What comes to mind when you hear the word “safari”? Most likely, it’s the “Big Five” animals – the elephant, the lion, the leopard, the buffalo and the rhinoceros.
Whether it’s a game reserve in South Africa or a sprawling national park in Africa, safari-goers are always on the lookout for these five specific animals. In the process, however, they miss out on the other amazing abundance of wildlife that share the same habitats with their more famous peers.
That’s why we’re spotlighting six animals you need to keep an eye out for when you’re on your next safari! Take a look:
1. IMPALA
The impala is a medium-sized African antelope. They are typically found in the savannas and grasslands of East and Southern Africa.
A graceful creature, with a reddish-brown coat, a white underside and distinctive black markings, the impala can leap up to 10 metres and jump three metres high. It’s truly a sight to behold.
2. OSTRICH
Africa is full of wonderful bird species. Among them is the ostrich, which can only be found on this continent and nowhere else.
Found in the savannas of southern Africa, as well as in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, the ostrich is distinct for several reasons. For starters, it’s the world’s largest and heaviest living bird, weighing between 100kg and 130kg. It’s also a very fast runner, clocking a top speed of 70km/h. What’s more, they’re flightless.
Be warned, though: the ostrich is stunning to behold, but preferably at a distance. When it comes to defending, they have a literal leg up over their perceived threat!
3. PANGOLIN
The pangolin is one of Africa’s “Secret Seven” animals. Renowned for its scaly, dark-coloured armour, the pangolin uses its long tongue to slurp up ants and termites. It also sleeps in holes made by aardvarks during the day.
It’s also a nocturnal animal. For sightseers on a night game drive, it is definitely a rare gem among Africa’s wildlife treasure trove.
4. SPRINGBOK
South Africa’s national animal is a source of pride – and we’re not just talking about rugby!
The springbok, which belongs to the antelope species, is one of the fastest animals on Earth, reaching speeds of 88 km/h.
“Springboks are known for their unique jumping style, known as ‘pronking’,” explains the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “They spring into the air, lifting all four feet into the air at once. They are also known for their impressive running speed… while running from predators or performing pronking displays.”
5. WARTHOG
Don’t let their unaesthetic appearance fool you – the warthog is a strong animal with a penchant for self-care.
These tusky characters, found in the grasslands, savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan and eastern Africa, are susceptible to carrying ticks and fleas on their muscular, grey bodies. As such, they love to wallow in sand and mud baths and rub themselves against termite mounds and trees.
The warthog also lets the likes of birds and vervet monkeys pick these insects off their bodies. It’s a charming image, one that safarists will get a kick out of.
6. ZEBRA
Zebras are majestic creatures. These equine animals are spread out on the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa, where they graze on tall grass in abundance.
They are famous for the black-and-white stripes adorning their bodies. Not all stripes are the same, though – scientists reckon that the variations in each zebra’s stripes enable these critters to recognise each other.
SAFARI MUST-SEES
So, if you’re keen on spotting new animals on your next safari in South Africa and beyond, these six critters are certainly on the same level as the Big Five – if not more!
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve seen these animals before or are planning to on your next game drive trip.
