Meet The Big 5
Just under two hours from Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve offers Big 5 safaris in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Keep an eye out for lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo during guided game drives through our 10,000-hectare, malaria-free reserve.
South Africa’s Big 5 Animals
Who Are the Big 5?
The Big 5 refers to the African lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. If you’ve ever looked into going on an African safari, you’ve probably come across this term. These iconic animals are considered the ultimate wildlife sightings – powerful, majestic and unforgettable.
Historically, their size, strength, and defensive nature made them some of the most dangerous animals to encounter on foot. Unfortunately, this reputation, combined with hunting, poaching and habitat loss, caused their once-abundant populations to decline drastically. Today, spotting one of the Big 5 in the wild is a rare and treasured moment, even on safari.
The African Lion
(Panthera leo)
Interesting Fact: Lions are the only true social ‘big cats’. They live in groups called prides, often consisting of related females, their cubs and a coalition of one to several males.
Size: Male lions weigh about 150-250 kg (330-550 lbs), whil female lions typically weigh 110-180kg (240-400 lbs) and measure up to 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) in length.
Where They’re Found: Although lions are called the ‘king of the jungle’, they don’t actually live in the jungle. They can be found in savannahs, grasslands, open plains, and semi-dessert landscapes across Africa.
The African Elephant
(Loxodonta africana)
Interesting Fact: The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth. Its trunk contains around 40,000 muscles, allowing it to breathe, smell, drink, communicate, and grasp objects with remarkable precision.
Size: Male African elephants typically weigh 4,000–7,000 kg (8,800–15,400 lbs) and stand 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) at the shoulder. Females are smaller, weighing 2,700–3,600 kg (6,000–8,000 lbs) and standing 2.4–2.7 m (7.9–8.9 ft) tall. Adults can measure 5.5–7.5 m (18–25 ft) in length from trunk to tail.
Where They’re Found: Elephants are found across Africa, in savannahs, forests, grasslands, and even the mountains.
The African Leopard
(Panthera pardus)
Interesting Fact: Leopards are great climbers and like to carry their prey into trees out of reach of other predators.
Size: Leopards vary in size, with males weighing 36 to 91 kg (80-200 lbs), while females typically weigh 22-66 kg (49-132 lbs), and measure about 1.2 to 1.9 meters (3.9-6.3 ft) in length, excluding the tail.
Where They’re Found: Leopards are adaptable and inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and mountains.
The Cape Buffalo
(Syncerus caffer)
Interesting Fact: Buffalos are great at defending themselves. Buffalo herds form tight groups to fend off predators and can even fight off lion attacks.
Size: Cape buffalo typically weigh 450–900 kg (990–1,980 lbs) and stand 1.4–1.7 m (4.6–5.6 ft) at the shoulder. They can grow up to 3.4 m (11.2 ft) in length.
Where They’re Found: These bovines travel in large herds and inhabit a variety of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Southern White Rhinoceros
(Ceratotherium simum)
Interesting Fact: There are two sub-species of African rhino, the ‘white rhino’ and ‘black rhino’. Traditionally, the black rhino was the only species of rhino considered to part of the Big 5, but both the white rhino and black rhino are now equally placed on Africa’s list of Big 5 wildlife.
Size: Black rhinos weigh 800 to 1,400 kg (1,760-3,080 lbs) and stand 1.4 to 1.8 m (4.6-5.9 ft) tall. White rhinos are larger, weighing 1,360 to 2,300 kg (3,000-5,070 lbs) and stand 1.5 to 1.8 m (4.9-5.9 ft) tall.
Where They’re Found: Black rhinos are scattered across southern and eastern Africa, while white rhinos are found mainly in southern Africa, particularly in grasslands and savannahs.
Experience the Big 5 yourself
Day Trip Safari
Choose how you would like to experience the Big 5 by choosing from our half day or full day trip offers.
Overnight Safari
Experience a full safari with luxury accommodation, multiple game drives, and gourmet dining.
Why choose Aquila
All Big 5 Animals
One of the few reserves near Cape Town where you can see all five iconic African animals in a single visit.
Close to Cape Town
Just a scenic 2-hour drive from Cape Town. No flights. No overnight travel. Just easy access to wild Africa. Check our transport options.
Expert Guides
Our professional field guides have decades of skills and wildlife experience, making every game-drive a memorable experience.
Reintroducing the Big 5 to Cape Town
Aquila is proud to have reintroduced the Big 5 to the Western Cape and remains deeply committed to the preservation of wildlife. Our conservation efforts go beyond protecting these iconic animals, extending to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, species reintroduction, land restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, eco-conscious tourism, and community upliftment programmes.
Around 250 years ago, the Big 5 had all but disappeared from the Western Cape. Decades of hunting, agricultural expansion, and habitat loss had driven many species to the brink of extinction. Determined to change this, Aquila’s founder, Searl Derman, began the search for a location where these magnificent creatures could once again roam free. That search led him to a remarkable stretch of land – one that would become the wildlife sanctuary and private reserve now known as Aquila.
Welcome to the exciting world of wildlife conservation
At Aquila, we believe in providing children with the unique opportunity to see and learn about South Africa’s incredible plants, majestic animals, and unique habitats. By exploring the reserve, children can develop a deep appreciation for nature while learning about the importance of wildlife conservation. From the curious giraffes to formidable hippos, we invite you to embark on our family-friendly Cape Town safari for the chance to see lions, elephants, zebras, ostriches, rhinos, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Big Five animals?
The Big Five are the African lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. The name originally referred to five of the most difficult animals to track on foot, but today it represents some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Can I see the Big Five near Cape Town?
Yes. Aquila Private Game Reserve is a Big Five game reserve located under two hours from Cape Town, making it suitable for both day trips and overnight safari stays.
Are all five animals guaranteed on every safari?
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The animals move throughout the reserve according to their natural behaviour, weather conditions and available food and water. Aquila’s experienced guides use their knowledge of the reserve to provide guests with the best possible viewing opportunities.
Which Big Five animal is the most difficult to spot?
The leopard is generally the most difficult member of the Big Five to see. Leopards are solitary, well-camouflaged and often active during the early morning, evening or night.
Are there lions at Aquila Private Game Reserve?
Yes. Aquila is home to rescued lions that cannot be safely returned to the wild. They live in a large protected area separate from the free-roaming wildlife on the reserve.
Choose your safari experience
Day Trip Safari
Choose how you would like to experience the Big 5 by choosing from our half day or full day trip offers.
Starting from R1185 per person
Overnight Safari
Experience a full safari with luxury accommodation, multiple game drives, and gourmet dining.
Starting from R3910 per person
