The so-called "king of the jungle" actually lives in Africa's grassy plains. Swifter and lighter than their male counterparts, lionesses handle most of the hunting chores, while males guard and defend the pride. Hearing a lion’s roar from miles away, discovering its prints, and even seeing evidence of its fresh kills make the experience of tracking and then seeing this spectacular predator an unforgettable thrill.

With its speed, stealth and expert climbing ability, the leopard might be the most formidable predator in Africa. Unlike lions, these spotted cats are solitary creatures and only spend time with others when they are mating or rearing young cubs. They frequently hunt at night and remain hidden in trees during the day, making them the most elusive of the Big Five.

The largest land animal, the elephant has long been a target for poachers, who hunt these majestic giants for their ivory tusks and have propelled the decline of this vulnerable species. The elephant is a highly intelligent creature, and its grazing behavior plays a significant role in maintaining the health of its surrounding ecosystem.

Like the elephant, the rhinoceros — which means “nose horn” — is also hunted illegally, as its horn is a prized ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. There are five species of rhino on the planet, two of which are found in Africa: the more common white rhino and the endangered black rhino, which is actually gray or brown. The white rhino is the largest of the species and can grow to nearly six feet and weigh as much as 2.75 tons. Couple this size with charging speed of up to 30 mph and it’s clear why the rhino holds Big Five status.

Of Africa’s Big Five animals, the seemingly subdued Cape buffalo might have you thinking twice about why it’s on the list. Though lacking the lion's fearsome reputation, the Cape buffalo is actually the most dangerous of the Big Five to humans. Nicknamed “Black Death,” these impressive creatures are known for their unpredictable attacks, especially the castoff males who makeup smaller “bachelor herds.” Cape buffalo are large grazers that occupy a wide range of habitats, from low-lying grasslands to mountain slopes, with older males often on the periphery of the herd.