Your Guide: Get to know the big five

The term “Big Five” was coined by big-game hunters, and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot (lions, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards). As an unfortunate result, this made them highly sought-after hunting trophies.

Today, however, they are the stars of safari adventures, captivating visitors with their majestic presence in game reserves and national parks. Despite their elusiveness, many of our travellers have seen the Big Five during their tour! Spotting these iconic animals in their natural habitat is a thrilling and unforgettable experience, making South Africa a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

1. Lions

Lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day and are typically more active at night, which is why most daytime safari sightings are of cats sleeping in the shade. Lions have a tawny coat that blends well with the dry savannah and grasslands. This natural camouflage helps them remain hidden from both prey and human eyes, especially when they are lying low in tall grass. Typically, the darker a male lion’s mane, the older he is.

2. Rhinoceros

Rhinoceroses have poor vision and will sometimes attack trees and rocks by accident (however, their hearing and sense of smell are excellent!). Interestingly, white rhinos aren’t white, but slate gray to yellowish brown in color. The species’ name takes its root from Dutch, “weit” (wide), in reference to the animal’s wide muzzle. Unfortunately, rhinos are the most endangered species of the Big Five due to extensive poaching for their horns, which are highly valued as status symbols and for their supposed medicinal properties. This illegal activity has drastically reduced rhino populations, making them harder to find in the wild.

3. Buffalos

African buffalos live in herds of up to 1,000 animals and have lions as their primary predators. Ever loyal, buffalos will try to rescue other members of their herd who have been caught and have been observed killing a lion after it has killed a member of their group. Buffaloes tend to prefer dense bush and wooded areas where they can find ample food and water. These environments can make it more challenging for safari vehicles to access and spot these animals, which makes it all the more impressive to see one.

4. Elephants

African elephants communicate across large distances at a low frequency that cannot be heard by humans. Many plant species have evolved seeds that are dependent on passing through an elephant’s digestive tract before they can germinate. At least one-third of tree species in West African forests rely on elephants in this way for dissemination. Elephants have vast home ranges and are constantly on the move in search of food and water. This extensive roaming can make their location unpredictable, requiring safari guides to have keen tracking skills. Although elephants live in family groups, they can be widely spread out within their range. Seeing a large herd is possible, but sometimes only smaller groups or solitary males are encountered, which can require patience and timing.

5. Leopards

African leopards are excellent at climbing trees. They’ll often safeguard their kill in a tree to prevent lions and hyenas from stealing it. They are also strong swimmers and occasionally eat fish and crabs. They are nocturnal, solitary and secretive, staying hidden during the day. Leopards are inherently shy and wary of humans, often moving away from areas with significant human activity. This cautious nature further reduces the likelihood of sightings. They are the most elusive of the Big Five.