Everyone who is anyone has heard of the Big Five. The 5 glorious wild animals that roam the savannah and bring tourists from all over the world to the African continent. But why does the term refer specifically to the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard? Well, the term “Big Five” was coined by big game hunters back in the day, and refers to the 5 most difficult African animals to hunt on foot. Here are some fascinating facts about the Big Five and tips on where you can see them in South Africa.

1. Lion 

Did you know? The lion, nicknamed the King of the Jungle, is a ferocious animal revered by the rest of the animal kingdom. The lion can run as fast as 80km an hour, leap as far as 11m, and its roar can be heard up to 8km away!

Where can you see them? We suggest Ukutula Lion Park and lodge in the North West; The Lion Park in Gauteng;  Drakenstein Lion Park in the Western Cape;  Puruma Pride Lion Park and Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary and lodge in the Free State; and Seaview Predator Park in the Eastern Cape.

2. Elephant 

Did you know? The elephant is the largest land animal in the world and can live to be over 70 years old. Elephants are also the only mammal that cannot jump, and they purr as a means of communication.

Where can you see them? We suggest The Elephant Sanctuary in the Western Cape (read our review here), where you can enjoy hand in trunk walks, elephant back rides, and feeding. Other options include Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal; Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape; and Elephant Whispers in Mpumalanga.

 3. Buffalo

Did you know? They say an elephant never forgets, however, a buffalo never forgives. Buffalos have been known to seek out revenge on people who have wronged them many years afterwards. A buffalo has up to 4 times the strength of an ox and can easily overturn a car. 

Where can you see them? We suggest Buffalo Thorn Lodge in the North West, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in Limpopo, Mkuzi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, and Willem Pretorius Game Reserve in the Free State.

4. Rhino 

Did you know? The rhino makes its own sunscreen by wallowing in the mud and leaving it to dry on its skin, leaving a caked layer of protection against both the sun and blood sucking insects.

Where can you see them? We suggest the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve inGauteng; Rhino River Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Black Rhino Game Lodge in the North West.

5. Leopard

Did you know? The leopard’s tail is almost as long as it’s body. This helps with balance and steering, especially with making sudden sharp turns. Leopards purr when they’re happy and growl when they’re angry.

Where can you see them? We suggest Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre in the Western Cape (read our review here); Seaview Predator Park in the Eastern Cape, Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in Gauteng, and Lionsrock Big cat Sanctuary in the Free State. 

Big Five holidays 

Want to see The Big Five in their natural habitat? Here are some game reserves with accommodations that won’t break the bank: 

WESTERN CAPE

Garden Route Game Reserve, Albertinia

Stay: Garden Route Game Lodge

EASTERN CAPE

Amakhala Game Reserve, Addo

Stay: Amakhala Safari Lodge

MPUMALANGA

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Sabi

Stay: Elephant Plains

GAUTENG

Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, Welgevonden

Stay: Halfway There

LIMPOPO

Balule Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit

Stay: Amukela Game Lodge 

KWAZULU-NATAL

Tembe Elephant Park, Kwa-Tembe

Stay: Tembe Elephant Park & Lodge

NORTH WEST

Mziki Private Game Reserve, Beestekraal

Stay: Mziki Safari Lodge

While the Big Five is one of the most popular reasons for tourists visiting South Africa, there are a few lesser known groups, such as the Small Five and the Slow Five, which are just as worth checking out while exploring South Africa.

Have you seen the Big Five in the flesh? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Main image by m01229 (Flickr)