African Luxury Big Cat Safari
Witness the thrill of the hunt.
“To witness that calm rhythm of life revives our worn souls and recaptures a feeling of belonging to the natural world. No one can return from the Serengeti unchanged, for tawny lions will forever prowl our memory and great herds throng our imagination.”
- George Schaller
Have big cat fever?.
Nothing quite prepares you for the majestic power and poise of a lion, the sleek stalk of a cheetah, or the mysterious allure of a leopard.
Adrenaline, Speed & Power.
Feel the rhythms of life and death on the savannah.
These charismatic big cats are often the most sought-after animals on safari – and rightfully so. Their beauty surpasses most of the animal kingdom and their strength, speed, agility, and ferocity elicit both awe and fear. They represent the glamor and ruthlessness of wild spaces. The grace of a lioness’ chase ends in a brutal, bone-crunching, violent finale – a zebra or wildebeest or impala’s final moments.
Lions are the most common big cats to see, followed by cheetahs, and then leopards, who are more solitary and shy.
Although they generally hunt at night, lions can be seen lounging around on your morning or evening game drive. Cheetahs, the fastest land animal, are generally active during morning and evening hours. Leopards are nocturnal and often stay camouflaged in trees during daylight hours.
These cats can be found in many locations across Africa, but the Masai Mara is generally considered to be the best. They can be seen here year-round and, although there is never a guaranteed sighting, the Mara is as close as you can get. Even if you’re not able to visit the Mara, these cats are a highlight of any African safari.
Located in Mara Naibosho Conservancy, this area has one of the highest concentrations of lions in the world, but is also home to cheetah, leopard, elephant, and more, along with 266 bird species.
Located in a forest along the Ntiakitiak River, Mara Plains is a luxury tented camp that incorporates the visual beauty of the landscape into its construction and design.
Located on the Mara River on a private estate within a conservancy, this has been adapted into a luxury destination and provides a hopeful example of environmental restoration.
Male lion in Lemek Conservancy, Kenya
Leopard in a tree
Lion family playing
A coalition of male cheetah hunt in Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy
Big Cat Safaris
Location: Kenya or Tanzania
Camp setup: Multiple options available
How to get there: From Arusha, Tanzania or Nairobi, Kenya.
Wildlife: Big cat special plus all plains game such as zebra, gazelle, etc.
Activities: Guided game drives focused on big cat hunts
When to Visit: Anytime of year
