A Big 5 safari is one of the most popular types of holidays to Africa. Seeing elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo in the wild – often within mere metres of the game-drive vehicle – is very different to seeing them in a nature documentary. There is nothing to compare watching a breeding herd of elephants pass by, the matriarch deciding the way, the little ones being protected in the middle, the teenage bulls practicing being protective. Buffalo may seem inscrutable at first but a herd on the move has awe-inspiring power that intimidates even lions. Lions are very social and the pride will groom each other, play and stretch out in the shade until it’s time to hunt again.

Although sightings of all of the Big 5 can never be guaranteed, our expert travel consultants can advise you about which animals are most commonly spotted in each destination and the best time of year for their sightings. We know how important it is for you to see Africa’s signature animals, which is why we will tailor-make a Big 5 safari for you depending on whether you are focused on travelling to a specific country or at a specific time of year.

Embarking on a Big 5 safari in Africa is not just a thrilling adventure but also a journey through the diverse landscapes where these magnificent creatures dwell. The term “Big 5” has a fascinating origin and encompasses five of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife species: the elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo. Let’s delve deeper into why these animals enjoy such prestigious recognition and uncover some intriguing facts about them.

Why Are They Named the Big 5?

The term “Big 5” was coined by big-game hunters to denote the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa due to their danger and the challenge they presented. Today, the term has transcended its hunting origins, representing a bucket list for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists who seek to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

Intriguing Trivia About Each Member of the Big 5

Exploring Beyond the Big 5: Meet Other Celebrated Wildlife Groups

Africa’s biodiversity transcends the renowned Big 5, inviting explorers to delve deeper into its rich tapestry of wildlife through other distinguished groups of animals, such as the “Little 5”, “Ugly 5”, “Secret 7”, and “Big 7”.

• The Little 5: Taking their names from the Big 5 giants, the Little 5 include the elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, and leopard tortoise. These smaller creatures offer a delightful contrast and demonstrate that the continent’s smaller inhabitants are just as fascinating and worthy of admiration and conservation efforts.
• The Ugly 5: Embracing the unconventional beauty of the animal kingdom, the Ugly 5 features the warthog, vulture, wildebeest, marabou stork, and hyena. Despite their less glamorous appearances, these animals play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of Africa’s ecosystems.
• The Secret 7: A treasure for night safari enthusiasts, the Secret 7 comprises largely nocturnal animals: the aardvark, African wild cat, civet, large spotted genet, pangolin, porcupine, and serval. These elusive creatures add a dash of mystery and excitement to the safari experience under the African starlit sky.
• The Big 7: Extending the adventure into the aquatic realms, the Big 7 adds the great white sharks and southern right whales to the conventional Big 5. In select reserves like Phinda, explorers can marvel at the grandeur of these marine giants, appreciating Africa’s terrestrial and aquatic wonders alike.

Venturing through Africa’s wilderness, each group introduces travellers to the myriad of creatures that grace the continent, from the charmingly minuscule to the impressively mighty, and from the visually arresting to the mysteriously hidden. Every journey through Africa’s varied landscapes promises diverse encounters, urging explorers to look beyond the obvious and embrace the wild, wondrous world that awaits.