Seven Exotic Animals You Should Watch Out For On Your African Safari

Seven Exotic Animals You Should Watch Out For On Your African Safari : When discussing and photographing safaris, the Big Five frequently take center stage. However, there are many lesser-known animals, from the stunning to the bizarre and amazing that are worth keeping an eye out for. On an African safari, you can see a wide variety of breathtaking birds, mammals, and reptiles in East Africa’s diverse wildlife. Here are a few of our favorite safari creatures that weren’t included in the Big 5.

OSTRICH

The flightless ostrich, which is the biggest bird in the world, can only be found in Africa. It can grow to a height of 2.75 meters with its impressive feathered plumage, with its long neck accounting for nearly half of this height. Ostriches are among the world’s swiftest land animals and can run up to 72.5 kilometers per hour. The majority of Africa is home to ostrich habitats, which are semiarid. You shouldn’t have any trouble spotting this magnificent bird during your safari in Tanzania, Kenya, or Botswana because they are widely distributed throughout East Africa.

VULTURE

Despite having a bad reputation in the animal kingdom, vultures are an essential part of many African ecosystems because they scavenge dead animals’ carcasses to keep disease at bay. Africa is home to a variety of vulture species, some of which are endangered, like the Cape Vulture, which is thought to have a wild population of fewer than 10,000. With over 1,150 bird species listed, Zimbabwe is a fantastic safari destination for avid bird watchers. The Serengeti and Masai Mara in East Africa are two excellent locations to see vultures. A knowledgeable guide and strong binoculars are two excellent ways to guarantee success. Don’t forget to look up; vultures are frequently seen circling a carcass in the upper atmosphere.

GIRAFFE

Giraffes can reach heights of almost 6 meters, making them the tallest animals on Earth. Look above the trees to find them most easily. While on a safari in East Africa, it’s common to see giraffe herds of up to 40 animals. Because there is no competition for grazing that high up, a giraffe can eat up to 30 kg of leaves per day. Despite being listed as endangered, giraffe populations are thought to have decreased by 40% over the past 30 years, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Considering that this is our favorite African animal, this is a concerning trend. The good news is that there’s a good chance you’ll see giraffes while on safari, especially in Kenya’s Masai Mara National reserve or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. If you want to see baby giraffes, though, try scheduling your trip for early summer, around September.

WARTHOG

Warthogs might have faces that only a mother could adore, but thanks to Pumba’s starring role in The Lion King, they are a popular safari animal among many. The name “warthog” comes from the protective bumps, or warts,” on their faces. They are thought to be highly intelligent animals with short, curved tusks. Despite their bulk, warthogs can run at speeds of up to 45 km/h! All of East Africa’s national parks and reserves have warthog populations, but the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the best place to see them.

TOPI

These medium-sized antelopes can be identified by their thick horns and purple-brown coats with distinct black patches. They can occasionally be seen in open savanna and woodland areas, but they are typically found in floodplains in East Africa. Topi can be spotted in great numbers in the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration (November to May in Tanzania and June to October in Kenya).

CROCODILES

African crocodiles, also known as Nile crocodiles, are common and can be found in rivers, lakes, and marshes all over Sub-Saharan Africa. Although they are smaller than Australian crocodiles, they are no less impressive in the wild, especially when animals are navigating dangerous waterways during the Great Migration in Masai Mara from June to October. Kenya is the best location to see crocodiles hunting or sunbathing because of the Great Migration.

AGAMA LIZARDS

Agama lizards are brown or gray for the majority of the year, but during mating season, males develop vibrant colors to attract females, earning them the nickname “rainbow lizards” due to the stunning bright colors that span their scaly skin. In Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, agama lizards can be seen lounging atop rocky terrain. The best time to photograph agama lizards in their vibrant colors is during the wet seasons, when they typically mate.

Other exotic animals can be found all over Africa, and your safari guide will enjoy pointing them out to you. Safari books that aid in animal identification and give you a close-up view are also available from reputable guides. You can use the good binoculars that a good guide will have.