Planning a safari vacation but not sure exactly what to see? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the full low down. If you ask any regular ‘safari traveller’ they will immediately tell you Africa’s magnificent 5 game animals are an absolute must. But what exactly are the Big 5? So, the Big 5 refers to the five African game animals: lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. Originally, these animals were called the Big 5 not for their size, but for their level of difficulty and danger. Although finding all 5 on a safari can be difficult, don’t give up! It’s definitely worth every minute!
All you need to know about Africa’s Big 5
leopard
Starting with the Big 5 list, we have one of the most special animals that everyone wants to get their eyes on…the African Leopard. These powerful big cats are very adaptable animals and can sometimes be quite difficult to spot. For the most part, leopards come out to hunt at night and spend their days resting on tree tops or branches. The leopard is also considered the smallest and sometimes the cutest of the Big 5,
the elephant
Next, we have the largest animal of the Big 5 – the African elephant. They are also the largest land animals and native to at least 37 countries on the African continent. On average they weigh over 5000kg, so getting some good photos of these massive beauties won’t be challenging at all. Sadly, like the other animals on our list, elephants are a huge treasure for many poachers. But we recommend that you do not try to get close to these animals in the wild as they are extremely dangerous.
the buffalo
The buffalo may not sound familiar to many, so we’re going to tell you all you need to know. The Cape Buffalo is generally considered the most dangerous of the 5 animals because of its unpredictable behavior. It has also been nicknamed the “Black Death” and the “Widow Maker” because of its tendency to stampede when suddenly alarmed. Buffaloes are sometimes reported to kill more people than animals.
the rhinoceros
African rhinos are divided into two species; Black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros. The white rhino lives mainly in South Africa but has been reintroduced to other neighboring countries. The majority of black rhinos live in four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. One thing both species have in common is that they are both huge. They are incredibly strong and thick animals, and amazingly they can reach speeds of 50 kilometers per hour!
the lion
Last but by no means least, we have the beautiful African lion. They are the most sought after animals on safari but luckily, they are quite easy to find. Both lions and lionesses are often seen lying on the grass by the side of the road or relatively nearby. Although they are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, they are also one of the most social big cats in the world, which is why you can see them in groups.
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