Where to Spot Africa’s Iconic “Big Five”

For animal lovers and adventurers alike, an African safari needs to be on your bucket list. Truly one-of-a-kind, Africa is home to many incredible species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Of course, no African adventure would be complete without the famous “Big Five”: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo.

Back in the 19th and 20th centuries, big-game hunters considered these five animals as the most challenging and prestigious to hunt. Thankfully, many live in protected areas today, and you can see them in their natural habitats in Africa’s game reserves and national parks.

Here’s a closer look at Africa’s Big Five and the best places to see them!

1. Lion (Panthera leo)

As king of the beasts, the lion is one of the most iconic animals you’ll see in Africa. These big cats can grow up to 10 feet long and stand 4 feet tall, weighing in at around 550 pounds. Lions are intelligent animals and solve problems both individually and cooperatively. They prefer open grasslands, savannas, and desert habitats where they stalk their prey and find shade to rest.

Sadly, these regal animals have suffered serious population declines across Africa due to habitat loss and poaching. They are now classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, with only around 20,000 to 25,000 lions left in 25 African countries. At least eight of these countries have just one lion pride, and in around a dozen, the total lion population is less than 250.

Tanzania has the largest lion population with approximately 14,000. Botswana and South Africa follow with around 3,000 lions each, while Zambia and Kenya have roughly 2,500 each.

2. Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The leopard, another feline member of Africa’s Big Five, is also classified as a vulnerable species. Africa’s leopard populations have been cut in half during recent decades due to habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and trophy hunting.

Leopards are incredible athletes and can reach speeds of nearly 60 miles per hour and leap across distances up to almost 20 feet. Unlike lions, they are solitary creatures and spend much of their time alone resting high in trees or scanning for prey.

South Africa offers some of the best opportunities to see these elusive cats in the wild today. They live in many different habitats, from savanna grasslands and mountains to rainforests and even deserts.

3. Rhinoceros (Rhinocerotidae)

Africa is home to three types of rhinoceros, found mainly in Namibia and South Africa. Tragically, their populations plummeted by 98% between 1960 and 1995 due to poaching and trophy hunting. Today, the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is the rarest in Africa, with a population of just 29 individuals as of 2023. The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is also critically endangered, but its numbers have increased to over 6,000 thanks to dedicated conservation programs.

The most common of the three African subspecies is the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum), which makes up over 70% of all rhinos on the continent. South Africa is home to the largest southern white rhino population with nearly 13,000 individuals.

4. Elephant (Loxodonta)

Another iconic member of the Big Five is the elephant, the largest land animal on Earth. Two distinct subspecies live across 37 African countries: the African forest elephant and the African savanna elephant (or African bush elephant), which are critically endangered and endangered (respectively). African forest elephants are smaller, darker, and harder to track in their dense forest habitats. Found in Central Africa, most African forest elephants live in the Republic of Congo and Gabon.

The largest of the two, African savanna elephants live in 23 African countries. More than half of Africa’s savanna elephant population can be found within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) in Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The largest population is found in South Africa, where around 44,000 of these elephants live.

5. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

The last of Africa’s Big Five is the African buffalo. Africa is home to at least four subspecies: the southern savanna buffalo (or Cape buffalo), the West African savanna buffalo, the Central African savanna buffalo, and the forest buffalo. Roughly 75% of Africa’s buffalo population lives within protected areas, but their numbers are steadily declining, resulting in their near-threatened status. Sadly, African buffalo are often seen as pests and targeted by farmers. They also suffer from habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as various bovine diseases.

African buffalo live in enormous herds ranging anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand individuals, especially during the rainy season. These massive bovines can weigh up to 1,840 pounds and stand 4 to 5 feet tall.

Where Is the Best Place to See Africa’s “Big Five”?

Africa’s Big Five live in distinct areas, making it challenging to see them all in a single trip. Your best chance is to visit South Africa, which is home to all five, including over 70% of Africa’s rhinos, around 3,000 lions, and the continent’s largest leopard population.

Kruger National Park is a top-tier destination for Big Five sightings. Spanning over 7,500 square miles, it is one of the largest parks in Africa. Numerous safari options, tours, and even overnight stays are available within the park itself.

Other great places to spot Africa’s Big Five include the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve (close to Kruger National Park), and the Madikwe Game Reserve along the Botswanan border.