The Big Five is a term that big game hunters came up for the most difficult animals to catch on foot in Africa. The Big 5 are the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and the Rhinoceros Many people have a dream to see the Big 5 in their natural setting at least once in their lifetime. These days they are more interested in snapping photos than catching them. The best way to do this is to travel to the continent of Africa, go on Safari, and see these animals and many other exciting creatures. There are plenty of accommodation options available and it really comes down to how much you are willing to spend for your experience. You will be driven around in off road vehicles or boats and in some places you may be able to go on guided trekking tours.
Botswana
Botswana is a great place to go on safari and there are many options for you to choose from. The two national parks, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, are good for viewing animals but there some drawbacks to visiting these government reserves. You can’t drive at night, you can’t drive off road, and there are no walking tours allowed anywhere within the parks. The areas around these parks are filled with private wildlife reserves and they allow driving at night and off road driving. They do offer walking tours with armed guides. The cost is higher on these private reserves but with no public access allowed you have a much better chance of seeing wild animals.
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Tanzania
Tanzania is the home of the Serengeti and you can watch the great migration if you travel there during the early spring. Watch thousands of zebra, and wildebeest, migrate in search of mating grounds, water, and food. Their predators are sure to follow as well so you will also get a chance to see lions, hyenas, and leopards as well. Birds also follow them along to eat the seeds in their droppings, as well as carrion birds that will eat what the cats don’t finish.
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Kenya
The great migration usually reaches Kenya by late summer and this is where you can get the best view of the Masai Mara crossing where the animals travel through crocodile filled waters. You can also see flocks of brilliant pink flamingoes, elephants, giraffes, and other unique creatures that are only found in Africa.
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Rwanda
If you decide to head to Rwanda for a safari you can see the big 5 and as well as the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Hike through the mountains to find these giant primates in their natural habitat and experience something that few people ever get to see. Rwanda is home to some great, luxury safari lodges. You can also learn how to track chimpanzees, visit Dian Fossey’s grave and learn more about the culture of Rwanda while you are there.
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Namibia
Namibia is to home to the Namib Desert and the Kalahari Desert. These two great deserts offer many chances to view animals in their natural settings. You can track black rhinos, and view the animals that have adapted to the harsh existence of living in the desert. You can also trek the highest natural sand dune in the world, the Sossusvlei Dunes. There is also Etosha National Park, a reserve that has been in existence since 1907 and you will see many different species of wildlife there including the big five, elephants, giraffes, and many others.
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