Africa’s Big Five
The Origin of The Africa’s Big Five
Back in the 19th century, big game hunters in Africa first coined the term “The Big Five” about the five animals they considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot, especially when cornered or wounded. The reasons each of the five animals made it onto the list may have varied somewhat but invariably narrowed down to the temperament when pursued, their cunning and their ability to defend themselves.
The five species that make up the Africa’s Big Five are
- African Lion
- Leopard
- African Elephant
- Black and White Rhinoceros
- Cape buffalo
Sadly, due to their near-mythical status amongst hunters, each of the species was heavily persecuted, particularly the largest specimens of their kind, thus removing their DNA from the gene pool forever.
With the emergence of photographic safaris, the term lives on and the species retain their iconic status among wildlife enthusiasts. Whichever of the species one encounters in its natural habitat, you can be assured of a primal sense of awe and reverence.
Tanzania, one of the leading safari destinations in Africa is home to all members of the Big 5. Thanks to the country’s expansive system of national parks, conservancies and reserves, it is now relatively easy to get to the areas where the species live in their natural habitats.
The Big Five – When & Where to See Them
Each of Africa Big Five species is resident year round in the areas mentioned below, the only factor that might affect your chances of seeing them is whether it is a dry or wet season. Generally, spotting animals during the dry season is easier, which occurs from June to October.
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Lion
Famously known as the King of the Jungle, lions are lazy creatures most active in the morning, late afternoon and at night, when temperatures drop. Lions sleep up to 23 hours a day and, usually, the lions of Lake Manyara National Park often sleep in trees. The most social big cats, lions live in prides which may number up to 50 individuals.
Males are larger than females and have distinctive manes around their heads and upper body. Lions prefer fairly open habitats, such as savannah and acacia woodlands for hunting. They are widely distributed in Tanzania and can be seen year-round in several Tanzania national parks and reserves including
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Manyara National Park (famous for tree-climbing lions)
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
- Elephants
Weighing up to 6 tons, elephants are the world’s largest mammal. They are active day and night, constantly moving in search of food. Elephants are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from swamps to woodlands to open plains. Living in large social groups, they are generally peaceful creatures and it is always interesting to watch their social interactions. Older bulls sometimes form small bachelor groups with younger bulls, separate from breeding herds.
Elephants drink frequently and seem to enjoy swimming and mud baths. Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing elephants through the year in the following Tanzania National Parks and Reserves.
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
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Rhinoceros
Both black and white rhinos are present in Tanzania and can be seen throughout the day. Black rhinos also known as hook-lipped rhinos, are known for their aggressive temperament. Weighing up to 1400 kg, they are about 1.5m (4.9 ft.) at the shoulder. Also called square-lipped rhinos, white rhinos are significantly bigger at up to 2300 kg and 1.9m (6.1 ft.) and are more docile. Both occur either individually or in small groups.
Black rhinos browse on leaves, while white rhinos graze on grass. Black rhinos have been heavily poached for their horns, however thanks to intensive measures to protect them. They can still be seen in the following Tanzania National Parks and Reserves.
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Mkomazi National Park
- Nyerere National Park (Rare sightings)
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Leopard
Leopards are solitary and secretive animals, typically active in the cooler morning, late afternoon and at night, although you may be lucky to see them mobile during the day. Known to climb trees, both as a lookout and to keep their prey from scavengers. While they do venture into open territories on occasion, they are normally associated with habitats with dense fairly dense vegetation, which their cryptic makings help them blend into the background.
Leopards can be seen all year round in the following Tanzania National Parks and Reserves
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Manyara National Park (famous for tree-climbing lions)
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
Cape Buffalo
Buffalos are large animals weighing 500 – 900 kg and standing about 1.5m (4.9 ft), they are found in herds that may number over 1000 individuals. Generally they are found in open grasslands and near water although they will move into wooded areas in search of grazing and shelter.
Cape buffaloes are active throughout the day, they find safety in numbers. Older makes often form from small groups and are renowned for their fearsome temperament when threatened. They are known to come to the aid of fellow herd members when they are in danger.
In Tanzania, cape buffaloes are found and can be seen in the following national parks and reserves.
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Katavi National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
Where to See the Africa’s Big 5 in one place in Tanzania
If you have a limited time of a safari in Tanzania and want to focus on seeing the Africa’s Big 5, your best Tanzania Parks to visit are either the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater in the north in the Northern Tanzania Circuit. If you are traveling further south, your best chance of seeing all members of the Africa Big Five is the Nyerere National Park.