At the first light of dawn or just as the sun begins its descent, catching sight of one of the Big 5, making their way across the landscape in search of food or water, is an experience that simply cannot be described by mere words.
These majestic animals, which over centuries have been idolised, first by big game foreign trophy hunters and now by excited conservation-minded tourists, are native to most Southern African nations. But some of the best sightings, the very best Big 5 safaris, take place in Namibia and South Africa.
Although neighbouring countries, South Africa and Namibia both offer a most incredible contrast in landscapes, with each boasting a unique menagerie of flora and fauna just waiting to be discovered.
If you are just planning your first Big 5 safari, deciding where to go to have the best experience can be tricky and it can depend on a few factors, including where in each country will be the best for your holiday, how to improve your chances of seeing the Big 5 and what makes each country so special.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about catching sight of the Big 5 in Namibia and South Africa.
Big Five Scouting in Namibia
Namibia, a land best known for its contrasts, is the otherworldly terrain that is home to desert-adapted elephants, with their wrinkled grey skin seemingly sculpted by the windblown dunes.
Here, along with seeing the elephants, one might also encounter the elusive black rhinoceros, a critically endangered species that Namibia is doing its best to fiercely protect from encroaching hunters.
Lucky tourists can also catch sight of desert lions, and meandering Cape buffalo, both out on the plains and within wildlife parks.
The harshness of the desert contrasts almost unnaturally against the lush pockets of life along the country’s perennial rivers, where hippos wallow in the cool water and crocodiles bask on the muddy banks. Where the rivers provide life to the land, leopards can sometimes be spotted sleeping in trees.
Where to go in Namibia to see the Big 5?
Etosha National Park is hands down the best place to go. Its centrepiece, the Etosha Pan, is a massive expanse of white, cracked earth, that stretches for miles, attracting a staggering array of animals when it fills with water.
Here, you might spot herds of elephants, including Namibia’s unique desert-adapted population, as well as antelope which in turn attract all sorts of predators looking for a quick meal. And the area is also home to rhinos and leopards if you know where to look for them.
To spot the Big 5 in Namibia, in Etosha National Park, here’s some tips you might find helpful:
Lions – While lion sightings in Etosha might not be as frequent as in the lush savannahs of South Africa, seeing these majestic predators in their arid environment is a remarkable experience. Lions in Namibia tend to be smaller and have sparser manes, allowing them to stay cooler in the scorching heat. Keep your eyes peeled for them when you are travelling near waterholes at dawn and dusk, prime hunting times.
Leopard – The most challenging member of the Big Five to spot in Namibia is undoubtedly the leopard.
These solitary, nocturnal cats are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the rocky outcrops and tangled vegetation they call home.
For the truly patient and eagle-eyed tourist, there are ways to increase your chances of a sighting, such as looking for scratch marks on trees, a sign of territorial markings, or listening for their raspy calls, used for communication.
Early morning game drives, when leopards are most active, are the best time to catch a glimpse of this elusive predator.
Black Rhino – Sadly, black rhino sightings in Namibia are extremely rare.
Due to relentless poaching, their numbers have dwindled significantly. However, Namibia is also a leader in black rhino conservation efforts, with strict protection measures and successful relocation programmes giving the rhinos a glimmer of hope for their future.
While a sighting might be a stroke of incredible luck, your presence in Namibia nonetheless directly contributes to these vital conservation efforts.
Buffalo – Buffalo are a more common sight in Etosha and other Namibian parks, compared to the other Big 5. These powerful herbivores often congregate around waterholes, which makes for a rather dramatic spectacle, with their imposing size and distinctive curved horns being hard to miss.
You should look for them grazing in the early mornings and evenings, particularly near permanent water sources.
Big Five Encounters in South Africa
South Africa, when compared to the starkness of Namibia, has a greater selection of parks, which means more landscapes and more wildlife.
The most popular Big 5 destination is the world-renowned Kruger National Park, a sprawling conservation that is about a third of the size of Ireland.
Here, visitors can witness the ancient primal drama of predator and prey as it plays out on the golden savannah grasslands while also catching sight of spectacularly huge elephants, with their mighty tusks (the Kruger is after all home to some of the most famous Tuskers).
While travelling here you could be among the lucky few to spot a well-camouflaged rhino or a camera shy leopard, which is just the sort of excitement that makes a trip worth every cent.
Aside from the Kruger, South Africa has various other destinations where one can spot all sorts of incredible animals including the Big 5.
Parks surrounding the Kruger, famous for their luxury lodges and exclusive wildlife sightings, are popular among tourists wanting a more exclusive holiday while there are also destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng and the North West Provinces of South Africa where one can also have quite the memorable safari.
Where to go in South Africa to see the Big 5?
South Africa has a stunning landscape and there are all sorts of places where you can see the Big 5 or at the very least just a few of them. From the sprawling savannahs of Kruger National Park to the dense thicket vegetation of Addo Elephant National Park and the wild bushveld of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa is the ideal place for a safari experience.
Although there are many places you can go in South Africa to see the Big 5, we’d say that the Kruger National Park is hands down the best destination if you hope to see all of the Big 5 in one trip.
To spot the Big 5 in South Africa, here’s some tips you might find helpful:
Lions – The Kruger National Park is the absolute best place for lion lovers. Boasting one of the highest lion populations in Africa, those who visit the Kruger almost always have an encounter.
Lions are predominantly seen in the Southern parts of the Kruger, an area that is immensely popular with tourists.
Elephant – South Africa is a land of giants, with elephants being one of the most abundantly spotted members of the Big 5.
These gentle beasts roam freely through various parks, including the Kruger and Addo Elephant National Park, where you can see entire family herds grazing on the long grasses and acacia trees.
You wouldn’t be the first person to stop and marvel at the sheer size and majesty of these magnificent creatures when you first lay eyes on them.
Leopards – While spotting leopards in South Africa can be challenging due to their solitary and nocturnal habits, the Kruger National Park boasts a thriving leopard population thanks to successful conservation efforts.
Much like our advice for seeing leopards in Namibia, you should keep your eyes peeled for tell-tale signs like scrape marks on trees or subtle movements in the dense foliage. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the ideal times to spot these elusive cats.
Rhino – South Africa is a global leader in white rhino conservation. Thanks to dedicated efforts, white rhino populations are steadily recovering, giving tourists a much higher chance of seeing these magnificent creatures compared to Namibia.
In parks like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can witness these prehistoric giants grazing peacefully out on the open plains.
Buffalo – Powerful buffalo herds are a common sight throughout South Africa’s parks.
These formidable herbivores often travel in large groups, which makes for a visually stunning display of their collective strength. When you spot a herd you will get to see their social behaviour as they graze in the grasslands or congregate around waterholes, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Why Guided Tours Are Key to Your Big Five Sighting Success
While self-driving safaris can be an excellent option in some areas, particularly in Namibia, for an in-depth wildlife experience in both countries, a guided tour is highly recommended.
Expert guides, with their years of experience tracking animals and deciphering the secrets of the bush, can dramatically improve your safari, by ensuring that you get to see all sorts of wildlife during your trip.
And their knowledge goes beyond spotting wildlife, as they can also explain animal behaviour, the delicate ecological balance, and the ongoing conservation efforts. With a skilled guide by your side, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders unfolding before your eyes, turning your safari from a sightseeing trip into a real African wildlife adventure.
Aside from improving your chances of seeing wildlife, touring in the company of a guide will also keep you safe and secure during your trip. They know how close they can get and how to ensure that the wildlife stays safe as well.
So, is Namibia or South Africa the Best Destination to See the Big 5?
Deciding between Namibia and South Africa for your Big Five safari really boils down to your priorities and preferred experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best destination for you:
For guaranteed sightings: South Africa reigns supreme. The Kruger National Park offers near-guaranteed Big Five sightings, with excellent opportunities to witness fascinating animal behaviour such as pride dynamics and hunting strategies. If you hope to see far more than the Big Five, South Africa is also home to cheetahs, giraffes, and a wider variety of antelope species.
For unique landscapes: Namibia wins this one. Etosha Pan’s spectacular beauty and the Namib Desert’s otherworldly landscapes provide the most unforgettably dramatic backdrop for your safari. While sightings might require more patience, you’ll have the chance to see desert-adapted elephants and other unique arid-dwelling creatures Namibia is famous for.
Our final verdict? There’s no single “best” destination. South Africa delivers a classic safari experience with exceptional Big Five viewing. Namibia offers a more adventurous option with a unique desert twist.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the kind of safari experience that satisfies your wanderlust the most.