When one imagines a safari to Africa, undoubtedly one of the first images conjured up is that of the big cats—lion and leopard. Two of the African "big five" (along with elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo), these magnificent and regal creatures are on every wildlife-lovers "most wanted" list. Traveling by private van in Kruger National Park, and in open Land Rovers in Sabi Sand Private Reserve, South Africa, I was fortunate enough to have several up-close and personal sightings of both of these cats—a lifelong dream come true.