The "Big 5" (Big Five)

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The "Big 5" refers to the Lion, Leopard, Black Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. But why not the hippo, zebra, or eland are they not they are large as well? What about the cheetah most people would want to see that as much as a leopard at buffalo. The term "big five" was actually first introduced by big game hunters and not safari tour operators and it refers to the difficulty in hunting these large animals and how dangerous they are shot at, surprised or cornered. This is still relevant today as properly trained safari will identify these "Big 5" as potentially the most dangerous animals and will treat them with the due respect and caution that they deserve.

Tsavo Lions, Safari Kenya Big 5: Lions of Tsavo National Park, Kenya Elephant of Chobe National Park Big 5: Elephant on Kenya Safari Leopard Mala Mala Big 5: Leopard Mala Mala South Africa Matopos National Park Zimbabwe Big 5: Black Rhino on safari in Zimbabwe Cape Buffalo Kruger National Park Big 5: Cape Buffalo Kruger National Park

A Small point to note when planning your safari: Due to the decline in Black Rhino populations and the fact that they favour thicker bush over open planes, it has become very rare for people to spot these magnificent animals in the wild. Many safari operators will advertise that they have all the "Big 5" on their reserve when inface they have the White Rhinocerous and not the black, so if you want to see the true Big 5 make sure the reserve you are visiting includes the Black Rhino!

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If youd like to learn more about the Big Five:

Safari-Guide.co.uk in association with WildlifeCampus are pleased to be able to bring you a FREE Big "5" course

Simply follow the steps:

1. Go along to www.wildlifecampus.com and Register (it's free) selecting Safari-Guide as the referrer.

2. The Big "5" Course , will be automatically assigned to you.

3. The course is then immediately available from your " My Courses " page.

In addition Safari-Guide have secured a 25 % discount off any other courses you may wish to purchase. To take up this offer, simply e-mail WildlifeCampus with your login name and tell us that you're a Safari-Guide Referral.

Note: All WildlifeCampus Courses are delivered entirely online, but may be downloaded. They have no set semesters, you may begin any course at anytime.

WildlifeCampus also offers full courses in: Game Ranging (Field Guiding), Trails Guiding, Animal Tracks & Signs, Game Lodge Management, Game Ranch Economics, Wildlife Photography, Wildlife Management, Birding by Habitat, Marine Biology for Guides, Divers & Enthusiasts, Mammals of the South African Lowveld, FGASA Exam Preparation, Snakes & Reptiles of the Lowveld, The Behaviour Guide to African Carnivores, The Behaviour Guide to African Herbivores, The Behaviour Guide to African Primates, Hunting Debate, Astronomy, Survival, Introduction to Photography, African Folklore and The Guides Guide to Guiding.