If Africa had a dating profile, it would be hard to swipe left. With enough visual beauty to leave an instant impression and personality to stir your heartstrings, and with so much BIG about it, you'll never be underwhelmed. This is your dream match when it comes to holidays. But one (or should we say five?) of her greatest features is the Big 5. And here's how you can see them from three perspectives – land, water, and sky! Now, that's what we call an adventure worth your time. No catfishing here, honey!
Let's Hear it for the Big 5
What wildlife make up the famous Big 5? Say hello to the enormous elephant, spotted-beauty leopard, magnificent African buffalo, lustrous lion, and real-life unicorn rhino. Here's where we like to go to see them from land, water, and sky...
Down to Earth: Big 5 Safari from Land
You can't go wrong with this classic. A traditional game drive will never get boring! We love South Africa for this experience, in particular Kruger National Park.
At private concessions like Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve located here, you get the ultimate VIP experience as they limit the amount of game-drive vehicles allowed out at a time. In these private reserves, the rangers can also drive off-road to give you a closer look at the wildlife, and they can even stay out after dark to show you a whole new nocturnal wildlife world.
Want to go even further down to earth? A walking safari in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is a must, the place where this activity originated! You'll walk in a single file behind your armed guide, with stops where they'll point out fascinating little details and remarkable wildlife vying for your attention. We personally love this type of safari because all your senses are heightened, causing you to notice things you might've otherwise missed.
Let’s Get a Little Wet: Big 5 Safari from Water
Get a little wet and wild? Don't mind if we do! For a water-based safari, we recommend a cruise on the Chobe River or a more adventurous mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta, both in Botswana.
A mokoro safari is similar to heading out on Venice’s canals in a gondola, but, darling, it’s much more fabulous! Instead of buildings, you’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s delicate paintbrush and the majestic Big 5 calling these waterways and landscapes home. It's such a gentle, mindful way to safari, and you'll feel invincible as you glide past the wildlife going about their daily activities.
When it comes to a cruise on the Chobe River in Botswana, we love marvelling at pods of hippos (you should see those jaws when they yawn!) and basks of crocodiles getting their tan on the riverbanks. Although not part of the Big 5, they're worth mentioning! You'll also see the usual suspects aka Big 5 as they come to the shore to drink. All, of course, while sipping an ice-cold glass of bubbles. For shutterbugs, some of the boats are specially-adapted for photo safaris.
Head in the Clouds: Big 5 Safari from the Sky
It’s giving drama, it’s giving butterflies in your belly, it’s giving love at first sight! A hot air balloon safari in East Africa will literally have your head in the clouds, staring down at the scenic savannah stretching into infinity. Best? The flurry of activity down below that gives it so much depth. And let’s not forget drifting off into the sunset. Now that's what romance dreams are made of.
Our favourite places to head to the skies to see the Big 5 from the air are the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. If you visit during the right season, you could witness the Great Migration, millions of wildebeest marching across the savannah.
Did we mention that it often ends on an even more fabulous note, with a bubbly breakfast in the shade of a tree? Imagine feeling like East Africa is all yours, your very own animal kingdom. Cheers!
You + Africa = Perfect Match
Ready to get to the next base with Africa? We're talking about the real deal, baby. Swap HD digital screens with true 3D real-life scenes. Our Travel Experts can make the experience of your dreams come true. And trust us when we say we know what we're talking about!
As fabulous locals, we know the ins and outs of travelling through Africa as an LGBTQ+ guest. So, you don't have to worry about a thing, because with us, everything is going to be more than just alright.
So, let's turn your Big 5 safari dreams into real memories! Reach out, and let's start tailoring a to-die-for holiday personalised to your fabulous wants and needs. See you in Africa, honey! Reach out to our Travel Experts now. We can hardly wait for you to experience it all.
