Animal Encounters on Safari
With a landmass of more than 11 million square miles and a population of more than one billion, Africa is the second largest and second most-populous continent on the planet. Its climate and topography are diverse, which gives rise to its abundant and varied flora and fauna. Equally varied are Africa's safari opportunities, together with the wildlife you can expect to see while on safari. It is important to keep in mind that not all species of game are prevalent across this huge continent, and it will be necessary to safari in specific areas, if the point of the safari is to view particular animals. The term "Africa's Big Five" is often associated with safaris, since it relates to Africa's greatest animals; the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo.
Although the term was originally used by hunters, and refers to the difficulties in hunting these majestic beasts, it is now commonly used when describing these animals, and conjures up exotic and exciting images of the African landscape. While they were once found in many locations, those seeking to view the Big Five will have the best chance if they visit game reserves in countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and South Africa.
A trip to any reserve or park is sure to be a rewarding game-viewing experience, and visitors get the chance to witness for themselves the importance of conservation in protecting Africa's magnificent wildlife heritage.
Central, East and Southern Africa
No matter which game reserves or parks safari enthusiasts visit in the Central or East African regions, they are sure to see more game than anywhere else on the continent. For example, visitors interested in observing the migration of wildebeest or zebras can observe this year-round in Tanzania and Kenya. From late July to September, the beasts can be seen in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, prior to them moving south to Tanzania's Serengeti plains where they will bear their young. Around late February the herd then returns to Kenya. Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park constitute the greatest wildlife habitat in the world.
Southern Africa also offers plenty of opportunities for awesome game-viewing experiences. The most popular animals that you are likely to see are featured in the following top ten list, in no particular order, since everyone has their personal favorites:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Rhinos
- Cape Buffalos
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Mountain gorillas
- Cheetahs
- Hippos
Africa's conservation efforts got a huge boost in March, 2012 when the Heads of States of the Republics of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Angola signed the KAZA Treaty, which protects wildlife by establishing the world's largest transfrontier conservation area, spanning five countries. Safaris and ecotourism are becoming increasingly important to the African economy. Conservation of biological and cultural diversity and heritage empowers communities to fight poverty with economic development and to work towards sustainability.
This ensures that Africa's animals have a better chance of survivial than ever before, and that they will, hopefully, be around for safari goers to see for generations to come.
Article by Sense Africa
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