ISLAND PARK WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Tracking Africa’s Big Five with Adam Brubaker in Sabi Sands
A field‑level guide to a Tied To Nature expedition into South Africa’s Sabi Sands to search for the elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.
Tracking Africa’s Big Five with Adam Brubaker in Sabi Sands.
Join guide Adam Brubaker on a focused wildlife expedition to South Africa to seek the continent’s celebrated “Big 5” — the elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo — in one of the continent’s premier reserves. The trip centers in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, a top location for leopard sightings and an ecosystem that supports giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and many other species.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A concentrated search for iconic megafauna
The itinerary is built around locating the five animals historically termed the “Big 5” — elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo — and observing them in a reserve known for strong wildlife densities.
Sabi Sands: one of the best places to see leopards
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is noted in the program as a top location in Africa for leopard viewing, making leopard encounters a central draw of the trip.
Beyond the Big 5: a full African wildlife tableau
In addition to the Big 5, the reserve supports a wide array of species commonly associated with African safaris — giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and many others — offering varied encounter opportunities on game drives.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
Expect early mornings and late‑afternoon game drives led by experienced guides, with sustained periods of quiet observation as trackers and guides read spoor and behavior to locate the Big 5; much of the trip’s tempo is set by the rhythms of wildlife rather than a rigid schedule.
THE BIG 5
A concentrated search for iconic megafauna
The itinerary is built around locating the five animals historically termed the “Big 5” — elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo — and observing them in a reserve known for strong wildlife densities.
THE LEOPARD
Sabi Sands: one of the best places to see leopards
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is noted in the program as a top location in Africa for leopard viewing, making leopard encounters a central draw of the trip.
THE ECOSYSTEM
Beyond the Big 5: a full African wildlife tableau
In addition to the Big 5, the reserve supports a wide array of species commonly associated with African safaris — giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and many others — offering varied encounter opportunities on game drives.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should check with the operator first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No operator gear list is provided in the trip materials; consult Tied To Nature or your trip leader for recommended clothing, optics and camera gear prior to departure.
Trip is run by Tied To Nature and led in the field by Adam Brubaker with game drives based in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Daily rhythm follows guided game drives and depends on animal movement; sightings are not guaranteed and will vary with conditions and wildlife behavior.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who leads this safari?
The trip is led in the field by Adam Brubaker.
What does “Big 5” mean?
The term “Big 5” originally referred to the five most difficult or dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa; in safari use it denotes elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.
Where in South Africa will we visit?
The program centers on Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, cited as a top location for leopard viewing and for encounters with the rest of the Big 5.
What other animals might we encounter?
Beyond the Big 5, travelers can expect species commonly associated with African safaris such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and many others.
Are leopard sightings likely?
Sabi Sands is identified in the trip materials as one of the top locations in Africa for viewing leopards, making leopard observation a key aim of the itinerary.