In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. The term was coined by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot, but is now more widely used by game viewing tourists and safari tour operators. They are examples of charismatic megafauna, featuring prominently in popular culture, and are among the most famous of Africa's large animals.
These incredible animals are certainly impressive to see in the wild. Words truly can’t describe the adrenaline, mystery, wonder, and connection with nature that comes with seeing African wildlife up close in its natural habitat. When you’re on safari, you may be staying in luxurious accommodations, but you can’t forget that you’re entering nature’s domain.
The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different big-five animal on each denomination.
Africa’s Big Five Animals: What Are They? | National Geographic
Meet the Stars of African Wildlife: The Big Five
Let's take a closer look at each of these magnificent creatures:
1. Lion (Panthera leo)
The lion is a large, carnivorous feline found in both Africa and northwestern India. The Proud Lion, whoever named the lion “King of the Jungle” must never have seen one in real life. Lions prefer open plains to rainforests. Another wonderful thing about lions? When you see one, you are likely to see several.
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It has a short, tawny coat; a tufted tail; and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. Lions are the most social of all the big cats and live together in groups called “prides”, consisting of about 15 lions at a time. Male lions defend the pride’s territory and female lions (lionesses) do the hunting. Their roars can be heard from as far as 5 miles away!
Depending on your style of safari camp, you may hear them roaring at night. It’s certainly an unforgettable feeling! Though they are fierce predators, lions know what it means to enjoy a lazy day in the shade, as they may sleep up to 20 hours a day.
A lion in Namibia.
2. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The leopard is a large, carnivorous feline which like the lion is found not just in Africa but also India (as well as the rest of Asia). A Graceful Predator: The Leopard, to see a leopard on safari, look up! Leopards sleep during the day, often in the branches of trees. It’s rare to see leopards out hunting when it’s light out.
Its fur is generally tawny with dark rosette-shaped markings. Leopards are renowned for their agility and strength. They can run up to 36 miles per hour and keep that pace for long periods (unlike their cousin, the lion). They can leap up to 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically. Pound for pound, leopards are the strongest of the big cats.
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The leopard is the most seldom seen of the Big Five because of its nocturnal habits (it is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas), and because it is wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger.
A leopard in Kenya.
3. Rhinoceros
The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are large herbivores with two upright horns on their nasal bridge. Rhino in Kruger National Park, South Africa. There are actually 2 types of rhinos you can find in Africa: the black rhino and the white rhino.
You can tell them apart by the shape of their mouths. White rhinos have a square-shaped upper lip that’s perfect for grazing, while black rhinos have a more pointed lip designed to pick fruit off of trees. Black rhinos have a sort of “attack first, ask questions later” attitude. When they catch a human scent or anything unfamiliar, they’re likely to charge. Mix that with their bad eyesight, and sometimes they’ll charge a tree or a rock.
The black rhino is classified as critically endangered and the white rhino as near threatened, and both are subject to extensive poaching. While both types of rhinos are a target for poachers, the black rhino is considered critically endangered. Recent success in conservation brings hope for the species, but there’s still a long way to go. Humans are the biggest threat to adult black rhinos.
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A white rhino in South Africa.
4. African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest extant land-based animal. The only other extant elephant native to Africa is the critically endangered African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), which is the smallest of the three elephant species. Elephants are herbivores with thick, almost hairless skin; a long, flexible, prehensile trunk; upper incisors forming long, curved, ivory tusks; and large, fan-shaped ears.
Young elephant seen on safari in South Africa. The African elephant is the largest animal walking the earth. Their herds wander through 37 countries in Africa, so you are likely to see them on safari in southern or eastern Africa. African elephants are family-oriented animals with a complex social structure. There are 2 types of herds: family herds led by a matriarch and herds of bachelor males.
Elephants are difficult to hunt because, despite their large size, they are able to hide in thick bush and are more likely to charge than the other Big Five game animals. Elephants play an important part in their ecosystem, dramatically affecting the landscape. As they march through the bush, they create clearings that boost tree regrowth and make it possible for smaller grazers to reach new patches of food.
Elephants at a waterhole.
5. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid. African buffalo in Kenya. The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is thriving, and you’re likely to see this species all over southern and eastern Africa. These guys are big, and they know how to handle themselves.
Their horns are used to protect themselves and to take on any other buffalo that tries to battle them. They also have amazing memories and have been known to ambush hunters who have wounded or injured them in the past.
An African buffalo.
Other African Animals with Horns
Africa is known for its diverse wildlife, and some of the most striking are the animals with horns. These horns are more than just decorations; they tell a story of survival, defense, and nature’s artistry. From the long, curved horns of antelopes to the sturdy ones of buffalo, each has its own purpose and beauty.
Here are some other amazing African animals with horns:
- Gemsbok: The largest species within the Oryx genus, with magnificent horns averaging around 33 inches in length.
- Greater Kudu: One of the tallest antelopes, males are renowned for their majestic horns, spiraling up to an astonishing 6 feet.
- Impala: A common and graceful antelope, recognized for their long, spiraled horns, a characteristic of males who utilize them in duels.
- Springbok: This medium-sized antelope sports a white face with dark stripes and is equipped with a pair of black horns that arch backward gracefully.
- Giraffe: The tallest land animal in the world, many of them sport two short horns situated between their ears.
- Common Eland: One of the largest antelopes in Africa, with straight, twisted horns in both genders.
- Blue Wildebeest: A popular big game species in East Africa, both male and female wildebeests possess short curved horns.
- Saharan Horned Viper: A unique snake with a pair of supraorbital “horns,” one situated above each eye.
- Nubian Ibex: One of Africa’s smaller ibex species, with long, slender horns that curve upward, then backward and downward.
- Hartebeest: A notable African antelope with a large frame and horns that can extend between 18 to 28 inches in length.
- Jackson’s Chameleon: A chameleon native to the eastern part of the continent, only the males sport horns.
- Lechwe: Living in the wetlands and floodplains of southern Africa, the male lechwe’s horns can reach lengths of up to 18 to 35 inches.
Conservation Status
Africa's Big Five have become major concerns for wildlife conservationists in recent years. The African lion and African leopard are both classified as vulnerable. The African savanna elephant is classified as endangered by the IUCN as of 2021. The black rhino is classified as critically endangered and the white rhino as near threatened, and both are subject to extensive poaching.
It comes as no surprise that the countries that allow legal trophy hunting have the most of this species as it is fiercely protected and managed as a valuable renewable resource.
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Where to See the Big Five
Many African parks are home to all of the Big Five. Here are some of the best locations:
- Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: The Serengeti boasts a large lion population, offering excellent chances for sightings during game drives, especially around the Grumeti River. The Ngorongoro Crater has one of the highest densities of lions in the world, making it a prime location for observing their social dynamics.
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The Masai Mara shares a border with the Serengeti and is another prime location for lion sightings, particularly during the Great Migration when prey is abundant.
- Kruger National Park, South Africa: Home to a significant lion population, the park offers diverse habitats for these predators, from open savannas to riverine areas.
- Chobe National Park, Botswana: Chobe boasts one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, offering incredible opportunities for sightings along the Chobe River and in the surrounding woodlands.
- Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: This vast park is home to large herds of elephants, often seen congregating around waterholes, particularly during the dry season.
- Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Amboseli offers stunning views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, a truly iconic African scene.
- Etosha National Park, Namibia: Etosha is home to a significant population of black rhinos, often seen around the park’s waterholes, especially at night.
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa: This private reserve is renowned for its high leopard density and excellent game viewing opportunities. The leopards here are habituated to vehicles, making them easier to observe.
Encountering all of Africa’s Big Five is the aim of many safari-goers. Expert guides will help you track these incredible animals and create amazing memories.
| Animal | Scientific Name | Characteristics | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion | Panthera leo | Social, lives in prides, male has mane | Vulnerable |
| Leopard | Panthera pardus | Solitary, nocturnal, rosette-shaped markings | Vulnerable |
| Black Rhinoceros | Diceros bicornis | Two horns, pointed lip | Critically Endangered |
| White Rhinoceros | Ceratotherium simum | Two horns, square-shaped lip | Near Threatened |
| African Bush Elephant | Loxodonta africana | Largest land animal, tusks, trunk | Endangered |
| African Buffalo | Syncerus caffer | Large horns, lives in herds | Least Concern |
