When I was at Duba Plains this past November, I was concerned that the residential lion pride seemed to be breaking apart. My guide, 007, had said that one of the females had broken away with her sub adult cubs and that they were always about 1 km apart from the rest of the pride. I was curious to learn more about the Duba lions and wanted to find out if this female and her sub adult cubs would ever get back together with the pride. The whole dynamics of these prides fascinates me!

With this burning curiosity, I approached my good friends at Great Plains Conservation, Dereck and Beverly Joubert and Caitlin Carter, who were kind enough to share with me their recent observations and experiences with the Duba lion prides.

Reading their observations is a real treat for me and I know it will be for you, as well! For me, the most interesting thing about these lions is that they each have their owner personalities. In today’s blog post, written by Dereck Joubert, Dereck paints a wonderful picture of the Duba lions and how they interact from day to day.

See Derek’s insight below:

We’ve just spent a month in Duba trying to catch up on the lion dynamics and we’re starting to see an interesting trend.

First of all, there were lions everywhere! Looking back at my records it seems that the pride (Tsaro) does something consistently each year, they break up into sub groups in advance of the buffalo calving season. At the moment we have three distinct sub prides: the older females, with four sub adult cubs, one particularly interesting and very robust little female with a round curious face. She broke her wrist (or front ankle) as a cub and now throws the paw while walking, other than that she seems fine. She’s a character all right and just the sort of personality we might have done a film on. She’s not used to seeing our filming vehicle so immediately came over to investigate and even then when I drove off later, got up again to smell the spare wheel. We’ve got two older females one with a lump on her neck that could be a tumor but I’m reluctant to say that because I’ve seen these things heal up in younger lionesses.

Like the Lord of the Rings, this group lives in the Lower World or seems to move mostly in the area south of Sausage Point.

When we started this stint two females and two sub adults (the female we called Iris, because she has a black fleck coming out of the iris in her eye) had just killed a baby elephant. They live in Middle Duba and are the bigger lions in the Tsaro pride. North of there we came across Silver Eye and two females and two sub adults, ironically the grown up Ma di Tau male cub is one of them from what we can see. Silver Eye is amazing. Her eye is worse, but she still hunts well, often leading the chase. She isn’t however getting on well with the females (her sisters) of the other sub groups. And then there is Ma di Tau, and surprisingly she has three new cubs of about 6-months old.

One day we saw all 21 lions (including the male.) At first we were with Silver Eye’s sub group. As it was getting interesting, they ran into the Middle Duba group, the big lionesses came in aggressively (quite possibly because it was a rainy day so no easy scent clues), and Silver Eye came in from the north where the Skimmer Pride usually comes from if they venture onto the island. Silver Eye saw them as being aggressors and she and her small band bolted. The big lionesses chased, and what seems to have happened is one of those things where it was wrong for all the wrong reasons but one way or another the sisters fought and Silver Eye’s group left the island in panic.

Not an hour later we followed the Middle Duba group and they ran into the Lower World lionesses and sub adults stalking the same buffalo herd. They eyed one another for some time (while the buffalo made their escape) and then laid down 1 km apart—very much aware of each other but not greeting. Maybe it had been a hard day already. As we waited, Ma di Tau came out with her cubs, looked around, saw the others, and went in after the buffalo. It was a long way away and only one sub pride saw her, but she seems to be accepted in both sub prides (we didn’t see her interact with Silver Eye’s group but I think she does…she seems to move around the island with some kind of royal immunity).

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

Image above credited to Alex Walters/Great Plains Conservation

North of the camp we met up with some Skimmer Pride females (also with cubs) and each night we heard lions roaring to the far south, deep into the interior where we can’t go by vehicle. I suspect these are grown males from the Skimmer Pride in late nomadic phase looking for some territory. The male from the island roars like mad when he is on the island but I noticed that when he crosses the bridge (oh, the bridge has become the crossing place of preference for all lions!) he roars a few times but then stays fairly quiet as he gets close to his boundary on that side.

All of this as I said is fairly consistent with the season. The Duba lions, on average, hunt smaller buffalo between November and February when they are born. Smaller prey means less to go around and so the pride breaks up until they need to start hunting together for larger buffalo. At the same time though there is quite a lot of tension around because of the cubs. We know that we have at least three cub killers now, largely of the older female set. Females have had to stay isolated or with trusted friends or sisters as they bring up cubs, OR they’ve managed to bring up cubs because they hit this sweet spot of seasonal break up in response to the seasonal shifts in the style of buffalo hunting.

Another observation is that, as I’ve written before, prides, like lions themselves, are prone to be born, then bloom and die out. A few years ago I started seeing the first signs of that blooming effect that would lead to Tsaro Pride dying out (and it is usually due to no cubs being brought into the pride by older female mothers) but today, with 11 cubs of different ages, surviving the first critical few months and even into their second years, I can see potential for recruits (like the chubby female cub) being brought into the pride (rather than being expelled as nomads) and breathing life into Tsaro again as the larger hunts begin and the pride needs to work together as a team again. Another scenario ahead might be that because of all the cubs, now doing so well, that two or maybe three distinct prides will form. Silver Eye has a few years left in her and her little group may disappear, but the rest have the makings of good hunting prides on their own. There you have it—it’s a soap opera, isn’t it?

—Derek

Below are some of the pictures I (Sandy) took on my November trip to Duba Plains:

What did you think of this post? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section. And feel free to share it with your followers on Twitter!

On an African safari tour, many travelers find themselves drawn to primates. That’s partly because humans are considered primates and animals in this order often remind us (in funny, poignant, and surprising ways) of ourselves.

So what should you look for during your next trip to Africa? Keep your eyes peeled for these six primates, which compose most of the major primate groups (there are 51 species total!).

Gorilla: Found in tropical and subtropical African forests, gorillas are the largest non-extinct primate species. Gorillas are social animals, and tend to live in troops, which generally consist of one adult male (also called a “silverback”) and multiple females and young gorillas. Some troops include more than one male. Most closely related to chimpanzees and humans, gorillas are vegetarians and communicate through grunts, barks, and deeply resonant burps.

Chimpanzee: The two types of chimpanzees, the common chimpanzee and the bonobo, are the closest living relatives to humans. Like humans, chimps live in large social groups (“communities”) composed of several males and females. Within these groups, a hierarchy of power develops, with one alpha male atop the order and many lesser power ranks below him. The alpha male is not always the biggest or strongest, but instead forges strategic alliances with others who help him maintain his power. Sound familiar?

Black-and-White Colobus: This type of monkey lives in dense African forests, where it has adapted to occupy places that other primates cannot. Colobuses play an important role in spreading seeds throughout their habitats (through their digestive tracts and the act of eating), but are currently threatened by bushmeat hunting. While bushmeat hunting (that is, the hunting of wild game, or animals that live in the “bush”) threatens a number of wild species, many Africans living at the subsistence level rely on such food to live.

Vervet Monkey: Native to southeastern African countries (including Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa), the vervet monkey is small and plain in color (mostly black, white, and gray). One of the vervet’s most fascinating attributes is its warning calls—vervets warn of predators with predator-specific vocalizations. In some situations, mother vervets have been observed chastising their young for giving the wrong warning call!

Baboons: Social animals, baboons live in troops that can range from five to 250 members. A variety of mating and friendship behaviors might take place, but among one of the most interesting is that some male baboons will grab babies during fights to protect themselves.

Galago: Also known as a “bush baby,” this small primate species is nocturnal and known for its unusually strong jumping abilities. While galagos tend to live in groups, these groups usually consist of only males or females. A single male often mates with all the females in an area, and males who have not established territory for themselves might live in “bachelor” groups.

When you’re planning your African safari vacation, be sure to schedule time to observe these amazing, highly developed animals in their natural habitats!

What’s your favorite African primate?

Most people planning a trip to Africa know that many of the large predators on the continent include lions and venomous snakes—but Africa is also home to many deadly creatures that are much smaller (NOTE: these creatures do not pose any serious threat to travelers. This post is intended to simply introduce you to some of these creatures that you will likely not come in contact with while traveling to Africa). Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous tiny creatures that call Africa home.

Six-Eyed Sand Spider: Found in sandy places (including deserts) in southern Africa, this eight-legged creature hides in the sand and strikes when an animal gets too close to its home. The bad news is that its venom can kill a rabbit in a matter of hours, but the good news is that no confirmed human bites have ever been reported. This deadly spider is also mercifully shy.

Image above taken from GoAfrica.about.com.

Deathstalker Scorpion: Located throughout northern African countries, this brightly colored arachnid has the most highly toxic venom of any of its species. While healthy adults are not likely to die from a deathstalker’s sting, the elderly, very young, and those with medical conditions might be at risk. Luckily, a number of European pharmaceutical companies manufacture anti-venoms specifically for deathstalker bites.

Image above taken from PetBugs.com.

Mantella Poison Frogs: Concentrated largely in Madagascar, Mantella frogs have brightly colored skin that alerts other animals and humans to their toxic qualities. While a Mantella frog’s skin contains significant levels of toxins, humans are at little risk because their bright hues make these frogs easily avoidable.

Image above taken from mantella.amphibiancare.com

Blowfish: Known by many names (including pufferfish, toad fish, and sugar toads, among others), this spiky swimmer can be deadly to humans—but only when eaten. Though blowfish are found in some African water bodies, they are not generally served as food in this part of the world. (The Japanese, on the other hand, consider blowfish a delicacy and chefs in Japan train to learn how to prepare it so that it’s safe).

Image above taken from FactZoo.com

Tarantula Hawk Wasp: Technically, this wasp is only deadly to tarantula spiders, but its behavior is too fascinating not to include in this list. Female hawk wasps prey on tarantulas; after stinging them, a wasp drags the paralyzed spider to her nest, where she lays an egg in the spider’s body. The egg matures and hatches in the tarantula, which remains alive the entire time! After consuming the spider’s body for nourishment, the baby hawk wasp emerges. Word to the wise: even though hawk wasps aren’t deadly to humans, their stings are considered among the most painful in the world.

Image above taken from SDRP.org

Staying Safe on an African Vacation

It’s important to remember that deadly animal species live on every inhabited continent—not just in Africa! Part of traveling safely and healthily is learning about the risks you might face on the road—and preparing to keep yourself well.

Loved this post? Check out one of our previous blog posts on Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals Revealed.

You’ve seen them as a child in picture books, in zoos, on Discovery Channel, and in National Geographic magazine. You’ve put Africa on your bucket list just so you could see them in person and feel the pure exhilaration of an authentic safari. They are The Big Five and are one of the biggest reasons why many travelers visit Africa.

The Big Five are made up of some of Africa’s largest creatures (many of which are known as the world’s most fearsome predators) and include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. And here’s a fun little fact for you: there is also such a thing as The Little Five, which include the elephant shrew, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, and antlion. These creatures are very small, of course.

So how did The Big Five get their name? The origins of this title come from big game hunters who would categorize these animals as the most dangerous and difficult to kill. They would boast about their victories over these huge creatures, which all possess similar attributes, including large bodies and teeth, strength, and speed. Today, these animals are known by the safari industry as The Big Five.

Because these animals are completely wild in the African bushveld, unlike a zoo, you cannot schedule sightings of these animals on safari and there is no way to guarantee a sighting. However, choosing the appropriate destinations and time to travel play a huge role in your game-viewing experiences. Various weather conditions (including the seasonal rains), migration patterns, and fluctuating food sources can affect where animals are more likely to be seen.

Below are just a few fun facts about each of The Big Five:

Lion

• A male lion’s mane typically begins to grow about a year and half after being born and can range from a light brown color to a dark chestnut color.
• Prides are comprised of various lion families and will hunt in packs. In fact, lions are the only cat species that hunt in a community effort.
• The lionesses are the ones in charge of attacking prey—not the male lions.
• Lionesses usually give birth to 3 cubs in one litter and female lions in the same pride usually give birth around the same time.
• Ever wonder why lions roar? They roar to attract their mates.
• Cubs are often the last ones to enjoy the fruits of a kill, which is why starvation is the number one cause of death for young lions.

Leopard

• The elusive leopard is often seen finding relaxation in the trees. In fact, they love lying on the branches so much that they will bring their fresh kill up the tree with them. This also helps to prevent scavengers from trying to get in on the kill.
• Just by the position of a leopard’s tail, antelope and another prey will know if a leopard is in hunting mode or not. When a leopard is not hunting for food, it can walk through a whole herd of antelope without startling them. The antelope know that the leopard is not hunting them because the leopard will flip its tail up and show its white bottom.
• A leopard will show its presence to others by coughing. This shows the intruding leopard that it has entered on the other’s territory.
• Leopards have been known to eat fish and small crustaceans and are particularly good swimmers.
• Black leopards often seem to be one solid color and are referred to as black panthers.

Elephant

• The elephant has approximately 100,000 muscles, just in its trunk! Their trunk is a highly diverse body part and can pick up large items, inhale and project water, feel for items on the ground, and detect temperature variations.
• Musth is the name for the time when male elephants go through an increase in reproductive hormones. This, in turn, causes their aggression and sexual activity to skyrocket.
• There are two species of elephant—the Asian elephant and the African elephant, with the Asian elephant being the smallest of the two.
• Elephants’ ears are an important cooling mechanism during those hot African days. Their ears emit heat in order to cool their bodies. Another way elephants keep cool is splashing through the water. They suck water up their trunks and spray it over their bodies to remain cool.

Rhino

• Rhinos love their space. In fact, they have been known to create territories as large as 3 square miles.
• The rhino’s strongest sense is its sense of smell. This is why on walking safaris, your professional safari guide will take into account the direction of the wind to ensure that your scent won’t travel to the rhino.
• Rhinoceros are a group of five species of odd-toed ungulates in the family rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia.
• The rhinoceros family is characterized by its large size (one of the largest remaining mega fauna alive today), and all species are able to reach one ton or more in weight, have a thick protective skin (1.5–5 cm thick) formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure, have relatively small brains for mammals this size (400–600g), and have a large horn.

Cape Buffalo

• Approximately 900,000 Cape buffalo live in sub-Saharan and South Africa, making it one of the most populated animal species in Africa.
• The Cape buffalo live in herds of hundreds and do not mark their territories.
• With very few natural threats to the Cape buffalo, humans are the largest predator to these creatures.

What is your favorite Big Five animal?

We would also like to let you know of an excellent wine distributor, One Mouth One World, which sells great South African wines for affordable prices. Click here to visit their website.

I am thrilled to share with you some beautiful photographs taken by travelers and safari guides that capture Africa and its captivating wildlife. These photographs were submitted to us by various individuals who have traveled to Africa and we are thrilled to share with you the spirit of Africa through the eyes of different individuals—illustrating a unique perspective on all the enchantment Africa has to offer.

The following five images were provided to us by Singita Game Reserves—a leader in luxury safaris and accommodations—and were taken by Marlon du Toit and James Suter, professional guides at Singita Kruger National Park. The images were taken of the Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp and its residential wildlife:

Below is an image of Blyde Canyon, submitted by Ivona Siniarska (seen in the picture), world traveler and blogger of Lil Miss Planet.

The following 10 images were provided to us by Laura Walker, blogger of A Wandering Sole, an amazing blog about travel, culture, design, and running. Laura has been all over Africa and these are just a few of her favorite photos that she took while visiting:

A lion in the Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa, July 2011

Tracking the Eastern Mountain Gorilla, Park National des Volcans, Rwanda, May 2010

Baboons, Lake Nakuru National Park, July 2008

Elephant in Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Botswana, July 2010

Elephants, Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa, July 2011

Lions, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, July 2008

Sunset, Okavango Delta, Botswana, July 2010

Elephants on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe National Park Botswana, July 2010

Giraffes and zebras, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya July 2008

Giraffes and zebras, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya July 2008

Interested in learning more about Laura’s adventures in Africa? Connect with her on . . .

Blog: www.awanderingsole.com
Facebook: facebook.com/awanderingsole (link to: )
Twitter: @Awanderingsole

The image below was submitted by Gideon Nhundu and is of the crocodile farm in Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls:

The five images below were taken by Kirsten Keun, a freelance guide, specializing in horseback safaris and the blogger of Kirfara:

Victoria Falls

Waterberg, South Africa

Waterberg, South Africa

Sabi Sands

Planet Baobob in Botswana

Want to learn more about Kirsten’s horseback safari adventures? Visit his blog at http://kirfara.blogspot.com/.

So which photograph was your favorite? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section!

Horse lovers are drawn to Africa for it’s varying terrain and fascinating biodiversity. There is truly nothing like roaming the bushveld on horseback.

Today, Kirsten Keun, freelance safari guide who also accompanies guests on horseback safaris and blogger for Kirfara, chats about what travelers can expect on a horseback safari and what makes horseback safaris so unique compared to other types of safaris.

See below for our interview with Kirsten (NOTE: All images contained in this post are owned by Kirsten Keun):

1. Tell us a little bit about your background with horseback safaris and why you are so passionate about them.

“Man is nothing without the beast. If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For what ever happens to the beast, soon happens to man. All things are connected.” -Chief Seattle

African horse safaris epitomize adventure, romance, and horsemanship. Horses are at home in many parts of the world, and here in Africa they played an integral part through the course of history. They enable us to travel vast distances across mountains and valleys, introducing us to wildlife in a very special way.

After professional equine experience in Italy, Hawaii and Costa Rica, Africa is my home and I love being with horses. The wildlife, bushveld, and night skies are unbeatable, particularly when shared with four-legged friends. I have had the honor and responsibility to work at Wait a Little Horse and Game Ranch, Saddlebag Safaris, and Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris as a horse safari guide. Guiding in alternate environments, involving a variety of cultural and adventure landscapes, I work in English, Spanish, Italian, Afrikaans, and Zulu.

Residing in tourism hub and surfers paradise city of Cape Town, I always look for opportunities to escape to the bushveld and embark on a horse safari.

2. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to embark on an African horseback safari? Why?

Wherever you find horses, wildlife, an open sky, and savannah. In the Kruger National Park area Wait a Little is highly recommended. I do have a bias for where I come from, so working and riding at Wait a Little was a dream and a fantasy come true. Phillip and Gerti came to Africa to ride horses on a safari setup, and today they boast one of the leading horse safari destinations on the continent.

Another preferred riding /work place is Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris or LVHS. The “land of giants” consists of a unique fusion of baobab trees, elephants, and amazing horses and people. Wilderness camping and learning about the Tswana culture from the wonderful local guides compliments the safari experience.

The Waterberg in South Africa hosts Saddlebag Safaris and Dinaka Game Reserve. Sandy trails and gentle slopes characterize these ancient mountains where riding is fast, sporty, and satisfying. Destinations that offer some of the best riding in Africa are the Okavango Delta of Botswana and the Masai Mara / Serengeti plains of East Africa. Riding through picturesque vineyards, beaches, and Fynbos is a hop outside Cape Town, the tourism hub of Southern Africa.  The Cape boasts the unique fynbos biome and Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos hosts the highest endemism of flowers on earth.

3. Describe what one might experience while on a horseback safari in Africa.

Horses often relax in the vicinity of wildlife, interacting through their body language, scent, and sounds.  We are the tourists here, the visitors, and we learn from the wildlife and horses’ instincts and behaviors.

When there is danger, the interaction, ability and skill of the horse and rider combined keep them out of harms way. Safari horses are fit, and prospective riders have to train at their home riding facility to optimize their riding holiday experience once they get to Africa. Typical safari days could mean seven hours in the saddle.

4. How do horseback safaris differ from other safari types including game drives and walking safaris?

A complete safari enhances the visitors experience by mixing walking, driving, and riding. Horse safaris may utilize game drive vehicles and may also include some walking time. Walking is a great leg stretcher after a long day in the saddle, and we often get closer to predators in vehicles than we do on horseback. Every type of safari poses a unique vantage from where to observe and explore wildlife.

Horse safaris entail long hours in the saddle, typically two rides per day. Meeting and approaching some wildlife on horseback keeps everyone involved and participating.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to mention about horseback safaris in Africa?

Horses are trained for months and years, and the work behind the scenes is vast and intense. Some horse safaris present opportunities to share in the daily care taking of the horses in a voluntary way. If you feel like brushing your horse after a long ride, it will improve your friendship even more.

Riding is a skill and requires learning and exercising body positions and balance, often demanding fitness and endurance. On safari we meet numerous riders who are aiming to improve their skill and fitness. Riding before embarking on safari is a great idea in order to fit well with your forward going and able horse on safari. Every safari has its own character, degree of service, and level of riding. This is one tourism market that may have more return guests than any other. People connect with horses in special ways, and return to meet them once again in majestic Africa.
Horse safaris inspire me to host more riders in our beloved Africa. We dream at night and ride at daybreak. The experience changes lives, and fulfills the dreams of connecting with the wonderful creatures we share the Dark Continent with.

Horses bring light to Africa. Join us for the ride of your life.

In one of last week’s blog posts, How to Get Closer to Your Favorite African Animals than Ever Before, I discussed some activities and accommodations that enable travelers to get closer to their favorite animals in Africa than ever before. Specifically, I spotlighted Giraffe Manor—a boutique property that’s perfect for giraffe lovers—and ConservAfrica and African Impact—two organizations working to conserve the cats of Africa.

Today, I spotlight some of the best activities to get up close and personal to elephants and primates:

If you love elephants . . .

Then you’ll love a visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and The Elephant Sanctuary!

In a tireless effort to help orphaned elephants find the strength to continue their journey in the wild, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage works to rescue and rehabilitate baby elephants and rhinos. Each day the elephants enjoy bathing, feeding, and playing, as visitors watch in awe.

The feeding takes place at different times of the day with orphanage team members feeding the elephants a unique milk formula that David’s wife, Daphne, created to provide rhinos and elephants with nutrients they need to grow and remain healthy.

Located in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, the elephant orphanage allows elephants to enjoy the beauty and openness of nature, while still assuring their safety before being completely released into the wild.

The Elephant Sanctuary, on the other hand, has three locations in South Africa, which include Hartbeespoort Dam, Plettenberg Bay, and Hazyview. All of these locations work to rescue and lend assistance to orphaned and injured elephants. Each of the three sanctuaries offers guests different activities to choose from that enable them to interact with the beautiful residential elephants.

The sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay, for example, offers elephant brush downs—which allow guests to lend a hand in grooming the elephants—and one-hour trunk-in-hand programs—which educate guests about elephant behavior and lifestyle, and allow guests to touch the elephants.

If you love primates . . .

Then you’ll love a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and a visit to Monkeyland in South Africa!

Covered in lush green vegetation and thick rainforests abundant with exotic wildlife, Uganda is a nature-seeker’s sanctuary. With a variety of primates to witness, including gorilla, chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and baboon, Uganda is one of the most celebrated destinations by primate lovers.

A Golden Monkey

On a gorilla trekking safari, you’ll travel to these lush rainforests in search of the elusive gorilla. Once your party has arrived at a gorilla group, you’ll have one hour to watch and admire their movements, behavior, and unique social and eating skills.

For even more primates, visit Monkeyland in South Africa. Internationally known for their free-roaming atmosphere, Monkeyland does not cage its various primate residents; therefore they are free to move wherever they wish throughout the sanctuary. Some of the primate species that live in Monkeyland include lemurs, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, gibbons, and more! Visitors to Monkeyland can enjoy an interactive guided walk through the sanctuary.

What’s your favorite African animal? Some of us love the elegant giraffe; others of us are drawn to the irresistible cuteness of elephants, while others find indescribable beauty in the cats of Africa.

Although all of these animals can be seen at fairly close proximity from the comfort of a safari vehicle, wouldn’t you love to toss those binoculars and get even closer to these magnificent creatures and truly immerse yourself into their world? Some of the best ways to get up close to your favorite animals is on specialty safaris, at conservation facilities, and in some of Africa’s most unique accommodations!

Recently, I took a poll of my clients and social media followers, asking them what their favorite African animals are and the most common responses included giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and primates. Below I’ve outlined some activities and accommodations that enable travelers to get closer to their favorite animals than ever before:

If you love giraffes . . .

Then you’ll love Giraffe Manor! This boutique hotel never ceases to amaze its guests. With free-roaming residential giraffes sprawled across a 140-acre property, Giraffe Manor allows guests to interact with the giraffes on a very personal level.

In fact, the experience is so personal that you might want to cover up after getting out of bed or the shower as these curious creatures love to stick their heads in guests’ windows to see what’s on the agenda for the day! You’ll even find yourself dining with these lovable animals as they pop their heads in the dining room windows and walk about the pristine estate grounds.

Image above taken from the Giraffe Manor website.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit The Giraffe Centre, which is a nearby breeding center for the Rothschild Giraffe and also serves as a conservation school to educate local Kenyan school children. The Centre is surrounded by a wildlife-lush nature trail that passes through the Ololua and Nogong forests in Kenya. Here, you’ll witness everything from exotic birds to playful warthogs, hyenas to leopards, and, of course, giraffes.

If you love lions, leopards, or cheetahs . . .

Then you’ll love a ConsevAfrica safari or African Impact volunteer trip!

ConservAfrica’s Wildlife Conservation Safaris enables travelers to immerse themselves into a highly interactive safari, while helping to perform research and conserve the populations of species throughout southern Africa. One of their most popular safaris deals with helping to curb inbreeding amongst lion populations in the Madikwe Game Reserve. This allows travelers to get hands on experience in the field and assist researchers.

African Impact is another organization that enables travelers to get up close with the cats of Africa. They offer a variety of conservation projects including the Hands-On Lion Rehabilitation Project, which enables you to work closely with African lions, perform research, collect data, and assist in the upbringing of lion cubs; the Large Predators Research & Conservation Project, which allows you to monitor animal behavior and movements; and the Antelope Park Lion Research Photography Project, which enables you to photograph lions, record lion behavior, photograph cubs and their interactions, and work closely with scientific researchers.

Some of African Impact’s other big cat volunteer projects include the Big Cat, Elephant, & Rhino Conservation Project, the Masai Mara Big Cat, Wildlife Research, & Conservation Project, the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, and a variety of Lion Rehabilitation Projects.

If you love elephants and primates, stay tuned for next Wednesday’s post, which focuses on specialty activities that enable you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Have I forgotten to mention your favorite animal? Leave a comment on this post, telling us what your favorite animal is.

One of our recent clients, Sharon Discorfano, was kind enough to share with us a blog post she wrote about her adventures in Africa.

See below for Sharon’s blog post on her recent trip to Africa, taken from her blog Sharon Discorfano: Cruelty Faves . . . And More

(**NOTE: All content and images throughout this post were provided by Sharon Discorfano)

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many truly amazing places thus far in my lifetime, but it’s taken me until now to set foot on the African continent. Finally, everything fell into place to make it happen this past month. I had the time (always the hardest part about getting away!) and an enthusiastic travel companion, and the trip fit in perfectly with my personal agenda of doing some reading up on International Wildlife Law during summer break. What better way to follow up reading about wildlife than by hanging out with the elephants and leopards themselves?

After landing in South Africa and spending our sixth wedding anniversary at African Rock Hotel in Johannesburg, my husband Seth and I headed to Zimbabwe. The chance to be with the animals in their own environment is an experience that I wish each person could have at some point during his or her lifetime. We encountered all kinds of animals — animals I didn’t even know existed before this trip. And we did so quietly and respectfully, mindful not to intrude upon them or disrupt nature in progress. We were there simply to bear witness. I remain in awe of the power and peace one finds co-existing in the wilderness.

A brief overview of our incredible journey:

* Hwange National Park

We stayed at the Little Makalolo Camp, with a tented suite that overlooked a large watering hole, a gathering place for many animals, especially elephants. Our expert guide Sibbs demonstrated a consciousness and spiritual connection to the land and animals that made me trust him enough to put me within twelve feet of a male lion. Another highlight, a herd of about 700 buffalo. At first they looked like a collection of dots, or black shrubs, on the horizon; having a Shakespeare moment, I was reminded of the Birnam Woods coming to Dunsinae in Macbeth. It only got better when a baby hippo emerged from the water and started mingling with the crowd, trying to make some new friends.

* Lake Kariba

Getting from place to place required air travel, small planes that seated from four to twelve people. There were five of us, including our pilot, on the trip from Hwange to Kariba, and the first view of the wide expanse of  the lake was simply breathtaking. By volume, Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world, and the wildlife that comes to it is spectacular. Our guide Madison grew up in the Lake Kariba area, and he often displayed a playfulness during our drives together — still delighting in the discovery of an animal, as I imagined he did when he was just a kid. From the balcony of our room at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Seth and I watched elephants strolling down the beach. During game drives that took us closer to the water, we were amused by wart hog families nuzzling their faces into the mud, and I was utterly captivated by the sight of waterbuck drinking at the water’s edge. Talk about idyllic settings. Overhead, fish eagles and kingfishers put on quite a show, followed by dazzling sunsets. It was also at Bumi Hills that I had some very engaging conversations with individuals active in anti-poaching efforts. (More about that at a later date…)

* Mana Pools National Park

Our next home for a few days was Ruckomechi Camp. The elephants, though still wild, come right into the camp. Our tent was poised at the edge of the Zambezi River. As I practiced yoga gazing out at Zambia just across the water, the hippos were talking to each other and the elephants were swimming nearby. I had some really great crocodile sightings at Ruckomechi, too; a canoe trip down the Zambezi got us up close and personal with crocs and hippos. We were blessed with the expertise of a few guides during our stay at this camp — Sean, Justin, and Champion.  We spent the most time with Champion, who asked us to write down the word NAMASTE for him before we departed: “the light in me honors the light in you.” No better word to describe this experience, and to leave with our new friends in Africa.

* Victoria Falls National Park

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls comprise the largest single curtain of water, and the rainbows in the mist are just as mesmerizing as the falls themselves. We arrived in Vic Falls via a Cessna 186 (a  four-person, single propeller airplane) and our pilot was able to get clearance to do a “fly-by” of the falls, which meant several minutes of circling overhead to take in some incredible views. The Victoria Falls Hotel was the ultimate indulgence, especially after coming in from the wilderness. The hotel is the epitome of old-school charm and luxury, set in lush tropical gardens and just a ten-minute walk from the falls. A far cry from the bush, but Vic Falls offered us some of our best opportunities to view baboon families interacting with each other. And Seth got to zipline across the gorge.

A Day At Camp

Both camps we stayed in were private, conservation-focused concessions owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris, located at the national parks. Here’s what a typical day in camp looked like:

* 6:00am: Wake-Up & Breakfast
One of the guides would call from outside our tent, “Wakey, wakey — good morning!”  The camps host about a dozen guests in addition to the staff, so it’s an intimate group that gathers for breakfast. We were treated to oatmeal and toast made on an open fire, hot coffee or tea, juice, and granola and fruit.

* 7:30-noon: Morning Game Drive
Animals and birds were all around us. Early morning was the busy time, with things quieting down as the day grew warmer and we got closer to lunch time. A couple of mornings we were more actively searching for lions, when we’d heard the roaring in the middle of the night — the male calling out to the lionesses. We also spent one morning looking around for (and finding) a pack of wild dogs, when there had been a sighting of them the previous day. Seth and I either had a jeep and guide to ourselves, or shared the ride with another couple. Ron and Shirley from San Diego, with whom we shared several game drives, were awesome.

* Noon-3:00pm: Lunch & Siesta
Camp guests and staff gathered for lunch (quite elaborate meals here!). We’d compare sightings from the morning and plan afternoon activities. Siesta time for me often meant practicing yoga, or indulging in an outdoor shower. Our accommodations at Ruckomechi also included an outdoor tub that was pure bliss.

* 3:00pm: Tea Time!

* 4:00-7:30pm: Drive or Activity/ “Sundowner”
Game Drives that went into the evening hours were always interesting, a chance to see some of the nocturnal animals. Once it’s dark, guides use a red light to catch the reflection of animals’ eyes. It was during a night drive that were were able to watch a leopard, licking his paws and grooming himself just  like a domestic cat; we also saw hyena and a HUGE porcupine. Other later-in-the-day activities (but before sunset) included our canoe trip down the Zambezi and a boat cruise for two on Lake Kariba.Wherever you are as the sun sets, there’s a time-out for a “sundowner”; our guides would break out a bottle of local wine along with some snacks (dried fruit, nuts, and homemade potato chips), for us to enjoy the beauty of Africa.

* 8:00pm: Dinner
Dinner was a multi-course affair back at camp — for us, the camps prepared special vegan meals. On our first night at Little Makololo, the staff took extra care to arrange an anniversary dinner for us: a pathway of lights led us to the outdoor pool area, where candles were floating and a table was set up for two. Seth and I enjoyed a private meal together… though we could hear the crunching of branches (elephants) just an arms length away in the darkness.

* 9:30pm-Bedtime:  Conversations Around the Fire
The fire pit serves as the centerpiece for ending each day with conversations and stories among the staff and guests. Each person at each campfire was remarkable in his or her own right; and crossing paths with all of them, spending that time with them under the starry sky, was as special and intrinsic to the journey as encountering the wildlife. Finally, when it was time to say good night (a couple glasses of wine later), a guide escorted guests back to the their tents.

To ease the concerns of those not exactly into the camping scene, this experience is hardly roughing it. Daily laundry service makes it easy to pack light and still enjoy clean clothes each day. The tents are more like Manhattan studio apartments, with amenities including separate bathrooms with running water and flushing toilets. However, the accommodations are eco-friendly and camps are conscious of their carbon footprint in all respects: electricity and hot water come from solar energy; the tents and facilities adhere to national park standards — no imposing permanent structures. And there’s an air horn on the nightstand, just in case you have any four-legged nighttime visitors and need to call for help.

An extra-nice touch for guests: heated water bottles tucked under the covers made the bed extra cozy to crawl into each night. As I was falling asleep to the sounds of the wilderness, it was hard at that moment not to feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing with you some other photographs from our trip. Enjoy!

Thank you to my former high school classmate Meredith, guide Mark Homann, and Hills of Africa for helping us plan the perfect safari adventure.

Visit Sharon’s blog or connect with her on Twitter.

It’s no wonder southern and eastern Africa are known for having some of the most majestic National Parks in the world. With contrasting landscapes and various ecosystems, each and every National Park in southern and eastern Africa is famous for its rich biodiversity.

But today, I’ve decided to spotlight the astonishing Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in Uganda.

So what makes Queen Elizabeth National Park so unique? For starters, its landscape is synonymous with diverse. From volcanic craters to thick tropical forests, and lush grasslands to enchanting lakes and swamps, Queen Elizabeth is a vast sanctuary for nearly 100 different species of mammals and more than 600 bird species.

Crested Crane

Two of the most wildlife-abundant regions in the Park include Kyambura Gorge and the Kazinga Channel.

Kyambura Gorge is a dense forested area, famous for its chimp communities and other primate species, including the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, vervet monkeys, and even baboons. Aside from primates, you’ll also find a nearly endless array of unique bird species, including the stunning Africa fish eagle, shoebill stork, the lesser and great flamingo, the blue-headed bee-eater, the African finfoot, and a variety of owl species, to name just a few.

The Kazinga Channel, on the other hand, is known for its huge population of hippos. Embark on a boat ride down the Channel and you’ll not only witness large concentrations of hippo, but you’ll also witness warthogs, kob, elephant, waterbuck, giraffe, zebra, and the occasional rhino.

Kazinga Channel

And for one of the most unique sightings in the world, visit the nearby Ishasha region, which is home to the elusive tree climbing lions! This is one of the very few places on earth where lions actually climb and lounge in trees.

If you plan on visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, here are some activities we suggest:

• Birding safaris
• Morning and evening game drives
• Chimpanzee tracking safaris
• A boat ride on the Kazinga Channel
• A cultural tour
• Walking safaris / hikes

tree climbing lion

Mongoose

Kazinga Channel

Uganda Kobs

The Warthog

Want an even deeper insight into Uganda? View our Uganda video on YouTube.