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The Big Five
When mentioning a safari to Africa, the first thing that pops into mind is the Big 5, and only after that do other thoughts tag along. Once we all packed and depart home for Africa, we settle down in our tents anxious for our safari, all we can think about is spotting the Big 5, oh and not forgetting the other smaller animals which are just as eye-catching and fascinating.
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The Elephant
These colossal mammals spend most their day eating, giving them the nickname, "the Gardeners of the Savannah", while flapping their ears to keep them as cool as can be. An elephants tusks grow throughout its lifetime, and just as us humans prefer either being left or right handed, an elephant prefers one tusk over another. With over 40 000 muscles in its trunk, it makes for a good snorkel when swimming. |
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The Rhino
It is believed that Rhino?s have been around for more than 50 million years, and yes, rhinos are indeed short-sighted, a little bad tempered, but magnificent to look at. Even with its bad temper, the rhino does have a very good friend ? The Oxpeckers eat the ticks off a rhino's hide and also warn of danger. |
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The Lion
For thousands of years these cats have been admired for their strength, beauty and hunting skills which have given them the label of the "King of beasts" by many. These grandiose animals love resting, so much so that they can rest for up to 20 hours of the day. Lions do not purr like house cats, neither do they enjoy swimming. |
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The Leopard
This shy solitary cat spends many hours up in the trees, using them as observation platforms and also for protection. These eye catching cats stalk and pounce their prey, usually dragging it up a tree, allowing them to keep the catch all for themselves. Leopards are generally excellent swimmers ? Weird, but true. |
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The Buffalo
The Cape buffalo can be found in herds throughout the major game parks within Africa where surface water can be found. Flanks of ebony and horns of steel is what this fierce yet placid animal can be described as. |
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The Small 5 Animals of Africa
Now that we have covered the Big 5 of Africa, let's move onto the Small 5 of Africa ? Yes that's right, Africa has a Small 5. It?s just a fun idea, and not based on anything except the fact that their names correspond with those of the Big 5.
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The Elephant Shrew
The Elephant Shrew is a small rodent which is active during the day, runs extremely fast and loves feeding on small insects. It gets its name from the elongated snout that resembles an elephant trunk. |
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The Rhino Beetle
The Rhino Beetle is one of the largest beetles and is often mistaken with the dung beetle. If you spot one, make sure to take a closer look at the horn-like structure to identify it. |
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The Ant Lion
The Ant Lion is a very sneaky insect, as it burrows its way into the sand and then waits there for its prey to fall into the trap before ambushing it and munching away with its large set of sickle-like jaws. |
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The Leopard Tortoise
The Leopard Tortoise is the most common of the "small 5", and most certainly the slowest. The leopard tortoise gets its name from its black and yellow spotted shell that resembles the leopard's rosettes. |
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The Buffalo Weaver Bird
The Buffalo Weaver Bird can be very deceiving; as elegant as it looks, it builds and stays in very untidy nests high up in the trees. They are a sociable and noisy flock of birds. |
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When doing your next game drive on your safari in Africa, make sure to keep a look out for the "Big 5", and when back in the camp grounds try and spot some of the "Small 5".
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