The Big 7 Animals

The “Big 7” typically refers to the traditional Big Five safari animals plus two majestic marine animals (great white shark and southern right whale). This specific grouping is most famous in South Africa.

The “Big 7” animals are typically the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) plus the great white shark and the southern right whale. This combination is most often used in the context of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it is possible to see all seven animals in one trip, combining both land and marine wildlife.

Africa’s “Big 7” expands the traditional “Big Five” safari animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) by including two marine giants: the great white shark and the southern right whale. This unique combination can only be viewed in a single protected reserve in the world.

Big 7 Safari Animals

The “Big 7” are divided into terrestrial and marine categories:

The Terrestrial “Big Five”

These five were originally termed by big game hunters as the most difficult and dangerous animals to track and hunt on foot. Today, they are prized sightings for wildlife photographers.

African Elephant: The largest land mammal on earth, known for its intelligence and complex social structures.

Lion: The apex predator of the savanna, typically found in prides.

Leopard: The most elusive and nocturnal of the big cats, known for its climbing abilities.

Rhinoceros: Both black and white rhinos fall into this category; they are critically endangered icons of conservation.

Cape Buffalo: Known for their unpredictable temperament and massive curved horns.

The Marine Additions

  • Southern Right Whale: Found in coastal waters during the winter and spring calving season.
  • Great White Shark: A supreme ocean apex predator that patrols the coastal waters year-round.

Where to find them?

While you can spot the Big Five across many reserves in East and Southern Africa, the only place you can spot all Big 7 in one location is South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park. The park’s reserve extends into the Indian Ocean, allowing visitors to do a morning bush safari and an afternoon marine whale/shark watching tour.