Of all Africa's wildlife, none has captured the imagination more than those species that have come over the years to be known as the big five.

Today elephants, white and black rhino, lions, leopards and buffalo are mainly confined to game reserves and national park, and few people have the privilege of encountering them at close quarters. The romance of the safari and the adrenaline-stirring excitement of the chase have been given us some of our greatest stories of Africa. Hunters are passionate about what they do, and hunting has deep roots in the soul of man. An equal passion is felt by conservationist and animal lovers who abhor the senseless killing of even a single animal. The authors of this book have stood on both sides of the fence. And the experiences and insights they have gained are of close observation and face to face confrontation are conveyed here in words and photographs that will thrill the imagination.