The Absolute Best Game Drives to See “The Big Five’ in South Africa

A veteran of African game drives in Kenya and Tanzania, I thought South Africa and Zimbabwe would be much the same. I was wrong! Let’s visit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, a Big 5 Game Park in the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa.

Join me on my recent safaris in South Africa in search of the majestic five: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Cape Buffalo! Thanks to our group of generous companions and our brilliant guide, Desiré Pringle for sharing photos from our adventures.

Wild. Vast. The oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. It was time to Safari in the Bush Velt of Zululand!

Memorable Elephants…

Elephant dung is not like normal excrement, it is in fact is so pure you can squeeze potable water from it!

Here’s the big shouldered, fiercely horned and very dangerous Cape Buffalo…

Next on the List, world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary with nearly 5 million acres of wilderness and wildlife.

Where early one morning, out of the brush sauntered a dozen adolescent male lions…

Kruger is home to not only the Big Five, but more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve.

Giraffe and Kudu…

A rare Black Rhino (horn removed to thwart poachers)

Mama and baby White Rhinos (along with friendly birds…)

Herds of zebra

And a personal favorite, the ONLY female game driver in Kruger National Park

Couldn’t find out her name but I bet she has some stories to tell.

Finally, a night game drive with sundowners and dinner in the bush in Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe.

under a brilliant star canopy, and a silent heard of Cape Buffalo circling our parked jeeps!

Finish the drive in my Jeep along with me…