Africa’s Big 5: what they are and where to find them
The African continent offers hundreds of safari options, one of the most amazing experiences a traveler could have. But be warned, only a few countries are lucky enough to bring us all together in one place. Want to know which ones?
Night falls in Kruger National Park , and the savanna landscape begins to shed the reddish hues of sunset, plunging into deep darkness. Suddenly, the ranger calls for silence, switches on his flashlight, and tells us to stay alert: a lioness is wandering around us, searching for prey for her cubs.
Finally, after so much anticipation, we see her appear, crossing our path. She stops in the middle, observes us, and continues on her way. It's hunting time.
Back at our lodge, we're still amazed to have seen a lioness so close up. It's our first sighting of one of the Big Five , and the thrill of ticking it off our list is unforgettable.
On safari with the Big Five
Simply entering a park or reserve in Africa is enough to start spotting hundreds of species. Antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, monkeys, hyenas, crocodiles, and so many other animals make up the landscape on a typical safari day, but what many people come looking for are, in reality, the famous Big Five .
It was at the end of the 19th century, a time when hunting was a completely common and unregulated practice in colonial Africa, that hunting enthusiasts grouped the African elephant, rhinoceros, African lion, Cape buffalo, and leopard under the concept of the Big Five . These were the most dangerous animals and, consequently, also the most difficult to hunt on foot.
Where to see the Big Five
If you're planning a safari to see these incredible animals, two factors should be considered: first, the size of the park or reserve you plan to visit. The smaller the reserve, the greater your chances of encountering the Big Five. Conversely, in larger areas, you'll likely need more days to see all of these species.
It should also be considered that the rangers – who drive the safari vehicles and guide the excursions – notify each other by radio every time they witness a sighting, making it somewhat easier to find the animals.
However, there are options throughout Africa to see the Big Five . For example, South Africa has dozens of options, but the most well-known is definitely Kruger National Park , a sure bet.
North of South Africa lies Botswana, the country with the largest concentration of African elephants, which primarily inhabit Chobe National Park; the latter is also an excellent place to see the majestic lion. Another good spot for viewing the Big Five is Moremi Game Reserve, adjacent to the famous Okavango Delta, which attracts buffalo and rhinoceros.
Kenya is also among the best destinations for seeing these animals. Places like the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are home to the Big Five, but also to tribes, beautiful landscapes, and impressive wildlife.
Finally, it's impossible not to mention Tanzania. Serengeti National Park is precisely the best place to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
The Great Migration
Between June and October, one of the most impressive phenomena in all of Africa takes place: the Great Migration . Thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel between the Masai Mara National Park and the Serengeti National Park in search of food and water due to the changing seasons.
Seeing all these species with their young is one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world. However, predators know that the high concentration of these animals represents a huge hunting opportunity, so it's often easy to spot lions and leopards stalking their prey.
Thus, the Great Migration is one of the best opportunities to see some of the Big Five . The rest are sure to appear in the surrounding areas, hidden among the majestic nature of the African parks.
