WHAT ANIMALS WILL I SEE ON SAFARI
AND WHAT IS THE BIG 5?
Safari holidays mean different things to different people, but if there’s one common ground that everyone shares, it’s the chance to spot African safari animals in their natural habitat.
From lions to lizards, eagles to elephants, and all that’s in between; the only way to come face-to-face with wildlife, is to visit the game reserves of South Africa and the wider region.
What is The Big 5?
But first, let’s talk The Big 5 for a moment.
The Big 5 is another term for the bucket-list of wildlife that have come to be the most revered and iconic in Africa. The term dates back to the 1800s, named by those involved in trophy big game hunting Africa. The big five animals were named so, for being the most challenging and dangerous to hunt down on foot.
And sadly, whilst today these animals are still hunted, it has thankfully been vastly reduced, due to the hard work of conservationists and local tour operators.
So, let’s take a look at the big five animals in more detail:
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Lions
No safari is complete without spotting the king of the beasts. Since the lion is a sociable creature, living in groups, you’re likely not to just spot one – but a whole pride of them while on safari. Go with an experienced tour guide and you’ll be able to track their movements whatever time of year you visit.
South Africa, Kenya and Botswana, are undoubtedly the best destinations to spot this big cat.
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Leopards
What the leopard lacks in size (as the smallest of the big five animals), it makes up for in agility and strength. Distinguished by its light fur and dark rosettes, this is one mammal that enjoys its freedom to roam… lurking, often alone.
Wild Insight Safaris tour guide, Graham Cooke, is a leopard expert, having raised two baby cubs in the wild. He uses this incredible insight to track leopards and other breeds, by their footprints, scents, alarm calls and other cues, while on safari.
The best time to spot a leopard is between May and August, frequenting all the main parks in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania amongst others.
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Elephants
From the smallest to the largest of the big five animals. The loveable elephant is a sight to behold, measuring up to 3.3 metres tall and weighing up to seven tons. Often found in families, don’t be fooled by their cute appearance. These animals can still pose a danger and are sceptical of human company, in no small part thanks to poachers, however despite being giants, they are gentle creatures.
A South African safari, is the best way to spot this beast. Kruger National Park offers one of the most accessible locations to spot elephants, with 13,050 at last count.
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Rhinos
There are two species of rhino; black and white, along with five subspecies. Whichever you spot, it’s still a huge accolade as one of the most rare and exotic animals from Africa.
They’re hard to miss too, weighing up to 5,000 pounds and up to fifteen feet long, and with their trademark horn, they have a distinguishable look too. When they have to shift, they’re unmissable at speeds of up to 55kph. You definitely wouldn’t want one charging at you!
Very sadly, due to the impact of humanity – poaching and environmental factors, very few rhinos live outside of national parks and reserves. To catch a rare glimpse of these beasts, head to the many game reserves of South Africa.
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Cape Buffalo
Living in large herds of African plains, the cape buffalo understands the importance of safety in numbers! And while this helps to find them in droves, it also means you need to keep a safe distance. After all, this is an animal that has become accustomed to defending itself against predators – so it’s anything but friendly.
These African safari animals can be spotted in various locations, from Botswana to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Whether you’re going on a safari to capture safari animal pictures, or to spot wildlife for your own personal pleasure, the national parks make some of the best settings for spotting natural wildlife. This is also important for those considered about conservation, since many of the exotic animals from Africa remain at risk from predators and poachers.
Five of the best locations for safari holidays include:
- Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Masai Masai Mara, Kenya
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Etosha National Park, Nambia
Aside from the big five animals, here’s just some of the other exotic animals you might encounter: Antelope, impala and Springbok (the national animal), herons, storks, eagles and birds of prey. Hyenas, cheetahs, ostrich, wild dogs, hippos, wildebeest, Cape Grysbok, mongoose, wild horses, zebra and giraffe. Python and cobra snakes, crocodiles, gorillas and monkeys.
Tips for Seeing the Big Five Animals on Safari
For many, a safari holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take as many safari animal pictures as possible. From the big five animals, to your personal favourite, here’s the best way to see as many exotic animals from Africa on your trip:
- Book with a tour operator
Unless you’re a secret lion whisperer, chances are you don’t know your way around the dusty savannahs of Africa. That’s why it pays to book through a trusted South African tour operator. They will take care of all the details, from booking your flight to transfers through the wilderness, to securing the best camp near the heart of the action, so you don’t miss a trick.
- Book a tour guide
There’s no compensation for booking with a person on-the-ground. Using the lay of the land and the signs of wildlife, these are big game Africa experts, able to uncover some of the most unusual, exciting and exotic animals from Africa.
- Time of Year
Dry season is a good time to go. This lies between May and September, when there’s less vegetation for animals to hide behind, plus they tend to hangout near water supplies; such as waterholes and rivers. This can enhance your chances of spotting your favourite South African safari animals.
- Time of Day
From dusk till dawn, the animal kingdom never sleeps. Whether you’re a night owl, or early worm, there’s different animals you can expect to see at different times of the day. Your tour guide will advise you on the best times to tour the park, so you can get the most out of your visit.
- Pack Well
An obvious but important point – to optimise your chance of seeing the big five animals, be sure to pack binoculars and wear camouflage clothes. These animals are particularly prone to being skittish, so you’ll need to be stealth-like to get up close and personal.
There’s nothing more exciting than a South African safari, to witness some of the 1,100-different species of mammals this vast country has to offer. There’s also a huge collection of birds, with over 2,600 species, making it an ideal destination for bird spotters too. Whatever reason for your reason for visit, whatever time of year you come, the game reserves of South Africa remain one of the best ways to spot animals in the wild.