The Big Five Safari Animals of Africa consist of the African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros, and are considered the most sought-after animals on any African Safari. These animals became notorious due to their danger to big game hunters, only increasing their desirability on safaris. The African Elephants are unique and beautiful, lions are iconic and powerful, leopards are elusive and sleek, buffalos are dangerous, and rhinoceroses are prehistoric-looking and endangered. The best way to witness these majestic animals is on an African Safari, during the dry season, which is from June to October.
The Majestic Beauty of Africa’s Big Five Safari Animals
Africa’s Big Five Safari Animals are the most sought-after animals on any African Safari. These animals earned their notoriety because they were the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt by big game hunters. The Big Five Safari Animals consist of African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros. The Big Five name still remains and is used in Africa as a term of endearment for these majestic animals.
African Elephant
African Elephants are one of the most unique and beautiful animals in Africa. They are the largest land mammals in the world and can weigh up to 14,000 pounds. Elephants have a gray, wrinkled skin and large, floppy ears. They live in herds and are known for their intelligence, social behaviour and communication skills. They have a powerful trunk, a long muscular snout that is used for breathing, smelling, and grasping food.
Lion
The Lion is the most iconic animal on the African continent. These majestic creatures rule over the savannah and are known for their strength, courage and power. Lions have a muscular body, sharp claws and strong jaws. They usually weigh around 400 pounds and grow up to 4 feet tall. Lions are social animals that live in prides of up to 40 lions. These prides are made up of females and their cubs, usually with a few males. Lions are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain, and they hunt mainly at night, using their eyesight and sense of smell.
Leopard
Leopards are one of the most elusive animals in Africa. These solitary creatures are known for their beauty, elegance and grace. Leopards are classified as big cats, but they are smaller than both lions and tigers. They usually weigh around 130 pounds and grow up to 6 feet in length. Leopards are known for their spots which help them blend into their surroundings. They are arboreal creatures, meaning that they spend most of their time in trees, and they are ambush predators, waiting for their prey to come closer before pouncing on them.
Buffalo
The African Buffalo is a large, powerful and dangerous animal. Often referred to as the “Black Death,” the buffalo is known for its unpredictable behaviour, especially towards humans. Buffalos weigh around 2,000 pounds and grow up to 5 feet tall. They live in large herds of up to 200 animals and are usually found near water sources. Buffalos are said to have one of the strongest natural defences of all animals, with their curved, sharp horns and tough hides.
Rhinoceros
The Rhinoceros is one of the oldest living species on Earth, having existed for over 40 million years. These ancient creatures are known for their prehistoric appearance and their tough hide. They weigh around 2,500 pounds and grow up to 6 feet tall. There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa, the Black Rhino and the White Rhino. The Black Rhino is known for its aggression and ill-temperament, while the White Rhino is more docile and easy-going.
FAQs
1. Why are African Elephants considered one of the Big Five Safari animals?
African Elephants are considered one of the Big Five Safari animals because of their size, strength and intelligence. They are also one of the most beautiful animals in Africa, with a unique and recognizable appearance.
2. How dangerous are Leopards?
Leopards are known for their elusive behaviour and are usually not dangerous to humans. However, in some cases, they have been known to attack humans, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.
3. How can I see the Big Five Safari animals?
The best way to see the Big Five Safari animals is to go on an African Safari. There are many tour companies that offer safari tours in Africa, and most of them guarantee sightings of the Big Five. The best time to go on safari is during the dry season, which is from June to October.
4. Why are African Buffalos called the “Black Death”?
African Buffalos are called the “Black Death” because of their unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, especially towards humans. These animals have been known to attack and kill humans who encroach on their territory.
5. Why are Rhinoceroses considered one of the Big Five Safari animals?
Rhinoceroses are considered one of the Big Five Safari animals because of their size and prehistoric appearance. They are also one of the most endangered mammals in Africa, which makes sightings of them even more special.
