Finding the African ‘Big Five’

WHAT ARE THE BIG FIVE?

The “Big Five” is a safari term used to describe the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.  

WHY DID THE RECIEVE THIS TITLE?

In the 1800s trophy hunters considered these animals the most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. They’re still considered the African Big 5 today; thankfully, it now refers to being the most sought after animals to see on a safari rather than to hunt down. 

Fun Facts about the famous Big Five:  

LION

o Fiercest & largest predator on land 

o Lion society is matrilineal, so females hold the territories  

o Females do most of the hunting  

o Tend to group themselves in a pride of twelve

o Most sociable of Africa’s cats  

WHERE IN AFRICA CAN IT BE FOUND?

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous National Park
Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve (Home to one of the most famous wild pride in the world – the Marsh Pride)
Botswana: Okavango Delta
South Africa: Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Krueger National Park

LEOPARD

o Smallest of the Big Five 

o They are sneaky and rely on their camouflage and being active at night to stay hidden

o During the day they often lounge in trees and are usually spotted by their swinging tails (often mistaken for branches) 

o Almost always found alone 

o The best time to find them is very early in the morning or at night 

WHERE IN AFRICA CAN IT BE FOUND?

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Park
Botswana: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve
South Africa: Londolozi Private Game Reserve

ELEPHANT

o Largest and heaviest animal in the world 

o Can reach up to 3m (9.8 ft) in height as adults

o Weigh about 6 tons (12,000 lbs.) when full grown 

o Adult males who are also known as the bull elephants are usually solitary, whereas the females are found in groups  

WHERE IN AFRICA CAN IT BE FOUND?

Tanzania: Tarangire National Park, Katavi National Park
Botswana: Chobe National Park
South Africa: Addo Elephant National Park
Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park

CAPE BUFFALO

o Usually form large groups as a defense mechanism against predators 

o Male and female buffalo both have horns, but the males’ curve upward and fuse together in the center, forming a solid bony plate called a boss 

o Protective & territorial 

o Reputation for being bad-tempered & dangerous  

o Live in herds, with anywhere from 50 to 500 members

WHERE IN AFRICA CAN IT BE FOUND?

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, Katavi National Park
Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park
South Africa: Krueger National Park

RHINOCEROUS

o Two species; The Black Rhinoceros (critically endangered) & The White Rhinoceros 

o The White Rhino gets its name not from its color but from the Dutch word “weid,” which means wide, referencing the animal’s broad, wide mouth 

o The Black Rhino has a more pointed mouth which it uses to eat leaves from trees and bushes 

o Because these animals have been hunted to the brink of extinction, they are probably the hardest of the big five to spot in  the wild  

WHERE IN AFRICA CAN IT BE FOUND?

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mkomazi National Park
Namibia: Ethosa National Park
South Africa: Krueger National Park