When you think of an African safari, you might picture a variety of animals roaming around in the wild. But there’s more to Africa’s wildlife than just the “big animals.” In fact, there are what’s called the “Big Five” animals that are usually associated with safaris in Africa.
If you’re planning a trip to Africa to go on a wildlife safari, then you’re likely wondering what animals you’ll be able to see. Here’s a rundown of each of the Big Five animals you will find on an African safari.
An Introduction to Africa’s Big Five Safari Animals
The Big Five animals are the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, the rhinoceros, and the lion. These animals are so named because they are considered to be the most difficult animals to hunt on foot.
Where the Term “Big Five” Animals Came From
The term “Big Five” animals was actually coined by big-game hunters in Africa. These hunters would attempt to kill these game animals for sport, and the animals were considered to be the most dangerous to hunt because of their size and power.
Nowadays, the term “Big Five” animals is used to describe the animals that are most popular among safari-goers. Even though hunting these animals is no longer considered a sport, it’s still an exciting experience to see them in their natural habitat.
What are the Big Five Animals of Africa?
While there are many different animals that you might see on a safari in Africa, these are the five that are most often associated with the African safari experience.
Leopard
The leopard is a large cat that is native to Africa. These animals are usually yellow or tan in color, with black spots all over their body. The leopard is the rarest of the Big Five, since it is nocturnal and wary of humans. Leopards can be found in savanna grasslands, brush land, and forested regions throughout Africa.
African lion
Lions are among the most popular species to see on safari excursions as a big and intimidating apex predator. Male lions can weigh up to 550 pounds and females up to 400 pounds. These animals are tawny or yellowish-brown in color, with a short mane of hair around their head and neck. You’re most likely to see them in the African savannah where they live and hunt in packs.
Cape buffalo
Cape Buffalo: The Cape buffalo is a large, dark-colored bovine that is native to Africa. They weigh in at around one thousand to two thousand pounds and can grow up to six feet tall at the shoulder. Cape buffalo are known for their fierce nature and have been known to charge at humans.
African elephant
African Elephant: The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth. They weigh in at around two hundred sixty to two thousand pounds and can grow up to six and a half feet tall at the shoulder. African elephants are gray or reddish-brown in color and have large ears, long trunks, and wide feet. Their tusks are made of ivory and can grow up to seven feet long.
Rhinoceros
There are two species of African rhinoceros, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Black rhinos weigh in at around one thousand to three thousand pounds and can grow up to six feet tall at the shoulder. They are black or dark gray in color and have two horns on their snout. White rhinos weigh in at around two thousand to four thousand pounds and can grow up to six and a half feet tall at the shoulder. They are gray or reddish-brown in color and have one horn on their snout.
Where can you find all the Big Five Animals in Africa?
The Big Five animals can be found in many different countries in Africa, but they are most commonly seen in southern and eastern Africa. Some of the best places to see the Big Five animals are in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana. You can find the big five animals in Africa’s game reserves and national parks.
Here are some of the national parks where you can find all 5 of the Big Five animals:
- Chobe National Park – Botswana
- Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa
- Kruger National Park – South Africa
- Etosha National Park – Namibia
- Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
- South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
- Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
- Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
- Ruaha National Park – Tanzania
Read more: Addo Elephant National Park: The Ultimate South African Safari Park Guide
Conservation of the Big Five Animals in Africa
The Big Five animals are some of the most popular animals in Africa, but they are also some of the most endangered. The African elephant is listed as vulnerable, meaning they are at risk of becoming endangered, while the rhinoceros is listed as critically endangered, meaning they are at a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. The Cape buffalo, leopard, and lion are all considered to be near threatened.
There are many different conservation efforts underway to help protect the Big Five animals and their habitat loss. Some of these efforts include anti-poaching initiatives, habitat protection, and education programs.
10 Fun Facts about the “Big Five” Animals
- One of the big five animals is featured on each denomination of South African rand banknotes issued after 1990.
- Because of their poor eyesight, rhinos sometimes attack trees and rocks by mistake. Their hearing and sense of smell, on the other hand, are excellent, thus making up for their lack of vision.
- Leopards are excellent at climbing trees. They often drag their prey up into the trees to keep it away from other animals.
- Lions are the only big cats that live in groups, which are called prides. A pride can consist of up to 30 lions.
- Despite their large size, African elephants are actually strong swimmers and can swim for up to six hours at a time.
- Cape buffalo have very tough skin that is almost impossible to penetrate with a bullet. This is why they are often referred to as “the black death.”
- The African elephant is the largest land mammal on Earth. They weigh in at around two hundred sixty to two thousand pounds and can grow up to six and a half feet tall at the shoulder.
- The African leopard is the smallest of the big cats. They weigh in at around seventy-eight to two hundred sixty pounds and can grow up to six and a half feet long, including their tail.
- The white rhinoceros is the largest of all the rhino species. They weigh in at around two thousand to four thousand pounds and can grow up to six and a half feet tall at the shoulder.
- The average lifespan of an African elephant in the wild is around 70 years, while the lifespan of a rhinoceros is around 50 years.
African animals are truly fascinating, and a safari is the perfect way to see them in their natural habitat. So, if you’re planning a trip to Africa, be sure to keep an eye out for the Big Five animals! Seeing these animals in their original habitat is an unforgettable experience.
See all the Big Five animals for yourself on an African safari! Check out our African safari itineraries and let us do all the planning for you.
Explore more African safari adventures:
The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Uganda
Addo Elephant National Park: The Ultimate South African Safari Park Guide