The Famous “Big Five” animals of Africa

Africa is an environment with a diverse fauna and flora, which captures the hearts and minds of all who visit this beautiful continent. A few animals, however, have been awarded a very special award: being part of the “Big Five”.  The famous “Big Five” refer to five of Africa’s greatest wild animals – the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo.

The term “Big Five” was originally coined by hunters, and referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa. The “Big Five” wasn’t chosen for their size, but rather for the difficulty in hunting them, and the degree of danger involved.  The term is still used today in most tourist and wildlife guides, and these animals are usually high on the priority list and a real treat for many visitors to African game reserves.

Local and international visitors to Africa have the unique opportunity to participate in exciting game drives through the African bush while staying in beautiful game lodges throughout Southern Africa.

1.The African Elephant

The African Elephant

The African Elephant is a very large herbivore with thick, almost hairless skin. The upper incisors of the elephant form long curved tusks of ivory.

2. The Lion

The Lion

The Lion is a large carnivorous feline, with a short tawny coat and a tufted tail. Males have magnificent heavy manes around their necks and shoulders. Considered by many the best of the “Big Five”, lions are very dangerous animals, and would attack if given a chance.

3.Cape Buffalo

The Buffalo

The African Buffalo is a large horned bovid. Buffalos are considered the most dangerous of the Big Five, reportedly having caused many hunter deaths. Buffalos are known as the “Black Death” in Africa, with wounded animals reportedly ambushing and attacking its pursuers.

4. Rhino

The Rhino

Rhinoceros (also called Rhino for short) are large, thick-skinned herbivores with one or two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Rhinos are able to reach one tonne or more in weight.  Rhinos are listed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List, as they are killed by humans for their valuable horns, which are made of keratin, and wrongly believed by some to act as an aphrodisiac, amongst other things.

5. The Leopard

The Leopard

The Leopard is a large, carnivorous feline with either tawny fur with dark rosetto-like markings, or black fur. Leopards are very difficult to spot as they have nocturnal feeding habits and secretive nature.  Leopards are also extremely wary of humans, and will take flight in the face of danger.

Useful link:  The Big Five of Africa.

South African Tourism Company
Tel:    +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax:    +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email:   africa@golfing-safaris.com

Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com