The Big Five: A Guide to the Most Iconic African Animals

The "big five" animals, which include the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard, were originally selected by big game hunters as the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. These animals were considered to be the ultimate challenge for hunters and were highly sought after as trophies. The term "big five" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and has since been adopted by safari operators and wildlife enthusiasts as a way to refer to the most iconic and sought-after wildlife species in Africa.

The factors that used to select the big five animals were primarily based on the physical characteristics and behavior of the animals, as well as the difficulty and danger associated with hunting them. The lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard were considered to be the largest, strongest, and most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, requiring skill, bravery and hunting prowess from the hunters.

Nowadays, the big five animals are considered to be the most iconic and sought-after wildlife species in Africa, and are often the main draw for safari-goers. These animals are known for their size, power, and beauty, and are considered to be the ultimate safari experience. Other factors that might be considered are the presence of the animal in the region, the animal's behavior and population density,

1. Lion (The king of the jungle)

Picture of a lion pride in Serengeti national park

The African lion is a powerful and majestic animal, known for its strength and beauty. It is the largest of the big cat species in Africa and a symbol of the continent's wildlife. They are typically found in savannas, grasslands, and other open areas, although they can also be found in woodlands and forests. The African lion is known for its distinctive mane, which varies in color from blonde to black. It is a skilled hunter, and typically preys on large herbivores such as zebras and wildebeest. Lion prides are typically led by a dominant male, who is responsible for protecting and mating with the females in the group. The best places to see lions include the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

2. The Elephants

Elephants at Kruger national park

African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their intelligence, social behavior and big ears. They are native to the grasslands, savannas and forests of Africa, and are found in 37 countries across the continent. African elephants are known for their grey skin and long trunks, which they use for a variety of tasks such as grasping food, communicating and sensing their surroundings. They also have big ears which they use to cool down their body temperature, and their tusks which are used for gathering food and defence. African elephants are highly social animals and live in complex family units led by a matriarch. They have a matrilineal social structure where mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers stay together throughout their lives. The best places to see elephants include the Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Tarangire National park in Tanzania.

3. The Rhinoceros

The Black Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros is a unique and fascinating animal. Its name comes from the Greek word "rhino" meaning nose and "ceros" meaning horn, and it is known for its characteristic horn, which is made of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails. They are large, herbivorous mammals that are found in various regions of the world, including Africa and Asia. It is one of the "Big Five" animals, a group of large, iconic mammals that are popular among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.

4. The Leopard

Leopard in Serengeti National Park

The leopard is known for its distinctive golden-yellow coat with black spots and rosettes, which provides it with excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The leopard is also known for its incredible strength and agility, which allows it to climb trees and swim in rivers with ease. They can weigh up to 90 kg and have a body length of up to 2.5m.

The leopard is a solitary animal that is active at night and is primarily found in forests, grasslands, and mountainous areas. They are opportunistic hunters and will prey on a wide variety of animals, including deer, antelopes, monkeys, and even crocodiles. They are also known to carry their prey up trees to keep it safe from other predators. It is one of the "Big Five" animals, a group of large, iconic mammals that are popular among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.

5. The Buffalo

The Cape buffalo

The Cape buffalo, also known as the African buffalo, is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to Africa. It is one of the "Big Five" animals. The Cape buffalo is known for its distinctive hump on its shoulders and its curved horns, which can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters. They can weigh up to 900 kg and have a body length of up to 3m. They are also known for their strong, sturdy build and their ability to run at speeds of up to 40 km/h. They are herbivorous and primarily feed on grass.

The Cape buffalo is a social animal and is often found in large herds, which can number in the thousands. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and forests. They are also known for their aggressive nature and are considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, especially when wounded or cornered.