The Big Five and Beyond: A Love Letter to the Bush

The term Big Five refers to five of Africa’s most iconic animal species: the elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, leopard, and lion. Originally coined by big game hunters to describe the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, the phrase has evolved into something far more meaningful. Today, it represents the pinnacle of African wildlife viewing.

Seeing the Big Five is exceptional. But here’s the thing—I believe the bush has so much more to offer than just five famous faces.

I was lucky. I grew up in the Kruger National Park. Every school holiday, every long weekend, we’d pack up the car, fill the flask with coffee, and head into the wild. Game drives were the norm. Animals became our neighbours. For the most part, my childhood smells like dust, sounds like a woodland kingfisher, and feels like sun-soaked memories with my Oupa, who taught me everything he knew about birds.

Those early days left a mark. A deep, lifelong love for wildlife and the industry that surrounds it. Now, I have the joy of sharing that passion with others, selling safari holidays and watching the magic of the bushland through the eyes of those seeing it for the first time. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I help send people home with not just full memory cards, but full hearts too.

Let’s talk about the Big Five—the mighty mammals that headline safaris across Southern Africa.

Elephant – The Gentle Giant

First up is the African elephant, the largest land animal on Earth. Something is humbling about being in the presence of an elephant. Their size alone is enough to take your breath away, but it’s their intelligence and emotional depth that stays with you.

Elephants are deeply social animals, living in herds led by wise matriarchs. Watch them closely, and you’ll notice the way they protect their young, mourn their dead, and communicate through subtle rumbles and movements.

In Kruger National Park and Botswana’s Chobe National Park, elephant sightings are not just likely—they’re abundant. Seeing a herd crossing a dusty road, calves trotting close to their mothers, is a reminder of how complex and beautiful nature can be.

Rhino – The Endangered Titan

Next comes the rhino. Two species are found in Southern Africa: the white rhino and the more elusive black rhino. With thick, prehistoric hides and iconic horns, they look like they’ve walked straight out of an ancient world.

Sadly, they are under immense threat. Rhino poaching, driven by the illegal trade in rhino horn, has pushed these creatures to the brink. It’s a tragedy that weighs heavily on the hearts of conservationists and animal lovers everywhere.

Still, hope remains. Places like South Africa’s Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and private reserves such as Phinda and Sabi Sands are working tirelessly to protect these extraordinary animals. Every rhino sighting feels like a victory.

Buffalo – The Underrated Warrior

Often overlooked, the African buffalo is a true force of nature. Don’t be fooled by their cow-like appearance—buffalo are fiercely unpredictable and one of the most dangerous animals on the continent.

They move in large herds, and their bond is strong. If one buffalo is attacked, the herd often fights back, forming a protective wall or charging predators head-on. I’ve seen a lioness get tossed like a rag doll when she misjudged a buffalo bull. Brutal, but awe-inspiring.

You’ll find large herds across the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, and of course, throughout the Kruger. Their presence adds a thrilling edge to any game drive.

Leopard – The Elusive Beauty

Now, let’s slow down and look for shadows. The leopard is perhaps the most graceful of the Big Five—and without a doubt, the most elusive.

Solitary and stealthy, leopards are masters of camouflage. They often spend their days hidden in trees or tall grass, only becoming active at dusk. Spotting one is a true gift. You may first notice a twitching tail hanging from a branch or glowing amber eyes peering through the thickets.

The Sabi Sands Reserve, which borders Kruger, is one of the best places in the world to see leopards. Every sighting feels deeply personal, like you’ve been let in on a secret.

Lion – The Regal Predator

Finally, the lion. Powerful, majestic, and deeply symbolic, lions have captured human imagination for centuries. Watching them in the wild—whether it’s a pride lounging in the golden sun or a male roaring into the night—is unforgettable.

Lions are social cats, living in prides with complex hierarchies. Males protect the territory; females hunt with precision. There’s an energy around lions that’s both fearsome and majestic. They’re not just animals. They’re rulers.

Etosha in Namibia, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Kruger are top locations to encounter lions in their natural environment. And trust me, the first time you hear one roar—truly hear it in your chest—it changes you.

More Than Just the Big Five

While the Big Five are thrilling to see, the African bush is so much more than its celebrities. Think of the dung beetles, doing their tiny rolling dance. The lilac-breasted roller, flashing colour against the sky. Giraffes moving with surreal elegance, zebras dazzling like optical illusions, and the hippos grumbling in muddy waters.

Nature heals. Being out there—under wide skies, hearing the rustle of leaves and distant birdcalls—is medicine for the soul. It resets your rhythm. It reminds you of how small we are and how important it is to protect the wild spaces that feed our spirit.

For me, the bush is home. It’s heritage. It’s a place of wonder, of quiet moments and loud heartbeats. Sharing that with others through safari travel is more than a job—it’s a calling.

Where to See the Big Five in Southern Africa

If you’re planning your first (or fiftieth) safari, here are some of the best spots to witness the Big Five:

Kruger National Park (South Africa): Accessible, vast, and brimming with wildlife.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve (South Africa): Best for leopard sightings.

Phinda Private Game Reserve (South Africa): Excellent for rhino conservation and diverse habitats.

Chobe National Park (Botswana) is known for its massive elephant populations.

Okavango Delta (Botswana): Unique landscape, rich in predators and birdlife.

Etosha National Park (Namibia): Fantastic for lions and dry-season game viewing.

Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa): Great for elephants and accessible from Port Elizabeth.

Final Thoughts

The Big Five will always be iconic. But it’s the quiet moments between sightings that truly define a safari. The smell of wild sage. The sudden call of a fish eagle. The slow crunch of gravel as you move through landscapes untouched by time.

If you’re ever lucky enough to visit the bush, pause. Breathe. Listen.

And remember: “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” — John Hemingway