Big Five of Africa

Kenya Safari

In Africa, the big five wildlife animals are the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and Black rhinoceros. The term “Big Five” was coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size. They are among the most dangerous. Countries where all the members of the big five can be found include Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. African Bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) African elephants are of the genus Loxodonta (from the Greek words loxo (oblique sided) and donta (tooth). The genus consists of … Learn More