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What Are The Big 5 African Safari Animals?

Big five animal

African adventure is one of a kind. You'll get the best experience in wilderness in various parks and game reserves in Africa. It is known to be the land of the wild so you'll also be able to spot the 'Big five' during African safaris.

The concept of 'big five' started in Europe where settlers believed that Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, and Buffalo as the best game to hunt down. Big five also refers to as five big animals that truly rule in the jungle.

Tracking down the majestic presence is something that can give you a high if you love to dwell in the adventure. The African safari animals are categorized in 'Big five'; let us know more about the animals.

1] Lions

Lions are the most social felines on the planet. They live in groups and need to maintain contact as well. The roar of the lion can be heard up to 5 miles. This enables them to communicate with each other if the distance is long.

Wild lions are found in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. You'll get to sight lions in most popular game reserves and parks of Africa. Lions can see in the dark and they also hunt when there is darkness all around. Lions can sleep up to 22 hours a day.

2] African Elephant

African elephants were moved from endangered in 1996 to category vulnerable in 2004. Elephants can get sunburns and that is the reason they keep throwing sand at their backs to prevent sunburn.

Elephants have the longest gestation period as compared to other mammals. Elephants love to swim and they swim for long distances. Most elephants walk to water holes in game reserves and that's an ideal way to spot the elephants.

If you want to spot the elephant in Africa, then you can head to the famous Chobe National Park in Botswana. You can also spot African elephants in the Game Reserves of Zimbabwe.

3] Leopard

Leopard is known to be the strongest climber of African big cats. It is known for its grace and power with excellent night vision. As compared to lions, leopards are loners.

Leopards don't roar they usually bark. The African leopards prey on a variety of species like insects, rodents, and reptiles. If you want to spot leopards, you can visit the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa.

Other top park attractions to spot leopards are Serengeti National Park and Moremi Game Reserve in Africa. You'll easily be able to spot a leopard during season time in Africa.

4] Buffalo

Cape Buffalo is the only species of wild cattle in the big five and is often confused with American bison in Africa. They have excellent memories and remember their hunters who they have encountered before.

They are not an endangered species. Buffaloes drink up to 40 litres of water in a day and that's why you'll be able to spot them near water holes in different safari parks of Africa. You'll be able to spot African buffaloes in Kruger Park in South Africa. Hwange Park is also an ideal place to spot African buffaloes.

5] Rhinos

Rhinos run on their toes but they can run fastest. All five species of rhinos are endangered. In the year 2014, 1215 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa.

The black rhino is categorized as a critically endangered species. If you want to spot rhinos in the African safari, then you need to head to the Khama rhino sanctuary in Botswana. The other top countries to spot rhinos are Kenya and South Africa.

To sum up,

Most safari tours in Africa will let you catch the glimpse of 'Big five'. Without spotting African safari animals your tour would be incomplete. Plan a safari tour in season time to have a great wildlife experience in South Africa.