The Little Five vs. The Big Five

On August 23, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

Of course everyone on an African safari vacation wants to see the famous Big Five. Who doesn’t? But what many travelers don’t realize is that there is much more to see in various eco-systems of Africa besides lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, and Cape buffaloes.

Often underrated for their size, the Little Five are some of the most interesting and curious creatures to observe in the African wilderness. These five animals consist of the rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and the ant lion.

See below for a description of each of the Little Five:

Elephant shrew: Growing up to 30 cm in length, the elephant shrew is an adorable little mammal that hops along the ground in search of yummy insects and grub. Their hops are so tremendous that some can reach anywhere between 2 – 3 ft. in one leap! They also have a long tail and nose that enables them to sniff for insects before projecting the insects into their mouths using their tongue.

Living in solitary pairs of two, the elephant shrew isn’t the most social creature in the Africa’s southern region. In fact, the elephant shrew is so against socializing with others that it will mark its territory with a musky odor that is produced by a gland beneath its tail.

But although these creatures may be named after a shrew, they are in fact more closely related to aardvarks and moles.

Rhinoceros beetle: A frightening looking insect, the rhino beetle has a thick coating of pointy armor that makes it an intimidating sight to see in the wild! Growing up to 2.5 inches in length, the rhino beetle is one of the world’s largest species of beetle and actually ranks as one of the world’s strongest creatures—proportionately.  Rhino beetles are so strong that they can lift nearly 850 times their weight.

Equipped with two large horns—hence the name rhinoceros beetle—the rhino beetle will use these horns to dig for food in trees as well as under rotting bark and beneath soil. They’ll also use these horns to defend themselves and fight other male beetles for mates.

Although these insects have a threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting.

Image taken from (http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/learning/resources/Entomology/internalAnatomy/imagePages/rhinocerousBeetle.html)

Buffalo weaver: Comprised of vibrant orange, black, and white feathers, this tricolored bird is one of Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Although this bird may appear graceful in pictures and at first glance, it’s actually a loud bird t

hat causes quite a ruckus. With large communal nests comprised of thorns and twigs, the buffalo weaver is a social bird species that interacts with others using loud vocal callings and aggressive movements.

Found primarily in the dry savanna and acacia woodland in Eastern Africa, these birds feed on grass seeds, acacia, insects, and fruits.

Image taken by the Honolulu Zoo (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/whiteheaded_buffalo_weaver.htm)

Leopard tortoise: With shells comprised of unique carvings, patterns, and colors, the leopard tortoise is one of the world’s most beautiful reptiles and one of the most interesting. It can live to be 100 years old and can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh nearly 40 lbs.

While most turtle species produce eggs that incubate for 90 – 120 days, the leopard tortoises’ egg incubation period can last for over a year before the eggs hatch. This lengthy incubation process happens beneath the ground in dry, grassy areas of southern Africa.

Image taken from http://www.leopardtortoise.com/

Antlion: A frightening and bizarre looking insect, the antlion’s name more accurately depicts its larval stage than its adult stage. Named for its large head, jagged jaws, and bristle-covered body, the antlion is a beast compared to most other ants.

When antlions are in their larvae form, they will dig little holes in the sand where they will wait for another insect to fall into their trap before eating them.

In adulthood, the antlion can reach roughly 1.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 3.2 inches in length. During their adult stages, the antlion looks completely different from its larval stage and resembles a dragonfly more than an ant.

Image Taken by Wayne Schmidt (http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/mybetterpictures.htm)

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Surviving a Shark Attack: What You Need to Know

On August 6, 2010, In African Wildlife, Safari Safety, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Screen Grab taken from Discovery Channel Website http://dsc.discovery.com/

In light of Discovery Channel’s (arguably) greatest week of the year, Shark Week, I’ve decided to create a mini guide on how to survive a shark attack. As many of you might already know, the waters surrounding South Africa are home to a variety of shark species throughout the year, including the Great White, Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, and more.

But before I introduce survival tactics to you, I want to make sure you understand the rarity of shark attacks in South Africa.

According to an article written by Michael Reilly on DiscoveryChannel.com:

“Your chances of being attacked by a shark are just one in 11.5 million, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File.”

“On average, there are about 65 shark attacks worldwide each year; a handful are fatal. You are more likely to be killed by a dog, snake or in a car collision with a deer. You’re also 30 times more likely to be killed by lightning and three times more likely to drown at the beach than die from a shark attack, according to ISAF.”

Image taken from Discovery Channel website http://dsc.discovery.com/sharks/shark-pictures/

Click image above to see Discovery Channel’s Shark Image Gallery

Now that you’re feeling a bit more relieved with the shark attack statistics, below is a mini guide on how to survive a shark attack (just in case you happen to be the one in 11.5 million who comes into aggressive contact with a shark):

How to Survive a Shark Attack . . .

When a shark pulls you under: A shark ranging in size from 8 feet to 18 feet can emit a great deal of power as it thrashes. In fact, many sharks between these sizes can pull a prey down into the depths at a whopping 15 – 30 mph. So what do you do if this happens to you?

Attack the shark’s most sensitive areas, which happen to be around its head. Try to punch the shark’s nose (which is highly sensitive) and / or forcefully plunge your fingers into the shark’s gills or eyes to disorient it. Once the shark releases you, get to the surface as fast as possible.

When you’re in shallow water: Before you even get into the water at a beach that doesn’t have a lifeguard, check your surroundings for any signage that warns against shark attacks. Sharks—even Great Whites can swim in waist-deep water—which is why you should always research beaches and any prohibited activities that might be associated with these beaches prior to entering the water. Also, if the beach is not very populated, this may be a sign that swimming is not a smart choice.

When someone else is bitten: If you are swimming and a shark attacks another swimmer in the water, bring the victim up on shore and out of the water. Place your hands on the main wound and put as much pressure as possible onto the wound. If there are other people around, ask one to either create a makeshift tourniquet using a shirt or apply pressure onto the wound as you create a tourniquet. The tourniquet is used to stop the bleeding completely to the wound so that blood continues to circulate throughout the rest of the body.

To make a tourniquet, use a shirt or other less-stretchy material and rip or cut the shirt so that you have create a 1 – 2 inch strip of fabric. Wrap the tourniquet roughly four inches away from the wound (not directly on top of it). Make sure that you place the tourniquet above the wound in the direction closest to the heart.

If the attack happened on the shin or lower leg, you might want to wrap the tourniquet above the knee. Never tie the bandage around a joint. Tie the knot as tight as possible.

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An Epic Battle of the Wild Kingdom

On July 2, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, Botswana, Family Safaris, By Sandy Salle

Post by Mark Homann, Professional Guide

Earlier this month I was guiding a family on a safari at Selinda Reserve in Botswana. We had just moved on from witnessing a pride of lions kill a sub-adult giraffe, and had just set up for our sundowners when a young kudu ran out from under the setting sun. Hot on its heels, the kudu was running from a lone wild dog. In a classic show of wild dog hunting technique, the kudu ran to sheer exhaustion and the dog swam out and killed the animal right in front of us before dragging it to shore a few meters away.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Image Taken by Mark Homann

The dog fed on the kudu, going directly for the rich internal organs and stopping every few minutes to look anxiously for the rest of his pack. It surprised us that the wild dog never called for his pack, but we presumed that he was hesitant to do so knowing that the lions were just around the bend (we had seen them chasing the dogs that morning).

With all the excitement, we did not realize that the sun had gone down and night was setting in. A quick sweep of the spotlight revealed a number of crocodile eyes moving in. Attracted by the excitement, the croc moved in closer as the dog tried to drag the heavy kudu higher up the bank. But he was already exhausted. A 10 foot crocodile came out of the water and grabbed a hold of the kudus back legs and held on. The dog tried to pull, but with the combined weight it would not budge. Instead, the dog concentrated on the kudu, removing the animal’s lungs before moving off to the side.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Thinking that the excitement was over we were surprised to see a hyena arrive. Then the wild dog and croc began engaging in a tug of war. It was impressive to see the strength of this wild dog as he pulled both the kudu and crocodile. The croc would not let go, so the hyena just fed around him, occasionally nipping at his head.  The croc got his price of the kudu’s back leg and we left the hyena feeding on the carcass with an audience of black backed jackals and a spotted eagle owl, knowing that in the morning there would be little other than a few scuff markets to tell of the night’s events.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

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Adrenaline Rush: Top 10 Adventure Safari Tours Part II

On June 4, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

In case you missed Part I of Adrenaline Rush: Top 10 Adventure Safari Tours, you can view the post here.

Below is Adrenaline Rush: Top 10 Adventure Safari Tours Part II:

6. White water rafting at Victoria Falls: Known for its 300-foot cliff, lush rainforests, mysterious creatures, and unspoiled wilderness, Victoria Falls is arguably the greatest place to visit while on an African safari tour. The locals refer to Victoria Falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders.

Whether on an African family safari, honeymoon safari, or any safari in between, white water rafting at Victoria Falls is an exciting group adventure. Only while white water rafting can you experience the magnificent size and sheer power of Victoria Falls.

African honeymoon safari

Image from Greystoke Mahale website

7. Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda: One of the best places to

experience chimp trekking is at Greystoke Mahale in Tanzania. As you enjoy a delightful walk through the lush forest behind Greystoke, a surprising mystery awaits you on the soft green slopes of the Mahale Mountains. With nearly 1,000 chimps living in the surrounding Gombe National Park, you’ll see a variety of chimp families playing, foraging, and socializing.

After just a few minutes with these magnificent creatures, you’ll begin to see unique characteristics that separate each chimp from the next. You’ll also immediately notice distinct correlations between the behavior of these chimps and that of humans.

In addition to the impressive chimps, you’ll also encounter eight other species of primates, leopard, buchbuck, bushpigs, and a wide spectrum of exotic bird and insect species, while on your tropical forest hike.

Crocodile pens at Camp Mongu

8. Crocodile Farm Tours: The mere sight of a 16 ft. croc in the distance is a heart-pounding observation, but getting up close to one on a crocodile farm tour is sure to send your adrenaline spiking. With a mouth riddled with razor sharp teeth and a prehistoric appearance, the crocodile is one of the most fascinating creatures to witness in nature.

On a crocodile farm tour, you’ll have a personal guide take you through the farm, introducing you to the ferocious inhabitants. Here, you can ask questions about the crocs and learn interesting and bizarre facts about their behavior. Many crocodile farms also allow visitors to witness croc feedings.

Photo of Tigerfish from Fisheastafrica.com

9. Fishing Tours: Whether you’re interested in big game

saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, African fishing tours are always filled with excitement and adventure.

For those interested in freshwater fishing, you have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as you enjoy an exciting day of fishing. One of the most popular and aggressive freshwater fish is the tigerfish, which can weigh in anywhere from 10 – 25 lbs. Some of the best places for freshwater fishing include Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, and Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River and Mana Pools National Park.

Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year you choose to go out, and the fishing line also reaches depths of over 1,000 ft. Some of the best African coastlines to go deep sea fishing off of are Kenya, Tanzania, and the Mozambique Channel. Typically, October through March yield the most catch, which often consist of a variety of marlin species, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish. But often, sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round.

10. Night Game Drives: During night drives you get the chance to observe nocturnal animals, and view the different behavior patterns of animals you spot during the day. Although photography doesn’t turn out as well as it does on day game drives, night game drives offer a completely new experience as predators search for their prey in the dark. Hearing a hippo grunting in the dark or a lion growl at its prey is completely different when you’re in the dark.

Are you adventurous enough for one of these top 10 adventure safari tours? Let us know what tour you would love to experience in our comments section.

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Adrenaline Rush: Top 10 Adventure Safari Tours (Part I)

On June 2, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

The wonderful thing about a trip to Africa is the combination of relaxation and adventure visitors to Africa experience. Whether you want to spend your African vacation relaxing on a beach or trekking through the wilderness, Africa has it all.

For the highly adventurous type, below are Africa’s top 10 adventure safari tours:

1. Walking with the lions: On this activity, you will visit with lion cubs at an ongoing research project, which is a captive breeding program to safeguard the genetic diversity of Africa’s greatest carnivore. On this activity you will join a professional guide in the national park, while he walks with his cubs. A truly exciting and rewarding experience to take part in!

2. Shark Diving: Shark diving in Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa is the perfect solution to satisfy your deep-rooted hunger for adrenaline. In Gansbaai there are a variety of shark dive safari providers and excursions to choose from—some including cages, photography opportunities, manta rays, hammerheads, tiger sharks, great whites, bull sharks, and more.

Depending on the type of shark safari you choose, you can observe a large variety of sharks as you float safely behind the iron bars of a shark cage, view shark feedings from the comfort of a boat, or scuba dive with one of the ocean’s largest and most gentle creatures, the whale shark. Or, scuba dive through a handful of wrecks and reefs to photograph enormous manta rays, moray eels, dolphins, colorful reef fish, turtles, seals and wreck sharks.

3. Hot air balloon: View the world from a birds-eye-view and take flight above the mountains, over the treetops, and through the light winds of Africa on a hot air balloon safari. If you’re looking for some exceptional photography opportunities, this is the safari for you.

One of our favorite hot air balloon rides is in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Here, as the hot air balloon rises at dawn, you’ll be able to see the perfect curves of the earth and the glistening hues of the sun reflect on the Park’s lush wilderness. During your smooth flight, expect to see rolling hills, quaint countryside, orchards, mountain tops, thick forests, and the famous Blyde River Canyon.

If you’re looking for a completely exclusive experience, most lodges offer extremely detailed hot air balloon itineraries that cater to your every wish. Whether you want to enjoy a bottle of champagne above the treetops with your loved one, or have a professional photographer accompany you and your family in the sky, your requests will be fulfilled.

horse safari

Image from africanhorse.com

4. Horseback safari: Feel the exhilaration as you encounter a lion stalking its prey, or trot next to a baby elephant and its mother. From the very beginning of a horseback safari to the very end, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most photographed creatures and experience what it’s like to run with the herd.

A horseback safari allows you to immerse yourself in the mountainous terrain of some of Africa’s most amazing countryside. Depending on which horseback safari you choose and which lodge you stay at, you can travel through cascading waterfalls, old mining towns, sunken valleys, bushveld, rolling terrain, sprawling countryside, and mountainous regions, while viewing nature from horseback.

Image from botswanaluxurysafari.com

5. Elephant back safari: Several lodges throughout southern Africa offer elephant back riding—one of the most exciting and unique experiences to be had in Africa. As you sit behind an experienced guide, you’ll feel the sheer power of the elephant as it walks slowly across the earth.

On elephant back, you’ll pass through the bush and encounter some exciting game viewing opportunities from a unique perspective. Frequently spotted animals on an elephant back safari include lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and other elephants. Once your journey is at its end, you’ll be able to feed the elephants and learn about their behavior, eating habits, and physical characteristics.

One of the best places to experience an elephant back safari is Kruger National Park.

Stay tuned for Friday’s post, Adrenaline Rush: Top 10 Adventure Safari Tours Part II.

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Save a South African Owl with a Glass of Avondale Wine

On May 7, 2010, In African Wildlife, Cape Winelands, South Africa, Sustainable Tourism, Uncategorized, By Sandy Salle
owls

Image from Avondale Wine website

Autumn at the Avondale Wine Estate in the sprawling countryside of Cape Town, South Africa, signifies a time for wine tasting, rejuvenation, and owl, falcon, and heron observation. It’s a time when the vines prepare for winter hibernation, deep red wines are flowing, and the countryside is blanketed with deep red and amber flora. But one of the most spectacular elements of autumn at Avondale is dusk time.

owls

Image and caption from Avondale Wines website: "Blue Crane chick that had 'bent leg syndrome'. He spent a week in a sling before he could stand alone but he is doing very well although he is still a bit wobbly."

As dusk sets in at the Avondale Wine Estate, some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creatures rise to the occasion. Hooting with poise and grace, the owls are the perfect symphony to soak in as you enjoy a glass of Avondale’s rich Owl House Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. Thanks to the estate’s organic compost program and earth-responsible vineyard practices, owls and other birds of prey visit Avondale for its mineral rich land.

owls

Image from Avondale Wines website

Often seen as the moon slowly climbs up the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, the elusive night owl and other captivating species of owls perform their musical nighttime hoots. But, many times, the trip to Avondale can be a dangerous journey. Many birds reach the outskirts of the area wounded and in need of rehabilitation.

In an effort to help conserve the owl species of southern Africa, Avondale has teamed up with the Witzenberg Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Centre. They have also made agreements with Financial Mail and Diners Club Choice subscribers, to donate a portion of the wine sale proceedings to help save the owls and other birds of prey species.

owls

Image from Avondale Wines website

Today, there is a man-made sanctuary designed to provide owls and other bird species, such as barn owls, spotted eagle owls, falcons, and cranes, with a safe haven to rehabilitate–before venturing back out into the wild.

So, whether you’re thinking about taking your honeymoon to South Africa or taking a group trip to South Africa, Avondale Wine Estate is the place to go for a delicious wine and delightful experience. Not to mention each time that you enjoy a glass of Owl House Cabernet, you’re contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of the adorable feathered creatures of southern Africa.

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Rare African Wild Dog Sighting at Olarro

On April 26, 2010, In African Wildlife, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

 

wild dog

Image from Ken Hermer

 

Post by Ken Hermer, Journey in Style

On the morning of Saturday March 20th, guides and staff alike were treated to an incredible and – for Kenya – a very rare wildlife spectacle, when a pack of 30-35 wild dogs crashed through the woodland surrounding the lodge hunting a herd of impala.

wild dog

Image from Ken Hermer

 

Several of the dogs, in pursuit of a pregnant female, followed her through the lodge’s electric fence eventually stopping just short at a group of bewildered lodge staff going about their early morning chores. The dogs made a retreat leaving the impala, which died shortly afterwards from wounds inflicted in the chase. One dog however, refused to brave the electric fence for a second time and remained inside until the power was switched off.

In total 3-4 impala were taken and the dogs remained in the vicinity of the lodge waterhole for the next couple of days before moving on. Most of the dogs looked lean but in good condition, and is a good indicator that Kenya’s wild dog population is coming back from near extinction through epidemics of canine distemper and rabies through the 80’s and 90’s.

wild dog

Image from Ken Hermer

 

Please contact me at ken@kenhermer.com if you’d like more information on Olarro and if you are interested in the conservation efforts in Africa, please click here to visit my website and see a list of causes that can always use your support.

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The African Fish Eagle: Sights, Sounds, And Facts

On April 16, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle
African fish eagle

Photo taken by Dave Estment

Post by Mark Homann, Professional Guide

The African Fish Eagle is an eagle that is unique to Africa and its striking beauty and haunting cry are symbolic of the many waterways and wild wetlands found south of the Sahara Desert. With a mostly brown body, and a pure white head, breast, and tail, and large, powerful black wings, the fish eagle is a very distinctive bird. As is typical with birds of prey, the female is larger than the male, usually weighing eight pounds with a wingspan of eight feet. The fish eagle can live for forty years but rarely live beyond twenty in the wild, and their first year of life is their hardest.

Photo taken by Mark Homann

These magnificent eagles breed during the dry season when the water levels are lower. They pair for life and build and maintain one or two nests within their territory. These nests become huge as they build onto them each year, reaching six feet wide and four feet deep. One to three eggs are laid in the nest, hatching after six weeks; rarely will more than one chick survive due to the Cane and Abel syndrome, a practice of the eldest chick killing the younger ones.

After eight weeks the chick is feeding itself and begins the long journey to adulthood. The young birds will not develop their adult plumage for five years. During this time they venture away from their parents’ territory, living a nomadic life until they find their mate and own territory.

While the African Fish Eagle’s primary source of food is fish, which they will swoop down on (usually from a perch), they are known to prey on waterfowl, turtles, carrion and even flamingos and baby crocodiles.

Click the image below to hear the fish eagle’s calling:

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Animal Spotlight: The Sable Antelope

On April 12, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

African safari tours

Photo taken by safari guide, Mark Homann

The Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) by Mark Homann, Professional Guide

The Sable Antelope is truly a spectacular creature, the smaller females are a chestnut to dark drown color while the males mature to a dark black off set by distinctive white under belly and facial markings. They stand 55 inches from the shoulder and weigh over 550 pounds. Their most striking physical feature is their sweeping horns that arch back and can be as long as 43 inches.

They are found in part of East Africa but the savanna woodlands of Southern Africa provide their preferred habitat (best place to see them is in the miombo woodlands of Southern Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia). The Sable is a selective grasser feeding on mid-length grasses. Found in breeding herds of up to thirty females and a single dominate mature male, young males leave this herd within three years, joining bachelor herds, young males raise in dominance though an impressive fighting displace as they drop to their front knees and duel with their horns. The dominant male in a bachelor herd will replace the resident male in a breeding herd. Calves are born after a nine-month gestation coinciding with the rainy season. The young sable is a chestnut color lying up in the grass for the first ten days of their lives.

Their main predators are lion, leopard and hyena (feeding mainly on young animals), but their impressive horns make them a formidable opponent and have been know to severely injure their adversaries.

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Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals Revealed

On April 9, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, Safari Safety, By Sandy Salle

Some hide beneath rocks, others are as still as logs, while others ascend like a falling leaf. Africa’s most dangerous animals are often the ones that go undetected.

Although qualified safari tours are extremely safe, here’s a little look into Africa’s wild side, without the protection of a guide or vehicle . . .

* The grunting rock: You see cute and cuddly stuffed versions of these animals everywhere in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Disney depicted them as graceful, yet obese, ballerinas in Fantasia. And MB Games incorporated these “hungry hungry” animals into a kid’s game. But hippos are definitely not an animal that you should try and snuggle with while on an Africa safari tour.

In fact, hippos are the number one cause of human deaths in Africa—higher than any other animal including lions. Why are they so violent? Well, they’re not really violent, they just don’t take kindly to disturbances. And when they’re disturbed, they charge full speed ahead, stopping at nothing that gets in their path.

Quick hippo fact: Hippos use their tails to fling feces at each other as a way of marking their territory . . . it’s true. And, disgustingly enough, baboons enjoy eating “hippo territory.”

* The lurking water log: Although known as caring parents to their young, the Nile crocodile is by no means a friendly creature. As crocodiles lay still in the water, often passing for a giant floating log, they are carefully waiting for their prey to get close enough for a quick attack.

Many of the lakes in Africa are home to sly crocs, especially Lake Victoria, which is the sanctuary for an estimated 100 crocodiles. In fact, this area saw more than 40 human deaths due to crocodile attacks in a 7 month period in 2002. At the time of the attacks, Arthur Mugisha of the Uganda Wildlife Authority said “Any crocodile sighted waiting is regarded a man eater. It is shot dead.”

Quick croc fact: Nile crocodiles often eat up to half their body weight during one feeding. That means they can ingest over 250 lbs. of food in one sitting.

Nile Crocodile

* The falling leaf: While walking through the African rainforests, be sure to dodge falling leaves—they may not be what you think they are.

Often mistaken for a fallen leaf by prey, the gaboon viper’s brown, triangle-shaped head has a shocking resemblance to a leaf, which allows it to blend perfectly into the rainforest floor. In addition to its head, the gaboon viper’s body is thick and comprised of colorful geometric shapes and hues including brown, black, white, purple, and pink, which all mix well with the colors of the forest.

Quick gaboon viper fact: Equipped with some of the largest fangs of any snake, the gaboon viper’s fangs can grow up to 2 in. in length. Their venom is deadly and is injected to kill.

Photo from Fitnesssafaris.com

* The “great” ocean monster: Everyday, Cape fur seals and penguins venture into the ocean for play and snacking. Sometimes they return to land, other times they don’t. And many times when they don’t return, it is safe to assume that they had an encounter with the great white shark—one of the ocean’s deadliest predators. With an intimidating jaw line riddled with razor-sharp teeth, the great white shark is a heart-stopping sight—literally.

With strict preservation laws on great white sharks, Gansbaai on Africa’s coastline is arguably the world’s best place to observe these exceptional creatures in their natural feeding grounds. One of the most popular places to observe the great white shark in Gansbaai is in the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock—justifiably referred to as shark alley.

Quick great white shark fact: Great whites can sense one small drop of blood from over a mile away.

* The black plague: As the fastest and longest venomous snake in Africa, the black mamba is arguably the world’s most deadly snake and has been the focal point for many exaggerated African legends. When it displays its blackish-blue gapping mouth it’s time to run as quickly as possible because one bite of this highly-venomous snake means death.

Quick black mamba fact: Left untreated, the black mamba’s venom has a fatality rate of 100%.

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