Five species you should keep an eye out for on your safari

Five species you should keep an eye out for on your safariWhen it comes to safari discussions and images, the Big Five frequently take centre stage. However, there are many lesser-known animals from the stunning to the strange and amazing that are equally fascinating to see. On a safari, visitors can witness a wide variety of stunning bird life, mammals, and reptiles, all of which are part of East Africa’s varied wildlife. These are a few of our five non-Big five safari creatures.

Ostrich.

The flightless ostrich, the largest bird in the world, is unique to Africa. Its remarkable feathered plumage allows it to reach a height of 2.75 metres, of which over half is due to its long neck! With a top speed of 72.5 km/h, ostriches are among the world’s fastest terrestrial animals. Most of Africa’s ostrich habitats are semi-arid. Since they are widely distributed throughout East Africa, it should not be difficult for you to spot this amazing bird when on safari in Tanzania, Kenya, or Botswana.

Vulture.

Regardless of being renowned for being scourges of the animal kingdom, vultures play a vital part in many African ecosystems by scavenging the carcases of dead animals to prevent disease. Africa is home to many distinct species of vultures, some of which are critically endangered. For example, the Cape Vulture is thought to have a wild population of fewer than 10,000 individuals. Zimbabwe boasts over 1,150 recognized bird species, making it an ideal safari destination for passionate bird watchers seeking an exciting safari experience. Serengeti and Maasai Mara in East Africa are especially great locations to see vultures. Strong binoculars and an experienced guide are excellent means of assuring success. Remember to look up; you can generally observe vultures circling a cadaver high in the sky. 

Giraffe.

Giraffes are the tallest creatures on Earth, reaching heights of nearly six metres! Looking over the trees is the best method to find them. When on safari in East Africa, it’s not unusual to witness giraffes in herds of up to forty. As there is no rivalry for grazing at such altitudes, a giraffe can eat up to 30 kg of leaves every day. Despite being classified as endangered, giraffe numbers have decreased by 40% over the past 30 years, according to estimates from the Natural Resources Defense Council. Regarding what is our favorite African animal, this is a concerning tendency. The good news is that there’s a decent chance you’ll encounter giraffes on safari, particularly in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. If you’d like to see a young giraffe, though, consider scheduling your safari for early summer, around September. 

Warthog.

Despite having faces only a mother could adore, warthogs are a popular safari attraction for many people, because to Pumba’s memorable role in The Lion King. Warthogs are thought to be extremely clever animals with small, curved tusks that give them the moniker “warts” on their faces. Despite their plump appearance, warthogs can run as fast as 45 km/h! All of the national parks and reserves in East Africa are home to warthogs, but South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is a particularly good place to see them.

Topi.

These medium-sized antelopes can be identified by their large horns and purple-brown coats with noticeable black patches. They can occasionally be seen in broad savanna and forest settings, although they are primarily found in floodplains throughout East Africa. Large herds of topi can be seen in both Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, particularly during the Great Migration, which occurs in November through May in Tanzania and June through October in Kenya.

Crocodiles.

Africa’s crocodile population, sometimes known as Nile crocodiles, is extensive and may be found in rivers, lakes, and marshes all over Sub-Saharan Africa. Although they are not as large as Australian crocodiles, they are nonetheless quite striking in the wild, especially when animals risk their lives to traverse dangerous bodies of water during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara from June to October. Kenya is the finest site to view crocodiles hunting or sunbathing because of the Great Migration.

Agama lizards.

Agama lizards are brown or grey for the majority of the year, but during the mating season, the males become brightly colored to attract the females. This is why they are sometimes referred to as rainbow lizards due to the amazing brilliant colours spread throughout their scaly skin. Agama lizards can be found sunning themselves atop rocky areas across Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, & Zimbabwe. Agama lizards usually mate in the wet seasons, so this is the best time to catch their bright colours.

There are numerous other exotic animals across Africa and your safari guide will take great pleasure in pointing them out to you. Good guides also carry safari books that help you identify animals and provide a close up picture of them. A good guide will also have a good pair of binoculars that you can use.