Big Five Safaris
Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across legendary parks.
About big five safaris
The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) are the classic prize of an African safari, a term coined by hunters and reclaimed by conservation-minded travellers. East Africa offers superb chances to see all five across its open plains and savanna parks.
From the cat-rich Maasai Mara to the elephant herds of Amboseli and the rhinos of Lake Nakuru and Akagera, a Jabel Big Five safari pairs expert guiding with prime, unhurried game viewing in comfortable 4x4 vehicles.
Where to do it
Maasai Mara, Kenya
The highest density of big cats in Africa, plus elephant, buffalo and the Great Migration.
Amboseli & Nakuru, Kenya
Iconic elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, and black and white rhino in the Rift Valley.
Queen Elizabeth & Murchison, Uganda
Lions, elephants and buffalo on game-rich savanna and Nile delta plains.
Akagera, Rwanda
A revived park where lions and rhinos have returned to complete the Big Five.
What to expect
Days revolve around game drives at dawn and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and the light is at its best. Your guide reads tracks, calls and behaviour to find the cats and the herds, with picnic breakfasts in the bush and sundowners as the day cools. Optional night drives and walking safaris are available in some conservancies.
Best time to go
Wildlife can be seen year-round. The dry seasons concentrate animals around water and make tracks easier, while the green season brings newborns, fewer crowds and lower rates.
Good to know
| Comfort | Open-roof 4x4 vehicles with window seats guaranteed on private trips |
| Guiding | Experienced local driver-guides who know each ecosystem |
| Conservancies | Private conservancies allow night drives and off-road sightings |
| Pace | Itineraries are unhurried, with full days in the best parks |
What to bring
- Neutral-coloured clothing and a warm layer for dawn
- Binoculars and a telephoto camera
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A beanbag or wrap for steadying your lens
- Refillable water bottle
Big Five Safaris FAQs
Will I definitely see all of the Big Five?
Sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, but a well-planned multi-park itinerary gives you an excellent chance, with leopard and rhino the trickiest.
Is a Big Five safari suitable for children?
Yes. Game drives are comfortable and engaging; we tailor pacing and choose family-friendly camps for younger travellers.
Private or shared safari?
We specialise in private safaris, giving you your own guide and vehicle, full flexibility and the best photographic positions.
How many days do I need?
Four days delivers a strong Big Five experience; seven or more lets you combine parks and ecosystems for greater variety.
Safaris featuring big five safaris
Maasai Mara Migration & Big Five
Kenya's quintessential safari, sweeping across three legendary parks in search of the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth
Uganda's premier savannah circuit, pairing the thunder of Murchison Falls with the game-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth.
Honeymoon in the Wild
A once-in-a-lifetime luxury honeymoon: gorillas at dawn and the Mara's big cats, in privileged fly-in style.
Big Five Safaris in pictures
Add big five safaris to your safari
Tell us your dates and dreams and we will build it into a tailor-made journey.