The Big Five animals refer to the most difficult animals to hunt in Africa, a term that was invented years ago when hunting in Africa by Europeans was in vogue. Today, spotting the Big Five is the quest of anyone on a safari. The five animals are the lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhino, and elephant.

Of the Big Five, leopards are by far the hardest to find, because they are nocturnal and are usually sleeping during the day, often up in trees. Lions are the second-hardest to find. Usually the easiest way to find the Big Five in Kruger is to look for stopped cars. Where two or more cars are stopped, there is usually a Big Five animal nearby that they are all watching.

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Guided morning and afternoon Bush Walks are possible at all the larger camps, including Satara, Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Pretoriuskop, and many smaller ones as well. These are highly popular and a fine way to experience Kruger at close range. All walks are accompanied by armed rangers. The morning walk – when you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife on the move – is particularly recommended.

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