• Big Five Safari in Timbavati Game Reserve - Leopard
  • Viewing rhino during a Big Five safari in Timbavati, South Africa
  • Elephant up close and personal in Timbavati, the ideal place for a Big Five safari
  • Timbavati lion spotted during a Big Five Safari in Greater Kruger
  • Cape Buffalo in the Timbavati - Meet all of the Big Five

Big Five Safari Timbavati

Timbavati offers exclusive Big Five viewing in a prime big game area

The Big Five define that ultimate African safari experience. And no wonder: seeing these impressive animals – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and Cape buffalo - roaming freely in their own habitat is something you will never forget. But you might wonder why those specific animals are part of the Big Five? Is a giraffe not large as well? Here is a factoid: the term ‘Big Five’ was coined by big game hunters and is not derived from the size of the animals. These animals proved to be most difficult to hunt, mostly due to their ferocity when cornered. The Timbavati Game Reserve offers excellent opportunities for viewing Africa’s Big Five and your guide and tracker will do everything they can do for you to see these animals within their natural habitat. But let’s not forget that others – like a giraffe or hippo – are just as exciting to spot.


Leopard

They walk with an elegance grace, have an amazing coat and light blue eyes: the leopard, also known as ‘The Prince of Darkness’. This is the most shy and elusive one of the Big Five. Leopards are excellent in playing hide and seek: if they don’t want to be seen, they can be perfectly camouflaged. With their amazing set of killer tools – sharp claws, strong muscles and curved canines – leopards tend to drag their fresh kill up in a tree, where other animals such as lions and hyenas don’t bother them. So never forget to look up; the Timbavati Game Reserve proved to be an excellent place to spot this dotted foxy cat.


Lion

King of the African savannah: seeing a pride of lions in their own habitat will leave you with an indelible memory. Lions have an enchanting power around them and have served as the symbol of Africa for millennia. And did you know lions are very social? They are the only wild cats that live in a pride. In a group, females hunt more than the males, but most will happily scavenge if they get the chance. Timbavati Game Reserve is known for its multitude of lions, so get your camera ready.


Cape Buffalo

Not quite the lazy bush cow as you might think: the buffalo is one of Africa’s most dangerous animals with very few predators. Lions might try to go for a calf, but are likely to pay the price later when an angry herd takes revenge. Buffalos need to drink every day, so they are often found at a waterhole. Although they can be notoriously bad tempered, their wise gaze – as once described by a novelist: ‘They look at you like you owe them money’ - makes them thrilling to see.


African elephant

Is there any animal more impressive and charismatic than an African elephant? With his slow but considered movements, this largest mammal on earth is jaw-dropping impressive. Elephants are extremely social and have an incredible memory. A young elephant is weaned for four or five years and other mothers nurse orphans in the herd. They are peaceful when left alone, but if an elephant feels threatened, get out of the way. Nothing scarier than being chased by an animal that weighs 7.000 kilo (imagine the weight of seven stacked cars) and trumpets loudly…


Rhinoceros

The rhino is a pre-historic heavyweight that weighs in at 2.500 kilo. There are two types of rhinos in Africa: the black and white rhino. As you might expect, the white rhino is not white, but grey like the others. The name ‘white’ was misinterpreted after the early Dutch settlers used the word ‘wijd’ (wide), referring to its broad lips. But what’s in a name? Just be in awe of their imposing appearance and mythic status.