Spot the Big 5 Safari Animals in Africa

If you’re an animal lover or a hunter, you’ve probably heard the term Big 5 safari animals. It’s an old safari term used to identify the most dangerous animals to hunt. Big Game Hunters would travel to Africa in hopes of bringing these animals home with them. While hunting still takes place throughout Africa, the term is now used by photographers and safari-goers as well. It’s the goal of many travelers visiting Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa, to see these animals in the wild. Be sure to check out my simple wildlife photography tips to get the perfect photo.

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What are the Big 5 Safari Animals?

Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Rhinocerasus, Lions, and Leopards make up the elusive big 5. While I have been on two safaris – one in Kenya, and one in South Africa – I was only able to see all 5 in South Africa. The leopard eluded us in Kenya, but we did see cheetahs! That is the risk when dealing with nature and wild animals – you’re not guaranteed to see the big 5. 

When is the best time to see the Big 5?

The short answer is that it depends. (I know, not helpful). If you’re traveling to South Africa, then it’s the winter time – which runs from June through August. Kruger National Park in South Africa is the most reliable for big 5 spottings. You’re not held to this time frame though, I visited in May and we were able to see all of them.

Peak safari season runs from July through October all across Africa. Winter in Africa makes it easier to see the big five. The lack of rain means the vegetation dries up, literally making it easier since the bush isn’t as thick. Leopards in trees are easier to find since the trees have fewer leaves. It also means fewer watering holes. Since most animals have to have water every day they aren’t going to stray too far from water. That’s why the Chobe River at the border of Namibia and Botswana and the Mara River in Kenya are great wildlife areas.

Where can I see the Big 5?

The big 5 have been spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. There are no fences between each country, so the animals are free to roam. 

There are a number of national parks and game reserves throughout Africa that protect these animals. They include the Masai Mara National Park, Kruger National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Etosha National Park, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, and South Luangwa National Park.

What are the Big 5 Safari Animals?

Elephants

Elephants are the largest land animals in the world. These gentle giants are truly a sight to see in the wild. It’s almost impossible to not love an elephant the moment you see one. They get spooked easily, so be sure to be quietly so they don’t charge the safari vehicle. 

We actually had an elephant come up through the trees while we were taking a break! In Kruger National Park, elephants were in smaller herds and stayed in the trees. While in Amboseli National Park (in the Serengeti), we saw larger herds in the open! 

Fun Fact: African elephants are larger than their Indian siblings and their ears kind of look like Africa. 

Elephants can live for 70 years! Their trunk alone weighs 400 pounds, but can pick up and hold a grain of rice! 

Cape Buffalo

Probably the least adorable of the big 5, Cape Buffalos are considered the most ferocious of all. They’re usually covered in mud and eating grass. 

While they may look peaceful and a bit like cows, cape buffalo will stampede and attack when in danger. They’re dark brown or black with large curling horns. 

Cape buffalo live between 20-30 years, most of which is spent in a herd. Herds can be between 300-400 buffalo in size. Sometimes males will be in a bachelor group of about 20. 

Since they are so big, many people believe they are not fast – however, they can run an average of 35 mph. 

Rhinocerous

Rhinos are difficult to spot due to the small numbers and their isolated nature. White rhinos are the most endangered animal on the planet. There are only three white rhinos left, and they are all in captivity. There are four other species of rhinos – black, Javan, Sumatran and Indian. The most commonly spotted on an African safari is the black rhinoceros. 

There are over 5,000 black rhinos around the continent. Their biggest threat is poaching, but their numbers have been rising since 1,995. 

We spotted this small family of Rhinos in Sabi Sand, which is next to Kruger National Park in South Africa. 

Lions

I feel like the number one animal to see on a safari is a lion. A big male lion roaring into the distance is the Lion King all grown up. 

Lions are typically yellow and gold in coloring. A males mane can range in color from blond to red to black. One the back of lions ears are patches of black. This is a symbol to other lions to show that the lion is on alert. 

Lions live on average 10-14 years (a little shorter than a normal housecat) and can rum up to 50mph (a bit faster than a housecat).  

Lions are carnivores and eat antelope, buffalo, zebra. They have been known to eat crocodiles and small elephants as well. Male lions who are not in the same pride will kill each other since they are competition.

A lion’s motto is “do as little as possible for as long as possible.” 

Leopard

Leopards are considered the hardest to see on an African safari. They are typically alone or with 1 other leopard. They are more active at night. 

Luckily, our safari guide was in communication with other guides. It was a race to the small oasis in Kruger National Park as we held our breath on the last night safari. We saw the glimpse of a tail when our hope was weaning – then she decided to come down and walk right next to our car before laying down. I’ve never been that close to an impressive predator – I could almost reach out and touch her spots. 

Leopards live between 12-17 years and can run at a speed of up to 35 mph. Their spots are unique and they are amazing at jumping. A leopard can jump 6 meters (18 feet) in a single jump.  Often, they’ll take their kill and hide in a tree away from other predators like lions and hyenas. 

Tips for Spotting the Big 5 Safari Animals

Time of Day 

The majority of game drives take place over sunrise and sunset because those are the times the animals are most active. While I didn’t enjoy waking up at 4 am every day on safari – I did enjoy spotting lions walking down the road. 

Watch what the Animals are Watching

Gazelles, wildebeest, and zebras all have better hearing than people as their survival depends on it. If you’re nearby and they’re all looking in one direction – you should look too. Typically they heard a suspicious noise and are keeping an eye out for any threats. 

Look in the Sky

Whenever there is a kill, predators of all shapes and sizes come out. Vultures will circle around a kill, looking for an easy meal. This is especially helpful in the plains of the Serengeti, where kills may be hidden in tall grass. 

Where are the Other Safari Jeeps?

Luckily our guides at Sabi Sands and in the Masai Mara had open communication with other guides. They would communicate about which direction they saw a pride of lions heading in or where they spotted a cheetah. This saved us precious time on our African safari! 

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Have you been able to spot the big 5 safari animals? Let me know your story!