Starting from the largest of all the terrestrial animals, the African Elephants, to the tiniest of all mammals the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus), Africa has gracefully been the homeland of more than 1000 species of mammals. Five of them are extraordinarily famous, the African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and African buffalos.
Understanding the Term Big 5 of Africa
The term Big 5 Safari has become a safari norm to refer to the five most dangerous and vicious animals in Africa. This term was coined by big-game hunters. It includes the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. The concept was not based on the size of the animals, but rather on the danger and challenges involved in hunting them.
Over time, the term “Big Five” has been adopted by safari and wildlife operators to promote wildlife tourism in the countries of Africa. Since thenm it has become a popular trem among the safari-goers who hope to go on a big five safari and visit African wildlife reserves.
The exact root of this term is controversial. But, as a English language phrase the word is often attributed to the famous hunters of colonial period. Another aspect is important that, once the concept of wildlife reserves was inaugurated hunting was less encouraged, so it is not quite for a word to gain popularity in the era.
Here in this article, we have tried to exhibit the information about the big five animals of Africa with facts and data on the areas where you can enjoy game sightings of these big 5. Many recent studies reported estimated population numbers which can give you a better understanding of what to expect to see on a safari tour in Africa.
African Lions
The first of Big 5 Africa are the lions. They are listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. A 2023 study by Oxford University estimates that the total population of wild lions in Africa ranges between 20,000 and 25,000, spread across 25 countries. Nearly half of these countries have populations of fewer than 250 lions, and eight countries are home to just a single wild lion pride.
Tanzania is home to the largest population of lions, with approximately 14,000, according to recent estimates. In comparison, South Africa and Botswana each have about 3,000 lions, while Kenya and Zambia have populations of around 2,500.
If you want to choose a travel to a destination where you can watch lions in their natural habitat, you should look for safaris in Tanzania. Sassabi Expeditions is an eco-tour company that organizes tours while being involved heavily in lion conservation projects.
Rhinoceros
The next of the Big Five are the rhinoceros. There are three rhino species in Africa: black rhinos, northern white rhinos, and southern white rhinos. From 1960 to 1995, large-scale poaching led to a dramatic 98% decline in their numbers. By the end of 2023, the total rhino population was only 23,290 on the continent.
More than 70% of Africa’s rhinos are southern white rhinos, yet they are classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. The majority of this population, about 12,968, is found in South Africa. Other countries with significant populations include Namibia with 1,416, Kenya with 873, Zimbabwe with 417, and Botswana with 242. In other countries, the population totals less than 100.
Currently, northern white rhinos are on the brink of extinction. At one point, only two females were left, who were under constant armed protection in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. However, as of September 2023, thanks to significant efforts by the BioRescue Consortium, the population has increased to 29.
Black rhinoceros are estimated to number nearly 6,487 and remain critically endangered species. However, thanks to intensive conservation efforts, their numbers are on the rise. In South Africa, there are approximately 2,056 black rhinos, followed by Namibia with 2,196, Kenya with 968, Zimbabwe with 616, and Tanzania with 212.
Leopards
Leopards are also part of the Africa Big 5. It is commonly cited that there are more than 700,000 leopards in Africa, but experts reported this number to be flawed. Still, leopards are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species with their numbers in Africa declining by 48–67% in the past century.
South Africa boasts the largest leopard population, concentrated in four core regions: the western and southeastern coasts of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces; the interior of KwaZulu-Natal Province; Kruger National Park and the interior regions of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West Provinces; and a northern area encompassing the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and adjacent parts of the Northern Cape and North West Province.
While Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe also have significant leopard populations, their numbers are expected to decrease as their habitats shrink. North Africa has only one notably small population in Egypt‘s Elba National Park.
Buffalo
The next Big 5 animal is the buffalo. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, there are 4 buffalo species in Africa and 75% of their total population now lives in protected areas.
Despite their population in Africa is estimated to amount to 400,000, their numbers are decreasing. Hence they are listed as “Near Threatened” on ICUN’s Red List. So where can you actually see each species? While experts say it is hard to estimate their exact numbers based on ICUN’s analysis there are the most common areas they can be found.
Savanna Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) also known as the Cape buffalo: This is the most common and widespread subspecies. It is found in a variety of habitats in countries across East and Southern Africa. Key countries include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
West African Savanna Buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros): Countries with notable populations include Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. The populations in this region have shown contrasting trends, with some areas experiencing declines.
Central African Savanna Buffalo (Syncerus caffer aequinoctialis): Significant populations are in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. The numbers in this region have been particularly affected by several factors.
Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus): The forest buffalo is smaller and is found in the rainforests of Central and West Africa. However, precise figures for their populations are not readily available. Countries where they are known to be common include Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.
African Elephant
The last one of the African Big 5 safari animals on our list is the African Elephants. These gentle and gigantic creatures are the largest terrestrial mammals. These are two sub-species of African Elephants: the African Savannah Elephant and the African Forest Elephants. According to an estimate from 2016, their total number was 415,428 living in herds across the African continent.
Among all African countries Tanzania alone host one the largest population of African elephants. With approximately 43,000 in 2014 to an estimated 60,000 in 2023, the main credit of this tremendous rehabilitation goes to the national reserve efforts in Tanzania.
Why Tanzania Stands Out for the Big Five?
Tanzania is renowned for its rich biodiversity, making it a prime destination to observe Africa’s Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. The country’s vast savannas and protected areas provide ideal habitats for these iconic species.
Lions of Tanzania
- Population: 14,000 – 16,000
- Common locations: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Role: Apex predators shaping the ecosystem
Elephants in the Safaris of Tanzania
- Population: Over 43,000
- Best viewing spots: Tarangire National Park, Ruaha National Park
- Highlights: Large herds offering remarkable sightings
African Buffalo Population and Habitats in Tanzania
- Population: Exceeds 100,000
- Found in: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti National Parks
- Behavior: Frequently observed in large herds
Leopards of Serengeti National Park Tanzania
- Population: 15,000 – 20,000
- Common habitats: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, wooded regions, riverbanks
- Notable traits: Elusive nature, camouflage, and stealthy hunting
Black Rhinoceros
- Population: Fewer than 1,000 (Critically Endangered)
- Protected areas: Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
- Conservation efforts: Focused on safeguarding and boosting numbers
In summary, Tanzania’s extensive and well-managed wildlife reserves offer unparalleled opportunities to witness the Big Five in their natural habitats, contributing to its reputation as a premier safari destination.
Final Thoughts
Each and every species in the wild, has their own position is food chain and ecosystem. These big five of African Safaris has even more influence on the local ecosystem and wildlife diversity which makes them even more crucial for the wellbeing of the African forests.
