Africa is a continent that harbors wilderness, landscapes, and wildlife like no other. Everyone knows there’s nothing better than a wildlife safari in Africa’s deep heartland. Of course, no one wants to see just any animal — you want the best of the best! This is where you’ll encounter the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalos.
Popular Safaris Featuring the Big Five in Africa
About The Big Five Animals in Africa
The Big Five are the animals tourists hope to see on their safari. They’re not called this for nothing! “Big Five” was coined by big-game hunters in the early 20th century to describe the five most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot.
African Lion
This king of the jungle is an apex predator and one of Africa’s most iconic animals. Lions are known for their strength and power as well as the males’ distinguishable manes. As pride-driven creatures, they live in prides with females, cubs, and a few adult males.
African Leopard
With their stunning rosette-patterned coats, leopards are highly sought-after sights due to how elusive they can be. These agile predators climb trees often with prey so scavengers stay away from it. Most active at night makes them a thrilling sight if spotted during a safari.
African Elephant
African elephants are absolutely massive! Adults can weigh up to 6 tons which makes them Earth’s largest land mammals. Their intelligence helps build complex social structures that benefit countless species through things like seed dispersal. With their iconic tusks too they may very well be nature’s architects.
African Rhinoceros
The black rhino and white rhino are two different species of rhinos found in Africa. Their horns give these herbivores a unique appearance but unfortunately, it also subjects them to threats from poachers looking to cash-in on illegal trades. As such both species are under threat with black rhinos critically endangered.
African Cape Buffalo
The African buffalo is a large bovine species known for its unpredictable temperament. Many consider Cape buffalos to be one of the most dangerous animals to hunt, so when spotted they’re not exactly thrilling — more like nerve-racking. Despite their aggression, these creatures are known to live in herds that can have hundreds, providing safety from things like lions.
Best Spots For Big Five Sightings on Safari
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
This reserve has some of the highest animal density in Africa and residents include all of the Big Five. Several prides of lions roam around here too. If you time your visit right you might get to see the annual wildebeest migration which is considered one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park hardly disappoints when it comes to wildlife spotting. The park offers several landscapes ranging from open savannahs to dense forests which permit an incredible variety of wildlife. Leopards are prevalent in this area too so if that’s what you’re looking for then this is where you want to go!
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is a massive, mystifying ecosystem that stretches from northern Tanzania into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This landmark park has garnered notoriety for its enormous grasslands that nurture gargantuan herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. You can meet all of the Big Five here too since it’s also home to vast populations of lions and elephants.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
This one-of-a-kind wonderland was created by an ancient volcano collapsing in on itself. Ngorongoro Crater is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent including all of the Big Five. The compact nature of this crater mixed with its open landscapes make it easier than ever to observe these animals in their natural habitat providing visitors with truly memorable safari experiences.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is an oasis abundant in water smacked right dab in the middle of the arid Kalahari Desert. This unique ecosystem supports a wealth of wildlife where every single one of the Big Five calls home as well. Elephants are known to be particularly prevalent around these parts too — often sighted swimming or wading through shallow waters. Visitors are invited to explore with traditional mokoro canoes; an added touch that adds some magic to your African safari experience.
