Experiencing Africa’s big five in their natural habitat as they are trying to win their days is surreal and should be on your bucket list. The term big five was created by early days big game hunters as they were explaining the intensity felt as they were hunting these majestic animals. Until to date the term is used to refers to Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Cape Buffalos and Rhinos.
One might think well Giraffes are big and taller compared to rhinos or aren’t common Elands big as the cape buffalos while the answer is Yes that common elands are equally big as the cape buffalos and the giraffe is way bigger than Rhinos, common elands and cape buffalos but the aggressiveness of the animals is quite different, Giraffes and Common Elands are quite wary of humans and mostly likely will try to keep their distance. While animals like rhinos and cape buffalos are very aggressive and are likely to charge when approached or disturbed.
It is commonly reported that a safari jeep has been chased or even attacked by the rhinos or the poachers has been killed by cape buffalos. So generally the big five are famous known for their aggressive when cornered of feel threatened.
Tanzania has more than 15 national parks and the big five are almost available in most of the parks so seeing these majestic animals is expected (though not guarantee). Thanks to the country’s very strict laws on poaching and conservations but also different international conservations societies and foundations which throw everything they have for preservations.
Lions
Listed as not endangered species Tanzania is home to approximately 14,000-15,000 lions with Ruaha national park only holding more than 10% of total lions’ population. These ferocious cats are known for their family bonds and social hierarchy.
Rhinos
Scientifically known as “Diceros bicornis michaeli” these single horn, hairless skin herbivores are listed as critically endangered. According to the ministry of tourism and natural resources there are only 170 black rhinos now found in Tanzania. You can certainly see these majestic animals in Mkomazi Rhino sanctuary and very lucky in the Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Leopards
Listed as less endangered species, this solitary hunter with its well camouflage skin is thoroughly found in Tanzania national parks, with the estimated population to be more than 39,000.
Elephants
Despite of rise in number to more than 20,000 in few years making the total population of more than 60,000 Elephants are still classified as critically endangered species. These biggest herbivores are found thoroughly Tanzania national parks.
Cape Buffalos
Known for their aggressive cape buffalos are known to kill and severely injured more hunters than any other species. According to the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism there more than 195,000 country wide.