Wildlife
Big Five Safaris
Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Each park offers different odds on the five, so the route matters as much as the time of year.
Big Five Safaris
Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Each park offers different odds on the five, so the route matters as much as the time of year.
The experience
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are spread unevenly across East Africa, and no single reserve reliably delivers all five. The route matters more than any individual park.
The Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lake Nakuru and the northern Tanzanian circuit each carry different strengths. Rhino in particular is concentrated in a handful of conservancies and sanctuaries where populations are closely protected.
Combining two or three areas across a longer itinerary gives the strongest chance of seeing the full set, and makes for a better safari regardless of what you tick off.
What to expect
Sightings come from time in the vehicle with a guide who knows the area, not from a guaranteed schedule. Leopard is usually the hardest of the five, and rhino depends entirely on where you travel.
Your guide will work the areas and times of day that give the best chance on each drive. Patience at a single sighting often returns more than covering ground.
Who it suits
- First-time safari travellers building a broad wildlife itinerary
- Returning guests still looking for rhino or leopard
Where to experience it
The destinations in our catalogue where this runs. Open one for its landscapes, places to stay and the journeys that include it.
In pictures
Scenes from the destinations and camps connected to this experience.
Journeys featuring this experience
Itineraries in our collection that already build this in. Each one sets out its destinations, transfers, stays and inclusions.
- From $905
- Per Person Sharing
- 4 Days
Kenya’s southern wilderness unfolds across three distinct landscapes in this immersive circuit. Travelers journey from the volcanic springs of.
Destinations:
Tsavo West National Park | Amboseli National Park | Tsavo East National Park
- From $2,250
- Per Person Sharing
- 6 Days
A steady rhythm defines this photographic journey through the diverse ecosystems of Southern Kenya. The route moves from the.
Destinations:
Amboseli National Park | Tsavo West National Park | Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary | Tsavo East National Park
- From $2,060
- Per Person Sharing
- 7 Days
Kenya’s high-altitude landscapes offer a steady rhythm of changing scenery and distinct wildlife. This journey moves from the misty.
Destinations:
Aberdare National Park | Samburu National Reserve | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Lake Nakuru National Park
- From $3,790
- Per Person
- 9 Days
East Africa’s most celebrated landscapes are linked in a steady progression across the Great Rift Valley. The journey transitions.
Destinations:
Nairobi | Masai Mara National Reserve | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater | Amboseli National Park
Places to stay nearby
Camps, lodges and hotels close enough to make this straightforward to arrange around your other plans.
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Eco-Friendly
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Family Rooms
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Fitness Center
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Kids-Friendly
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Laundry Services
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Restaurant
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Swimming Pool
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Wildlife Viewing
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Bar / Lounge
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Eco-Friendly
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Family Rooms
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Kids-Friendly
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Laundry Services
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Restaurant
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Swimming Pool
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Wildlife Viewing
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Air Conditioning
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Eco-Friendly
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Family Rooms
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Kids-Friendly
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Restaurant
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Room Service
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Spa & Wellness
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Wildlife Viewing
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Air Conditioning
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Bar / Lounge
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Conference Facilities
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Eco-Friendly
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Kids-Friendly
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Restaurant
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Room Service
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Wifi
Timing and arrangements
Game viewing is strong across the year, with the drier months generally offering easier visibility as vegetation thins and wildlife concentrates near water. Our month-by-month guide sets out the trade-offs.
How long to allow: Across a full safari itinerary rather than a single activity
Check the activity, location, season and inclusions against your chosen itinerary. An experience described here is not automatically included in every safari.
Before you book
The details that help you decide whether this belongs in your itinerary.
Is this included in every safari?
No. Check your chosen itinerary and final proposal. Optional activities, separate excursions and local operator arrangements should be confirmed before you book.
Where can I arrange big five safaris?
The linked destinations below show the places supported by JohnBow’s existing catalogue for this experience. Tell us which destination and dates you are considering so we can confirm the actual activity, operator and inclusions.
How long should I allow?
Across a full safari itinerary rather than a single activity. Check how the activity fits with your accommodation, other excursions and transfers when planning the day.
How do I add it to my itinerary?
Mention this experience in your enquiry, together with your dates, party size and chosen route. We will discuss the relevant programme and make its inclusions clear in the proposal.