International travellers coming to Africa see a safari as an activity of choice. In addition to presenting an opportunity for them to see and interact with animals that exist in few other places in the world, African safaris are an exciting and relaxing way to get back to nature.
South Africa is a particularly good safari destination. In addition to an excellent infrastructure, abundant wildlife and a range of quality accommodation alternatives, the natural beauty of South Africa is virtually incomparable.
Not only does South Africa offer the Big Five, but also an exciting range of birding opportunities and a variety of smaller and equally fascinating mammals, insects and reptiles.
In addition to conventional safari activities, many South African lodges and reserves offer alternative game viewing adventures, eco packages, including cycling, walking tours and horse-back riding.
The Big Five
The Big Five are so named because they are reputed to be Africa’s largest and most dangerous mammals. They include the leopard, the lion, the rhinoceros, the elephant and buffalo. For most South African safari travellers, seeing the Big Five is a primary objective. Some tips to help you find these magnificent creatures include:
Leopards are highly elusive and shy. They are the most difficult tick on your Big Five checklist. As they are semi-arboreal, leopards spend much of their day up trees. They are also territorial, meaning that if you see a leopard in one location, it is probable that if you return there, it will be nearby. Leopards often inhabit the trees along river beds, and seek out areas with good coverage. They can be dangerous; a hungry or threatened leopard may attack a loner on foot. However, their natural fear of people is usually enough to ensure that they keep their distance.
Lions are commonly found in many South African safari reserves. They are less shy of people than their feline cousins and will happily withstand observation from a distance. They hunt in open areas in the early morning or evening and spend their days resting under shady trees or bushes. Spotting them from a distance requires some skill – they blend in well with the African savannah. Approaching lions, despite their docile appearance is highly inadvisable.
Elephants usually move in groups, and are abundant in numbers. They are also highly dangerous and if angered will charge your vehicle, potentially causing damage to it and bringing harm to its occupants. It is thus important not to get too close to these giants, always ensure that you have an exit strategy and be particularly careful of mothers and calves, as well as bull elephants in must. Elephants are easy animals to track because of the havoc they wreck on the surrounding bush through which they pass. One hunted for their ivory, they are still threatened by poachers.
Although there are exceptions to this rule, Buffalo are usually found in herds on vast open plains. They can be aggressive if provoked but will often ignore park visitors altogether and continue about the business of grazing. Buffalo and lions are sworn enemies and while lions will prey on young buffalo calves, or the old and weak, encounters between these magnificent species often end in tragedy for all involved.
Rhinos were also hunted for their horns which were used for a number of purposes. Still endangered as a result - even today, poachers manage to do damage to the populations of these magnificent creatures. White rhinos are grazers and can thus be found, usually in small groups, in open spaces. Black rhinos are rarer and are browsers: they eat the leaves off trees and are found on in areas with more dense coverage.
Birding Safaris
Birding safaris are another activity enjoyed by South Africans and tourists alike. Its appeal lies both in the natural splendour and diversity of species in our game parks and in the challenge associated with seeing as many species as possible during your trip. Must see birds include the abdims stork, the ground hornbill, kori bustard, secretary bird, lilac breasted roller, marabou stork, ostrich, saddlebilled stork, trumpeter hornbill, the various species of vulture and the wide variety of eagles and other birds of prey. It is worthwhile downloading and printing a check list of birds as well as acquiring a field guide to help you identify the species. Roberts Birds of South Africa and the Sasol Field Guide to Birds of South Africa are good options.
Little Five Safaris
Once the Big Five becomes old hat, it is worthwhile hunting down (figuratively speaking of course) the Little Five. These startling little creatures and their fascinating and integral roles in the ecosystems in which they operate will give even the most jaded safari traveller a new appreciation for the South African bushveld. The Little Five includes the ant lion, rhino beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew and the leopard tortoise. Some of these are easier to spot than others, and a day spent trying to get them all is guaranteed to ensure fun for the whole family.
An Unforgettable Experience
Safaris in South Africa are magical and unforgettable - offering visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature and unwind in spectacular surroundings.
mobiguide is a tourist oriented company focussed on imparting information to travellers coming to South Africa. It features a number of www.mobiguide.co.za/pages/clips.aspx?ID=7dd723eb-7874-4586-9a87-f54ffdde4156”>multilingual South African travel videos which can be download straight to a mobile phone or personal computer. As a result visitors to South Africa will be armed with all the information they need to enjoy the country’s most p
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