Big cats and where to stay in style to see them

Big cats are big business and often the main reason for people to travel on safari or wildlife trips around the world.

There are seven big cats and these typically refer to the largest members of the Felidae family, capable of roaring due to a specialized larynx and hyoid apparatus. These big cats are:

• Lion – Known as the “king of the jungle,” lions are social cats, often living in prides. They are primarily found in Africa and a small population in India.
• Tiger – The largest of all big cats, tigers are solitary hunters and are recognizable by their orange coat with black stripes. They are native to Asia.
• Jaguar – Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas and are known for their powerful jaws. They inhabit rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands in Central and South America.
• Leopards – Leopards are highly adaptable and have a wide range across Africa and Asia. They are known for their agility and ability to climb trees.
• Snow Leopard – Native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, snow leopards are well adapted to cold, rugged environments.
• Cheetahs are not in the genus Panthera but are considered a big cat due to their size. They are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph.
• Cougar (Mountain Lion or Puma) – Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions, are native to the Americas. They are the largest cat in the Puma genus and are highly adaptable predators.

While the first five (Panthera genus) are capable of roaring, cheetahs and cougars cannot roar due to differences in their anatomy but are still often included in the “big cats” list based on size and ecological role.

If you love wildlife and especially big cats and want to stay in style, here’s where to do it

Best for lions – Angama Mara, Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is famous for its large lion prides, often consisting of multiple lionesses, cubs, and dominant males, who work together to hunt and protect their territory. The reserve’s lions are particularly renowned for their adaptability, often seen lounging under acacia trees during the heat of the day or actively hunting during the cooler evenings.

This vast savannah ecosystem, part of the greater Serengeti-Mara region, provides an ideal habitat for lions, offering abundant prey such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope.

The annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and other herbivores traverse the Mara River, further amplifies the lions’ predatory opportunities, leading to dramatic and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Lions in the Maasai Mara are a key attraction, embodying the wild beauty and raw power of Africa’s natural heritage.

Angama Mara is a luxury lodge located high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara. The lodge’s name, “Angama,” means “suspended in mid-air” in Swahili, a fitting description of its elevated position overlooking the vast savannah below and all 30 tented suites are positioned with seemingly endless views over the escarpment, making it easy to see where the moniker was derived. The tented suites each have 11 metre, floor to ceiling glass facades offering magnificent views without leaving your bed. As with the suites the guest areas hang over the rift Valley edge and are perfect for dining or enjoying a sundowner on the terrace.

The location of Angama Mara places it at the heart of the action for extraordinary safari experiences. The lodge offers daily game drives into the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where visitors can witness the famous Great Migration, a natural spectacle featuring millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the plains in search of greener pastures. Alongside this, the reserve is home to the “Big Five” and a diverse array of other wildlife. Angama Mara also provides opportunities for guided walking safaris, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel offer a 5-night luxury getaway to Kenya to see the Great Migration as well as other safaris, including time at Angama Mara. All their trips are customisable so you can experience Kenya in style.

Best for tigers – Sujan Sher Bagh, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most renowned habitats for the majestic Bengal tiger. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, this sprawling landscape of dry deciduous forests, ancient ruins, and serene lakes now serves as a thriving sanctuary for these iconic big cats. The park’s tigers have become famously bold and photogenic, often seen roaming the ruins of Ranthambore Fort or lounging near the picturesque water bodies. These regal predators are the stars of the park, captivating visitors with their powerful presence and elusive beauty. Ranthambore’s conservation efforts, particularly since the launch of Project Tiger in the 1970s, have played a crucial role in protecting and stabilizing the tiger population. Today, the park is a leading destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, offering a rare opportunity to observe tigers in their natural habitat as they hunt, mark their territories, or care for their cubs.

Nestled on the edge of Ranthambore National Park, Sujan Sher Bagh transports guests to the golden age of the 1920s, offering an immersive experience reminiscent of life on safari during the British Raj. The Sujan family has been deeply involved in conservation efforts at Ranthambore since 1974, a commitment that continues more than 40 years later. Sher Bagh is a pioneering camp featuring 10 opulent tents and 2 exceptional tented suites, seamlessly blending luxury with nature. Evenings are spent around crackling campfires beneath starlit skies, where expert naturalists share captivating insights into the forest.

Sher Bagh’s experienced guides provide fabulous game drives, showcasing their deep knowledge of the park and its most iconic resident, the tiger, ensuring a truly unforgettable safari experience. Between adventures, unwind under the shade of neem trees with a book from the library, or take a refreshing dip in the private, heated pool while soaking in the golden hues of sunset. The camp’s cuisine offers a delightful blend of Anglo-Indian lunches and traditional Indian dinners, prepared over open fires in clay ovens using fresh, homegrown ingredients from the garden.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel recommend a 3-night stay at Sujan Sher Bagh in their luxury tours of Rajasthan. All their trips are customisable so you can experience India in style.

Best for jaguars – Caiman Lodge, The Pantanal, Brazil

Brazil is the top destination in the world to see jaguars and within Brazil, the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is the number one place to spot these iconic predators. The Pantanal provides an ideal habitat for jaguars, with its vast network of rivers, dense forests, and open marshlands teeming with prey such as capybaras, caimans, and peccaries. Unlike their elusive counterparts in other regions, jaguars in the Pantanal are more frequently seen, offering some of the best opportunities in the world to observe these majestic big cats in the wild. The abundance of prey and water allows the jaguars here to thrive, often showcasing their powerful hunting abilities as they silently stalk caimans or ambush prey with unmatched strength. Known for their distinctive rosetted coats and muscular builds, jaguars are also exceptional swimmers, a trait that helps them navigate the region’s waterways with ease.

Located on a 53,000-hectare ranch, 36 km from the small town of Miranda in the magnificent setting of the Pantanal wetlands of Mato Grosso do Sul, Refugio Ecologico Caiman is a cattle farm, an important centre for nature conservation projects and home to the region’s most exclusive ecolodges. Caiman was established in 1985 as the first ecotourism operation in the Southern Pantanal. Since then it has aimed to offer visitors a means of getting closer to the region’s nature and culture, while pursuing excellence in hospitality services and gastronomy. The property has 2 lodges, the main Casa Caiman where most guests are hosted and a private villa, Baiazinha (6 standard rooms). Casa Caiman has 18 rooms, divided into Suites, Superior Suites and Master Suites. Casa Caiman has a gym, swimming pool, deck to the bay, living room with 2 rooms, dining room with 2 rooms, a spacious TV room and games room.

Caiman operates an important Nature Conservation Programme, which is recognised domestically and internationally. This consists of maintaining a Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony (RPPN) on a 5,600-hectare area and supporting various research and species management projects carried out on the whole ranch such as projects focused on the stunning blue hyacinth macaws and the Americas’ biggest predator: the elusive jaguar. Miranda Estancia, a traditional cattle ranch founded in 1910 by English investors, was the precursor of the present Caiman Ranch. The ranch currently runs around 35,000 head of cattle on natural pasture, seeking harmonious integration of livestock with the wildlife. This operation is open to visitors and can be seen first-hand by anyone interested. The permanent residents’ community for both lodge and ranch employees and their families, houses 180 people. In addition to having access to a school, medical and dental care and the necessary infrastructure, all employees are trained in and committed to the Caiman’s social and environmental programme.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel recommend a 3 or 4-night stay at Caiman Lodge in their bespoke tours of Brazil. All their trips are customisable so you can experience the best of Brazil. Caiman Lodge is also one of their charity partners so a visit positively contributes to the protection of the jaguar.

Best for leopards – Londolozi Tree Camp, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Leopards in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve of South Africa are some of the most iconic and frequently spotted big cats in the world, thanks to the reserve’s unique habitat and expert conservation efforts. Located adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands offers a haven for these elusive predators, with its diverse terrain of woodlands, riverbeds, and open savannahs providing the perfect environment for leopards to thrive. The reserve is renowned for its remarkable leopard sightings, with generations of leopards becoming habituated to safari vehicles, allowing for intimate and unparalleled viewing experiences. Often seen lounging in trees, silently stalking prey, or nurturing their cubs, the leopards here offer a rare glimpse into their secretive and solitary lives. Skilled trackers and guides in Sabi Sands enhance this experience, using their extensive knowledge to locate these elusive cats, while maintaining a respectful distance to ensure minimal disruption.

Londolozi Tree Camp is arguably the most stylish family run camp in Africa. A luxury five star safari lodge, Londolozi Tree Camp is located in the central region of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. Raised on stilts, Londolozi Tree Camp literally lies within magnificent Jackalberry and Leadwood trees on a prime site overlooking the Sand River.

Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of Tree Camp’s six private sanctuaries. In every detail and feature, from the swimming pools and contemplation decks (salas) to the Ralph Lauren wallpaper and plaited chocolate leather beds, this exclusive camp provides a matchless show- case of African excellence. Merging effortlessly with the surrounding natural environment, suites have spacious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, king-size beds with mosquito nets, air-conditioning and fans, private lounge area with minibar and a private deck with a plunge pool. The suites are reached by elevated; lantern lit walkways. Built high off the ground, the main lodge areas are under thatch with some solid walls and plenty of open spaces. Beautifully laid out there are plush lounges, a bar and restaurant, a large deck and swimming pool.

It achieved Relais and Chateaux status in 1993. With just six guest suites, it’s the largest of Londolozi’s three luxury offerings, but the level of service is excellent. Londolozi was the first game reserve to be awarded Relais and Chateaux status, reinforcing its commitment to fine cuisine, luxurious accommodation, and exceptional service and guiding.

Each of Tree Camp’s six guest suites occupies a timber-and-thatch structure that’s raised into the trees on sturdy stilts, set well apart from its neighbours. All suites offer 71 square metres of floor space. In every bedroom, there’s a king-size bed or twin beds, draped in mosquito netting. Other furnishings include bedside tables and anglepoise lamps, elegant seating, and black-and-white wildlife artwork. The colour scheme involves whites, creams, mahogany, and chocolate, not only in the bedroom but in each suite’s separate lounge area too. Here you’ll find comfy seating around a coffee table, amidst all sorts of interesting artefacts and plants. Overall, there are lots of modern amenities – air conditioning, room fans, telephone, internet access, mini-bar, safe, and hairdryer. The en-suite facilities comprise separate flush toilet, twin washbasins with mirrors over, step-up shower, and bathtub with shower attachment. One suite has a bathroom that’s accessible for disabled travellers. And all suites have an outdoor shower too, on a private deck. The deck also has a sala and a plunge pool. Visitors have access to several of the communal facilities at neighbouring Varty Camp – the fitness centre, Healing House spa, boutique, Cubs Den kids club, and photographic studio.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel offer a 14-night luxury holiday to South Africa including a stay at Londolozi Tree Camp so you can see the best of Sabi Sands and the wildlife. All their trips are customisable so you can experience South Africa in style.

Best for cougar (mountain lion or puma) – Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are the apex predators of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, where the rugged landscapes provide the perfect habitat for these elusive big cats. The park’s sprawling grasslands, granite peaks, and dense forests offer an abundance of prey, such as guanacos and hares, making it one of the best places in the world to observe pumas in the wild. Unlike in other regions, pumas in Torres del Paine are more visible during daylight hours, giving wildlife enthusiasts and photographers a rare opportunity to witness their natural behaviour up close. These solitary and highly adaptable hunters are integral to the park’s ecosystem, maintaining balance by controlling herbivore populations. Guided puma-tracking tours, led by expert naturalists, provide an immersive experience, offering insights into the cats’ movements, hunting strategies, and role in the Patagonian wilderness. For many visitors, encountering a puma against the backdrop of Torres del Paine’s breathtaking peaks is an unforgettable highlight of their journey through Patagonia.

Awasi Patagonia is a collection of independent villas in a private reserve offering total seclusion and stunning views of the forest, Sarmiento Lake and Torres del Paine National Park.  To be alone, or virtually alone, facing the infinite land of Patagonia: Awasi Patagonia offers an experience unlike any other.  Each villa is allocated its own guide and vehicle, allowing guests to explore the magnificent countryside at their own pace. The indigenous fauna remains intact in these forests and plains, where there are sightings of guanacos, nandus (rheas), foxes, condors and, occasionally, pumas.

The villas are located in strategic positions across the hillside, allowing plenty of private for each occupant and fantastic views. Their modern and contemporary exterior immediately becomes warm and luxurious the moment you step through the door. Wooden clad walls, neutral decor and a fireplace all create a real feeling of a remote cabin escape. The cabins are semi-open plan with a living area, bedroom and spacious bathroom, plus a hot tub outside. The main lodge is just a short distance away, where guests can enjoy the Patagonian inspired gastronomical delights of the restaurant, plus relax in open areas with large fires and comfortable sofas.

The Awasi Puma Foundation is the first conservation project of its kind in South America. Awasi is working with scientists and researchers to gather ground breaking information on the behavioural patterns of native species and to plot wildlife movements by using hidden camera traps.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel recommend a 4-night stay at Awasi Patagonia to see the best of Torres del Paine. All their trips are customisable so you can experience the best of Chile. The Awasi Puma Foundation is also one of their charity partners so a visit positively contributes to the protection of the puma.

Best for snow leopards – Rumbak Lodge, Hemis National Park, Himalayas, India

Hemis National Park, located in the rugged terrain of Ladakh, India, is one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive snow leopard. Known as the “ghost of the mountains,” snow leopards thrive in this high-altitude landscape, perfectly camouflaged against the rocky cliffs and snow-covered slopes. Hemis National Park, spanning over 4,400 square kilometres, provides a pristine habitat for these endangered big cats, offering an abundance of prey such as blue sheep (bharal) and Himalayan ibex. The park’s harsh winters push the snow leopards to lower altitudes, increasing the chances of sightings, which attract wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from across the globe. Expert local trackers and naturalists play a critical role in helping visitors locate these magnificent predators while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

Rumbak Lodge is nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Hemis National Park. Surrounded by rugged mountains and sweeping valleys, the lodge serves as a gateway to the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The remote location is a hotspot for spotting the elusive snow leopard, making it a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Himalayan landscapes while enjoying comfortable accommodations that blend traditional Ladakhi architecture with modern amenities.

In addition to its picturesque setting, Rumbak Lodge is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism and community involvement. Operated by local families, the lodge provides an authentic cultural experience, offering home-cooked meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can participate in guided treks, birdwatching tours, and cultural exchanges with the Rumbak village community. By staying at the lodge, you not only enjoy an unforgettable experience but also contribute directly to the conservation of the region’s unique ecosystem.

How to do it – Humboldt Travel recommend a 5-night stay at Rumbak Lodge to maximise your chances of seeing the elusive snow leopard and also to adjust to the altitude. All their trips are customisable so you can experience the best of India and the Himalayas. Why not combine snow leopards with tigers in Rajasthan and Asiatic lions in Gujurat?

Best for cheetahs – Tswalu, Kalahari, South Africa

Cheetahs in the Kalahari, South Africa, are masterful predators adapted to thrive in the harsh, arid environment of this vast desert region. Renowned for their unmatched speed, they rely on their slender, aerodynamic bodies and keen eyesight to hunt swift prey such as springbok and steenbok. The Kalahari’s open grasslands and sparse vegetation provide the ideal terrain for cheetahs’ stealthy approach and explosive chases. However, their existence here is not without challenges, as they must compete with larger predators like lions and hyenas while facing threats from habitat loss and human encroachment. Conservation efforts in the Kalahari are crucial for safeguarding these iconic cats, ensuring they remain an integral part of the ecosystem.

Tswalu Loapi Lodge is a luxurious safari retreat located in the heart of South Africa’s vast Kalahari wilderness. It’s part of the renowned Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Loapi, which means “the space below the clouds” in Tswana, reflects the lodge’s open design, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Each of its private suites provides a perfect balance of luxury and seclusion, featuring expansive decks, plunge pools, and uninterrupted views of the dramatic Kalahari terrain. The lodge’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in its eco-conscious architecture and commitment to conservation, aligning with Tswalu’s broader mission of restoring and protecting the region’s unique biodiversity. It recently has been accepted as a fellow member of the internationally recognised conservation organisation, The Long Run, illustrating its commitment towards greater sustainability.

Guests at Tswalu Loapi Lodge enjoy tailor-made safari experiences, from guided game drives to walking safaris, allowing them to explore the reserve’s rich ecosystem. The Kalahari is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including iconic species like black-maned lions, cheetahs, and pangolins, as well as rare and endangered animals. Beyond wildlife viewing, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural heritage through encounters with the San people, who share insights into their ancient traditions and deep connection to the land. With its exceptional service, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Tswalu Loapi Lodge promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African wilderness.

How to do it

Humboldt Travel recommend a 4-night stay at Tswalu to experience the best of the Kalahari and all of the unique species. All their trips are customisable so you can experience the best of South Africa where it’s also easy to see lions and leopards.

Simon Williams

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.