Perhaps you’re interested in going on a safari. Maybe you want to discover almost unknown and spectacular regions. Maybe you want to know what true wild nature is like. If an experience like this calls to you, you’ve probably heard of the Big Five of a safari.
Can you identify which animals we’re referring to? Do you know why they are called the Big Five? You might assume it’s because of their size, but the reality is quite different. The term «Big Five» comes from the immense popularity they gained in the mid-19th century, when a large number of explorers arrived in Africa attracted by the difficulty and danger of tracking and hunting these animals.
Fortunately, today this activity has given way to a new era of conservation, and the Big Five of a safari have gone from being prey to becoming a major tourist attraction for any visitor who ventures into Masai Mara. So, which five animals are we talking about?
The Lion, the Most Popular of the Big Five
The most popular of the Big Five. Known as the king of the jungle. This animal has already become an icon in safaris. It is a charismatic, powerful, imposing, and dangerous animal. Conservation experts estimate that there are around 25,000 lions left, mostly in reserves near the Serengeti, such as Masai Mara.
The Elephant, the Largest and Heaviest
This is the largest and heaviest land animal. It can reach over three meters in height, making it an imposing sight for any visitor. A spectacle worth seeing and admiring, at least once in a lifetime.
The Buffalo, Tame Yet Dangerous
Thanks to our experience, we can tell you that many people are deceived by the buffalo’s appearance. Despite seeming tame and calm, it is likely the most dangerous of the Big Five on a safari. It is a distrustful, territorial, and combative animal. Did you know that the impact of its horns is equivalent to that of a car crashing into a wall at 50 kilometers per hour?
The Black Rhinoceros, a Sight to Behold
The rhinoceros is the second-largest mammal on Earth. If you visit Masai Mara, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing the black rhinoceros, which is more solitary than the white one, but it is also considered more dangerous due to its temperament. Unfortunately, poaching is threatening its survival, and it is a critically endangered species.
The Leopard, Beautiful, Elegant, and Dangerous
The last of the Big Five on a safari. A beautiful, elegant feline. One of those animals that makes the journey worthwhile. You should know that, except during mating seasons, it is an elusive and solitary creature, as well as being spectacularly territorial.
It is an efficient predator, a master of stalking. Additionally, the best chances of spotting it will be at night, as it is a nocturnal animal.
