No matter who you are, you will almost certainly have a favourite animal or an animal that you have always dreamed of seeing. Whether you’re a first time safari goer looking for your first ever lion or a seasoned enthusiast who is searching for the endangered wild dog, you will certainly have an animal in your mind that will help complete your trip.
Although nothing is certain on safari, through over twenty years of industry experience, we have travelled throughout Africa (and still do!) and have become extremely knowledgeable about where to find certain animals.
Whether you’re searching for the elusive pangolin or the graceful cheetah, we know the best parks and lodges that will increase your chances to find them.
Whether you’re searching for the elusive pangolin or the graceful cheetah, we know the best parks and lodges that will increase your chances to find them.
Best places in Africa to see wildlife
For most animals like lions and elephants that are well adapted to various climates and environments and where they have been lucky to have been protected they are found in numerous countries and parks throughout Africa. Of course we still have our favourite places of where to find them; however when it comes to rarer species like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, the choices are far more limited.
Namiri Plains in Tanzania is perfect for cheetahs and whilst we love recommending the South Luangwa for those seeing leopards, the Sabi Sands is also a favourite of ours. For wild dogs, it’s never easy to predict but the Selous has a fantastic population and Mana Pools is unmissable if you love walking safaris.
Best wildlife viewing lodges in Africa
Best place to see big 5 in Africa
Many people flock to safari Africa with the focus of ticking the big 5 off their bucket lists. These are historically the animals which fought back when hunters tried to kill them, and they are as such the subject of many a fascinated tourists. The big 5 is the African elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. Although these animals are mighty, fierce and amazing to see… There is a lot more to safaris than simply checking animals off a list!
For the seasoned safari enthusiast, time in the bush become more about the “little” things and simply spotting the big 5. The more you go on safari, the more travellers come to love birding, walking and specialist interest safaris. The African bush is comprised of some of the world’s most intricate, complex yet delicate eco-systems where every single species, from the insects to the big 5, is equally important to keep everything ticking over year after year. For those who have crossed all the big animals off their list and perhaps want to experience safari from a different perspective, see the below pages.
