What are the 'Big Five' of safari animals?
You most likely picture the "Big Five" when you think of a South African safari. Travelers who
wish to experience the wild beauty of Africa must encounter these well-known creatures.
However, what distinguishes the Big Five from one another?
The Term's Origin
The "Big Five" were originally the five creatures that were the hardest to trace and foot-hunt.
The phrase, which now more accurately describes the amazing creatures you are likely to see
while on safari, relates to conservation and tourism rather than hunting.
Meet the Big Five
Here’s a closer look at these remarkable animals:
The Lion: The lion is sometimes said to be the "King of the Jungle." Lions stand for
strength and dignity. On a safari, this might be seen at places like Kruger National Park,
where lion pride’s pursue their quarry across golden grasslands or laze about in the
shade.
Fact: Pride-large groups with up to 30 members are the only truly social groupings
in which lions and all other large cats engage. Science can show that lions, (Panthera leo), can roar up to 114 dB and be as loud for 8 kilometres or 5 miles.
Leopard: Leopards are an exciting sight as they are so elusive and stealthy. Watch out for these spotted cats sleeping in the branches of trees, as they often do during the day.
Fact: Leopards take their prey up into trees to protect it from scavengers and have been known to carry objects heavier than their body weight up into trees.
Scientific Fact: Leopards (Panthera pardus) can run up to 58 km/h (36 mph), and their average life span in the wild is 12–17 years.
African elephants can consume a daily diet of up to 190 liters of water and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of food.
Elephants have highly developed minds they weigh about 5.5 kg (11 pounds) and exhibit a variety of activities such as using tools, solving problems, and grieving. They also communicate in long-range, low-frequency rumbles.
Cape buffalo: The Cape buffalo is a mighty animal and is little recognized because of its unpredictable temperament. Encountering a herd of these animals is both a terrifying and humbling experience. Cape buffaloes have excellent memories and are known to remember predators and return to exact revenge on them.
Fact: Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) can weigh up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) and can reach running speeds of up to 57 km/h (35 mph). Cape buffalo are extremely social and build large herds sometimes numbering in the thousands.
Other Facts: Cape Buffalo are extremely social and mate with cattle. Their strong social bonds help protect individuals from predators as the herd will often rally to help protect vulnerable members such as calves.
What do you'd recommend to visit Kruger National Park? Why do I need to visit Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's premier safari destinations and offers unmatched
opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. The dierent ecosystems of the park
serve as a habitat for an immense amount of wildlife and every game drive is an adventure. A
former traveler or a first-time visitor Kruger promises unforgettable encounters.
Plan your Safari Adventures in Africa.
If you want to see the Big Five on your bucket list, let Cicada Co. do it for you. Create a safari
experience that you will always cherish. From expert guides to curated itineraries we ensure
that the foray into South Africa's incredible wilderness is seamless and enriching.
Book the dream safari now with CicadaCo.
A call to conservation:
While the Big Five are a great sight, one must remember that conservation is of utmost
importance. Visiting game parks like Kruger National Park in support of responsible tourism
helps ensure that these amazing animals will still be around for generations to come.
Go into the heart of Africa and discover magic with the Big Five. CicadaCo is just a click away!