Written by Lesedi Chocho

Are you planning your next trip to South Africa with hopes of spotting the Big 5, but not sure where you should go for the perfect all-embracing, sustainable safari? Worry not, South Africa is home to a range of conservation-centred game reserves and national parks, including several where you can spot some of the Big 5 and others where you can see the whole pack if you are short on time. Here's our guide on where to spot all the members of the Big 5 in South Africa!

South Africa offers a unique safari experience to all, from child-friendly safaris to tailor-made luxury honeymoon getaways in the heart of the wilderness. Travellers have the opportunity to enjoy morning and evening safari game drives that are set to be both educational and thrilling, with up-close opportunities to observe and capture an Insta-worthy image of the mighty Big 5 animals.

Who are the Big 5?

Although times have changed, the title of Big 5 is still considered a badge of honour. The collection of animals earned their names from hunters who categorised them as the most challenging animals to hunt on foot. 

Who is part of the Big 5?   

• Lion 

• Elephant 

• Leopard 

• African buffalo 

• Rhino

With sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation at the core of our values, Viatu has partnered with a number of lodges that offer unforgettable Big 5 experiences. Here, travellers can experience the thrill of close-up safari game drives or action-packed bush walks in some of South Africa’s most breathtaking destinations.

Big 5 safari destinations in South Africa:

Limpopo & Mpumalanga Provinces

The renowned Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest national reserve and is located in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the northeast of South Africa. The park serves as a means to protect local wildlife and was proclaimed in 1898 as the Sabi Game Reserve by former president Paul Kruger. In 1926 the National Parks Act was proclaimed and with it, the merging of the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves into the Kruger National Park.

Not only will you have the exciting opportunity to spot the entire collection of the Big 5 here but the national park and its protective borders are also home and much-needed sanctuary to South Africa’s biodiversity, from indigenous vegetation to diverse wildlife, some of which are endangered.

Just an hour’s drive from 2 of the main gates of the Kruger National Park is Balule Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park, an open conserved area of approximately 23.000 km². In a mixed woodland eco-zone along the Olifants River, you can experience thrilling moments on a landscape of granitic origin decorated by quartz and dolerite intrusions and outcrops, where you will be able to capture the Big 5 in their prime.  

Book a sustainable trip to the Greater Kruger area with a luxury stay at the Simbavati Hilltop Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, or experience family-friendly glamping in the Lowveld at Africamps at Hoedspruit.

KwaZulu-Natal

Set in the heart of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa as it was first established in 1895, with game viewing as its prime attraction. Although it is famous for its wilderness trails, the game reserve has its main purpose centred on wildlife conservation, with a number of projects focused on monitoring, protecting, and researching endangered and threatened species while taking part in the reintroduction of predators into Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

With a sustainable, private luxury stay at the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge located within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, you can be part of the conservation effort with informative early morning bush walks or an afternoon game drive where you’ll be able to seek out the Big 5

North West 

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and a local hidden gem. Located in the North West Province against the Botswana border, the reserve is only about 3.5 hour's drive from Johannesburg. It is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa, offering hair-raising experiences of the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park.

Experience this malaria-free park with a sustainability-centred stay at the luxurious Morukuru Family Madikwe, perfect for families looking for a unique safari experience that caters to children and their parents.

Eastern Cape

Home to the Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari Game Reserve and Lalibela Game Reserve, each a sanctuary for the Big 5, the Eastern Cape is 1 of 4 coastal provinces in South Africa. Here you are offered a one-of-a-kind experience where you can start your day with the crisp sea breeze of the Indian Ocean and end it with a rip-roaring safari experience on an afternoon game drive.

Addo Elephant Park is the third largest game reserve in the country and is popular for its large elephant herds that graze the area. Enjoy a secluded stay at Gorah Elephant Camp where you will have access to game drives and night safaris that offer a true glimpse into the lives of the Big 5. Guests can take part in a specialised photographic safari where you can try your hand at getting the perfect shot of a leopard hunting its prey!

Lalibela Game Reserve offers a malaria-free safari experience with a sustainable stay in a choice of lodges, tents and villas in the Eastern Cape bush. Spanning 5 ecosystems, the reserve is adorned with an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. Guests can spot a variety of wildlife like antelope, giraffes and the Big 5, and enjoy twice daily game drives included in the stay.

Western Cape

Located at the southern tip of South Africa, the Western Cape is not just home to the vibrant city of Cape Town, it is also a sanctuary for the Big 5, which can be found roaming between the diverse flora and fauna the area is known for. 

Located along Route 62 in the Klein Karoo, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a private conservation-centred project that boasts 58.000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, indigenous flora and fauna, and rare examples of San rock art. Spot the Big 5 here with action-packed game drives that offer the perfect environment to learn more about South Africa's endangered species.

Nestled at the foot of the stunning Langeberg Mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge is a family-friendly and malaria-free game reserve that is perfect for groups of all sizes. The old and young can enjoy educational 4x4 game drives under the African sun, with friendly game rangers who are well informed on the Big 5 and their unique habits. 

Experience a Big 5 Safari in South Africa

The Big 5 are a unique collection of animals that deserve mindful protection from us as travellers and nature enthusiasts. Keen on spotting the Big 5 on your next holiday? Book a sustainable safari trip with Viatu and don't forget to pack your binoculars!