Among the most sought-after species to see on an African safari are the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo, collectively known as the Big Five. While some are common, others, such as rhinoceros, are becoming increasingly rare and require local knowledge to locate and observe (along with a pinch of good luck).

The only places in Africa where you have a chance to see all five animals on a single trip are a handful of national parks, each of which offers a unique safari experience in its own right. Our safari experts will go over the various possibilities and the most effective ways to see the Big Five during your safari.

Seeing the Big Five on a safari is one of the most incredible experiences a person can have. African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros are among the five animals that make up the Big Five group of endangered species. The phrase ‘Big Five,’ which was once reserved for hunters, refers to five of Africa’s most magnificent wild creatures.

The members of the big five were picked not because of their size, but because of the difficulties of hunting them. The title “Big Five” conjures up images of romance and excitement associated with Africa’s exotic destinations and experiences, just as it did during the bygone hunting era. Imagine watching the sun set over the horizon while you photograph a pride of lions chasing their prey as the sun sets over the horizon. The sight of a buffalo stolling to a watering hole with the strength and bulk that makes it more likely to kill a human than any other mammal is terrifying to witness. With its magnificent horns and nasty temper, the rhinoceros, which is on the verge of extinction, is a fascinating animal. And then there’s the leopard, with its stunning beauty as well as its incredible speed and hunting ability.