"Hunt for the "Big Five"" Serengeti National Park Things to Do Tip by Geisha_Girl

The Serengeti is particularly famous for the great migration, which is the cycle of movements made by the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and eland. The movements are slightly different for each animal. Generally, their pattern is to use the plains in the wet season from December to May. As things dry out around May, these migratory animals retreat to the woodlands and remain there from June to October. The famous migration usually takes place between May-June (northward migration) and October-November (southward migration).

The 'Big Five' got its name because they are considered the five animals which most people want to see while on Safari. A century ago they were the most sought after animals to hunt. They were the fiercest and the most dangerous. These are the animals that would 'hunt the hunter.'

Lion Panthera leo

Elephant Loxodonta africana

Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis

Cape Buffalo Cyncerus caffer

Leopard Panthera pardus

I have been fortunate enough to spot all of the BIG FIVE during two of my safari trips. Rhinos aren't known to frequent the Serengeti plains, but I was able to view one in the Ngorongoro Crater during my visit last year. I finally spotted the always elusive leopard during this recent trip to the Serengeti as he was perched way above in the trees, relaxing after what appeared to be a very satisfying lunch!