In the African Safari jargon, quite often people talk about “The Big Five”! I would like to see the big 5, OR Please sir, may we try to find the big 5?! While this term seems obvious and explicit to me nowadays, I must admit the first time I heard the expression I was like: “What the heck?” What about them? What makes them so “special”? Of course, I didn’t know back then the word was employed for animals…
So what are they?
Animals, yes they’re animals! But very special animals indeed! And no they’re not defined as “big” 5 because of their size! Otherwise, creatures such as the hippopotamus would have also been included in the list (yet this is not the case).
Simply put, the “Big 5″ includes the most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot! They’re very difficult to maneuver around and are highly unpredictable.
They are: the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), the African Buffalo (also known as the Cape Buffalo; Syncerus caffer), the Rhinoceros (Black Rhino=Diceros bicornis; White Rhino=Ceratotherium simum), the Lion (Panthera leo), and the “elusive” Leopard (Panthera pardus).
Today, the expression “Big five” is extensively used in safari promotions and marketing. Terms such as “Big 5 country”, or “Home to the Big 5″ have become such tools to attract tourists, that people tend to ONLY want to see the Big 5 (no matter what…), while neglecting everything else! It’s such a pity when one considers there are tons of other beautiful attractions out there…
The African Elephant
In my opinion one of the most beautiful animals on Earth! It is heavy (up to 6000 kg), yet both elegant and quick (>40 km/h when at full charge; trust me this is quick enough) at the same time. Elephants are incredibly intelligent creatures and have amazing memory capabilities. They are unmistakable with their imposing long nose (trunk), their precious “jewels” (tusks), and enlarged ears. Did you notice African elephants had ears of the shape of the continent? Cool, huh? 
The African Buffalo
The most dangerous of them all, and extremely feared by hunters! Buffalos are usually easily approachable when in large herds, but lone bulls can be quite tricky to handle! Can weigh up to 600 kg…one of Simba’s favourite steaks! 
The Rhinoceros
There are two types of rhinos in Africa: the Black Rhino with its distinctive prehensile lip (which makes it a browser), and the White Rhino (not white at all), a typical grazer.
Rhinos are also heavy creatures, weighing between 1000 kg (for the Black species) and up to 2000 kg (White Rhino). As with elephants, rhinos are unfortunately widely poached for their horn. Horns are taken away as trophies, to make knife handles or are used in powders as an “aphrodisiac”. Many Chinese people believe it has various medicinal purposes (which I totally doubt).
The Lion
Africa’s “King of The Jungle”! An animal of rare beauty, undoubtedly the most well-known out of them all! It is a skillful hunter with incredible power and speed. Its eyesight is like no other, and has excellent hearing and sense of smell. Male lions are very recognizable with their long and imposing mane.
Lions are highly social animals. In the lion family, male lions eat first, yet it is the females that do all the chasing and hunting. Once the male has satisfied its appetite, the females eat the rest, and the cubs any leftovers.
The Leopard
My personal favourite! What a beauty! And a unique coat for each and every individual! Did you know that not a single spot is exactly the same? In fact, many biologists use spot patterns on their face and neck to identify them from one another! To be honest with you I wouldn’t be able to differentiate them…well, perhaps I’d need a LOT of practice beforehand!
While on a safari it is always my top 1 animal on the checklist! It has all the characteristics that I love: it is graceful, is an expert climber and hunter! It is also very solitary and shy, which makes it even more rewarding when found!
An absolute treat for the eyes!
Big 5 Video
Tags: African wildlife, Big 5, Big five, Big five animals, Safaris
[...] lot of African safaris cover what is called the “Big 5”. That includes lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. Good places to see these animals [...]