Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 20 May 2024

Conservation Status of the Big Five: What Every Safari-Goer Should Know

Matthys Van Aswegen Headshot

Written by  Johnieka Holtzhausen

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Africa is known for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. The Big Five originally referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt in Africa but now simply refers to Africa’s most popular safari wildlife.

Learning about the Big Five’s conservation status and their relationship with other flora and fauna can help us protect these amazing creatures for future generations.
Read this article to discover more about protecting the Big Five, current African wild conservation efforts, and how to engage in responsible safari tourism!

Protecting the Big Five

Understanding these animals’ current threats is key to protecting the Big Five. The current biggest threats to African wildlife include:

  • Poaching
  • Habitat loss
  • Conflict with humans

Each of these problems threatens the future and current stability of the Big Five. Let’s take a deeper look at each of the Big Five and the unique challenges that they are facing.

1. Lion

The current estimated population of lions in Africa is around 20,000 and 25,000 cats. However, many of these populations are currently struggling or dwindling, facing various threats depending on their location.

Lioness and her cubs-Photo Credits-Teresa S.
Lioness and her cubs-Photo Credits-Teresa S.

Ecological fragility remains a top concern, as does the current conflict in Sudan and a loss of prey to hunt,

2. Elephant

African elephant populations face an incredible threat due to ivory poaching, with an average of fifty-five elephants still killed every day. Both the African forest elephant and the African savanna elephant are endangered.

Elephant and a Calf
Elephant and a Calf

They’ve also been heavily impacted by the loss of available habitat, largely caused by agriculture and other development activities.

3. African Buffalo

Farmers commonly kill African buffalo, which are perceived as pests or considered dangerous. There are four unique species of African buffalo, including:

  • Forest buffalo
  • West African savanna buffalo
  • Central African buffalo
  • Southern savanna buffalo (Cape buffalo)
Herd of Cape buffalo in Namibia.
Herd of Cape buffalo in Namibia.

Like other members of the Big Five, habitat loss and development remain top threats.

4. Leopard

Leopards continue to be hunted for trophies in Africa, leading to endangered populations and international outcry for regulation of this trade. Illegal wildlife trade, loss of habitat, and human persecution have also created further issues for African leopards.

5. Rhinoceros

Poaching for rhinoceroses has unfortunately increased in recent years, with white rhinos in South Africa facing serious losses. However, there are plans in place to rewild some 2,000 white rhinos in Africa, thanks to a park in South Africa

Current African Wildlife Conservation

Responsible safari tourism can play a huge role in current African wildlife conservation! Wildlife tourism creates further awareness and educates people about the issues that the Big Five are facing and ways that we can help.

Leopard in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Leopard in Masai Mara, Kenya.

It also can help funnel funds back into local economies, which can be used to furtherconversation effortsand create more responsive safari tourism options.
Engage in responsible safari tourism with Discover Africa We’ve been crafting amazing and sustainable safari experiences for twenty years, offering 24/7 support and transparent pricing.

Written by  Johnieka Holtzhausen

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Matthys Van Aswegen

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Matthys is a Senior Travel Consultant, with over 18 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States05 May 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I used Discover Africa services for organizing our South African safari. Justin was our organizer, he did an excellent job. He was very communicative, responsive and very helpful. He helped us all the way and kept in contact also during the Safari. I will d..."

Shahin Shahkarami, South Africa14 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Discover Africa and their trip advisor Megan Warrington did a fantastic job arranging our trip to Cape Town, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), and the Chobe River and Kwara Camp in Botswana. We originally planned this trip a few years ago, but had to cancel. Megan..."

Roger Pennifill, United States12 Nov 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We have just returned from a trip to 3 different safari camps in Botswana, a short trip to Victoria Falls and a gorilla trek in Rwanda that was booked with Susan from Discover Africa. We couldn't be happier with the direction and support she gave us to trul..."

Robyn Dell, Canada02 Oct 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We travelled this summer with Discover Africa Safaris for the first time to Botswana, after spending 2 summers in Kenya and Tanzania. We got recommendations for this travel agency from friends and were really very satisfied with the service provided! We ..."

Nadja, Croatia11 Sep 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Excellent trip! Chrizaan was fantastic — she helped us every step of the way and organised a truly magical journey. I 100% recommend Discover Africa."

Nicole, Chile08 Sep 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.