Hunting the Big Five and Dangerous Game in Africa
Of all game animals in Africa, none seem to capture the attention of the big game hunter quite like the Big Five.
Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
Males average around 1.4 metres to the shoulder and weigh around 810kg, while females average 1.3 metres to the shoulder and weigh around 745kg. The Cape Buffalo is considered by many Professional Hunters and their clients, to be the most dangerous of all of the Big Five.
Elephant (Loxodonta Africana)
Males average around 3.3 metres to the shoulder and weigh around 5600kg, while females average 2.45 metres to the shoulder and weigh around 3745kg. Being the World’s largest land mammal, the African Elephant stand high at the shoulder and can weigh in excess of seven tonnes. His grey skin provides excellent camouflage in the thick vegetation of the bushveld.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, the leopard is also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the large cats and capable of killing prey larger than itself. At 28” to the shoulder, this big cat weighs in at up to 140lbs. Leopards come in a wide variety of coat colours, from a light buff or tawny in warmer, drier areas to a dark shade in deep forests.
Lion (Panthera leo)
Adult male lions stand up to 4 feet at the shoulder, are 5 to 8 feet in length and weigh in at 330lbs to 500lbs. This majestic beast, known as the King of the Jungle, possesses both beauty and strength. Lions vary in colour but typically sport light yellow/brown coats. Mature male lions have thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting.
Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Rhinoceros are the largest land mammals after the elephant. There are two species of African rhinos. The African species are the white and black rhinoceroses. Both species have two horns. They range in height from four and a half feet to six feet and can weigh from 750lbs to 8000lbs.