The Big Five

Fabled for being the five most dangerous and difficult animals to hunt, the Big Five are now the most sought-after animals to capture on a point-and-shoot. Whilst sitting firmly at the top of every safari checklist, nature’s most magnificent animals are as elusive as ever before, making tracking them an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. Home to all five showstoppers, the national parks of South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana, are excellent destinations for a chance to see them all. On foot, by horseback or in the comfort of a 4x4, traversing the plains of sub Saharan Africa in search of these celebrated animals is the undisputed original safari experience.

Wildlife Favourites

The eclectic species that call Africa home are so rich and diverse it can be hard to know where to start. The pursuit of a memorable safari experience has inspired our personal collection of Imagine Africa Wildlife Favourites.

In Africa, anyone can give you big cats. We can give you big cats, arrange a guide we know and love, armed with your preferences, at the right time to avoid the crowds and ensure the best pictures, staying in a luxurious lodge with a preferential rate.

Be it a private Rwandan forest trek to catch a glimpse of the great mountain gorilla, witnessing a crocodile snap at a wildebeest crossing the Mara River, dazzling diving at Pemba Island, or a midnight lemur walk in Madagascar; here you can see our first hand recommendations to best explore Africa’s wildlife.

Imagine Africa safaris can be combined with a beach holiday for an unforgettable trip. Challenge an Africa specialist to design your tailor-made holiday.

South Luangwa, Zambia

Kafunta River Lodge is perfectly located overlooking a permanent lagoon bordering the South Luangwa National Park. A relaxed camp with wonderful game viewing and excellent guiding, it's one of our top picks for an affordable safari in the South Luangwa.

Kafunta River Lodge

South Luangwa, Zambia

Chamilandu Bush Camp is one of the South Luangwa's most luxurious walking safari camps in a remote area of the park. An authentic experience awaits with expert walking guides and a fabulous setting on a prime stretch of the Luangwa River

Chamilandu Bush Camp

South Luangwa, Zambia

Chindeni Bush Camp is a stylish and luxurious bush camp in a fabulous position overlooking a permanent lagoon and is the perfect base for a walking safari exploring a remote area of the South Luangwa National Park - this is the ultimate in bush luxury.

Chindeni Bush Camp

South Luangwa, Zambia

Island Bush Camp is a simple walking camp in a remote area of Zambia's South Luangwa valley. The excellent position overlooking the Luangwa River is a magnet for game, particularly during the dry season. This is the perfect spot for a wild walking safari.

Island Bush Camp

South Luangwa, Zambia

Lion Camp is one of the most remote of the seasonal camps in the northern part of Zambia's renowned South Luangwa National Park. A beautiful camp set on an oxbow lagoon, enjoy fantastic game viewing from camp away from the more congested Mfuwe area.

Lion Camp

Masai Mara, Kenya

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is a luxury tented camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara. An exciting big five safari awaits in unspoilt surroundings with excellent guides, outstanding wildlife viewing and Masai cultural experience.

Ol Seki

Near Victoria Falls, Zambia

Waterberry Lodge offers an intimate and exclusive stay in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Zambezi, upstream of Victoria Falls. A relaxing base from which to explore the Falls, with plenty of activities on offer to make the most of your stay.

Waterberry Lodge

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

Vakona Forest Lodge is a fantastic wildlife lodge close to Madagascar’s famed Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Nestled in lush tropical rainforest, Vakona Forest Lodge is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those wanting to see Indri lemurs.

Vakona Forest Lodge

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Azura Selous offers a truly unique safari experience in the Selous Game Reserve combining stylish bush luxury and wildlife viewing for a real wow factor. An Imagine favourite, Azura Selous combines a range of activities with gastronomic cuisine.

Azura Selous

Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Apoka Lodge in Uganda's spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park is probably the northernmost and most under-rated safari experience in Africa. Abundant wildlife, gorgeous scenery and a touch of luxury make a stay at Apoka Lodge supremely rewarding.

Apoka Lodge