Animals you must see on a game drive.
So let's start with Safari versus Game Drive. They can be used interchangeably but a game drive is with the specific intent to see the animals. The goal of many trips to areas within Africa is to see the Big Five. The term came from big-game hunters referring to the most difficult and most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Thank goodness, it now is primarily used to identify these large animals in the crosshairs of a camera. The big five range from “least concern” to “endangered” according to the IUCN, International Union of Conservation of Nature.
One comment about game drives. Game drives are a wonderful way to see the Big Five. As always follow the guidance of your guide. They know where the animals are, what to do, and most importantly, what not to do.
So which animals are considered to be the big five and where do you find them? Let’s find out.
African Bush Elephant
The African bush elephant, also called the African Savannah Elephant, is listed as an “endangered” species. Considered a predator of these majestic creatures, poachers hunt them for their long, curved ivory tusks. They are the biggest of the elephants and stand 13 feet tall and weigh up to 11 tons.
As herbivores, elephants can be quite destructive to the plant life around them by ripping foliage from the trees in order to consume up to 350 pounds of food per day. Next to humans, they are the longest living mammals, living up to 70 years. Most live in herds of up to 100 elephants and seeing a herd can be exhilarating. However, seeing a lone bull elephant requires some distance as they can be unpredictable and may decide to charge. Elephants are very protective of their young, they will charge predators if they feel the baby elephant is in danger.
The best time to see them is dry season when they are around the watering holes to drink. Many accommodations will provide views so that you can watch them from a deck or your sleeping quarters. Chobe National Park in Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa. Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe also has a large population, and the scenic park is excellent for photography.
Fun Fact: Many plant species have evolved seeds that are dependent on passing through an elephant's digestive tract before they can germinate. At least one third of tree species in West African forests rely on elephants in this way for dissemination. African elephants communicate across large distances at a low frequency that cannot be heard by humans.
Black Rhinoceros
Between 1960 and 1995 Black Rhinos lost 98% of their population from poachers. Due to extensive conservation efforts, the population has climbed to 5,600 yet they remain "endangered". Poached for their horns, which is illegal, very few exist outside of national parks and reserves.
To see them, choose an eco-tourism property such as Grootberg Lodge, in Namibia which offers day drives with ex-poachers now employed as guides. Going on a tour with an ex-poacher in the heart of rhino territory is an essential African wild animal experience.
Fun Fact: Rhinos have poor vision and will sometimes attack trees and rocks thinking they are a threat. Their hearing and sense of smell, however, are excellent, making up for their poor eyesight.
African Buffalo
Considered of “least concern” by the IUCN, these buffalo group together in a herd to help protect themselves from their primary predators, lions. They can be aggressive if wounded or when trying to save another member of the herd when caught. They are strong enough to grab a lion with their horns and flip them in the air.
Constantly on the move searching for fresh grass and water, watering holes are a great place to find them. Kavati National Park in western Tanzania is famous for huge herds of buffalo. Prepare yourself as you might just see a few fights with the lions. Kruger National Park has buffalo sightings as well.
Fun Fact: The African buffalo, unlike the water buffalo, has never been domesticated.
Lion
Considered of “least concern” by the IUCN, these buffalo group together in a herd to help protect themselves from their primary predators, lions. Now, conservancies are working together with the villages to save the lions. Spotting a lion in the wild is on top of many bucket lists. Both fear and excitement take over when lions appear in the distance or even walking by the jeep.
The largest of all cats, these fierce predators live in small prides led by one male lion. Without fear of other animals and no need to hide, they are the easiest to see on a game drive. As nocturnal hunters, the best time to see them is during the day while resting under a tree, at dawn as they return from the hunt, or at dusk when they are beginning the hunt.
The Serengeti and Masai Mara are ideal big cat country; Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has one of the highest densities of lion in the world, and Okavango have some of the biggest lions.
Fun Fact: Typically, the darker a lion’s mane, the older he is.
Leopard
Among the most elusive of the Big Five, these beautiful and stealthy creatures are in the “vulnerable” category with dwindling numbers. They hide well in the tall grass and high in the trees and are wary of humans. For the best chance to see a leopard, take an organized game drive with a guide who knows the area well and can spot them for you.
With conservation efforts boosting the leopard population, the wide-open plains of Masai Mara and South Luangwa in Zambia are great destinations. One of the best locations to spot leopards is in Sabi Sands in South Africa. As a private reserve the rangers can keep the young leopards safe, adding to the population.
Fun Fact: Leopards are excellent at climbing trees. They’ll often safeguard their kill in a tree to prevent lions and hyenas from stealing it. They are also strong swimmers and occasionally eat fish and crabs.
Cheetah
While not one of the big five, seeing a cheetah in the wild is such a great thrill, it had to be included as a bonus to the big five. Considered "vulnerable", the sleekest and fastest land animal on earth, the cheetah is hard to spot due to its small population. Cheetahs hunt during the day to avoid larger predators and they chase their game at high speeds across open grasslands.
Early and mid-morning game drives provide the best opportunities to spot the cheetah in action. Head to the wide-open plains where the lack of vegetation means they can race across the area at top speed.
While the big five are what many want to there are so many amazing animals to see such as Zebra, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Hyena, African Wild Dog, Warthog, Kudu, and the most beautiful bird species you can only imagine. If you get the chance, take it, it is the experience of a lifetime.
More Animals to see on a game drive.
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