A complete guide to the Big 5

The Big Five refers to five of Africa’s most iconic animals, which can be found across a range of countries and habitats on the continent. Spotting these creatures in the wild has become one of the biggest draws for African safari tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year. As you set off on an adventurous journey through diverse and breathtaking landscapes, prepare to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re hoping to see the Big Five in their natural environment or you simply want to deepen your understanding of these remarkable animals, this complete guide will take you through everything you need to know. From which species are included and what makes them unique, to their cultural and historical significance, this is your essential introduction to Africa’s Big Five. 

The Big Five are majestic, powerful, and resilient creatures that roam across Africa's diverse landscapes. This iconic group includes the fierce lion, often seen in prides and famously dubbed the ‘King of the Jungle’; the African elephant, the largest land animal on Earth; the elusive leopard, a solitary and skilled climber and hunter; the formidable buffalo, known for its strength and unpredictable nature’ and the rhinoceros – both black and white species – recognised for their impressive horns and prehistoric presence. 

While the Big Five can be found in several countries across Africa, certain regions are especially renowned for sightings, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. 

Historically, the Big Five were considered to be the most challenging and perilous animals to hunt on foot due to their extreme ferocity, unpredictability, and elusiveness. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hunting the Big Five became a popular pursuit among colonial hunters, often regarded as a rite of passage or a means to elevate social status. For some, the thrill of the hunt was motivation enough, but for others, it was the desire to collect trophies, such as elephant tusks or lion skins, as symbols of wealth and status. It’s thought that the involvement and endorsement of powerful and wealthy individuals further fueled the trend. 

Long before the arrival of colonial hunters, the Big Five held profound significance in many African cultures. These animals were deeply respected and often featured in spiritual, cultural, and religious traditions, symbolising strength, wisdom, and connection to the natural world. 

The perception and attitudes towards the Big Five have evolved significantly over time. Once sought after as hunting trophies, they are now at the heart of conservation efforts and responsible, ethical wildlife tourism initiatives. Well-managed safaris play a vital role in protecting the Big Five, other wildlife and communities by generating revenue for conservation, directly supporting conservation organisations, creating jobs for local communities, promoting sustainable tourism, and helping to deter poaching through efforts such as dedicated anti-poaching units. 

A lion's height, weight, and length can vary based on factors such as age, health, and their subspecies. On average, a lion’s body length, height, and weight are as follows: 

Male adult lion average size and weight: 

• Body length (excluding tail) typically ranges from 5.5 to 7 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 4 feet
• They generally weigh between 330 and 550 pounds 

Female adult lion average size and weight: 

• Body length (excluding tail) typically up to 5 feet
• Shoulder height is around 3.5 feet
• They generally weigh between 265 and 395 pounds

Lions are ferocious yet majestic animals with a unique and complex social structure. They live in close-knit family groups known as prides, typically made up of related females and their cubs, along with one dominant male or a small group of males. 

When it comes to hunting, lionesses take the lead and work together using strategic teamwork. Each lioness plays a distinct role in the hunt. Some take on the role of the ‘wings’, chasing the prey towards those in the ‘centre’, who are positioned to ambush. This coordinated approach greatly increases their chances of a successful kill. Most hunting takes place at night, due to cooler temperatures and the fact that lions have exceptional night vision, giving them a clear advantage over their prey. However, lions are opportunistic hunters and will not hesitate to pursue prey during the day if the perfect opportunity arises. 

Lions are also remarkable communicators. Their roar is a deep, resonating sound which can be heard up to eight kilometres away and is used to mark territory and coordinate with other pride members. They are the only cats known to roar in unison. In pride dynamics, males typically defend the territory, while females handle most of the hunting. Territory is also marked with scent, primarily through urine spraying by males. 

Despite being considered top predators, lions face numerous threats and are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. While not currently endangered, their numbers are in serious decline. Over the past three generations, their range is estimated to have shrunk by approximately 36%, and tragically, lion populations have declined by more than 40%. Today, only around 23,000 African lions remain in the wild, with some populations facing even more severe localised threats. Studies suggest that the primary causes of decline include retaliatory or preemptive killings to protect livestock and communities, the increasing impact of climate change, which affects prey availability due to drought or delayed rainfall, and the illegal wildlife trade. Lion bones, in particular, are in increasing demand as a substitute for tiger bones in traditional Asian medicine. 

A leopard’s height, weight, and length can vary based on factors such as age and health. On average, their body length, height, and weight are as follows: 

Male adult leopard average size and weight: 

• Body length (excluding tail) typically ranges from 6 to 7 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 2 feet
• They generally weigh between 80 and 165 pounds 

Female adult leopard average size and weight: 

• Body length (excluding tail) typically between 3 and 6.2 feet
• Shoulder height is around 1.3 to 2 feet
• They generally weigh between 46 and 132 pounds

These sleek and powerful creatures are best known for their solitary nature, athleticism, and exceptional hunting skills. Unlike lions, leopards lead a solitary life, interacting with others only for mating and raising cubs. Cubs usually stay with their mother for around 18 to 24 months before becoming independent. During this time, leopard cubs learn essential survival skills, such as foraging, tree-climbing and hunting. They also learn to stalk and pounce by practising with their mothers. Despite their independent nature, leopard mothers fiercely protect their cubs from potential threats. 

With fantastic tree-climbing abilities, natural camouflage that helps them blend seamlessly into diverse habitats, and the strength to haul prey twice their body weight into the treetops, it’s no surprise that leopards rarely struggle to secure their next meal. Leopards cleverly use their skills to their advantage by storing their kills in trees or dense bushes, out of reach of scavengers and other predators such as hyenas and lions. Once the prey is secured, they often feed on it over several days. This behaviour helps conserve energy, reduces the risk of food theft, and provides a safe, elevated spot for eating, allowing them to make the most of their hard-earned meal. As opportunistic hunters, leopards prey on a wide variety of animals, including insects, reptiles, birds, and large mammals. It’s fair to say they are far from picky eaters, with more than 90 different species recorded in their diet. 

Leopards rely on a sophisticated combination of scent markings, vocalisations, and subtle visual signals to communicate and establish territory. They spray urine on vegetation and the ground, rub their cheeks against surfaces to deposit scent from facial glands, and claw trees or scrape the earth to leave additional scent-based cues that warn off rivals. Vocalisations include a distinctive rasping call known as ‘sawing’, often used to advertise territory or signal reproductive availability. Growls, snarls, and hisses express aggression, while soft puffing sounds are reserved for friendly encounters. Visually, a leopard’s tail can indicate excitement or signal the need for silence during a hunt. They also communicate through posture and even facial expressions, making them remarkably expressive for a solitary species. 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies African leopards as ‘Vulnerable’, meaning they face a genuine risk of extinction in the wild. Sadly, their numbers appear to be declining across much of their range, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, trophy hunting, and a reduction in available prey. Although they are present in many protected areas, a significant portion of the population lives beyond these boundaries, where they are far more exposed to these growing threats. 

The height, weight, and length of an African elephant can vary depending on factors such as age and health. On average, their body length, height, and weight are as follows: 

Male African savanna elephant - average size and weight: 

• Body length (trunk to tail) typically ranges from 20 to 24 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 10 to 13 feet
• They generally weigh between 11,000 and 15,000 pounds 

Female African savanna elephant - average size and weight: 

• Body length (trunk to tail) is typically between 18 to 21 feet
• Shoulder height is around 8 to 9 feet
• They generally weigh between 5,700 and 7,700 pounds

Male African forest elephant - average size and weight: 

• Body length (trunk to tail) typically ranges from 16 to 19 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 7 to 8 feet
• They generally weigh between 4,000 and 10,000 pounds, though most average at around 6,000 pounds

Female African forest elephant - average size and weight: 

• Body length (trunk to tail) is typically between 14 to 16 feet
• Shoulder height is around 6.5 to 7.5 feet
• They generally weigh between 3,000 and 8,000 pounds, with an average closer to 5,000 pounds 

Africa is home to two distinct species of elephants: the African savanna elephant, also known as the bush elephant, and the African forest elephant. While closely related, there are several key differences between them. Savanna elephants are the larger of the two, with outward-curving tusks and pointed ears, roaming the open grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Forest elephants, smaller and darker, with straighter tusks and rounded ears, inhabit the dense rainforests of Central and West Africa and reproduce at a slower rate.

The savanna elephant holds the title of the world’s largest land animal. Males continue growing until around 35 to 40 years old and can live up to 70 years. Even at birth, they are impressive, with calves weighing around 120 kg, or nearly 19 stone. Within 20 minutes of birth, calves can stand, walk within an hour, and keep up with the herd after just two days. This early mobility is a vital survival trait, allowing elephant families to continue migrating in search of food and fresh water. 

Elephants live in close-knit, matriarchal herds led by the oldest and most experienced female, who guides the group in migration, foraging, and safety. These herds generally consist of related females and their young, forming strong multigenerational bonds. Females often help care for another’s calves, allowing younger elephants to learn parenting skills. As males mature, they leave the herd to live alone or form small bachelor groups. While herds may be made up of just a few individuals, families sometimes come together in larger gatherings, especially around water sources or during migrations. Highly intelligent and emotionally aware, elephants communicate through touch, scent, body language, and a range of vocalisations, including low-frequency infrasound that travels long distances beyond human hearing. They can also sense ground vibrations through their feet, which shows a remarkable method of long-distance signalling. Their large, dense temporal lobes give them excellent memory, inspiring the saying, “an elephant never forgets.”

Despite their strength and intelligence, African elephants face serious threats. Around 90% of the population has been lost over the past century, mainly due to the ivory trade. Today, only about 415,000 remain in the wild. Forest elephants are now classified as Critically Endangered, while savanna elephants are listed as ‘Endangered’. Poaching and habitat loss remain the biggest challenges to their survival, especially outside protected areas where many elephants still roam.

The height, weight, and length of a rhinoceros can vary depending on factors such as age and health. On average, their body length, height, and weight are as follows: 

Male black rhinoceros - average size and weight: 

• Body length is typically between 10 to 12.5 feet
• Shoulder height is around 4.5 to 5.5 feet
• They generally weigh between 1,760 and 3,090 pounds

Female black rhinoceros - average size and weight: 

• Body length typically ranges from 10 to 12.5 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 4.5 to 5.5 feet
• They generally weigh between 1,760 and 2,200 pounds

Male white rhinoceros - average size and weight: 

• Body length is typically between 12 to 13 feet
• Shoulder height is around 6 to 6.1 feet
• They generally weigh between 4,410 and 5,070 pounds

Female white rhinoceros - average size and weight: 

• Body length typically ranges from 11 to 12 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 5 to 6 feet
• They generally weigh between 1,600  and 1,700 pounds

Africa is home to two species of rhinoceros: the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros is the largest of all rhino species, recognisable by its square-shaped lip, which is perfectly adapted for grazing on grasses. In contrast, the black rhinoceros is smaller and features a pointed, hook-shaped lip, which is suited to browsing shrubs and bushes. While both species can be found in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, their preferred habitats differ. White rhinos favour open grasslands and savannas rich in grasses for grazing, whereas black rhinos are more commonly found in dense bush and scrubland, where they browse on leaves, twigs, and shrubs. 

White and black rhinos differ not only in appearance and diet but also in their social structures and behaviours. White rhinos are the more social of the two species. Females and their calves often form small groups, sometimes joined by other females, creating associations that may last for extended periods. Adult males tend to be solitary but will tolerate the presence of others in overlapping territories, particularly females. In contrast, black rhinos are more solitary and territorial. Adults, especially males, are usually found alone and can be aggressive towards one another when defending territory. However, mothers and calves share strong bonds, and brief interactions between individuals may occur at waterholes or shared feeding grounds. 

White rhinos communicate through scent marking, vocalisations, and body language. Black rhinos also rely on scent and sound to convey information, with both species using these methods to navigate their surroundings and signal their presence. Despite their size and strength, rhinos have relatively poor eyesight. They are known for their love of mud, often wallowing to coat themselves in a protective layer that helps regulate body temperature, repel biting insects, and remove parasites. Unlike some other large mammals and Asian rhinos, African rhinos are poor swimmers and can drown in deep water, so they tend to stick to shallow mud wallows to cool off. 

Both black and white African rhinos have two horns, made of keratin, the same substance found in human fingernails. Tragically, these horns have made them prime targets for poaching, driven by high demand in illegal wildlife markets. The black rhinoceros is currently listed as ‘Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of around 5,500 individuals. The white rhinoceros is listed as ‘Near Threatened’, though its northern subspecies is functionally extinct, with only two known individuals remaining. The southern white rhino population is more stable, with approximately 16,000 individuals in the wild. Conservation efforts remain crucial to protecting both species from further decline. 

The height, weight, and length of a buffalo can vary depending on factors such as age and health. On average, their body length, height, and weight are as follows: 

Male Cape buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 8 to 11 feet
• Shoulder height is around 5 to 5.6 feet
• They generally weigh between 1,100  and 2,000 pounds

Female Cape buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 6.6 to 9.8 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 4 to 4.6 feet
• They generally weigh between 935 and 1,200 pounds

Male African forest buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 5.9  to 7.5 feet
• Shoulder height is around 3.3 to 4 feet
• They generally weigh between 600  and 800 pounds

Female African forest buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 5.6 to 7 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 3 to 3.8 feet
• They generally weigh between 500 and 650 pounds

Male West African savanna buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 7.2 to 9.2 feet
• Shoulder height is around 4.3 to 5 feet
• They generally weigh between 880  and 1,540 pounds

Female West African savanna buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 6.2  to 8 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 3.7 to 4.3 feet
• They generally weigh between 770 and 1,100 pounds

Male Central African savanna buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 7.5 to 10 feet
• Shoulder height is around 4.5 to 5.2 feet
• They generally weigh between 990 and 1,650 pounds

Female Central African savanna buffalo - average size and weight: 

• Body length is approximately 6.5 to 8.5 feet 
• Shoulder height is around 4 to 4.5 feet
• They generally weigh between 770 and 1,200 pounds

An iconic part of the Big Five, African buffalo are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, depending on the subspecies. One species of buffalo in Africa, but four distinct subspecies: forest buffalo, West African Savanna Buffalo, Central African Buffalo, and Southern Savanna Buffalo (also known as the Cape buffalo). Grass forms the bulk of their diet, and they devote a large portion of their time to grazing and feeding. Studies suggest that they have trouble regulating their body temperatures, which could be the reason they feed mostly at night.

African buffalo are highly social animals that live in large, organised herds. These herds typically consist of hundreds of individuals but can swell to thousands during the rainy season in places like the Serengeti. Herds are generally matriarchal at their core, centred around related females and their offspring. Female buffalo tend to remain in the same herd for life, forming strong social bonds and working cooperatively to protect and raise calves. Male buffalo follow a slightly different social path. Young males stay with the herd until they reach maturity, after which they often leave to form bachelor groups with other males. Within both bachelor and mixed herds, clear social hierarchies emerge, particularly among males, who compete for dominance and breeding rights. Despite their formidable size and strength, African buffalo are remarkably cooperative. Living in large herds is a key anti-predator strategy, significantly reducing the risk of any one individual being targeted by predators. Lions are their primary natural threat, but young, weak, or isolated buffalo may also fall prey to crocodiles, hyenas, or even leopards.

Buffalo typically have poor eyesight and hearing, but they compensate with an excellent sense of smell. In addition to natural predators, they face significant human-related threats. Some are hunted for sport, others for meat, and habitat loss continues to reduce their available range. Climate change may pose further risks in the future by altering rainfall patterns and grazing conditions. Today, the African buffalo is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List, with conservation efforts increasingly focused on habitat protection and reducing human-wildlife conflict.