Endless Action Awaits in Africa – it is indeed safari time, all the time!

Endless Action Awaits in Africa – it is indeed safari time, all the time!

Except for the most common plants, birds and herbivorous mammals, nothing can be guaranteed on an African safari — and that is the thrill of being on safari. The best part of being on safari is the anticipation and energy of looking forward to seeing some amazing wildlife. 

East Africa is reputed as a top wildlife region within the African continent. The region covers the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. It is here that you come to meet the famous African Big Five! This term was originally used by hunters, but now refers to the animals of Africa that have to be seen to be believed. Every visitor on a safari wants to see all members of the African Big Five- African Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo and Black Rhino.

See Lions in action: Typically, lions sleep up to 20 hours in a day. They are mostly active at night. To maximize your chances of seeing lions doing more than a doze, it’s best to go where the prey is. Above all, maximize early morning and late evening game drives. During this time, lions tend to be more active, seeking prey species like African Buffalo, Common Zebra, or even Giraffe. Masai Mara National Reserve, in Kenya, is a hotspot for lion activity as it is full of prey species and their young. As we always say, tell your tour guide what you’re hoping to see as they will know the animals and the area to visit.

Be amazed by Elephants: There’s nothing like watching wild African Elephants on a safari. Their sheer size is incredible. Safari-takers are normally surprised at how gentle and graceful they are. Elephants are very intelligent animals and they often spend their day feeding and moving in tight social families. The families are led by a female called the matriarch. Males often wander alone or with fellow males and rejoin herds of females during the mating season. There are two main types of elephants in Africa- the Savannah or Bush Elephant and the Forest Elephant. The Savannah Elephant is a member of the African Big Five.   

Search for the elusive Leopard: You’ve got to be lucky to see a leopard. They are majorly nocturnal and extremely well camouflaged cats. They can be seen resting in trees or visiting waterholes during daylight hours. Sometimes, you may be lucky to find them strolling along quiet roadsides. For many people, the leopard is a prime target on any African safari.

Watch Buffalo wallow: Gathering in thousands in the rainy season, buffalo can’t resist a good wallow in mud. Many times you find buffaloes in big herds feeding together and protecting each other from enemies, like lions. Sometimes you may come across a lone buffalo during your safari. These lone buffaloes, who are often males, can be old sickly members who cannot keep up with the herd’s speed. Sometimes, individuals may also choose to live a solitary life, but this can be very dangerous in an African savannah- predators are always keen to pick out solitary prey animals.

Be fascinated by Rhino: As endangered animals, rhinos are a must see for visitors to East Africa. Both Black and White Rhino species exist in East Africa. In some countries, there are special rhino sanctuaries; set up by the governments to help increase the wild population. The Black Rhino is often seen as a solitary and shy animal, preferring to feed in wooded areas. This is mainly attributed to the diet of the species; since they are predominantly browsers, feeding on leaves and branches.

White Rhinos on the other hand prefer to feed in open grasslands, where they can enjoy their grazing dietary lifestyle. They like to graze on grasses of varying texture and height. The Black Rhino is a member of the African Big Five.

KENYA SAFARIS

The Masai Mara National Reserve is indeed the finest wildlife destinations in Kenya for seeing the African Big Five. In addition to being the stage where the famous BBC television show “Big Cat Diary” was aired, many visitors to the Masai Mara are fascinated by the wildlife concentrations there. The Masai Mara National Reserve is also home to one of the most impressive natural events in the world, the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. 

In early Summer, Wildebeest and Zebra begin to approach the Mara River in the hope of getting across safely. More than a million animals make this journey through the crocodile-infested water, and most survive. The dangers are many however. Not only must the wildebeests evade the snapping jaws of crocodiles, but big cats like lions are known to wait in vegetation to pounce on passing prey. This is the ultimate Kenyan safari spectacle.

Though the crossing takes some time, it is a good idea to stake the Mara out for a decent length of time. Taking more time often gives you a better chance of seeing great action, including a rare daytime big cat kill or seeing some rare wildlife. It is the sights, smells and the sounds of the events here in the Masai Mara that form the lasting memories. Those lucky enough to witness the crossing won’t forget it in a lifetime.

You can also choose to do a Coastal safari where you can either choose to enjoy a beach holiday along the Indian Ocean; or visit some Coastal parks like the expansive Tsavo East and West National Parks. Other must-visit parks in Kenya include the phenomenal Amboseli National Park, at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Lake Nakuru National Park, inside the Great Rift Valley. A cultural village visit organized by the local Maasai Tribe is also a key experience when on safari. 

TANZANIA SAFARIS

A tour to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park also offers a rewarding experience. Here, you witness what many have described as a wildlife theatre. Many visitors have forged a deep connection with this expansive wilderness as a must-see is the famous Serengeti Wildebeests Migration. This migration starts in the plains of the Southern Serengeti; and moves North through the savannah into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater offers views of big game such as African Lions, Black Rhino and assorted Gazelles that call the crater home. Tanzania has no better place for big game photography in the backdrop of crater walls than at Ngorongoro. This majestic crater, 600 metres deep, is one of the Wonders of Africa. You have to see it to actually comprehend just how special this place is.

You can also choose to enjoy one of the best islands in the Indian Ocean- such as Zanzibar and Pemba. Here you enjoy some of the best beaches and also an amazing array of history and culture. In Southern Tanzania we have some of the most famous expansive savannah parks and reserves in the entire Africa. Enjoy game drives in the mighty Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park. Here you enjoy game drives in some of the best-hidden corners of Africa, as you track lions, elephants, leopards, cheetah, buffaloes and much more.

UGANDA SAFARIS

Once the name Uganda is mentioned, it evokes visions of pristine forests and crossing the Equator. Uganda is quoted as “the pearl of Africa”. In fact one of the forests is so intact that it has been named as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, Mountain Gorilla trekking tours are organized where visitors make it a quest to look for the Great Apes amidst other primates and birdlife resident in the forest. You can enjoy a traditional dance from the Batwa Tribe after your trek. Kibale National Park is another amazing location where you can connect with another amazing member of the Great Apes- the Chimpanzees. Enjoy a walk in the forest surrounded by sweet songs from various birds.

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of the largest conservation areas in East Africa; with lakes and other wetlands such as the famous Kazinga Channel. This channel connects Lake Edward to Lake George. A cruise across this phenomenal channel leaves you in awe at the numbers of wildlife coming to enjoy a drink of water. Other amazing savannahs that you can enjoy here include Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. At the shores of Africa’s largest lake- Lake Victoria, you can enjoy a relaxed beach cottage rest, enjoy water rafting, or even search for the pre-historic Shoebill- a bird that looks like it is from another planet.  

RWANDA SAFARIS

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also home to the Mountain Gorillas, and another rare primate- the Golden Monkey. Hikes into this evergreen forest can form a meditation opportunity and once you meet the Great Apes, your life is bound to change forever. Nyungwe Forest National Park is another amazing place to look for Chimpanzees. This beautiful Equatorial Forest is also one of the best birding destinations in Africa and is known to host many Albertine Rift endemic species. Albertine Rift birds species found in Rwanda include the spectacular Rwenzori Turaco, a very colourful bird that shows off its crimson-red wings as it patrols the forests.

Rwanda is also a very rich cultural and history destination. A drive from Kigali to Musanze (where most Mountain Gorilla trekking tours begin) is on a good road through the countryside with beautifully terraced hills. Indeed, Rwanda is often nick-named “the land of a thousand hills”. During the daytime hours there are always people walking along the road, riding or pushing bicycles. These bicycles are often laden with banana or sorghum beer. You can walk around the many bustling markets loaded with photographic opportunities. There are also many bicycle and motorcycle taxis taking guests short distances at reasonable prices. 

For a beach relaxation, you can explore the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu. The beautiful beaches along Lake Kivu offer some of the best experiences for any African safari destination. Akagera National Park is a beautiful site for big game safaris in Rwanda. This beautiful park also offers boat ride trips, which is often a major highlight on most Rwanda Wildlife Safaris.

WELL, LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT AFRICAN SAFARI

Africa awaits…. Please plan your next safari today and come enjoy this paradise. We at Bovid Africa Safaris look forward to helping you enjoy a safari experience of a lifetime.