The Big Five Explained: What They Are and Why They Are Called That
The Big Five are the lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo and rhinoceros, both white and black. The term was coined by big-game hunters for the five animals considered most difficult to hunt on foot, and today it is used by safari operators and visitors as a wildlife checklist.
Quick take:
- The five are lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo and rhinoceros
- Both the white and black rhino count as the “rhino” in the list
- The name began with hunters, not with photographers
- Today the animals are more often the targets of safari visitors than of hunters
- Seeing all five is a popular goal, but sightings are never guaranteed
What Are the Big Five?
- Lion
- Leopard
- African elephant
- African buffalo
- Rhinoceros: the white and black species are both included
Not sure how the two rhinos differ? See our guide to black rhino vs white rhino.
Why Are They Called the Big Five?
According to the reference sources, the term was coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five animals most difficult to hunt on foot. The name comes from hunting, not from wildlife viewing, and the five were not chosen simply for their size.
How the Term Is Used Today
The five animals are now more often the focus of ecotourists and safari tour operators than of hunters. Lions in particular are among the most popular animals to see on safari. The list is a historical label rather than a ranking of importance, and it leaves out most of the wildlife you will see.
The Big Five in the Central Highlands
We have three wildlife reserves nearby: Solio Game Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Aberdare National Park. Aberdare National Park, for example, lists elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino among its recorded mammals. As with any wild place, what you see on a given day is not guaranteed, and each reserve offers more than a checklist.
If you would like to plan a stay in the central highlands, you can check availability at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Big Five animals?
The Big Five are the lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo and rhinoceros, including both the white and black rhino.
Why are they called the Big Five?
The term was coined by big-game hunters for the five animals considered most difficult to hunt on foot.
Is the Big Five list still used today?
Yes. Safari operators and visitors now use it as a wildlife checklist, and the animals are more often the targets of safari visitors than of hunters.
Are both black and white rhinos part of the Big Five?
Yes. Both species are counted as the rhinoceros in the list.
