The term “Africa Big 5” was coined by trophy hunters in the 19th centuries. For these five animals, the hunters knew well to be the most deadly and difficult to capture or kill. Now, the Africa Big 5 are the most revered game to safari tourists and travelers, attracting flocks of people from across the world to see them. Here are the big five and where you can find them.
1. African Lion(Panthera leo)
The African Lion is most fierce and astonishing of the Big 5 animals, admired for its girth, strength and braveness. Lions roam the Savannah in groups called prides comprising anywhere from 5 to 40 lions and can be found in the three largest savanna parks: Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
- African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
The African Elephant is the largest land mammal existent on planet earth, even larger than its Asian counterpart flaunting its large ears and curving tusks. The adult elephant can be found roaming grasslands in all the major Parks in the country except Lake Mburo NP, consuming up to 300 pounds of food in a single day.
- Leopard
Averaging between 50 and 90 kg (110 to 200 pounds) in weight, the Leopard is the smallest of the Big 5. This darkly spotted solitary cat boasts of its stealth, elusiveness and hunting prowess that suit it as a formidable predator. The leopard can be seen in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo and Mt Elgon National Parks.
- African Buffalo
When the African buffalo aren’t fighting off the predatory African lion, they are eating grass – and lots of it. They live and move in large herds of thousands for security and can be found around a water source, covered in mud. They are known to be dangerous and unpredictable, with a very precarious temperament and can be found in just about every National Park.
- Rhinoceros
The Rhinoceros are large, with stumpy legs and massive bodies and characteristic horned stouts. The Northern white rhino and can only be seen in the massively protected Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe commonly referred to as the Zoo.
