Wildlife Spotting: The Big Five of Zimbabwe

While African animals like giraffes and zebras are undeniably beautiful, there is nothing quite like seeing the Big Five up close and personal in their natural habitat. If you’re interested in seeing the Big Five for yourself, you may want to book a trip to Zimbabwe, which is home to 11 national parks, two of which are World Heritage Sites.

There are plenty of safaris in Zimbabwe that focus on introducing you to the Big Five. The experienced guides are familiar with the animals’ behaviour and know the places where they’re most likely to be.

In this article, we tell you more about each member of the Big Five and how likely you are to see them during your visit to Zimbabwe.

• Lion

Often referred to as the ‘king of the jungle’, the lion is truly one of Africa’s most majestic creatures. The adults are lithe and fearsome, while the cubs are adorable and kittenlike in their antics. Zimbabwe is said to be home to nearly 2,000 lions, several hundred of which reside in Hwange National Park.

• Buffalo

The Cape Buffalo is a fairly common sight in Zimbabwe, with an approximated 48,200 buffalo living both in and outside the country’s many national parks. While the buffalo looks quite peaceful at first glance, you should always remember how potentially dangerous this sharp-horned creature is and keep your distance.

• Rhino

While Zimbabwe is home to the world’s fourth-largest population of black rhinos, the rhino population has dwindled over the past decade because of poachers. However, many breeding initiatives have helped increase Zimbabwe’s rhino population in recent years. There are also many anti-poaching organisations that are doing incredible work.

• Leopard

Locally known as ‘Mr Spots’, leopards are some of the most beautiful creatures on this planet. They can be quite shy and spend the majority of their day hiding away or lazing in trees. The best time to see leopards is at dusk or dawn when the spotted animals are most active.

• Elephant

Zimbabwe is home to over 100,000 elephants. With such a sizable number calling the country home, you’re sure to see many elephants during your time in Zimbabwe. The massive creatures are truly breathtaking to see in real life, and you’ll be surprised at just how big the adult males are!

Where Can I See the Big Five in Zimbabwe?

Not all game reserves and national parks are home to all five of the Big Five. However, if you want to see all five animals in just one reserve, you have the opportunity to do so by visiting Hwange National Park or Gonarezhou National Park. While only home to four of the Big Five, Mana Pools National Park is another fantastic option.

With so many exciting itineraries to choose from, booking the ideal safari package in Zimbabwe can be a challenging task. Here at Tailormade Africa, we come up with custom safari packages based on your specific needs and preferences. We’d love to create your dream holiday for you so that you can create special memories with your travel companions. Contact us to start chatting about booking a safari holiday in Zimbabwe.