
Searching for the Big Five In South Africa
Having traveled to over 40 countries, South Africa is definitely in my top five all-time favorite places to visit. One of the main reasons is the Big Five. Searching for the Big Five in South Africa has been on my bucket list for a really long time and I was super excited when I got the opportunity to go.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Ok, maybe not tigers and bears, but definitely lions crossed my path when I visited South Africa. The “big five is a term that was created by the top-game hunters who refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. They consist of the lion, leopard, rhinoceros elephant, and Cape buffalo. Today, the Big 5 are the most sought-after animals for tourist to see when visiting South Africa, and I was no exception.
Searching For The Big Five In South Africa:
I set off for Pilanesberg Game Reserve, a provincial park in South Africa, northwest of Johannesburg, and it’s where hundreds of mammals make their home. As I approached the park the sun rose, I hopped into the designated safari jeep, anxious and ready, for the big adventure. Before I go any further I must be upfront and say that I didn’t get to see all five of the Big five, but four out of five isn’t bad.
SAFARI JEEP:
Riding in the safari jeep was so much fun! Jeeps are mainly used as they are familiar with the animals, and therefore allows visitors to come real close to the animals without them attacking.
African Lions
“In the jungle the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight”~The Lion King. I found myself humming that tune as I rode along the spotted my first lion. Lions are social creatures and usually live together in groups called a pride. My heart raced and adrenaline pumped when I saw the pride of lions, six in total walk right in front of the truck. The second largest cat in the world walked right in front of me – priceless moment!
Lions are such pretty creatures and my favorite animals period. They walk with such grace, yet are the “king of the beasts”. Seeing these big cats in the wild was exhilarating.
African Leopard
The African leopard is the most elusive of the big cats and the only one of the Big five I didn’t get to see. Trust me I’m not happy about this. They’re difficult at times to spot because they hunt at night and spend their days resting in the safety of tree branches. Maybe we drove right by one and I didn’t even notice, nonetheless, I must go back to Africa just to see the leopard in the wild. Until then, thank you Elelur for the great picture of this gorgeous creature.
African Rhino
The rhino is the largest land mammal after the elephant, and seeing this big strong animal in the wild is so much better than the zoo. Rhinos have been hunted nearly to extinction because of the animals’ horns – super sad. I can’t imagine a world without the rhino in it, we need to do a better job of protecting them.
African Elephant
Is there a cuter picture than a mother elephant and her child drinking. I could watch elephants all day, as long as they stayed at a decent distance. The African elephant is the largest of the Big five, as well as, the largest land animal on earth. Sadly, it’s also the most highly threatened by poachers who kill them for their ivory trunks for business. We need to do a better job of protecting these big guys as well.
Cape Buffalo
This dangerous beauty has huge horns that make him/her look like they’re having a bad hair day. I occasionally have bad hair days myself, so I can’t talk. Nonetheless, I was in awe of the size of this beast and how calm he was, especially since the nicknames for the cape buffalo is “Black Death” and the “Widowmaker”
South Africa is filled with so many beautiful creatures, and I’m so lucky to have seen so many up close in the wild. Below are a few of the non-Big five animals I spotted when I sent searching for the big five in South Africa. Enjoy.





My Big five experience was incredible! Amazing to see wildlife in its natural habitat and I can’t wait to get up close and personal with them in South Africa again.
Have you seen the Big Five? Comment below and let me know.
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64 Comments
Mary
Weren’t you afraid to get upclose and personal with nature? I dont think I can survive a day in the jungle, let alone getting close with the big ones
explorethe6
I was terrified at first, lol, but after a few minutes I settled in and took in all the beauty of being in the wild
The Mad Mommy
My goodness, what an amazing experience! I would love to go on a safari like this!
explorethe6
Add it to your bucket list and definitely go if you get a chance to in the future 🙂
toughcookiemommy
I would love being able to observe the animals up close like that. I’m sure you created some wonderful memories to look back upon.
explorethe6
My fav part about traveling is the memories that are created. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity 🙂
Tara
Your photos are amazing. I love Safari’s, although I have never been on one myself. I think I would be so nervous to be driving close to the wild animals.
explorethe6
I was nervous at first, but once you see the animals in their natural habitat it’s just beautiful.
lavandamichelle
What a wonderful post! I’ve been wanting to visit Africa for a long time, one of my friends went after college and she said she loved it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
explorethe6
You’re welcome 🙂
lifewithzg
Omg, my duaghter is crazy about animals and Africa is one of our dream destination.
explorethe6
If you get a chance, deff go visit Africa one day, it will not disappoint.
Adaleta Avdić
Wow, this looks so interesting!
Caroline Brandt
This is my dream vacation! All of these pictures are amazing. Looks like it was such a fun time. -Tonya Tardiff
explorethe6
I had such a great time 🙂
angie
what a great place to visit so many things of nature to see
Amber
I just love these photos. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa. What beautiful animals.
explorethe6
There’s so much beauty in Africa 🙂
Shanab
Yeah South Africa is awesome. So much to see and do. You look like you had an amazing time. Great images.
explorethe6
I had an awesome time! Deff want to go back again an visit one day soon 🙂
Jessica May
Your photos are so crisp, clear and close up! Great photography and information. This looks like a true adventure!
explorethe6
I’m no professional but thank you 🙂
Dalene Ekirapa
Oh my! Absolute travel vibes lol! Ithink I’m in love with South Africa as well and hoping to be there soon; although I’m hoping yoully visit Kenya for such a treat, if you haven’t been here already. You’ll love it! Anyway, that leopard looks beautiful 😍
explorethe6
Kenya is on my bucket list, I deff want to get there soon. What do you recommend seeing when visiting Kenya?
Dalene Ekirapa
Whoo!That’s awesome! You’re welcome. The famous Mara, the coastal beaches, Nairobi city is fine too. Not forgetting a lot of other outdoor adventures like hiking the Aberdares.
explorethe6
The Mara I must see in person 1 day 🙂
Dalene Ekirapa
Awesome!
delhifundos
We have done quite a few jungle safaris here in India and its always so much fun. You clicked some great pics.
explorethe6
Awesome, I’ve never been to Indian but it’s on my bucket list 🙂
amayszingblogs
Nice travel post! Lucky you! I hope I will visit that place someday!
explorethe6
Add it to your wishlist and hopefully one day you will 🙂
Pamela Bond
this looks both terrifying and thrilling lol i guess you cant have one without the other. what an experience, your so lucky
explorethe6
Haha, it sure was a mix of terrifying and thrilling. Total adrenaline rush!!!
Cassie
I e least wanted to travel to Africa. Your pictures have inspired me
explorethe6
I highly recommend it!
Kristen Kirk VanTassle
How fantastic! It must be truly thrilling to see these guys on their home turf. The closest I have gotten is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
explorethe6
The adrenaline was on high the whole time. To be able to be in their territory as opposed to them in ours was incredible 🙂
Christine Price
These pictures are great. My boss just got back from Africa and said its a once in a life time type of trip.
explorethe6
YES!!!! 100% it totally is a trip of a lifetime 🙂
Sammi
This sounds like an amazing trip! I hope to one day be able to visit South Africa.
explorethe6
It was a once in a lifetime trip. Amazing 🙂
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Christina Holthuis
These pictures are just fabulous! I love Africa for it being home to several Wild Animals, we can’t find anywhere in the world. I would love to add it in my bucket list for future tours. An overall perfect article 🙂
Gina Shirley
This has always been on my list of places to visit. Spectacular photos – what an awesome trip!
Debbie Savage
This looks like it would be quite the adventure. Being able to see nature and the animals like this would be amazing!
thatrothlife
Wow. These are such beautiful pictures. What a gorgeous place to be.
lifewithjoshandkristyn
I love this and envy you. I’ve always wanted to travel to Africa to see the animals. Going on an African Safari tour has been on my bucketlist. Love the photos of the animals in their habitats.
thatssodarling
Wow that is such a cool experience! I would love to do this someday!
Vu Ha
Such an amazing place! This make me imagine a world of animals.Thanks for sharing!
di
So sad that people hunt these beautiful creatures to extinction. More people need to shoot with cameras not guns! Thank you for capturing these wonderful shots! I can only imagine how awesome that was to see them in their natural habitat.
Brogan and Lynn Blog
This is such an amazing experience. I’d be nervous but it would be worth it.
Explorethe6
Once you’re there all nerves disappear and you’re literally in awe! It’s a combination of an adrenaline rush and admiration.
Stephanie
Oh my gosh, these animals are all so gorgeous and majestic! I want to go to Africa one day. I’ve seen most of these when I’ve camped at Lion Country Safari in Florida with my family growing up, but it’s not the same as in the wild.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
My husband and I were so lucky when we went to Africa, we saw ALL the big 5 within the FIRST DAY of us on Safari!!!
Explorethe6
What?!?!?! That’s amazing and I’m jealous LOL
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suedavies689
Nice photos and post. Yes. Seen the big 5. Did a safari in Kenya and Tanzania as well as South Africa. Have you been to Tanzania or Kenya?
Explorethe6
Thanks! Neither of us have been to Tanzania or Kenya. But both are on our bucket list! Have you been to either of them? If so, which one would you recommend that we check out first?
suedavies689
We did both on the same trip. Spent 2 weeks on safari. I loved Tanzania.
Explorethe6
Sounds like an awesome experience!
Karis | Don't Dream, Just Travel
Don’t feel bad about never seeing a leopard! I lived in Kenya for 9 years and never saw one, and I can’t count how many safari drives I have been on. In contrast, my fiancé has seen a leopard every time he goes on safari!
Explorethe6
Go figure regarding your fiance! Hahahaha
marthaperry
This is a great post. I have always wanted to visit Africa maybe one day I will. Thank you for sharing
Explorethe6
If you can fit it in your schedule I highly recommend visiting Africa. One of my favourite trips thus far.