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The Big Five, South Africa

elephant — photo © mytouristmaps (Pilanesberg Nat. Park)

Known all over the African continent, the “big five” expression refers to the five most dangerous animals at the time of hunting safari: LION, ELEPHANT, RHINO, LEOPARD and BUFFALO.

They all can be found in many African parks and reserves (particularly in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, …) or, more simply, on the South African bills (with 380 Rand you will have them all).

Best Places to See the Big Five

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Why Visit: One of Africa’s most famous reserves, Kruger offers excellent infrastructure, diverse wildlife, and year-round Big Five sightings.
Highlights: Self-drive safaris, guided tours, and luxury lodges make Kruger accessible to all types of travelers.
Best Time: May to September (dry season). Vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Why Visit: Renowned for the Great Migration, the Serengeti is also a prime location for Big Five sightings.
Highlights: Witness lions hunting during the migration and spot leopards in the acacia trees.
Best Time: June to October (dry season) and January to February (calving season).

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Why Visit: Known for its dense lion population and the dramatic crossings of wildebeest during the Great Migration.
Highlights: Game drives, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and hot air balloon safaris.
Best Time: July to October (Great Migration) and January to February (dry season).

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Why Visit: Etosha’s salt pans attract an array of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and lions.
Highlights: Excellent for photography, especially around waterholes, where multiple species gather.
Best Time: June to October (dry season).

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the delta is a unique ecosystem with opportunities for both land and water-based safaris.
Highlights: Spot leopards and lions in the lush delta and enjoy mokoro (canoe) rides.
Best Time: June to October (dry season and peak flood season).

6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Why Visit: Famous for its walking safaris, South Luangwa is a more off-the-beaten-path option for Big Five enthusiasts.
Highlights: Spot leopards at night and enjoy intimate wildlife encounters.
Best Time: May to October (dry season).

7. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Why Visit: This ancient volcanic caldera is home to all Big Five species, including a healthy population of black rhinos.
Highlights: The compact area makes it easier to see the Big Five in a single day.
Best Time: June to October (dry season).

8. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa

Why Visit: Known for its successful rhino conservation efforts, this park offers great opportunities to see the Big Five.
Highlights: Guided safaris and the chance to see both white and black rhinos.
Best Time: May to September (dry season).

The Motorcycle Diaries, South America

One of the most fascinating trips through the South American continent is definitely the one undertaken by the medical students Ernesto “Fuser” Guevara de la Serna and Alberto “Mial” Granado, began with a motorcycle (nicknamed “la Poderosa”) in 1951 from Buenos Aires (Argentina), through much of the Latin continent, to Caracas (Venezuela).

It was after having embarked on this trip that Ernesto Guevara de la Serna knew what would have been his future… becoming the revolutionary worldwide known as Ernesto “El Che” Guevara.

Ernesto Guevara told this experience in the diary Latinoamericana (Notas de viaje) from which, in 2004, was made the cult movie “The Motorcycle Diaries”.

Today the remains of Guevara are kept at the mausoleum of Santa Clara (Cuba), where the following quote can be read:

“One thing I’ve learned in Guatemala of Arbenz was that if I had never been a revolutionary doctor, or just a revolutionary, first there should be a revolution”
Ernesto “El Che” Guevara.

Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

The Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), located in the central-south area of Sri Lanka, is one of the most important places in the world for religious pilgrimage.

At the top of this mountain, in the monastery, there is a large footprint foot venerated as the footprint of Buddha by the Buddhists, Shiva Adipadham by the Hindus and Adam by Muslims and Christians: a good example of how different religions can peacefully live in the same place.

The climb is about 5.200 steps (!).

If lucky with the weather, climbing Adam’s Peak rewards visitors with a spectacular sunrise at the summit. The breathtaking view of golden hues spreading across misty valleys is a spiritual experience for many.
During sunrise, the peak casts a perfectly triangular shadow that appears to float in the air. This optical illusion slowly descends as the sun rises higher, mesmerizing all who witness it.

The best time to visit Adam’s Peak is during the pilgrimage season, from December to May, when the weather is favorable, and the trails are well-lit. The busiest period typically falls between January and February.

If you prefer fewer crowds, visiting during the off-season is an option, but be prepared for unpredictable weather and less infrastructure along the trail.

The pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak is not just a hike; it’s a deeply spiritual and communal experience that blends devotion with nature. Here’s what to expect during the journey:

A Midnight Start: Most pilgrims begin their ascent around midnight or early hours to reach the summit before sunrise. The climb can take 3–6 hours, depending on fitness levels.

A Lit Pathway: The trail is illuminated with strings of lights during the pilgrimage season, creating a magical atmosphere. Stalls line the route, offering tea, snacks, and small trinkets.

Chants and Bells: As you climb, you’ll hear chants and prayers echoing through the air. Pilgrims often ring bells at designated spots to mark their journey and express gratitude.

The Sacred Footprint: At the summit, a shrine houses the sacred footprint, where pilgrims pause to pray, light candles, and make offerings. This moment is deeply spiritual for many.

The Sunrise Spectacle: Witnessing the sunrise from the summit is a life-changing experience. The golden light illuminates the landscape, and the triangular shadow of the peak appears, creating a surreal and unforgettable scene.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

During the Yugoslavian Civil War (1991-1992) Dubrovnik was hit by about two thousand bombs.
After the war the city was rebuilt with traditional techniques and original materials; now the splendour of Dubrovnik is reflected in the white marble of its old town, one of the medieval villages best preserved in Croatia and in the world.

In recent years, Dubrovnik’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks in part to its starring role in the hit television series Game of Thrones. The city served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Its iconic walls, fortresses, and picturesque streets became instantly recognizable to fans of the show, drawing a wave of international visitors eager to experience the magic of the real-life King’s Landing. From the imposing Lovrijenac Fortress to the charming Pile Gate, Dubrovnik offers fans and travelers alike a chance to walk through scenes straight out of the series while soaking in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Dubrovnik’s blend of history, resilience, and modern pop culture appeal has made it a must-visit destination, captivating travelers with its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, its vibrant old town, and its status as a living piece of history and fantasy.

Dovrefjell Nat. Park, Norway

The Dovrefjell National Park is the only area of Norway where you can see the majestic musk ox: a large mammal of the caprinae family, known for its thick coat that reaches almost the ground and the characteristic odour of musk.

During the period of love, rival male musk oxen fight to conquer females: they collide head to head at the speed of 60 km/h making a noise that you can hear in kilometres.

The guided tour starting from Oppdal, Kongsvoll, Furuhaugli and Hjerkinn, have a duration of 4-7 hours on a distance of about 10-13 km of enjoyable and easy hiking.

Bear in mind that if the musk ox feels threatened, he might attack, therefore it is suggested to keep at least 200 meters distance from them. If you are too close and you see them looking towards you and scrolling their head, you could be in real danger.

The park ecosystem includes other animals like wild mountain reindeer, arctic foxes, golden eagles and gyrfalcon.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo eternal flame — photo © mytouristmaps

The peculiarity of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the multi-ethnicity and the coexistence among the various religions settled during his history: Muslims, Jews, Catholic-Orthodox and Christians live together with tolerance.
Among the most important places of worship, there are four mosques, a cathedral and two Orthodox churches, a cathedral and two Christian churches and two Jewish synagogues.

One of the most significant monuments, the eternal flame of Sarajevo, commemorates the liberation from the Nazis and the victims of World War II.

If you plan a visit in Sarajevo, make sure you don’t miss the Baščaršija and the Tunnel of Hope:

Baščaršija, meaning “main market,” was established in the 15th century and flourished under Ottoman rule: a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditional shops, cafes, and mosques.

The Tunnel of Hope is a poignant reminder of the siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. This underground network, stretching for over 800 meters, was a lifeline for the city, providing a crucial route for food, medicine, and ammunition.

Dug by hand beneath the city streets, the tunnel was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Sarajevan people. It allowed them to evade the constant shelling and sniper fire, and provided a glimmer of hope during the darkest days of the siege.

Today, the Tunnel of Hope stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and human spirit. Visitors can explore the tunnel and learn about the harrowing experiences of those who lived through the siege. It’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and a tribute to the indomitable human spirit.

Sahara desert, Morocco

In the Sahara Desert, you can meet the nomadic people who still live in one of the most inhospitable areas of the planet. Today there are about one million nomads who live in the North of Africa.
Brahim, our Berber guide at the Chegaga Erg (Morocco), lived in the desert until the age of fifteen years, now he lives and works in the “city” of Mhamid; he says that he will return to live in the desert … a nomad can’t live without the sensation of freedom that only the infinity of the desert can give.

If you’re looking to experience the majestic dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, there are two main destinations to consider: Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, but each provides a different desert experience.

Erg Chegaga, located near Mhamid, is the more remote and untamed option. The journey to Chegaga begins in Marrakech, with a drive of about nine hours through the High Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley, passing through stunning oases and ancient kasbahs before reaching Mhamid. From Mhamid, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain for an additional two hours to reach the dunes and camps. The effort is rewarded with vast, untouched sandscapes where the dunes stretch endlessly, and the camps are far removed from civilization. This remoteness offers a profound sense of isolation and the purest desert experience, making it the perfect choice for those seeking authenticity and tranquility.

Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is more accessible and well-known. From Marrakech, it’s an eight-hour drive to Merzouga, often broken up with an overnight stay in the towns of Ouarzazate or Erfoud. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are spectacular, rising up to 150 meters, and are the most photographed in Morocco. However, the proximity of the village of Merzouga to the dunes means the area is more developed and receives more tourists. While this offers conveniences such as hotels and easier access, it can detract from the feeling of being truly immersed in the desert.

Having experienced both, we found Chegaga more enchanting. Its remoteness and untouched beauty gave us the sensation of being in a true desert wilderness. At Chegaga, sitting atop a dune at sunset or gazing at the unpolluted starry sky felt like stepping into a different world, far from the noise and distractions of modern life.

Best Places to See the Big Five1. Kruger National Park, South Africa