Big cats: the best areas around the world to spot each species

Encounter the world’s most impressive Big Cat species in their natural habitats and live your own safari adventure in one of these five wildlife-rich hotspots. 

If you’ve been following BBC Two’s fascinating documentary series, Big Cats 24/7, you’ll know there are few animals more impressive than the lions, leopards and cheetahs that feature. TV screens rarely do these magnificent creatures justice, though, and the only way to fully appreciate their splendour is by seeing them up close in the wild. Whether you’re an animal-spotting enthusiast or a casual cat lover, this is your sign to start thinking about your dream safari escape. But what are the best spots to see each species?  

Which destinations are best for each big cat species?  

Lions – Kruger National Park, South Africa 

Where else to start but with the legendary ‘King of the Jungle’? While these impressive creatures are actually more commonly found in the savannah, their majestic appearance makes them well worth their title. When it comes to spotting them in the wild, few places on earth offer sightings as reliably as Kruger National Park.  

Spanning nearly two million hectares of South African bushveld, Kruger is home to one of the continent's largest big cat populations, with an estimated 1,500 lions roaming the savannah. The park's open grasslands and well-maintained road network also make spotting prides easily accessible, and with expert rangers at the helm, sightings are never far away. Pairing this with world-class safari lodges and year-round wildlife activity, Kruger remains the gold standard for lion watching in Africa. 

Our recommended tour – On Safari in South Africa – Kruger National Park

Tigers – Ranthambore National Park, India 

Set against the backdrop of its 10th-century hilltop fort, Ranthambore National Park is widely regarded as India's finest tiger-watching destination. This private reserve, which was once a popular hunting destination for Rajasthan’s princes, is one of the best spots on the subcontinent for a safari escape thanks to its open landscapes. Despite its compact size, Ranthambore also boasts a truly remarkable level of biodiversity, with large populations of sloth bears, sambar deer and striped hyenas among many others.  

The crown jewels of the park’s wildlife, though, are the majestic Bengal tigers that freely roam its trails. These impressive creatures are famously unfazed by safari vehicles, often going about their daily routines regardless of Jeep traffic. Combined with the park's extraordinary scenery, it makes for an utterly unforgettable wildlife experience. 

Our recommended tour – India – Tigers and the Taj Mahal 

Leopards – Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya 

For the best chance of spotting a leopard in the wild, Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve is hard to beat. As one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations, the reserve’s sweeping grasslands, shaded woodlands, and rocky ridges provide the perfect habitat for these elusive big cats.  

Leopards here are well accustomed to safari vehicles, and so you’ll be just as likely to see them wandering through the bush as you would be to see them nestled amongst the branches of an acacia tree. What's more, with herds of antelopes, wildebeest, and other prey animals making their way across the Mara's savannah plains each year in search of water and food, this Kenyan hotspot is also a great choice for witnessing the Great Migration.

Our recommended tour – Kenya Grand Safari 

Jaguars – Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica 

Though the popular trails of Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands are perhaps the best known in South America for jaguar sightings, it’s Costa Rica’s lesser-known national parks that offer some of the best wildlife-spotting experiences. Occupying remote locations and with far less traffic along their wildlife trails, the likes of Tortuguero National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forests are the ideal choices for seeing this elusive species in its natural habitat.  

Tortuguero, with its winding waterways and dense canopy, is a particularly good option for spotting jaguars. For many, exploring by boat through Tortuguero's winding waterways is the only option and offers a uniquely intimate way to search for these elusive big cats along the riverbanks. What’s more, as you delve deeper into the park, you’ll have the chance to spot the hundreds of other species that call Tortuguero home, from nesting sea turtles to caimans and manatees. 

Our recommended tour – Costa Rica – Wildlife, Volcanoes and National Parks 

Cheetahs – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

Ok, so cheetahs aren’t technically part of the big cats family, but they remain one of the most sought-after and elusive feline species to spot out in the wild. As the world’s fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 miles per hour, these nimble savanna predators are a sight to behold and can be tricky to spot. For the best chance of sightings, though, few places compare to Tanzania’s dramatic Serengeti National Park. 

Known for its abundant wildlife and as one of the primary staging grounds for the Great Migration each year, the Serengeti is particularly good for cheetah sightings thanks to its vast open spaces. With fewer obstructions to block your view and numerous watering holes to attract the local wildlife, this national reserve is a must-visit for animal enthusiasts. For the most thrilling viewing experience, be sure to visit between June and October as the Great Migration reaches its peak.  

Our recommended tour – Great Safaris of Tanzania & Zanzibar Beach 

Embark on your own Big Cat safari with Newmarket Holidays  

Which big cat species is at the top of your wish-list? With our award-winning safari tours, you can get closer than ever before to the world’s most impressive species. To get the ball rolling on your next wildlife-spotting escape, or for more information on any of our featured itineraries, give our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’ve got your eye on another destination around the globe, you can also check out our full range of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.