Types of animals you can expect on your safari tour
Safari tours are a thrilling way to experience the beauty and wonder of nature up close. Africa is home to some of the world’s most diverse and stunning wildlife, and on a safari tour, you can expect to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitats. Here are some of the types of animals you can expect to see on your safari tour.
The Big Five
The Big Five are the most sought-after animals to see on a safari tour. The term was originally coined by hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot, but today it is used to describe the five most impressive animals to see on a safari. The Big Five are the African elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. Here is some information about each of these majestic creatures:
African Elephant: The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world. They can weigh up to 14,000 pounds and can live up to 70 years. Elephants are social animals and can often be seen in herds.
Lion: The lion is the king of the jungle and is one of the most iconic animals in Africa. Lions are apex predators and are known for their distinctive manes. They can weigh up to 550 pounds and can run up to 50 miles per hour.
Leopard: The leopard is a graceful and elusive cat that is known for its incredible speed and strength. They are excellent climbers and can leap up to 20 feet in the air. Leopards are solitary animals and are usually only seen alone or with their cubs.
Rhinoceros: The rhinoceros is a large and powerful animal that is known for its thick, armor-like skin. There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa: the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Both are endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.
Cape Buffalo: The Cape buffalo is a massive and formidable animal that is known for its strength and aggression. They are often found in large herds and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
Other mammals
While the Big Five are the most famous animals to see on a safari tour, there are many other mammals that you may encounter as well. Here are a few examples:
Giraffe: The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the world and can grow up to 18 feet tall. They are known for their long necks and spotted patterns. Giraffes are herbivores and can often be seen eating leaves from tall trees.
Zebra: Zebras are known for their black and white stripes and are often found in large herds. They are herbivores and can often be seen grazing on grass.
Hippo: The hippopotamus is a large and aggressive animal that spends most of its time in the water. They are herbivores and can often be seen grazing on land at night.
Warthog: The warthog is a pig-like animal that is known for its distinctive tusks and wart-like bumps on its face. They are omnivores and can often be seen grazing on grass and digging for roots.
Birdlife
Africa is home to a wide variety of bird species, and on a safari tour, you can expect to see many different types of birds. Here are a few examples:
Ostrich: The ostrich is the largest bird in the world and is known for its long neck and legs. They are flightless birds and can often be seen running across the savanna.