The Big Five: Africa’s Most Iconic Safari Animals February 13th, 2025 • by Jessica Fox There are many reasons to dream of an African safari tour, observing wildlife in their natural habitat among them. This is especially the case with the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. But with so many other incredible animals (Giraffes! Gorillas! Wild dogs!) on the African continent, why have these specific animals achieved such bucket-list status? As you’ll discover below, the moniker’s origin is rooted in history, and these animals are woven into the fabric of African culture. Today, their influence extends beyond the past to lead current conservation efforts, making them even more meaningful to encounter in the wild. What Is The Big Five? In the late 1800s, lions, leopards, elephants, black rhino, and buffalo were the most challenging animals for trophy hunters to track and shoot on foot. Thus, colonial-era big game hunters dubbed these animals the “Big Five,” and the term entered popular culture. Though game hunting still exists in some places, tourism and conservation have helped to shift the majority of focus to photography and observation. In 2022, British wildlife photographer Graeme Green took the movement a step further with the New Big 5 conservation initiative. Supported by more than 350 global photographers, conservationists, and charities, the project aims to raise awareness about the threats faced by wildlife and to redefine shooting animals—with a camera, not a gun. Renowned wildlife photographers participated, and over 50,000 people all over the world voted on the images to create the New Big 5 of wildlife photography. In 2023, the results were announced and they reached beyond the African continent — elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers, and lions were chosen as the New Big 5. What Are the Big Five Africa Safari Animals? Lion Though often called the “king of the jungle,” lions actually live in grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and hill country. They’re also not too proud to scavenge for food—they’re known to steal kills from other predators like wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs. The most social feline of the animal kingdom, lions live in prides composed of related females, adolescents, and cubs. Seeing a pride moving across the savanna awakens a primal thrill, as do the nighttime roars we hear at camp on our South African safaris. Both male and female lions roar, a reverberating, heart-grabbing sound that can travel up to five miles. Leopard Leopards are the most solitary of the group. Unless they’re mating, these big cats prowl solo. Unlike lions, which rely on their strength and speed to capture prey, leopards stalk and then ambush. Night vision is this cat’s specialty—it’s considered the best among large predators. They can see seven times better at night than any human, which makes the dark of nighttheir prime hunting time. Between their late hours, ability to blend into the background (thanks to their spots), and reclusiveness, these animals are the least seen of the Big Five—spying one safeguarding its meal in a tree is a gift indeed! African Elephant The largest land mammal in the world, this wise, gentle giant is represented in Africa by two subspecies, the African Savanna Elephant and the African Forest Elephant. Females and their young travel in herds led by the oldest and largest female, the matriarch. The matriarch is responsible for the group’s survival and social network. Adult male elephants, known as bulls, form bachelor herds or travel alone. As a keystone species, the African elephant is critical to their ecosystem and shapes their habitat in various ways, including creating watering holes and spreading seeds through their dung. Like whales, their marine counterparts, elephants communicate with one another via a frequency humans can’t hear. African Buffalo Do not be fooled by their somewhat docile appearance. The buffalo is considered the most dangerous of the group, and they can reach speeds of 37 miles per hour. For context, the top speed of the illustrious Triple Crown-winning racehorse Secretariat was 37.82 miles per hour. Buffalo stay in large herds for safety, often numbering in the thousands—an incredible sight on our Tanzania safaris in the Serengeti. Woe betide the attacking lions—they’ll be met aggressively, horns first. Rhino Two species of rhinoceroses call the African continent home: the black rhino and the white rhino. Both black and white rhinos have two horns. The black rhino’s horns are typically longer and more curved, while the white rhino’s front horn is longer and more prominent than its second horn. The black rhino was the species initially included in the Big Five due to its aggressive nature and difficulty to hunt on foot. The white rhino is the second-largest land mammal after the elephant, but despite its name, it isn’t actually white. It’s gray, just like the black rhino. We’re told the name may refer to the white rhino’s broad mouth—the Afrikaans word ‘weit’ means wide. Meanwhile, a black rhino has a pointed upper lip and two horns. Another way to tell them apart? White rhinos graze, like a horse, while black rhinos browse on bushes, like a giraffe. Both black and white rhinos are endangered due to poaching for their horns, which has prompted vigorous conservation and anti-poaching efforts. You can learn about this work firsthand on our Zambia safari while expert rangers lead you through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Conservation and the Future of the Big Five Once a prize sought by trophy hunters, these animals are now symbols of conservation and ecotourism. National parks and private reserves across Africa work tirelessly to protect these species and rely partly on sustainable tourism to fund their efforts. Despite this shift, poaching, habitat loss, and climate change continue to threaten wildlife populations. Rhinos and elephants are particularly at risk because they are poached for their horns and tusks. However, there are also success stories. In Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, lions were reintroduced in 2015, followed by black rhinos in 2017. Since their reintroduction, what was once a pride of seven lions has tripled in size, and the rhino numbers have been steadily increasing. Botswana is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, which is a result of comprehensive conservation policies. The the critically endangered black rhino population in Kenya has more than doubled since the 1980s due to dedicated protection efforts. Cultural and Historical Significance of the Big Five in Africa The cultural significance of these iconic animals within African communities runs deep. They’re interwoven within spiritual beliefs and folklore—on safari, your guides will often share stories that feature these animals, like this one told to us while on safari in Zambia about why lions roar. For generations, lions have been a part of Maasai culture. The big cats are admired for their courage and strength; conversely, they are adversaries who kill Maasai livestock. In the past, lion hunting has been a rite of passage that boys would undertake to transition to Maasai warrior status. Now, that tradition has largely evolved into one of protection and education, which curious travelers can experience in conversation with Maasai on our Kenya safaris. Where To See the Animals of the Big Five in Africa Africa’s Big Five can be found in any country you’ll visit on safari. Certain species, like elephants, are easier to encounter. Others, like leopards, can be quite elusive, and a safari of 7-10 days will increase your chances of good sightings. If you’re keen to potentially observe them all on one incredible trip, a safari in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda (if you go to Akagera National Park, as on our Gorilla Tracking and Big 5 Safari), Botswana, or South Africa is your best bet. However, with any safari, there’s no guarantee you’ll see all the animals on your wish list! However, we firmly believe that any excuse to find adventure is a good one. An African safari is about much more than chasing the Big Five. While witnessing these (and many other) animals in the bush is an unforgettable experience, experiencing the full breadth of Africa’s perspective-shifting beauty, traditions, and cultures is what will linger with you, long after you’ve returned home. Whether you’ve got a Big Five bingo card or a particular animal you love, the following are, in our experience, the best places to see them. Best Places to See Big Five Animals Best Places to See Elephants: Though these majestic creatures range all over Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe are exceptional destinations to see them. Observing elephant family groups on Botswana safari from a mokoro in the Okavango Delta or in the Linyanti Concession bordering Chobe National Park belongs on every animal lover’s bucket list. A safari in Zimbabwe means you’ll see many elephants—the country has the largest population of all African countries. Observing them while you walk on foot within the riverine landscape of Mana Pools National Park is extraordinary. Best Places to See Leopards: Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa are the top countries to see this spotted big cat. Sabi Sands, a private reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park and a destination on our Cape Town and Kruger safari, offers incredible game viewing without the crowds, which is more conducive to spotting the shy leopard. The Serengeti’s great herds are a draw for any predator, including the leopard. So, there’s a fair chance you’ll see one and myriad other incredible wildlife on a Tanzania safari. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is far from human influence, and teems with plains game. Leopards are drawn to the gazelle population, and the private Magashi concession in the park’s northern reaches allows night drives – often essential for spotting these cats as they begin their night hunt. Best Places to See Buffalo: Large herds of buffalo are present all over Africa. However, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zimbabwe are our top safari destinations in which to encounter them. With its waters essential to buffalo and sprawling grassy plains, Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are havens. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, Cape buffalo mix and mingle with myriad other animals amidst spectacular scenery. Best Places to See Lions: The king of the jungle can be found within all well-known safari areas. There are large prides in Kenya’s Masai Mara, and as we mentioned earlier, the Maasai culture and lions are deeply connected. A Kenya SkySafari is a breathtaking and fascinating way to encounter these big cats. Botswana is home to the black-maned Kalahari lions and Okavango Delta “swamp lions,” which specialize in hunting in wet areas. Best Places to See Rhinos: Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda are among the best destinations to see these endangered animals. Tanzania’s densest population of black rhinos can be found within the main crater of the Ngorongoro Crater. The largest population of white rhinos roams in South Africa, and the best place to see them is Sabi Sands. In the 1980s, there were fewer than 400 black rhinos in Kenya. Since then, the population has more than doubled, and the best place to see this success story is at the Laikipia Plateau within the Loisaba Conservancy. Africa’s largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhinos resides amidst the dramatic wilderness of Namibia’s Huab River Valley. They’re protected by dedicated trackers and conservationists, who take you rhino tracking on foot on our Namibia safari. Akagera is now home to a healthy rhino population after the animal was reintroduced to Rwanda in 2017. While on a Rwanda safari, you can witness cutting-edge conservation at work with rhinos and other successfully reintroduced wildlife like lions. The Big Five Aren’t Everything Though the mystique of these animals is compelling, they’re just a fraction of the incredible wildlife viewing Africa has to offer. There is nothing like the bone-rattling thunder of thousands of wildebeest migrating across the Serengeti, the delight of zebras flashing among gazelles, or the whoop of hyenas at night in the African bush. For many adventurers, the Big Five are not alone among the animals they hope to see. Instead, watching elegant, unflappable giraffes lope across the savanna or cheetahs streak through the grass after prey are at the top of the list. And then there are the animals that capture the imagination just as much—the comical warthogs, the massive hippos, the elusive pangolins, and the ever-curious meerkats. Whatever animals you see on safari, you’ll find that seeing them in person and breathing the same air is extraordinary. Go On Safari No matter what draws you to Africa—whether it’s the legendary Big Five or the grace of an impala leaping in the savanna—little compares to the magic of a safari. The sounds, the landscapes, the sheer thrumming of life—it’s an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends. Browse our safaris in Africa and start planning your next adventure.