Going on a safari holiday should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the most incredible experiences, as we found when we went to Kenya on a safari. There is so much to see and do, you can’t pack it all into one trip! There really is nothing better than seeing animals in their wild habitats, so here are five things to keep an eye out for on a safari trip.
The Big Five
The Big Five consists of the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo, and is so called because during Africa’s colonial period, these were the most desirable and most difficult to shoot. Thankfully the shooting now consists of tourists with cameras but these are the animals that most people are aiming to spot while on safari. Due to habitat loss and poaching, it’s even harder to spot the Big Five nowadays, but there are some game parks and reserves that play host to these magnificent creatures. If you manage to tick off all five of these incredible animals, you can count yourself as super lucky!
The wildebeest migration,
Every year, over a million wildebeest, alongside zebra and antelope, migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and it really is a sight to behold. Make sure you time your trip to coincide with where this huge herd will be at the time and you’ll be treated to a front-row seat to a real-life Lion King moment!
The circle of life
One thing to watch out for is life being created, by a mating pair, perhaps another animal giving birth, and even a death. The circle of life in action. You might be lucky enough to see all of these circumstances while you’re on your safari if you are eagle-eyed. Remember that animals hunt each other, so although it may be shocking to see a lion eating a gazelle, but it’s completely natural.
Birds
You may not automatically think of birds when it comes to a safari, but there really is an incredible variety to be seen. Keep your eyes to the skies, and you could come across a Malachite Kingfisher, a Grey Crowned Crane and a Nubian Woodpecker – no pigeons or crows here! Even if you don’t know them by name, you will still be amazed by the colorful birds flying above you as you explore.
A different view
Often, safaris are undertaken in a vehicle and that is a great way to see the landscape and animals, however to get a really amazing view, why not book a helicopter or hot air balloon ride? You’ll be able to see everything from above and get to see things that most people never do. From one end to the other, you could also go snorkeling to check out the beautiful reefs too, to really get a full spectrum of experiences on your safari. What a great opportunity to snap some amazing travel photos!
Going on a safari is about so much more than seeing lions and elephants in the wild. There are so many amazing animals, doing incredible things and you get the opportunity to witness it all in the flesh! Let me know in the comments what you would be most excited to see on a safari.
