Africa’s Great Big Five
A place where various plants and creatures abound, Africa is famous to be blessed with beautiful natural attractions and outstanding sceneries. Home of the five biggest and greatest mammals in the globe. The big five, consisting the leopard, rhinoceros, lion, African Elephant, and the Cape buffalo are present in all the reserves of Africa.
These animals are named as the “big five” by hunters because they are the five animals of Africa that are very difficult to hunt on foot. The challenges and dangers involved in hunting these animals is one of the reasons why they are named big five, not just because of their size.
You can mostly witness all the big five in many reserves. But, you may not be able to see all. If you are on your first safari, there are animals like the leopard that is very hard to spot. Missing one or two of the big five can still give you a great time as you will also be seeing small creatures like the different species of ants, frogs, or lizards during your hunt. You are going to see how well they dwell with nature and you will surely be amazed.
Also belonging to the cat family, the leopard is the most difficult one to find despite their large number in the wild. Savanna grass lands, brush lands, and in several forested areas in Africa are most likely where they are found. Leopards are less likely seen during the day because they are shy and nocturnal creatures. These animals are quite secretive. It’s your lucky day if you see one on a mountain top or on a tree.
The African buffalo is also popular as a Cape buffalo, is a big horned bovid. This is also known as the most life-threatening of the big five because of the reported number of deaths by the Cape buffalo. This animal is also popular as the “Black Death” of Africa. They are found usually in forested areas, savannah, and woodlands, and are never found in deserts. A large heard of buffalo can make an memorable sight.
The largest mammal in the land is the African Elephant. It is a herbivore and very big its size but it can be very dangerous when threatened. You don’t want to be stomped by a 10,000 lb elephant. The woodlands, forests, and savannas are the usual place you can spot them.
Known to have an upright horn or two, rhinoceros is a big herbivore with a weight that can reach a ton or more. You may spot two different rhinos when you are out for south africa safari, a black and white rhino. They are not really white, but gray. Black rhinos are less in numbers than white rhinos because they are more hunted by men.
Black rhinos lived in shrub areas and tropical bush, while white ones are found in savannas. Most rhinos are found in wildlife conservation areas and natural parks because poaching is greatly reducing their numbers in the wild.
Rhinoceros use their horns to get branches that out of reach as they try to grasp for leaves and twigs to eat. Seeing one is so amazing. Be prepared to experience the thrill as you see a leopard stealthily hunting its prey with its remarkable poise and speed.
There’s nothing more astonishing as you see Elephants march while holding each other’s tails with their trunks. It is so satisfying to see on a wonderful sunset a sight of the king of the jungle and his pride stalking and taking down their prey.
Spotting all the big five is what mostly the travelers and tourists will look forward to. Having to photograph all five is really the best achievement.
