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

1,444 Results1,444 Result for 1 Adult for {{adults}} Adults for 1 Adult and 1 Child for 1 Adult and {{children}} Children for {{adults}} Adults and 1 Child for {{adults}} Adults and {{children}} Children

View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Overland Truck
Kenya and Tanzania Overland Safari - 14 Days
4.2 (14 traveler reviews)
"What a beautiful country and people. It's amazing the information and kindness he has."
Meredith, traveled in June
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Lake Nakuru,Amboseli National Park,Arusha,Tarangire National Park,Lake Manyara,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
From
US$2,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Adventure
4.6 (20 traveler reviews)
"The experiences lived on the plains of Masai Mara and Serengeti etc looking at many different animals will stay with me for the rest of my life."
PETER, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Venture Safaris
From
US$2,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The vehicle was very comfortable, and we saw three out of five of the big fives. It was an unforgettable experience."
Bruno, traveled in March
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$140per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Affordable 5-Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Kenya Budget Joining Tour for groups
4.2 (15 traveler reviews)
"The views of Mount Kilimanjaro were breathtaking, the wildlife encounters were spectacular, and the accommodation was both comfortable and elegant."
Mesh, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Amboseli National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
From
US$475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (26 traveler reviews)
"Our tent, bathroom, food, owner and guide experiences were all wonderful."
George, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$598per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
6 Days Serengeti Joining Group Safari classic lodge
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"The big animals were numerous and spectacular, but Lucas took us beyond the Big 5 and was able to help us identify nearly 100 bird species as well!"
Luisawedert, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Serengeti African Tours
From
US$2,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
10-Day Kenya Safari 2026/27 – Ultimate Wildebeest Migration & Big Five Adventure
4.6 (9 traveler reviews)
"This trip was way above my expectations. We saw cheetahs feasting on a zebra, lions having sex and vultures fighting each other over another zebra."
Angela, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve+1 more
Age Range
Operated in
English, French,Spanish,Russian+2 more
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
From
US$8,990per person
+$850 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
1-Day Private Ngorongoro Crater Day Trip
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Perfectly Tailored Experience. My guide tailored the day to my interests, and we spent extra time observing the birdlife."
Sumaiya, traveled in December
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French+3 more
Operator
African Polecat Safaris
From
US$616per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
14-Day Ultimate Kenya Big Five Safari & Beach Adventure
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve,Lake Nakuru National Park,Lake Naivasha,Amboseli National Park,Tsavo West National Park,Mombasa+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French,Spanish,Russian+2 more
Operator
Exciting Africa Holidays
From
US$4,190per person
+$960 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Overland Truck
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure
4.5 (78 traveler reviews)
"This was a dream to go on safari and it excelled!! The team were amazing to the end and the group fantastic!"
Sara, traveled in November
Duration
14 days
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
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $7,483
US$6,750per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (255 traveler reviews)
"IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT PLUS MORE!"
Lyle, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
50% Off
From $3,800
US$1,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Best of Tanzania Luxury Safari & Day Adventures
5.0 (208 traveler reviews)
"Everything was flawlessly organized, from the itinerary to the four exquisite lodges we stayed in. A rare and truly enriching experience that stays with you long after the journey ends."
Verena, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Materuni Waterfall+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures)
50% Off
From $3,900
US$1,950per person
+$50 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
8- Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake manyara , Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour- (Accommodation and Transport are Included)
5.0 (110 traveler reviews)
"We had a fantastic Safari experience in Tanzania organized by Tanzania Wildlife Adventures."
Helga, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Moshi, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro,Lake Manyara,Materuni Waterfall+3 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
50% Off
From
US$2,160per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (10 traveler reviews)
"Excellent itinerary through 6 parks in 9 days, including Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The harrowing wildebeest migration as they cross the treacherous Mara River is not to be missed."
Brenda, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Ikoma,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
50% Off
From
US$3,700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Northern Tanzania Safari. (Accommodation and Transport are Included.)
4.9 (37 traveler reviews)
"Serengeti and Ngorongoro were the highlights, especially with the great wildebeest migration taking place."
Rikke, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,Portuguese,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
50% Off
From
US$1,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour