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The Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo – are some of Zambia’s most iconic animals, symbolising the power and allure of Africa’s wilderness. Once feared as the most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot, they’re now celebrated as symbols of the continent’s remarkable biodiversity. Zambia’s remote and unspoiled landscapes offer some of the most rewarding Big Five encounters, with fewer crowds and a more intimate safari experience.
Why Should You Go on This Experience?
See the Big Five
Explore Zambia’s spectacular national parks, where Africa’s most famous wildlife roam freely. Witness the thrill of a hunt and marvel at the sheer size of African elephants as they journey from one waterhole to the next, all the while enjoying expert insights from your safari guide.
Exclusive Wildlife Encounters
With fewer visitors than some other safari destinations, Zambia offers a more personal and uninterrupted Big Five experience. You’ll get more time to take the perfect photograph, and when it’s all said and done, you can enjoy sundowners in the bush.
Expert-Led Safaris
Join skilled guides and trackers who will help you find elusive species and understand their behaviours. Few people understand the Big Five like these conservation professionals.
Contrasting Habitats
From lush floodplains to dense woodlands, Zambia’s varied landscapes provide incredible Big Five viewing. In fact, you might feel as if you’re visiting entirely different countries.
Conservation-Focused Travel
Support sustainable tourism efforts that help protect Zambia’s wildlife and natural heritage. Be part of the work that goes into preserving Africa’s most iconic animals for generations to come.
Best Destinations for Big Five Safaris in Zambia
Kafue National Park
As Zambia’s largest national park, roughly the size of Wales or Massachusetts, Kafue National Park will soon offer incredible Big Five sightings with the reintroduction of rhinoceroses in 2025. In the Busanga Plains, lions and leopards thrive alongside elephants and buffalo.
South Luangwa National Park
One of Africa’s top safari destinations, South Luangwa National Park is known for its high density of leopards, large elephant herds, and healthy lion populations. Night drives offer a chance to see nocturnal predators in action. It’s also the birthplace of the walking safari.
Lower Zambezi National Park
A stunning mix of riverine forests and open floodplains, this park is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as lions and leopards. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris allow for wildlife viewing from all angles.
Five Tips for Big Five Safaris
1. Time Your Visit
The dry season (May to October) provides the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Vegetation is also less dense, allowing you to see the animals more easily.
2. Go with Expert Guides
Tracking wildlife in Zambia’s vast landscapes is challenging, but experienced guides dramatically improve your chances of Big Five sightings.
3. Combine Parks for Variety
Visit multiple parks to see the full Big Five, as rhinos are only found in select areas. However, this is set to change in 2025 with the reintroduction of 40 to 60 rhinoceroses to Kafue National Park.
4. Bring the Right Gear
A good pair of binoculars and a zoom lens (300 mm or more) will help you capture wildlife moments from a distance.
5. Support Conservation Initiatives
Stay at lodges that contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring future generations can enjoy Zambia’s Big Five.
