Big Five Safari

Africa's Big Five

The Origin of The Big Five

Way 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 it boiled down to the temperament when pursued, their cunning and their ability to defend themselves.

The five species that make up the Big 5 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.

As one of the leading safari destinations in Africa, Tanzania is home to all members of the Big 5. Thanks to the country’s expansive system of national parks. reserves and conservancies, 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

In that each of the 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 the wet or dry season. In general, spotting animals is easier in the dry season, which occurs from June to October.

Lion

Famously lazy, lions are most active in the early morning, late afternoon and at night, when temperatures drop. Lions sleep up to 23 hours per day and, unusually, 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 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

Leopard

Solitary and secretive, leopards are 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 territory on occasion, they are normally associated with habitats with dense to fairly dense vegetation, where their cryptic markings help them blend into the background. Can be seen year-round in the following Tanzania national parks and reserves:

Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park
Katavi National Park
Ruaha National Park
Nyerere National Park

Elephants

The world’s largest mammal — weighing up to 6 tons — 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 throughout the year at the following national parks and reserves:

Rhinoceros

Both black and white rhinos are found 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 1.5 m (4.9 ft) at the shoulder. White rhinos, also called square-lipped rhinos. are significantly bigger at up to 2300 kg and 1.9 m (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 Rhinos have been heavily poached for their horns, but thanks to intensive measures to protect them. can still be seen in the following national parks and reserves:

Cape buffalo

These large bovids, weighing 500 – 900 kg and standing about 1.5 m (4.9 ft), are found in herds that may number over 1000 individuals. They are generally found in open grasslands and near water, although they will move into wooded areas in search of grazing and shelter. Active throughout the day, they find safety in numbers. The older males often form smaller 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. Widespread, buffalo 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

The Big 5 and the Big Picture

As impressive and legendary as the various members of the Big 5 are. focusing on them to the exclusion of everything else can make for a frustrating and unsatisfactory safari experience. The Big 5 are all part of larger ecosystems which comprise thousands of different animals, birds, reptiles. insects. plants and more. By making time to learn about the greater workings of the ecosystems and habitats where they live. you’ll get a much better understanding of how amazing they are — and why we must preserve the areas that they and all other species need for survival.

Where to see the Big 5 in one place in Tanzania

If you have limited time and want to focus on seeing the Big 5 in Tanzania. your best bet is to visit either the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater (and Conservation Area) in the north. If you are traveling further south, your best chance of seeing all members of the Big 5 is the Nyerere National Park

Extend your African exploration with our related articles. Immerse yourself in captivating destinations and vibrant cultures for a fuller understanding.