A young giraffe standing in a grassy plain with a distant horizon and a few trees in the background.

A safari offers close encounters with some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife.

Sightings vary by region, season and habitat, so this guide highlights both the species you’re likely to see and the best places to find them. On most safaris you will see most animals, but some animals are found in greater numbers in certain locations/certain countries.

The Big Five

Originally a term used by early hunters, the “Big Five” now simply marks the most iconic safari species.

Lion

  • Found in: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe

  • Best for strong sightings: Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), South Luangwa (Zambia), Sabi Sands (South Africa)

  • Notes: Social cats; high activity in early mornings and late afternoons


What you Will See

Lion cubs sitting on a rock on an African safari

antelope/Grazers

Giraffe

Leopard

  • Found in: Most safari regions, but densities vary

  • Best for strong sightings: South Luangwa (Zambia), Sabi Sands (South Africa), Lower Zambezi (Zambia)

  • Notes: Solitary and elusive; often seen in trees or riverine areas

Predators Beyond the Big Cats

Primates and Rare Species

Mountain Gorilla

  • Only seen in: Uganda and Rwanda

  • Notes: Trekking permits required; highly protected

Close-up of gorilla in dense jungle, showcasing wildlife encounters on East African safari tours
Tall giraffe browsing acacia trees in an African safari reserve

Hippo

Rhino grazing on the savannah during an African Safari

Wildebeest

  • Best seen in: Tanzania (January to March) and Kenya (July to October

  • Notes: Key species in the Great Migration

Blue wildebeest grazing in an African wildlife reserve.
Wild chimpanzee perched in a tree in an African rainforest reserve.

Lemurs

  • Only seen in: Madagascar

  • Notes: Over 100 species; behaviour varies widely

Ring‑tailed lemur sitting on a tree branch in a Madagascan wildlife reserve.

Chimpanzee

Zebra

  • Best seen in: Kenya, Tanzania (during migration), Botswana

  • Notes: Large herds in East Africa: smaller groups in the Delta

Plains zebra drinking from a waterhole in an African safari reserve
A young leopard lying on a tree branch, looking directly at the camera.

Elephant

  • Found in: Widespread

  • Best for strong sightings: Chobe (Botswana), Tarangire (Tanzania), Amboseli (Kenya)

  • Notes: Highly social; migrations affected by water availability

Elephant herd with calves roaming through an African safari reserve

Buffalo

  • Found in: Most regions except desert belts

  • Best for strong sightings: Kruger (South Africa), Masai Mara (Kenya), Hwange (Zimbabwe)

  • Notes: Large herds in East Africa; smaller groups elsewhere

Cape buffalo grazing in an African safari reserve

Rhino (Black or White)

A large group of hippos partially submerged in a muddy river with rocks on the bank.

Cheetah

  • Best seen in Serengeti (Tanzania), Masai Mara (Kenya), Namibia’s open plains

  • Notes: Speed hunters, favour open terrain

Alert cheetah with cub in a grassy African wildlife reserve near forest edge

Wild Dog (Painted Wolf)

Group of African wild dogs roaming together in an African wildlife reserve.

Hyena

Five hyenas moving through open savanna under a wide horizon in a remote safari setting

Water and Marine Wildlife

Crocodile

Nile crocodile basking on the riverbank in an African wildlife reserve

Flamingos

Flock of flamingos feeding in a shallow lake in an African wildlife reserve

Whales

A whale's tail fin rising above water at sunset over a mountainous landscape.

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