Big 5 Safaris in South Africa. Our guide to the best destinations for your South African big 5 safaris. An extraordinary encounter with South Africa’s bushveld awaits you when you visit a Game Lodge in one of our nine provinces. Come and expose yourself to the Big 5 in their natural habitat. Big Five game animals are the Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo. First of all this is an experience that is a must for any nature-lover. Seeing the Big 5 in their natural habitat is probably one of the most desired experiences when it comes to visiting South Africa.
Amakhala Game Reserve
The Amakhala Game Reserve located in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture between the owners of six lodges who are direct descendants of the original Frontier settlers some five generations ago and arrived here with the British settlers of 1820.
Amakhosi Private Game Reserve
The Amakhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of the Mkuze River, right in the heart of Zululand. It boasts six luxurious river and two honeymoon suites, in complete harmony with their surroundings.
Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila Private Game Reserve, offering big 5 safaris two hours from Cape Town, makes it easy for you no matter what your time constraints are, we offer half day, full day and overnight safari package options!
Bayete Zulu
Bayete Zulu is perfectly placed in the heart of the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, which is considered to be one of the most densely stocked and ecologically balanced in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The big five roam freely around the reserve along with a wide variety of other wildlife.
Elandela Private Game Reserve
Elandela Private Game Reserve is the perfect photo safari destination if your desire is superior game viewing opportunities - be it on a walking safari conducted by our amiable, knowledgeable guides or be it by way of a specially equipped all terrain vehicle.
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge is situated in the big 5, malaria free, Nambiti Private Game Reserve near Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
KARULA
Kapama Karula - Beyond Luxury With its light, airy, open spaces and views from every angle, Karula is truly the pride of Kapama as our flagship lodge. Effortlessly elegant and stylish, Karula will steal the breath of even the most seasoned traveller.
LEOPARD MOUNTAIN SAFARI LODGE
Our game drives take you through overall well stocked, unspoilt bushveld and endless rivers winding through the indigenous forest, a birders paradise. Our guided walking safaris offer an intimate encounter with the African bushveld and wildlife,
Nambiti Private Big 5 Game Reserve
Nambiti is steadily becoming one of the best private game reserves in Africa; a vision driven by passionate, committed people with a deep love and respect for our heritage. With the establishment of successful development programmes,
Ndaka Safari Lodge
Private Game Reserves KZN - Tucked away in the centre of the picturesque Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a 21 000 acre, Big 5, most noteworthy malaria-free game reserve, lies Ndaka Safari Lodge. Located in central KwaZulu-Natal near Ladysmith,
RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers luxury Hluhluwe game reserve accommodation with a choice of four room types: Two Honeymoon Villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge poolsEight Luxury Bush Villas expansive open plan bedrooms with lounge area,
Rhino River Lodge
Rhino River Lodge is a family-owned and operated Big 5 safari lodge located in the magnificent Manyoni Private Game Reserve. This 23,000-hectare private game reserve is situated in the very heart of Zululand, 30kms north of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal,
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an unspoilt part of Africa ecologically and geographically integrated with the adjacent Kruger National Park. It is situated within one of South Africas oldest and largest proclaimed reserves the renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Sabi Sand Reserve).
SEDIBA PRIVATE GAME LODGE
Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five, and boasts one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve anywhere in Africa. There are rare and unusual species too,
Shambala Game Reserve
Situated on 10,000 hectares in the Limpopo Province, a mere 2½ hour drive or 45 minute helicopter ride from Johannesburg, Zulu Camp at Shambala Private Game Reserve is set under the watchful guardianship of the picturesque,
Shumbalala Game Lodge
Your knowledgeable and experienced ranger conducts professional early morning and later afternoon / evening game drives in an informative and relaxed fashion. Fully equipped custom built game viewing vehicles offer all the comfort and luxury for our guests.
Many Game Lodges and Game Reserves have an abundance of wildlife means, therefore, you are more than likely to spot the big 5. South Africa is also home to many Private Game Reserves that offer Big 5 Safaris. Namely the: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino as well as the buffalo that make up this list. Game drives are in general undertaken in an open safari vehicle with a driver/guide. These guides have extensive experience as well as an intimate knowledge of the area. Guides are experts on the local game movements as well as factual information and other ecological aspects of the region. They can furnish answers to your fauna as well as flora questions.
Big 5 Safaris
In South Africa, the big five (Big 5) game animals are the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and finally the rhinoceros. Furthermore the term “big five game” was coined by big-game hunters. They were referring to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt while on foot. Subsequently, the term was adopted by Game reserves, Safari lodges, Game lodges and safari tour operators for marketing purposes. The term is used by most tourists as well as wildlife guides that discuss South African wildlife and tourism. A Big 5 Safaris is always recommended.
In short, the Big Five should be on every bodies bucket list. You are however limited to Southern Africa and even then, probably only South Africa. For this reason, we make it easy to find your Big 5 Safaris experience as well as other wildlife. We list several uniquely situated Game Lodges that can assist you with a Big 5 experience. In addition to the wildlife experience, you will also find great people passionate about saving our heritage.
While being on your Big Five experience you are sure to enjoy some spectacular birding.
A South African safari is truly a unique experience and therefore we encourage everybody to try and see the Big 5 once in their lifetime.
The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination.
