The phrase Big Five game was coined by white hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. The term is still used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The collection consists of the lion, the African elephant, the Cape Buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros

The big five are among the most dangerous animals to hunt. They are some of the most popular species for big game hunters to hunt.[4] Safari Club International, an organization dedicated to trophy hunters, offers a trophy for hunting all five species, called the "African Big Five Grand Slam," along with 14 other Grand Slams for other species, and a total of more than 40 different awards.

The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different Big Five animal on each denomination.

Countries where the big five can all be found include Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. According to recent studies it is difficult to spot the Rhinoceros in Botswana.

Source: wikipedia