What are the best times of year to spot the Big Five on an African safari?

The best time to see the Big Five is during the dry season from June to October. During these months, animals gather around water sources in parks like Kruger and Serengeti, making them easier to spot. Here's what works best for specific parks: The Masai Mara is fantastic during the Great Migration from July to October, and you can see elephants any time of year in Amboseli, with Mount Kilimanjaro as their backdrop. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw all the big 5 plus numerous other species in Kruger during July. Our guide Seif's expertise was incredible in tracking and spotting wildlife."

How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Big Five safari?

You'll want at least 7-10 days to give yourself the best chance of seeing all the Big Five animals. I recommend combining a few different parks like Kruger, Serengeti, and Masai Mara. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 9-day Tanzania safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro was perfect - we saw all Big Five multiple times and didn't feel rushed between locations."

What's the typical daily schedule like on a Big Five safari?

Your day usually starts early with a game drive around 6:00 AM when animals are most active. You'll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the hot midday hours, then head out again from about 3:30 PM until sunset around 6:30 PM. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Our days in Masai Mara started with sunrise game drives spotting big cats hunting, then afternoon drives focusing on elephants and buffalo near water holes. The schedule maximized our wildlife viewing while still being comfortable."

What photography equipment is recommended for capturing the Big Five?

You'll get your best shots with a DSLR camera and a zoom lens of at least 300mm. Remember to pack extra memory cards, batteries, and a bean bag to steady your camera. One TourRadar traveler shared: "I brought a 100-400mm lens which was perfect for both close-ups of lions in Serengeti and wide shots of elephants against Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. The vehicles have stable platforms for shooting."

What should I pack for a Big Five safari adventure?

Pack clothes in neutral colors like khaki or olive, sunscreen, a good pair of binoculars, and a warm jacket for those chilly morning drives. One TourRadar traveler advised: "Pack layers - mornings in Ngorongoro Crater can be 45°F (7°C) but afternoons reach 85°F (29°C). Don't forget a hat and good walking shoes for getting in/out of vehicles."

What are the best destinations to spot all of the Big Five animals?

The Masai Mara and Serengeti are your best bets for seeing all five animals - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is especially good for seeing both black and white rhinos. The Ngorongoro Crater is unique because its enclosed ecosystem means you might spot all Big Five in just one day. One TourRadar traveler noted "seeing all of the big 5" during their safari experience in just a few days at the Masai Mara National Reserve, where they stayed at the Serengeti Safari Lodge.

Big Five Safari Packages

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10 Big Five safaris

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Explorer Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
South Africa & Eswatini
4.6 (46 traveler reviews)
"Sitting on a boat, blanket on my lap drinking hot chocolate surrounded by hippos, that felt so special."
Cassie, traveled in September
Destinations
Johannesburg, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Ulundi,St Lucia,Durban,Mbabane,Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary,Kruger National Park,Graskop,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Mpumalanga+8 more
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
16% Off
Duration
10 days
From $4,170
NZ$3,510
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Overland Truck Wildlife Great Migration Big Five +2
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure
4.5 (78 traveler reviews)
"Zanzibar is a brilliant place for a beach holiday - loads of white sand and turquoise ,warm sea."
Roger, traveled in March
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Musoma,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha,Zanzibar,Changu Island,Nungwi+9 more
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
7% Off
Duration
14 days
From $10,447
NZ$9,745
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Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with Free Night at Nairobi Hotel)
4.2 (34 traveler reviews)
"Breath taking animals .. an amazing experience."
Annemarie, traveled in November
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Amboseli National Park+2 more
Age Range
3 to 75 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
7% Off
Duration
6 days
From
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$202 now + easy payments of $54
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Explorer Camping Wildlife Big Five Christmas & New Year +1
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
4.8 (14 traveler reviews)
"The animal interactions were even more exciting than anticipated. The accommodations and food were excellent."
Kim, traveled in July
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park,Karongwe+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures
25% Off
Duration
10 days
From $6,559
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Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Elephant Christmas & New Year +3
Elephant Safari Discover Tanzania 4 Days **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We did see 4 of the big five and many other animals. The tour was short but we could see more than we expected."
Destinations
Moshi, Arusha, Ngorongoro, Serengeti National Park
Age Range
2 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
25% Off
Duration
4 days
From
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$488 now + easy payments of $140
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Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"It has been the most amazing experience for all the right reasons. Knowing we could enjoy all of this with as small an impact on the environment as possible was comforting."
Kathleen, traveled in September
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Ikoma,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+6 more
Age Range
2 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
World Adventure Tours
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From
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Safari Family Wildlife Great Migration Big Five Christmas & New Year +3
Big Game Safari 8D/7N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare & Amboseli)
3.5 (1 traveler review)
"We paid $9,000 to visit Africa (hike mount Kenya and go on a safari). We love animals and couldn't believe he would do that."
Samantha, traveled in June
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park,Mount Kenya National Park,Aberdare National Park,Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve+4 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From
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Overland Truck Camping Wildlife Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting
4.7 (28 traveler reviews)
"The best two weeks of my life, and memories that will stay with me forever."
Charlotte, traveled in May
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
18 to 39 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
Duration
15 days
From
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Safari Family Camping Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +3
Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari 3D/2N
Destinations
Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
3 days
From
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Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Great Migration Big Five Christmas & New Year +3
Lakes & Masai Mara Interactive Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha)
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha,Maasai Mara National Reserve+1 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
5 days
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +3
Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (172 traveler reviews)
"It was a once in a lifetime experience! He was kind, knowledgable and was willing to go out of our way."
George, traveled in February
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park+2 more
Age Range
2 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Safari Family Camping Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +4
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire (with Materuni waterfalls, coffee tour) - 6 Days
4.9 (107 traveler reviews)
"Great the second time around."
Cynthia, traveled in March
Destinations
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Mto Wa Mbu,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Materuni Waterfall+4 more
Age Range
2 to 100 year olds
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Serengeti African Tours
50% Off
Duration
6 days
From
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Safari Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
Kruger National Park 4D/3N
4.1 (4 traveler reviews)
"Was good, enjoyed the safari."
Petrus, traveled in March
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
16 to 100 year olds
Regions
LimpopoKruger National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
50% Off
Duration
4 days
From
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Safari Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Great Migration Big Five Christmas & New Year +3
Masai Mara Interactive, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari 6D/5N
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Highlight of our 5 week long trip! Would recommend to anyone!"
Erin, traveled in June
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park,Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve+2 more
Age Range
16 to 100 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
50% Off
Duration
6 days
From
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Safari Family Wildlife Jeep & 4WD Big Five Christmas & New Year +2
Simba Classic Adventure Safari **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We were able to see all the animals we wanted to see, while staying in very exquisite locations."
Syzmon, traveled in October
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+2 more
Age Range
2 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
50% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$3,093
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