THE BIG 5
ORIGIN
The term “Big 5” originally came from 19th-century colonial big-game hunters who ranked the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Cape Buffalo as the most dangerous and difficult animals to hunt on foot
The Shift to Conservation
Kenya banned trophy hunting in 1977. Safari operators and parks kept using the phrase because travelers easily recognized it.
Today, the Big 5 represent a celebration of wildlife and a goal for conservation. Protecting these five species helps save whole ecosystems for cheetahs, giraffes, and local communities.
Where to See Them in Kenya
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: Great for lions, elephants, and buffaloes.
- Amboseli National Park: It’s known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: A top spot with high chances to see endangered rhinos alongside the other four.
- Lake Nakuru National Park: A fenced sanctuary famous for protecting rhinos.
# Knowledge is power
Join us in one of our BIG 5 adventure safari programs