The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – are the most iconic animals of the African safari experience. For many travelers, spotting all five is the ultimate goal of their East African journey. But as demand for Big Five safaris grows, so do the myths and misconceptions surrounding them.
At Eagle Soul Adventure, we believe that a truly memorable safari begins with truth, context, and connection — not outdated ideas or rushed expectations.
Here are 6 common myths about the Big Five and what you need to know before heading into the wild.
Busted:
It’s a common assumption, but not accurate. The term "Big Five" has nothing to do with size — it originally referred to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot during the colonial era.
Crocodiles can be just as deadly, but aren’t on the list.
The Big Five earned their title due to their unpredictability, aggression when threatened, and the challenge they posed to hunters.
Busted:
Not all national parks and reserves host all five species. For example:
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) is one of the best places to see all five in one day.
Masai Mara (Kenya) has no rhinos in most areas – they are very rare.
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth NP has lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards, but you’ll need to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to complete the list.
Truth: You need to choose your destinations wisely or combine multiple parks for the full Big Five experience.
Busted:
Thanks to wildlife documentaries, many travelers expect to witness dramatic lion kills. But in reality:
Lions rest or sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Most hunts occur at night or early morning.
Success rates are low — even expert lions fail often.
Truth: Seeing a lion is powerful even when it’s lounging under a tree. The hunt is rare and special, not guaranteed.
Busted:
Leopards are shy and solitary, but not invisible.
With the right guide and timing, sightings are very possible — especially in areas like Ruaha (Tanzania), Samburu (Kenya), and Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda).
They often rest in trees or prowl riverbanks at dusk.
Tip: Book multiple game drives at different times of day to increase your chances.
Busted:
Elephants are intelligent and social — but also wild and unpredictable.
A disturbed or provoked elephant can charge at 30+ km/h.
Bulls in musth or matriarchs with calves are especially protective.
Respect their space. A professional guide always keeps a safe distance.
Truth: Elephants deserve admiration — and distance.
Busted:
Safari is not a checklist — it’s a journey of presence, connection, and discovery.
A close encounter with one leopard may be more meaningful than ticking all five.
Nature doesn’t follow scripts. The surprise moments — a baby elephant learning to walk, a lion cub nursing, a buffalo herd crossing a river — are often the most memorable.
Truth: Your safari is not about completing a list. It’s about the stories, emotions, and moments that stay with you.
We don’t promise instant Big Five sightings.
We promise real safaris — guided by experts, rooted in ethics, and tailored to you.
Whether you're journeying through the plains of Serengeti, the craters of Ngorongoro, the forests of Uganda, or the marshes of Amboseli, we’ll help you understand and appreciate the Big Five — and everything in between.
Ready to explore East Africa beyond the myths?
Let’s design a safari that’s rich in truth, wildlife, and wonder.
Contact Eagle Soul Adventure Today
Your unforgettable safari begins with the right knowledge.
Explore Deeper. Travel Wiser. Live Wilder.
