PHONE (DAY) *
  • PHONE (NIGHT) *
  • COUNTRY * Argentina & Uruguay Argentina & Paraguay Australia Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet Bolivia Botswana Brazil Cambodia & Laos Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Ethiopia Guatemala India Indonesia Japan Jordan Kenya Luxury Tours Luxury Egypt Tour Madagascar Malaysia & Singapore Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Luxury Tours Namibia Luxury Tours New Zealand Nicaragua Panama Peru Rwanda & Uganda South Africa Sri Lanka Tanzania including Zanzibar Thailand United Arab Emirates & Oman Uruguay Vietnam Zambia, Zimbabwe & Malawi
  • TRAVEL ADVISOR'S NAME AND/OR COMPANY
  • NUMBER OF ADULT TRAVELERS Please enter a number less than or equal to 500 .
  • NUMBER OF CHILD TRAVELERS (0 - 11 YEARS OLD) Please enter a number less than or equal to 500 .
  • WHEN DO YOU WISH TO TRAVEL? Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Year 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920
  • COMMENTS/REQUESTS
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Steps

Request your book now this book will guide you through our process and how to inquire about this tour. we will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our tours..

  • Name * First Last
  • Business Name
  • IATA # (for travel agencies only)
  • ZIP | POSTAL *
  • STATE | PROVINCE | REGION *
  • NAVIGATOR SERIES EDITION IV
  • USB WITH INFO ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL

Book

FILL OUT THE FORM TO GET YOUR BOOK

  • Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Safari

IMAGES

  1. Cape Town Safari Tour at Big 5 Game Reserve

    big 5 afrika tours

  2. Big Five-safari i Sydafrika

    big 5 afrika tours

  3. Das sind die legendären „Big Five“ Afrikas

    big 5 afrika tours

  4. Big Five Afrika

    big 5 afrika tours

  5. Big Five South African safari

    big 5 afrika tours

  6. Big 5 tours in Uganda

    big 5 afrika tours

COMMENTS

  1. Big Five Big Five Tours & Expeditions

    Big Five Tours & Expeditions, the leading luxury travel and tour agency, offers life-changing expeditions to Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America & more From the President 1-800-244-3483 | Blog | Menu

  2. Big Five safaris, holidays & tours

    From $ 4800 /USD. per person per tour. VIEW SAFARI. 8 DAYS. Giraffe Manor and Luxury Mara Wildlife Discovery. East Africa Kenya Nairobi Maasai Mara. From $ 10900 /USD. per person per tour. VIEW SAFARI.

  3. Kenya Luxury Safari Tours

    Book your luxury safari tour in Kenya today and experience one of our tours like no other. Guaranteed to have an amazing adventure. From the President. 1-800-244-3483 | Blog | Menu . Home; ... Big Five is committed to sustainable tourism. Check the sustainability ranking of Kenya and learn about our commitment to sustainable tourism.

  4. Best Big 5 Safaris in Africa to Experience the Big 5

    Africa is home to numerous game reserves and national parks that offer exceptional Big 5 sightings. Some of the best Big 5 safari destinations include South Africa's , Tanzania's , Botswana's , and Kenya's . Each destination offers a unique safari experience and houses a diverse range of ecosystems as well as wildlife beyond the Big 5.

  5. Big 5 Safaris & Tours 2023/2024

    BIG 5 SAFARIS AND TOURS. For those looking to embark on an African Safari you would have come across the term Big Five, which was originally the name given to the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. These animals are the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino, and although hunting is no longer the objective, the phrase stuck and ...

  6. 10 Best Big Five Safaris in Africa 2024/2025

    10 Best Big Five Safaris in Africa 2024/2025 - Best Deals - TourRadar. Imagine gazing into the eyes of a lion, learning facts you never knew or capturing pictures of exotic animals, Big Five safari tours allow you to do just that.

  7. Best Tailor-Made Big 5 African Safaris

    Traditionally those animals who pose the greatest danger to their hunters, the Big 5 - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard - are still commonly found throughout South, Southern and East Africa and their collective presence in a national park or game reserve adds an exhilarating edge to your safari experience.

  8. Best Places To See the Big 5 on Safari in Africa

    523 Murchison Falls Safaris. 4. Kruger National Park - South Africa. Whether you're on a guided tour or self-driving, Kruger National Park is a great choice for a Big Five safari. The park is the size of a small country, and the wide variety of habitats it protects is reflected by the varied wildlife.

  9. 10 Best Big Five Tours in South Africa 2024/2025

    Big Five Tours & Trips in South Africa. With its convenient location, Johannesburg is a brilliant base to embark on a Big Five safari at Kruger National Park.If you prefer to name stunning Cape Town as your base, then the abundance of elephants resting under the acacia trees at Addo National Park is an unmissable sight in South Africa.

  10. Gorillas + The Big Five Safari

    Continue to Zanzibar after your Safari. 4-day Post Safari Extension from $1,299. With its idyllic beaches, this friendly island is the perfect place to unwind after your safari adventures. To make it easy, we include private fast track arrival transfers, 3 nights at your choice of luxury beachfront resort, and a privately guided tour.

  11. Big Five Safari Tours

    Big 5 Safari Tours. Whether you're looking for an overland camping expedition from one end of Africa to the other or a comfortable small-group lodge safari with less travel, we've got the perfect selection of tours for all tastes and budgets. From Kenya and Tanzania in east Africa to Namibia and Botswana in the south, our tours take in the very ...

  12. Big 5 Africa Tours

    Among other things, we offer Gorilla-, Chimpanzees- and Golden Monkey Tracking, Safaris, Day tours, Cultural and Community tours, Bird watching, Rafting & Kayak tours, Hiking, Nature walks, Car rental and much more. In our countries we work together with local Tour operators. With our experience, we make your dream come true..

  13. Big Five Southern Africa Discovery Luxury Tour

    Southern Africa Discovery. Explore lovely Cape Town with compelling mix of modern energy and old-world elegance. Travel up the famous Table Mountain and visit Bo Kaap and Cape Malay, where you visit a local resident for a cooking class that explores traditional foods of the area. Take in famed Kruger National Park's landscapes, home to more ...

  14. When and Where to see the Big 5 in Africa

    Here is a quick guide for the best chance of spotting the Big Five in Botswana: Chobe National Park for the highest concentration of elephants. Savuti region for excellent lion sightings and encounters. Northern Okavango to see the large Cape buffalo. Moremi Game Reserve will offer excellent rhino sightings.

  15. Welcome to Big Five Tours & Safaris Ltd :: Home Page

    Welcome Note . Big Five Tours & Safaris appreciate the fact that no two travelers are the same and therefore, each Safari is tailor made to suit individual needs, satisfaction and in keeping with African customs, our guests will be treated like Royalty..... This site is designed to provide you with a solution to all your safari needs, ranging from information about Kenya's Culture to details ...

  16. Back to Black (2024)

    Back to Black: Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. With Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

  17. 2024 Valero Texas Open best bets: PGA Tour odds, predictions, picks

    Let's try to add to the bankroll before the Masters next week. Byeong Hun An during the Players Championship in March 2024. Getty Images. Valero Texas Open outright picks Billy Horschel (35/1 ...

  18. Rory McIlroy doesn't see PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide as sustainable

    The PGA Tour did secure a $3 billion investment deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of U.S sports team owners, which includes Mets owner Steve Cohen, in January.

  19. UC Blue Ash to host spring open house April 17

    The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College will host a free open house for prospective students and their guests on Wednesday, April 17 from 5-7 p.m. in Muntz Hall on the UC Blue Ash campus. Prospective students will have the opportunity to explore more than 50 academic programs, meet with faculty and take a guided tour of the park-like campus.

  20. Moscow Bike TOur

    Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre. Let's see what's waiting for you! Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

  21. South Africa Luxury Tours

    Adventure Trio South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana. From $800 per person per day, land only, double occupancy | 12 Days | Enrichment Series. Discover all that Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula has to offer, including the Cape Winelands. Explore the historic towns…. view this tour.

  22. Moscow

    Price per person. 641,69. View details. About the tour Reviews 10. 8 days / 7 nights. St. Petersburg Moscow. We offer you a unique opportunity to visit Russia's two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This fascinating, week-long tour will take you to the historic Russian capitals that have always played the most important part in the ...

  23. Taiwan 7.5 magnitude earthquake sparks tsunami warning in Japan

    Hualien's last big quake was in 2022, when a 6.9-magnitude tremblor toppled buildings and derailed a train, killing one person and cutting off power for thousands of residents.

  24. Big Five South Africa

    Experience outstanding game viewing of the big five at Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, the largest private game reserve in South Africa and the historical home of the Bushmen (San) people. Take a full-day private tour of the stunning highlights of the Cape Peninsula - from Chapman's Peak to the eccentric South African penguin colony. South ...

  25. 2024 All-inclusive private tour: Moscow Highlights Overview tour and

    Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Walnut Street Las Vegas North Premium Outlets El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve Terrible's Hotel & Casino Beaver Lake Kuilima Cove Villa d'Este Pearl Lake Tellus Science Museum Kentucky Bourbon Tour: Louisville to Maker's Mark Distillery & Bardstown Bourbon Santiago: Full day panoramic tour to ski resort Valle Nevado Private transfer from Lisbon ...

  26. Moscow Private 2-Day Tour with Local Expert Guides

    Hit up many of Moscow's top attractions all in two days during this private tour where your guide meets you right in your hotel lobby with a personalized itinerary. Along with visiting Kolomenskoye Museum and Reserve or Tsaritsino Park, see St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, the Kremlin and its cathedrals, and old town Moscow. Plus, your guide knows the best ways around the city so you ...

  27. South Africa Luxury Travel Tour

    South Africa. Discover charming Cape Town, Cape Point and Table Mountain. Explore the unique fynbos ecosystem at Grootbos Nature Reserve on the southern tip as well as excellent land-based whale-watching. Enjoy a private tour of the famous Winelands of South Africa with a wine estate tour and tasting. Go on safari at Phinda Game Reserve in ...