The Big Five refers to the greatest of Africa’s wild animals, the lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino.
Most tourists who visit the beautiful country of South Africa have a viewing of the Big Five at the top of their to-do lists. The Big Five serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful country, with the ability to view these animals right on our doorstep.
South Africa is one of thirteen countries that is home to the Big Five. These animals were initially named the Big Five because they were the toughest five animals to hunt, but now they hold their place on this esteemed list as magnificent creatures.
Where To Find The Big Five In South Africa
If a sighting of the Big Five is on your bucket list, you might be wondering where the best place would be to find these animals. Luckily, there are quite a few places that offer safari drives and sightings of the Big Five, ranging in price from luxurious to rustic.
Start planning your trip today and choose one of these fantastic locations to get your sightings in.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is found on the borders of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, near the North East. The National Park has many different accommodation options, such as luxury chalets, huts and bush lodges. You can enjoy a proper South African braai and sip on a local beer as you watch the sunset. During the day you can travel out on your own, or with a safari guide, to find the Big Five.
The Kruger National Park is famous for its endless lands and wildlife and gives tourists and locals the perfect opportunity to go on a safari.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
The Hluhluew-Infolozi reserve is found in Nomcondo, KwaZulu-Natal. It is a vast expanse of land which is abundant with wildlife. There are different accommodation options to choose from, and different safari packages. You can also choose to explore the game reserve on your own.
In addition to sighting the Big Five, there are picnic sites, boat tours and braaing facilities found within the reserve.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg is an interesting reserve. It is located within the crater of an old volcano in the North West, just across the way from Sun City.
The Big Five is on show at this game reserve, but there is more to it than just that. There is archaeological evidence of man found within the reserve, as well as incredible and unique geological features.
You can book one of many chalets in the reserve to properly enjoy days out in the bush ticking off each of the Big Five.
Madikwe Reserve
Madikwe Reserve sits on the North West Border, between the North West and Botswana. It is near Groot-Marico.
There are exquisite lodges on offer, which give guests a luxurious stay while exploring the bush. What makes Madikwe unique is that is has a unique location, being a transition zone located on the edges of the Kalahari. Due to this location, there are rare species found naturally in the reserve.
Addo Elephant Park
Found in the Eastern Cape, the Addo Elephant Park is found an hours drive outside of Port Elizabeth, close to Darlington Dam.
The Elephant Park has one of the densest populations of elephant found around the world, so you are sure to get your full of sightings. You can stay in a sheltered unit, enjoying the African sunrise and sunset as you listen to elephants in the distance. It is a truly magical place.
Sabi Sand Reserve
Sabi Sand Reserve is found in Mpumalanga, close to the Greater Kruger National Park area. At Sabi Sand, you will be in the heart of the Kruger National Park, giving you the most authentic experience possible.
The accommodation might be on the pricier side, but it is an experience that will always be remembered, giving tourists the true Africa experience.
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape, around 75km outside of Port Elizabeth.
It has been voted the Worlds Leading Safari and Game Reserve and Conservation Company for consecutive years. The Reserve has a strong responsible tourism ethos and puts the animals first.
It is another reserve that costs more than most, but its incredible ethos and dedication to wildlife make it one of the most spectacular reserves to visit around the world.
Timbavati Private Nature and Game Reserve
Found in the Limpopo Kruger region there are 12 luxury safari lodges to choose from in Timbavati.
If you are really into your food, this is the reserve for you. They serve some of the most exquisite dishes which are ranked highly around the world.
Kapama Game Reserve
Kapama Game Reserve is found near the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, in the Lowveld Bush near the Limpopo region of the Kruger National Park.
The game reserve has breathtaking views and is an absolute paradise for those who want to spend their day’s sightseeing in the bush.
Thornybush Reserve
Thornybush is located next to Timbavati and Kapama in Limpopo. It is the perfect lodge for a private getaway, offering an intimate setting within the bush.
If You Can’t Make It To The Bush
Let’s face it, not all of us can get away and escape to the bush. While we might dream of it happening sometime soon in the future, we need to keep busy. In the meantime why not try out the Mega Moolah online slot game?
Play the Mega Moolah slot which features some of the wild animals found within South Africa. You can take part in your African safari by playing this game on your phone. Hopefully, you can win some real money to fund your next actual safari.
Mega Moolah offers different game themes, so you can switch and change between what you feel like playing!
The Big Five
This is an incredible experience for locals and tourists alike. The Big Five safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that needs to be taken. Plan for your next bush adventure and hopefully you will be lucky with your sighting!
