Meet the Big Five’s extended family: The “Big Nine”
The term “Big Five” is undeniably catchy. It was adopted by the safari business to excite visitors about the most iconic and fearsome quintet of mammals found in Africa: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. And it is also undeniably effective; millions come to the continent every year to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring animals.
But of course there are dozens of other remarkable creatures to be found in Africa that should not be overlooked. We’d like you to meet four species that comprise the extended family of the Big Five: the cheetah, hippo, zebra and giraffe. All together they constitute the “Big Nine,” a catchphrase that perhaps better captures what you should look out for while on safari.
The Cheetah
Though it is also spotted like the leopard, the cheetah should not be confused with its larger, more powerful cousin. These sleek, slim and exceptionally beautiful endangered creatures are the fastest land mammals on Earth, and can run up to 70 miles per hour. They can be found in many parts of southern and Eastern Africa, including the Maasai Mara, but because their numbers are small and their range so wide, sighting one is a rare but very rewarding experience. Though they are typically solitary animals, if you do happen to see a group of them, you’ll impress your friends by calling it a “coalition” of cheetahs.
The Hippopotamus
Hippos are a far more common sight on safari than cheetahs, but most visitors only see their eyes and nostrils as they lurk just below the surface of the rivers and lakes that they love. Though hippos may look placid, they can be aggressive and territorial when provoked -- bet you didn’t know that they are actually the most dangerous land mammal in the world! So keep your distance, and if you’re patient you’ll see a “pod” of these giants as they emerge from the river in the evening to munch on grass and leaves.
The Zebra
Zebras are perhaps the most visually striking mammal in Africa. Though they all boast bold black and white stripes, each zebra has its own unique pattern, the same way you and I have unique fingerprints. They can be seen roaming the plains of southern and eastern Africa in social groups called a “harem” or “dazzle,” often nibbling each other’s necks, “horsing” around, or more importantly, protecting each other from predators such as lions and hyenas.
The Giraffe
The tallest of African mammals is not hard to spot, and considering their height it’s not surprising that a group of giraffes is called a “tower.” They spend their days with their heads high in the treetops, foraging for leaves, which they pull off branches with their 20-inch long prehensile tongues. When they’re not eating, they’re roaming the savanna looking for their next meal, and keeping an eye out for lions. Yes, lions have been known to attack giraffes, even though they are 10 times their size, but giraffes are usually able to defend themselves by running away – they can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour – or by delivering a swift, powerful kick.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda - An Unforgettable Experience
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an experience unlike any other. These gentle creatures are breathtaking to witness, and I felt truly privileged to see them in their natural habitat. As an experienced traveler in Africa, I have encountered many of the continent’s wonders, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the extraordinary wildlife—elephants, lions, leopards, and more. Yet, nothing quite prepared me for the magic of coming face to face with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. There’s something truly awe-inspiring about meeting mountain gorillas in the wild. When they look at you, their deep, knowing eyes create an unspoken connection that feels almost human. These magnificent animals, whose DNA shares 98% similarity with ours, live in tight-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback male. It’s a humbling experience that stays with you long after you’ve left their presence.
Prepping for the Gorilla Trek
Before setting off for our trek, we were introduced to our expert guide, Bosco, who would lead us through the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park to meet the Hirwa gorilla clan. The Hirwa family is known for its size, having grown to 20 members, including a rare set of twins. These family groups are essential to the survival of the mountain gorillas. The silverback leads the group, overseeing the safety and cohesion of the family. Females, including mothers and young, make up the rest of the clan. Juveniles are often the most playful, engaging in games and mimicking adult behaviors, while infants rely heavily on their mothers for care and protection.
Bosco introduced us to the “Hirwa” gorilla clan, the family we would be meeting. The family is so named because “Hirwa” means lucky, which refers to the family’s good fortune: they have grown to a clan of 20 members, including a pair of juvenile twins—a rare occurrence in the wild.
We were also given basic rules for how to approach the family: avoid eye contact, stay alert, be quiet, disable flash on our cameras and keep our distance from the family. Bosco emphasized that our goal, beyond observing this amazing species, was to interrupt the Hirwa family as little as possible.
Meeting the Gorillas
It didn’t take long for us make contact with the gorillas. We hiked for about 30 minutes before Bosco told us that the clan was just ahead, outside a farmer’s field. There was a palpable excitement in the air as I, and others in our group, readied our cameras in anticipation of what we were about to see. As we reached the top of the field, we caught our first glimpse of the clan: they were busily munching on bamboo trees.
The duration of their lunch was clear thanks to the trail of gnawed bamboo trees. The Hirwa family included a silverback, adult females and a few babies. The adorable babies were on full display: playing with mom, frolicking in the bushes and even beating their chests in a lovely impression of their silverback father. One youngster tried determinedly to feed on a thick bamboo stalk by himself, but the tree was just a little too thick!
The size of the adult members of the Hirwa family astonished me. Male silverbacks, the largest members in a family, can weigh up to 480 pounds and the silverback of the Hirwa family was massive! As the other members of the family were busy eating and playing, he mostly sat alone in the background, quietly watching over his family. At one point, while we were watching some of the other gorillas, the silverback approached me — it appeared that I was between him and where he wanted to go. I looked to Bosco who told me to stay calm and let the large silverback walk by, and that’s exactly what he did: the silverback brushed by my leg on his way to munch on some bamboo shoots.
A Commitment to Conservation
Dian Fossey, author of Gorillas in the Mist and the famous mountain gorilla researcher, once remarked, “when you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future.” I could not have said it better myself! My experience with the gorillas reinforced my feelings that conserving these creatures for future generations is a crucial mission, one that benefits us all.
Rwanda’s dedication to preserving mountain gorillas and their habitats is crucial to their survival. Thanks to sustained conservation efforts, the country’s mountain gorilla population continues to grow. To protect these endangered animals, the government strictly regulates tourism. Only 96 permits are issued daily for treks in Volcanoes National Park, with each of the 12 habituated gorilla groups visited by a maximum of eight tourists. Revenue from these limited permits directly funds conservation and research initiatives. Beyond protecting the gorillas, Rwanda’s conservation model also benefits local communities. Ten percent of permit revenue is allocated to building schools, health centers, and roads, while a compensation fund reimburses farmers for crop damage caused by gorillas, fostering peaceful coexistence. Gorilla trekking also provides employment for many locals, including rangers, trackers, porters, drivers, and staff at lodges, ensuring that conservation efforts support both wildlife and people.
The experience of trekking with mountain gorillas is not only a chance to witness one of nature’s most majestic creatures, but it also plays a part in supporting their future. If you are considering a gorilla trekking adventure, the experience is sure to be transformative, offering a deeper understanding of these incredible animals and their unique family structures.
For those eager to embark on this unforgettable adventure, our Discover Rwanda itinerary offers the chance to trek with mountain gorillas, along with a Big 5 safari in Akagera National Park. You can also visit Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, where you’ll learn about the country’s inspiring journey and how you can contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, all while enjoying the stunning beauty of Rwanda’s landscapes.
Getting Catty at Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Getting Catty at Sabi Sands Game Reserve
The following story by journalist Dana Hammond, a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and a regular contributor to AAA publications, first appeared in Horizons magazine. Or, Horizons and Your AAA magazines.
People say a leopard can’t change its spots, but I say watching a leopard can change people. I saw that happen for myself while on a safari with African Travel at the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. Bouncing across the wild tundra in an open safari vehicle with just a few like-minded souls, we were homebound for the eco-chic Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge after our first exhilarating game drive. Visions of mud-splashed hippos, lumbering rhinos, elephants of all sizes and myriad antelope already decorated our memories.
As we drove the air swirled around us like an embrace, still warm and welcoming as the the last wisps of sunlight left the sky. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a bright beam of light caught the eyes and eventually illuminated the full coat of a leopard on the prowl. Surely Mother Nature took her most fashion-forward stance when she dressed the leopard in such spectacular finery from head to toe, and I couldn’t help thinking we were privileged to spy the ultimate cat walk. Our tracker spotlighted the animal for only a brief moment. It was simply a glimpse of what was to come.
Sabi Sands sits adjacent to the legendary Kruger National Park. Animals roam freely between the vast park and the private reserve, but by all accounts the elusive leopards have developed an extra soft spot for the Sabi Sands area. It’s recognized as one of the best places in the world to spy the shy creatures.
During our first morning game drive the area’s bounty continued to reveal itself. A hush fell over our group as we spied a pair of leopards playing and preening in a clearing. Usually leopards are solitary creatures. We watched for several mesmerizing moments before they disappeared into the bush. That encounter would have been enough to satisfy me, but it proved to be another prelude. The next hour flashed by in what seemed like a minute. It started with a single leopard snoozing on a termite mound, yet another marvelous scene. But the excitement kept building as the leopard woke up with a series of tooth-baring yawns and then strolled right alongside our safari vehicle to reposition itself atop a tree. As if a fantasy wildlife director were choreographing every move, the leopard seemingly posed in a few different positions and then decided to sprawl out across a limb with its tail dangling freely in perfect repose. It made me want to put down the camera and get out a sketch pad. And, that was telling.
While the leopard was obviously unfazed in our presence, it nonetheless made me feel as if it was obliging in some sense. It was like this amazing creature knowingly let us into its secret world, gave us time to take lots of pictures because that’s what we do in our own tech-centric world, and then challenged all of us to put down the gizmos to absorb the true essence of its being. The raw magnificence, the clarity of primordial power, was palpable. In those moments, I felt connected to Africa. It informed me. I started breathing in its time. And, I created a map in my mind to get back to that place whenever I want to return in a daydream.
All Photo Credits: Kym Hammond
© 2025 AFRICAN TRAVEL,INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
CST #2071444-20