Best African Big Five Safaris
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Experience Big Five Safari In Africa
The Big Five—the Lion, Leopard, Cape buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino—remain the most sought-after wildlife during game viewing drives in the top African safari parks.
Experience an exciting and captivating Big 5 safari in Africa on a classic wildlife tour that takes you deep into the wondrous worlds of elephants, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalos. Hop onto your 4×4 African safari vehicle and let’s take you on an unmatched safari experience which will see us visit some of the best places to see the Big 5 on safari in Africa, in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing an iconic member of the Big 5 is always a highlight for any safari enthusiast, especially if this is your first safari.
Kenya has answered that call with one of the greatest natural shows on earth – the annual Wildebeest Migration of hundreds of thousands of Wildebeest, Topi’s and Zebra crossing the Masai Mara’s rolling grasslands from Serengeti.
From Kenya’s Masai Mara Park, its wildlife conservancies to the vast plains of Tanzania, a Big 5 safari is an adventure like no other. If you’re planning one here, this are the best options for a memorable safari tour.
Best Big 5 Africa Safari Tours
Ready To Plan Your Big 5 Africa Safari?
Browse our selection of Big 5 safari tours below. Or, get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make your one-of-a-kind Big 5 safari in Africa:
9 Days | 8 Nights
6 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photographic Safaris
7 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photo Tour
8 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Photography Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
What are the Big 5 Animals In Kenya?
The Big 5 safari animals are synonymous with African wildlife and represent the continent’s rich and diverse natural heritage. Originally named by hunters due to the difficulty of hunting them on foot, these animals are critical in the world of conservation and tourism. Each species symbolises unique characteristics and behaviours that have attracted people worldwide, making them the must-see animals on any African safari. What are Africa’s Big 5? Let’s explore:
1. The Lion - “Unmatched Courage & Strength.”
Lions hold a special place as apex predators. This dominance glues their status as the king of the jungle, displaying a supreme attitude.
In the wild, their powerful physique and strategic hunting skills ensure they sit unchallenged at the top of the food chain. Lions stand their ground, preferring to face their supposed challenger than to run and hide, showing confidence, a symbol of strength not just in body, but also in spirit; part of why lions have been associated with leadership and power in the animal kingdom.
Lion
2. The Leopard - “Ghosts Of the Forest.”
Known for their stealth, strength, and adaptability, leopards kill more than we think. Leopards are masters of stealth, often referred to as the “ghosts of the forest.” Their ability to move silently allows them to stalk prey undetected, making them formidable hunters. As nocturnal animals, they are primarily active at night, using their keen senses of sight and hearing to track down prey with unmatched precision. The leopard’s hunting technique is to either ambush its prey or to stalk it, a combination of stealth and sensory awareness is what makes leopards such successful predators in the wild.
Leopard
3. The Cape Buffalo - “The Aggressive Bunch.”
The Cape Buffalo’s most characteristic feature is their horns. Both males and females have heavy, ridged horns that can grow to impressive sizes. The horns are formidable weapons against predators and jostling for dominance within the herd, they play a dangerous game. The African buffaloes are the most dangerous animals due to their physical size, aggressive nature, and formidable horns.
Buffalo
4. The African Elephant - “It Never Forgets.”
Given that Elephants can swim – they use their trunk to breathe like a snorkel in deep water; they are also quite smart, and when faced with something or someone that does not intend them harm they are gentle and peaceful. A herd of elephants is led by their mother, an older female (the matriarch)… When a group of elephants is travelling, the matriarch always takes the lead and directs the rest of the herd.
African Elephant
5. The Rhino - “The Special One.”
The rarest of The Big Five is the rhino. Divided into two, the black and white rhino’s; rhinos are large (the second-largest land animal in the world, next to elephants) but quick, nearly as fast as the leopard when charging, and because of their elusive nature, they are quite a treat to photograph in your Canon while on one of our African photo safaris.
Rhino
Best Places To Go On A Big 5 Safari
Members of the Big 5 are found in different concentrations across Africa. If you want the best chance of seeing them all on a single safari – sometimes, if you’re really lucky on a single game drive or in a single day – then head to the following places:
Big 5 Safari Holidays In East Africa
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Rwanda
Where to See the Big 5 Wildlife in Africa
Masai Mara
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Samburu National Reserve
Serengeti National Park
Amboseli National Park
Mount Kenya
Mount Kilimanjaro
Lake Nakuru
Ngorongoro Crater Area
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara
Bwindi Impenetrable
Queen Elizabeth Park
Kibale National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Ruaha National Park
Nyerere National Park
Rubondo National Park
Southern Tanzania
Northern Tanzania
Combining Big 5 Safari and Beach Holiday
Kenya Beaches
Zanzibar Island
Lamu Island
Pemba Island
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya -Tanzania Big Five Safaris
Q. Who are African photo safaris for?
African photo safari tours are perfect for a range of enthusiasts, from solo travelers, couples or groups of friends who wish to sharpen their photography skills, or have a shared passion for photography with an added advantage of ensuring everyone has space and time to photograph at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Q. How experienced should you be to join a photo safari holiday?
Our African photo safaris are designed for passionate photographers and less skilled beginner wildlife photographers. Everyone was a beginner once and everyone still has lots to learn; so whether you’re a beginner just learning a few tricks here and there or a semi-professional with some solid foundation in wildlife photography, Kenya photo safaris offer a learning-rich environment.
To those who are new to wildlife photography, we are offer plenty of African photographic itineraries that will not only improve your skills during this African holiday safari with us but also allow you enjoy wildlife & the landscapes for the same reason, leaving you prepared and confident when you’re out in the field on your next adventure.
Q. Do I need special photo safari equipment to join a Kenya photographic safari?
Having the right wildlife photographic equipment’s can make a big difference on an African photo safari however, what you bring in the long run is up to you. Most travel operators allow you to bring your own gear (highly recommended), while some offer photographic equipment rentals.
From our African safari photography tips and advice on the essential gear and settings, you will be expected to have an SLR (Single Lens Reflex), DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera, as opposed to a point-and-shoot.
It’s a good idea to have at least two lenses on a photographic tour, including a telephoto lens. How big a telephoto lens you need depends a little on where you will go on your African safari. If off-road driving is allowed, you’ll be able to get quite close to animals and in these cases, a 200mm or 300mm lens will be satisfactory. Even better is a 400mm or 500mm capacity lens, especially in main national parks where off-road driving is not allowed.
It is great if you can avoid having to change lenses by having your lenses permanently set on different cameras. That way, you don’t lose time changing lenses during fast-moving action. Another downside of having to change lenses is that dust gets in and settles on the sensor. An off-camera flash set-up is great for night safari photography in Kenya. For more on photo safari equipment’s, reach out and we see how we can assist you with a guide on the best cameras for safaris and the best types of cameras for safari photography.
Q. How much does a photo safari to Africa cost?
The cost of photographic safaris in Africa is much dependent on when you want to travel, where you want to visit for photographing wildlife, and what level of luxury you would like on your African safari trip.
“The price of a Kenya photo safari ranges between US$3500 and US$4000 per person, greatly depending on the safari destinations you want to visit, accommodation levels, duration of stay, and must-see and must-do activities.”
Some of our photography tour packages are at times hosted at safari lodges and camps that favour the wildlife experience above everything. We truly put the effort in ensuring our guests are comfortable, and more than happy with a comfy bed, hot water on tap, delicious home-cooked food, and plenty of wildlife photography opportunities!
Q. What type of safari vehicle are used for Kenya photo safari packages?
As Vulture African Safaris, the type of photographic safari vehicles used are the customized 4×4 land cruiser safari jeeps which are open sided providing you with that 360° degrees view and ability for improved views, all enhancing the photographic experience. Additionally, this will allow you to simply pivot into the perfect position with adequate room for your lens support, improving opportunities to capture that sought after shot when the action takes place.
Still on our photo safari packages these specially designed and equipped photo expedition vehicles, provide photographers with essential features; Beanbags, foam camera support props, and battery charging ports are always available.
Q. Can non-photographers go on photo tours in Kenya?
We welcome non-photographers on all of our photo tours in Kenya, maybe it’s your partner or involve cases where couples don’t share the same interest in photography, yet would prefer to go on safari together.
That said, partners are allowed to join the tour as long as they understand that the tour will be focused on photographers and their specific needs. However, we still have to remember that first and foremost, this is a wildlife experience whether you are travelling with camera equipment’s or not. Whatever you’re looking for be it photography safaris for beginners, pro level safaris, or just doing it for fun – we will be here to make it happen for you.
Q. When is the best time of year to go on a photo safari in Kenya?
We believe that Africa is worth visiting throughout the year. When you should travel is very much dependent on what you would like to see and photograph. For example, if you’re into bird’s photography safaris, the right time ranges from January to March when the migratory bird species are in residence. As for photographing wildlife, it is good all year round.
The advantage you have is that you will be on a private photo safari, giving you the flexibility you need and control of what you would like to focus on as compared to joining a group photo safari which limits your freedom due to different traveler tastes and preferences on what to do.
Q. What are some of the best wildlife photography tips for beginners?
Wildlife photography takes preparation, patience, and persistence. Below are just some of the few beginner tips to help you get high-quality images on your safari every time.
Know your gear ; reason being that some of the best wildlife sightings and action-packed safari moments often last for only a few momentary seconds, and if you’re not familiar with the settings of your camera or the abilities of your lens, you’ll end up missing out on fantastic photo opportunities.
Always be prepared; when photographing wildlife, you have to be ready at all times. Always keep your lens attached to your camera, and ensure that your camera settings are already in place; the faster you can react, the more likely you’ll be able to capture an incredible moment.
Use the light to your advantage; the prevailing light is key, and your guide does everything possible to ensure you are perfectly positioned to snap the most evocative colours. Keep in mind, wildlife is typically more active during the morning and late afternoon periods, making these the favoured times for most photographers. Some of the best animal sightings while on an African photo safari are enjoyed in the early evening when the light of the fabled ‘golden hour’ paints all it touches in a soft and warm glow. Catch the breathtaking African sunsets on our famous bush sundowner with cocktails and snacks as you wind up your day.
Know your subject; understanding your subject and animal behavior is another key to being a good safari photographer, this is especially when your subjects are completely unpredictable. Before you go on any safari, read up about the animals you’ll be photographing to get a clue of what you will do when the moment comes.
Q. Which are the best national parks for wildlife photographic safaris?
Boasting unbeatable vistas, an astounding amount of wildlife and impressive big-5 game viewing, Masai Mara Park and Serengeti National Park are two of Africa’s best national parks for a photo safari.
- Masai Mara Park is the best destination for wildlife photography, boasting a good number of Lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos which wander around their natural habitat, and the famous wildebeest migration safaris which takes place every year. This can be your chance to go on a wildebeest migration photo safari.
- Serengeti Park in Tanzania is another top safari destination for photographic tours with awe-inspiring Great Migration moments and Ngorongoro crater views, not forgetting beautiful moments at Tarangire where you can capture the tree climbing lions.
- Kruger National Park is another fantastic destination for photographic safari holidays; this famous game reserve is home to the big five, as well as the cheetah and the endangered wild dog.
Q. Popular destinations for wildlife photography safaris?
The most popular African photo safari destinations include:
- Kenya; which as far as safari tours go, it’s hard to beat Kenya’s abundance of wildlife and incredible natural beauty makes Kenya photographic safaris even more memorable.
- Tanzania; Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is no surprise known as one of the best photographic safari destinations in the world.
- Botswana; This is one of the most expensive safari destinations and for a reason, Botswana’s unique landscapes and dense concentrations of wildlife make it a haven for nature lovers.
- South Africa; South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a popular choice for those heading to Africa for the first time safari.
Explore Africa with us; our photo safari planners are on hand to help you choose the right photo safari for you so please feel free to reach out using the contact button at the top of this page or filling out our enquiry form.
Our passionate safari guides go above and beyond to ensure photographers capture unforgettable wildlife moments from the comfort and flexibility of specially designed 4 x4 safari vehicles.
Capture jaw-dropping wildlife action at some of the top wildlife photography destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Hosted by our resident wildlife safari guide, your photo safari itineraries can be customized to suit your specific wildlife photography goals.
Booking Photo Safari Tours In Kenya & Tanzania
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on photo tours to kenya?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenya photo safari tour, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Africa Fly-In Photo Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.