The Big 5 in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

Published On: October, 2021

South African Elephant Hluhluwe

When I take clients on a safari in Hluhluwe my first question is: What animal would you like to see on your safari today? And 99% of the time they respond: THE BIG FIVE! But then it is time to test their knowledge. I ask which animals make up the Big 5? The answers vary from giraffe to cheetah, to hippo, to hyena to many others but eventually, we get to lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.

Some are surprised that their favourite animal didn’t make the top 5. And so it is then explained why these specific animals are called the Big Five. They were named the Big 5 as they were the most difficult to hunt on foot and are also the most dangerous. 

Currently, black and white rhino are included in the Big Five; you can see both in Hluhluwe. However, it used to be only the black rhino. This was due to the white rhino being more docile as compared to the aggressive black rhino. The black rhino posed more of a threat to hunters. 

Frequently asked Big 5 questions:

  1. How common is it to see the Big 5?

Have a look at our animals page to view the chances of seeing each of the Big 5.

  • Some think the Big Five is a list of the most endangered animals. But, are they on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species?
  • Lions are currently listed as “vulnerable”. Although in some parts of Africa, lions are classified as “critically endangered”. This is due to trophy hunting and loss of habitat. Only approximately 23 000 lions are left in the wild.
  • Leopards are considered “vulnerable” but not “endangered.”
  • Elephants are critically endangered due to the ivory trade and loss of habitat.
  • White rhino are ”‘near threatened”. However the increase in poaching is once again threatening the white rhino population. The black rhino is listed as “critically endangered”. Hluhluwe Game Reserve was established in the early 1890s to protect the last remaining rhinos. This project was successful. As these specific rhino species were saved from near extinction.
  • The African Buffalo is not endangered, but very impressive.
Elephant In Hluhluwe National Park
Leopart Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Clients ask me:
Which is my favourite of the Big 5?

I find it unfair to choose a favourite. I love them all equally, but I like one animal that’s not on the list. The African Wild Dog, with some luck we might spot it in Hluhluwe.

Lone African Buffalo In Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Quick Facts on the Big 5

  • The trunk of an Elephant has more muscles in it than what humans have in our whole body. The strength of its colossal trunk can lift approximately 300kg.
  • Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans.
  • A lion may sleep up to 20 hours a day. A lion’s roar can be heard 8 kilometres away.
  • The black rhino has the highest known death rate for any mammal. 50% of males die after fighting.
  • The white rhino is the second heaviest land mammal in the world.
  • Buffaloes are quick tempered and do not hesitate to use their massive horns when they feel threatened. They kill over 200 people every year and are said to have killed more big game hunters than any other animal in Africa.
Lion On A Kill In Imfolozi Game Reserve

Lion

Black Rhino In Imfolozi

Black Rhino

White Rhino In Hluhluwe Game Reserve

White Rhino