The term big five has its origins in big game hunting but is used much wider. In terms of wildlife it refers to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. All of these five species do not count under the biggest animals in Africa. Their inclusion in the select animal grouping indicates that they are in fact the five most dangerous African animal species to hunt. All of these animals will in some way or another attempt to charge or ambush a hunter either during a hunt or after being wounded. Between them they have killed or seriously injured scores of hunters over the centuries. However, most people in Africa who use the term are not hunters and we suspect in most cases do not approve of hunting.

Interestingly the South African currency's printed bills depict, amongst other things, the big five - one on each bill. Collecting one of each of the five bills (R10, R20, R50, R100 & R200) should make a memorable addition to your post-tour photo-album.