Joining Tanzania Group Safari: 4 Days Tarangire – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Overview:

Name: Tanzania Group Safari
Safari Type: Joining Group Kenya Tour (Budget camping)
Duration: 4 Days
Start: Arusha at 7 AM
End: Arusha at 4 PM

Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris welcomes you to Tanzania – the land of amazing safaris. Embark on a captivating four-day group safari in Tanzania that promises to leave a lasting impression. Join us for an unforgettable tour, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Explore the lush landscapes and encounter thriving wildlife in the dense forests of Tanzania.

This journey will take you to renowned areas, offering a unique opportunity to witness the famed tree-climbing lions of Tanzania. A comprehensive program will be provided, furnishing you with all the essential details to streamline the trip-planning process and ensure your convenience. Join us and create cherished memories amidst the natural splendor of Tanzania.

Safari Highlights for 4-Day Tanzania Safari

Enjoy the best 4 days Group Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Tanzania Tour.

This amazing 4-day Budget Tanzania Group Safari Tour starts from Arusha at 8 AM. You’ll spend 1 night at the famous Ngorongoro conservation area. Enjoy our amazing game-viewing drives to spot wildlife with magnificent views. This 4-day Tanzania Budget Tour also proceeds to Tarangire for 1 night.

This amazing Tanzania group safari tour also takes you to the famous Serengeti National Park where you’ll spend 1 night as you enjoy an amazing group budget safari in Tanzania. Serengeti is Africa’s wildlife hub, where you will also witness the great wildebeest migration.

Summary itinerary for our amazing 4 days Joining Tanzania Group Safari

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire

5 Reasons to Choose Our Amazing 4-Day Budget Safari in Tanzania

The post 4 days Group Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Tanzania Tour appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

Overall, the best Kenya safari experience will be one that offers a perfect blend of wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and comfortable accommodation. A guided tour with a knowledgeable and experienced guide will help visitors to fully appreciate the diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems that Kenya has to offer, from the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the rugged hills of Samburu. Visitors can also learn about the local cultures and traditions of the many different ethnic groups that call Kenya home, from the Maasai to the Kikuyu. With a range of accommodation options available, from luxury lodges to authentic tented camps, visitors can choose the level of comfort and style that suits them best. Whether it’s spotting the Big Five on a game drive, meeting local people and learning about their way of life, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, a Kenya safari is an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Safari in Masai Mara

Welcome to the wild and captivating world of Masai Mara! If you’re a nature enthusiast, thrill seeker, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa, then look no further. A Masai Mara Safari is an experience like no other, offering you a chance to witness some of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through Kenya’s iconic savannah landscapes as we delve into what makes this safari destination truly exceptional. So buckle up, grab your binoculars, and let’s dive into the mesmerizing world of Masai Mara!

Masai Mara Tour

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Masai Mara with a thrilling and unforgettable tour. As you venture into this world-famous national reserve, be prepared to witness an extraordinary array of wildlife in their natural habitat. From majestic lions roaming freely across the vast plains to graceful giraffes gracefully munching on acacia leaves, every moment in Masai Mara is filled with awe-inspiring sights.

One of the highlights of a Masai Mara tour is witnessing the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras make their treacherous journey across crocodile-infested rivers and grassy savannahs. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you speechless as you witness these animals’ resilience and determination.

But it’s not just about the big cats and migrating herds; Masai Mara also boasts an incredible diversity of bird species. With over 450 recorded bird species, including vibrant flamingos, regal eagles, and colorful bee-eaters, bird lovers will find themselves in paradise.

The cultural experience is another aspect that sets a Masai Mara tour apart from other safaris. Interact with the Maasai people – renowned for their distinctive red attire and rich traditions -and gain insights into their way of life through visits to traditional villages or engaging in tribal dances around a bonfire under starry African skies.

Whether it’s game drives at dawn or sundowner bush walks accompanied by experienced guides who have an intimate knowledge of the area, each day brings new discoveries and moments that will stay etched in your memory forever.

Embark on a Masai Mara tour for an immersive safari experience like no other – one that will ignite your sense of wonderment while fostering appreciation for these remarkable creatures who call this untamed wilderness home.

Tour To Masai Mara

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Embark on a tour to Masai Mara and get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking beauty of this iconic destination in Kenya. Located in the southwestern part of the country, Masai Mara is known for its vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and incredible annual wildebeest migration.

As you set foot in Masai Mara, you will immediately feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The expansive plains stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with life. Lions lazily bask under the African sun while elephants gracefully roam through the grasslands.

One of the highlights of a tour to Masai Mara is witnessing the great wildebeest migration. Every year, millions of wildebeests make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. It’s truly a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.

During your tour, don’t miss out on visiting a traditional Maasai village and immersing yourself in their rich culture. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life – it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary travel experience, a tour to Masai Mara is sure to exceed your expectations. Get ready for unforgettable game drives where you’ll spot lions hunting prey or witness cheetahs sprinting across open plains at lightning speed.

With its stunning landscapes and incredible biodiversity, Masai Mara offers endless opportunities for photographers too. Capture striking images of majestic animals against picturesque backdrops – moments frozen in time forever.

In conclusion,Masai Mara is not just another safari destination; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after your trip has ended.

A tour toMasaimaraisan opportunityto connectwith natureinitspurestformandwitness the beautyoftheAfricanwilderness. So, pack

safari Kenya

Are you an adventure enthusiast looking for a thrilling and exhilarating experience? Look no further than a safari in Kenya! With its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture, Kenya offers an unforgettable safari experience like no other.

Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Masai Mara. This world-renowned national reserve is home to the iconic Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. Imagine witnessing these majestic creatures up close as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

The Masai Mara also boasts spectacular annual wildebeest migrations that attract thousands of visitors from around the globe. Witness millions of wildebeests crossing rivers teeming with crocodiles and navigating through vast grasslands. It’s truly a spectacle that will leave you awe-struck.

But it’s not just about wildlife; Kenya’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone. From rolling savannahs to lush forests and towering mountains, there are endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Take a hot air balloon ride over the plains or go hiking in Mount Kenya National Park – the options are limitless.

To make your safari even more memorable, immerse yourself in Maasai culture by visiting traditional villages or attending cultural festivals. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life as you interact with friendly locals who warmly welcome visitors.

So if you’re ready for an extraordinary adventure filled with incredible wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and cultural immersion like no other – start planning your safari trip to Kenya today! Experience firsthand why this remarkable country has captured the hearts of so many adventurous souls from around the world

The post The Best Kenya Safari appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Masai Mara Safari Adventure

The Masai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya, is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), making it a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. Planning a Masai Mara safari adventure can be overwhelming, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The first step in planning a Masai Mara safari is deciding on the best time to visit. The reserve is open all year round, but the peak season is from July to October when the Great Migration takes place. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. It is a spectacular sight to behold and a must-see for any safari-goer. However, if you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, visiting during the low season (April to June) is recommended.

Once you have decided on the timing of your trip, the next step is to choose the type of safari experience you want. There are various options available, from budget camping safaris to luxury lodges. If you are on a tight budget, camping safaris are a great option as they offer a more authentic experience and allow you to get closer to nature. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable and luxurious stay, there are many lodges and tented camps that offer top-notch amenities and services.

When it comes to transportation, the most common way to explore the Masai Mara is by 4×4 safari vehicles. These vehicles are specially designed for game drives and can navigate through the rough terrain of the reserve. They also have pop-up roofs, which provide excellent views and photo opportunities. Another popular option is hot air balloon safaris, which offer a unique and breathtaking perspective of the reserve from above. However, these can be quite expensive and need to be booked in advance.

One of the most crucial aspects of planning a Masai Mara safari is choosing the right tour operator. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best. It is essential to do thorough research and read reviews from previous customers to ensure you are booking with a reputable and experienced company. A good tour operator will not only provide a well-organized and safe safari but also have knowledgeable guides who can enhance your safari experience with their expertise and insights.

When it comes to packing for a Masai Mara safari, it is essential to pack light and bring appropriate clothing. The weather in the reserve can be unpredictable, so it is best to pack layers that you can easily add or remove. It is also recommended to wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in with the surroundings and avoid bright colors that may scare off the animals. Other essential items to pack include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good pair of binoculars.

Finally, it is crucial to remember that the Masai Mara is a protected area, and it is essential to respect the rules and regulations of the reserve. This includes not littering, not getting out of the vehicle during game drives, and not disturbing the animals in any way. It is also essential to be mindful of the local culture and customs, especially when visiting the Masai villages within the reserve.

In conclusion, planning a Masai Mara safari adventure requires careful consideration and preparation. From choosing the right time to visit and type of safari experience to packing appropriately and booking with a reputable tour operator, every aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring a memorable and enjoyable safari. With this ultimate guide, you are now equipped with the necessary information to plan your dream Masai Mara safari and experience the wonders of the African wilderness.

5 Must-See Wildlife Encounters in Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is a world-renowned safari destination located in southwestern Kenya. It is known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. With over 1,500 square kilometers of protected land, Masai Mara offers visitors a chance to witness some of the most incredible wildlife encounters in Africa. In this article, we will explore five must-see wildlife encounters in Masai Mara National Reserve.

1. The Great Migration

The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year in Masai Mara. It is a massive movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. This incredible journey is a sight to behold as the animals cross rivers and brave predators in their quest for food. The best time to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara is between July and October.

2. Big Cats of Masai Mara

Masai Mara is home to an impressive population of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. These majestic creatures can be spotted throughout the reserve, but the best place to see them is in the open grasslands. Lions are the most abundant of the big cats in Masai Mara, and visitors have a high chance of seeing them on their safari. Leopards, on the other hand, are more elusive, but with the help of an experienced guide, you may be lucky enough to spot one lounging on a tree branch. Cheetahs, known for their incredible speed, can also be seen hunting in the open plains of Masai Mara.

3. The Big Five

Masai Mara is one of the few places in Africa where you can see all members of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. These animals were given this name because they were considered the most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, they are a must-see for any safari-goer. The best time to see the Big Five in Masai Mara is during the dry season, from June to October, when the animals gather around water sources.

4. The Maasai People

The Maasai people are a semi-nomadic tribe that has lived in harmony with the wildlife in Masai Mara for centuries. They are known for their distinctive red shukas (clothing) and their traditional way of life. A visit to a Maasai village is a unique cultural experience that allows visitors to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. The Maasai people also offer guided walks in the reserve, where they share their knowledge of the land and its inhabitants.

5. Hot Air Balloon Safari

For a truly unforgettable experience, a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara is a must-do. As you float above the savannah, you will have a bird’s eye view of the wildlife below. The sunrise balloon safari is the most popular, as it offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over the African landscape. After the flight, you will be treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush, making it a perfect way to start your day in Masai Mara.

In conclusion, Masai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Whether you are a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, Masai Mara offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife encounter in Masai Mara.

Exploring the Cultural Heritage of the Masai People on a Safari in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of Africa. However, beyond the stunning scenery and wildlife, the Masai Mara also holds a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. The Masai people, who have inhabited this region for centuries, have a unique way of life that is deeply intertwined with the land and its wildlife.

The Masai people are a semi-nomadic tribe known for their distinctive red clothing, intricate beadwork, and traditional way of life. They have managed to preserve their cultural traditions and customs despite the modernization and development happening around them. A safari in the Masai Mara is not just about spotting the Big Five, but also about immersing oneself in the fascinating culture of the Masai people.

One of the best ways to experience the Masai culture is by visiting one of their many villages, also known as bomas. These villages are typically located near the reserve and are open to visitors who are interested in learning about the Masai way of life. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a traditional dance performed by the Masai warriors, known as the morans. This dance, known as the adumu, is a display of strength and agility and is often accompanied by rhythmic chanting and jumping.

Inside the boma, visitors can interact with the Masai people and learn about their daily activities, such as herding cattle, building traditional homes, and making handicrafts. The Masai are known for their intricate beadwork, which is not only a form of decoration but also holds cultural significance. Each color and pattern used in their beadwork has a specific meaning, and the Masai are happy to share the stories behind their creations.

Another important aspect of the Masai culture is their diet, which mainly consists of milk, meat, and blood from their cattle. Visitors can try some of these traditional dishes, such as the famous Masai warrior’s drink, a mixture of cow’s blood and milk. While it may not be for everyone, it is a unique and authentic experience that gives a glimpse into the Masai way of life.

Aside from visiting the bomas, visitors can also participate in a variety of cultural activities, such as spear throwing, fire making, and traditional medicine demonstrations. These activities not only provide entertainment but also give insight into the skills and knowledge that the Masai have acquired over generations.

Moreover, a safari in the Masai Mara also offers the opportunity to witness the traditional ceremonies and rituals of the Masai people. The most well-known of these ceremonies is the Eunoto, a coming-of-age ceremony for young Masai warriors. During this ceremony, the warriors are adorned with colorful beaded jewelry and perform traditional dances to showcase their strength and bravery.

In addition to experiencing the Masai culture, visitors can also support the community by purchasing their handicrafts and souvenirs. The Masai are skilled artisans, and their handmade items, such as beaded jewelry, wooden carvings, and traditional clothing, make for unique and meaningful souvenirs.

In conclusion, a safari in the Masai Mara is not just about the wildlife and landscapes, but also about immersing oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the Masai people. From visiting their villages and participating in cultural activities to witnessing traditional ceremonies and supporting the community through purchasing their handicrafts, a safari in the Masai Mara offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. So, if you are planning a safari in Africa, make sure to add a visit to the Masai Mara and explore the cultural heritage of the Masai people.

The post Masai Mara Safari appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

Kenya Safari With Balloon: 7 Days Amboseli– Lake Naivasha – Hells gate – Masai Mara Overview:

Name: Kenya Safari With Balloon
Safari Type: Joining Group Kenya Tour (Budget camping)
Duration: 7 Days
Start: Nairobi at 7 AM
End: Nairobi at 4 PM

Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris welcomes you to Kenya – the land of amazing safaris. 7 Days Budget Wildlife Kenya Safari with Balloon is the best-done safari on our Kenya tour packages since it covers most of Kenya’s most attractive National Parks. This tour package takes you through Nairobi, Kenya safari destinations such as Amboseli national park, Naivasha, Hell’s gate, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara national park. This tour is suitable for all families, children, couples and old people. Book this tour and get amazed by the scenic landscape of Kenya destination.

See an abundance of African wildlife in the best Kenya national parks and enjoy the exceptional landscapes of East Africa, including the Great Rift Valley. Travel in a comfy safari vehicle (window seat guaranteed) with a pop-up roof. Stay at comfortable safari lodges and tented camps.

Safari Highlights for 7 days Kenya Safari With Balloon

Enjoy the best 7-Day Kenya Safari With Balloon to Masai Mara, lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, hell’s gate and Amboseli safari.

This amazing 7-day Kenya Budget Safari Tour starts from Nairobi at 8 AM. You’ll spend 2 nights at the famous Amboseli national park. Enjoy our amazing game-viewing drives to spot wildlife with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. This 7-day Kenya Tour also proceeds to Lake Naivasha for 1 night. You can enjoy a boat ride (optional) while you explore the freshwater lake and see hippos and abundant bird life.

In addition, enjoy a Bike ride and trekking experience in Hell’s gate national park which is near Lake Naivasha.

This amazing Kenya budget safari tour also takes you to the famous Masai Mara game reserve where you’ll spend 2 nights as you enjoy an amazing Masai Mara safari in Kenya. Masai Mara reserve is Africa’s wildlife hub, where you will also witness the great wildebeest migration.

Summary itinerary for our amazing 7 days Joining Group Kenya Safari With Balloon

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

5 Reasons why choose our amazing 7-day budget safari in Kenya?

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Joining Group Budget Safari in Kenya: 8 Days Amboseli– Lake Naivasha – Hells gate – Masai Mara Overview:

Name: 8-Day Joining Group Budget Safari – Best Kenya Camping Tour
Safari Type:  Joining Group Budget Safari (Budget Camping)
Duration: 8 Days – 7 Nights
Start: Nairobi at 8 AM
End: Nairobi at 4 PM

Enjoy Jamboree Africa‘s fun 8-day Joining Group Budget Safari adventure safari to Kenya’s Masai Mara, the world’s most captivating game-viewing game reserves. 8-day Masai Mara camping safari packages in Kenya

Discover the Mara on an 8-day Joining Group Budget Safari from Nairobi. This safari includes luxury or tented camp accommodations and hot showers. 8 Safari game drives and full 8-day meals are also included in this safari package.

Another big feature of this 8-day Joining Group Budget Safari to see is the great African rift valley system with its wide open valleys and boiling hot water from geysers and hot springs on the valley floor. You can opt to go for a walking safari and a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to get close to the hippos at the hippo pool or watch the fish eagle swooping for fish in the lake. You will crown the experience with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a great way to see the best of 3 Kenyan parks by taking this 8-day Mara-Nakuru-Naivasha-Hell’s Gate-Amboseli camping safari package.

8 Days Joining Group Budget Safari guide highlights

1. Day 1: 8-day Joining Group Budget Safari. Big five safari animals viewing in Maasai Mara Nakuru
2. Day 2: Over 1.5 million strong wildebeest migration in Masai Mara Game Reserve Safari
3. Day 2 & Day 3: The intriguing traditional Maasai cultural safari
4. Day 4: The largest bird safari spectacle including pink flamingos in Lake Nakuru
5. Day 5: Easy to spot white rhinos in Nakuru part of the safari
6. Day 5: Tree-climbing lions of Lake Nakuru national park safari
7. Day 6: Boat ride to hippo pool on lake Naivasha safari
8. Day 6: A short walking safari among giraffe zebras and wildebeest on crescent island
9. Day 7: View of the highest peak in Africa on Mt. Kilimanjaro 5895m ASL in Amboseli park safari
10. Day 7: View of thousands of elephants in Amboseli national park safari
11. Day 8: The largest population of African wild elephants in Amboseli National Park

Book an 8-day Joining Group Budget Safari and you have a chance of seeing all the big five while having a unique opportunity of an optional biking safari. The Masai culture is also an optional feature to visit a Maasai village in the Masai Mara game reserve and enjoy interacting with this intriguing Maasai culture. Below is an 8-day Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and Amboseli camping safari itinerary and prices.

Summary itinerary for our amazing 8 days Joining Group Budget Safari Tour

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

5 Reasons why choose our amazing 8-day budget safari in Kenya?

The post 8 Day Joining Group Budget Safari – Best Kenya Camping Tour appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

Best 3 days Masai Mara Joining Safari – Luxury Group Tour

Overview:

Name: Luxury Joining Kenya safari: Group Kenya road safaris
Safari Type: 3 days Masai Mara safari (Group)
Duration: 3 Days
Start: Nairobi at 7 AM
End: Nairobi at 4 PM

Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris wishes to welcome you to the land of beauty. Enjoy our amazing luxury Kenya safari in Masai Mara for 3 days by road. A safari to Masai Mara gives you a perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent game reserve. You can also include a hot air balloon drive in Masai Mara which will give you lasting memories.

Explore the Mara on rewarding game viewing expedition in our 4×4 land cruiser safari jeeps.

The 3 days masai mara joining safari includes accommodation in luxury lodges, meals, park entry fees, game viewing drives in 4×4 safari jeeps and hotel or airport transfers.

3 days Masai Mara Group Joining Safari luxury highlights

What to Do and See on 3 days Masai Mara Joining Safari

This is an exciting 3 days Masai Mara Joining Group safari takes you to explore the famous Masai Mara game reserve. 3 days Masai Mara safari itinerary ensures you spot the big five, witness the migration of millions of wildebeest, see numerous bird life and other plains games.

Our amazing 3 days Masai Mara lodge safari starts in Nairobi and ends in Nairobi. Within the reserve, you will enjoy your game drives conducted by our professional guide. Spend 2 nights in a luxury lodges on full board basis. On your 3 days visit to Masai Mara, you can also include a hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast and visit the Maasai villages.

RATES:

• NON RESIDENTS: US 760 PER PERSON
• RESIDENTS/CITIZENS: KSHS. 56,000 PER PERSON 

EXTRAS

NON-RESIDENTS

DINING EXPERIENCES

• Evening Sundowner – $30 per person
• Poolside dinner with wine – $40 per person
• Bush dinner- $ 40 per person (Minimum 4 Pax)
• Bush breakfast- $ 40 per person (Minimum 4 Pax)
• Additional lunch – $25 per person

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Safari walk $20 per person
• Maasai Village experience $20 per person
• Balloon Safari – $450 per person
• Tour of the camp – Free of charge
• Exclusive use of vehicle is $250 per day

RESIDENTS

DINING EXPERIENCES

• Evening Sundowner – Ksh 2500 per person
• Poolside Dinner with wine – Ksh 3500 per person
• Bush dinner- Ksh 4000 per person (Minimum 4 Pax)
• Bush breakfast- Ksh 4000 per person (Minimum 4 Pax)
• Additional lunch – Ksh2000 per person

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Safari Walk Ksh 2000 per person
• Maasai Village experience Ksh2000 per person
• Balloon Safari – Ksh 45,000 per person
• Tour of the camp – Free of charge
• Exclusive use of vehicle is Ksh 25,000 per day

Quick Itinerary Overview

A fantastic 3 days masai mara safari to Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, one of Africa’s best game viewing destinations!

This wildlife safari journeys from Nairobi to the beautiful Masai Mara, via the incredibly scenic Great Rift Valley. Arriving at Masai Mara Park we have lunch and embark on a late afternoon game drive.

We spend the whole of day two on game drives in search of the wildlife that makes this one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. The Masai Mara is especially famous for its big cat population and the Great Wildebeest Migration – a wildlife spectacular like none other on earth.

Having experienced a touch of Kenya’s stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, this short 3 days Masai Mara Joining Safari ends back in Nairobi on day three.

Summary

A fantastic 3 days masai mara joining safari takes you to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Masai Mara is one of the best game viewing destinations in Africa.

This 3 days masai mara joining safari journey from Nairobi to the beautiful Masai Mara. You’ll drive via the incredible scenic Great Rift Valley. The Masai Mara is especially well known for its big cat population and the Great Wildebeest Migration – a wildlife phenomena like none other on earth.

So that you may know…

The post 3 Days Masai Mara Joining Safari (Luxury Group Tour) appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

Luxury Safaris Tanzania: 3 days Tanzania Luxury safari Overview:

Name: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Luxury Safari: Safaris Tanzania by Road
Safari Type: Luxury Safaris in Tanzania by Road
Duration: 3 Days
Start: Arusha at 7 AM
End: Arusha at 4 PM

Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris offers you the best of Luxury safaris Tanzania to Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. Enjoy our best 3 Days luxury safaris Tanzania. This amazing safaris Tanzania by road visit Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks where you’ll spend 2 nights in a luxury lodge.

Serengeti National Park is a famous national park found in northwestern Tanzania, it’s one of the oldest national park in Tanzania. The park is famous for the annual migration of over 250000 zebras, crocodiles, honey badger as well as 1.5 million white bearded wildebeest.

Serengeti National Park was made a reserve in 1921 and was established in 1951. The park covers an area of over 14,750 square kilometers of savannah, riverine forest, grassland plains as well as woodlands.

It has got many animal species. They include;

Carnivores: Over 2500 lions, Over 300 leopards,over 400 Cheetahs, Striped hyenas and spotted hyenas

Herbivores: African Bush elephants, African buffalos, Eastern black Rhinoceros, Thomson’s and grant’s gazelles, Wildebeest, Topis, Water bucks, Eland,  Baboons, Eastern African wild dog, Impalas and Maasai giraffes.

Over 500 bird species: Vultures, Love birds, Martial eagles, Crowned cranes, Marabou storks, Kori bastards, Ostriches and Secretary bird.

What to Expect on 3 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Luxury Tour

This exhilarating luxury safaris Tanzania covers two renown destinations in Tanzania. One of them is the all famous Ngorongoro crater. It is also referred to as ‘the Garden of Eden’ due to its dazzling beauty and being a paradise for animals. There are approximately 30,000 animals at any given time within the crater walls.

On the other hand, stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high rift valley escarpment, lake Manyara is a scenic gem. With a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.

Serengeti National Park is one of the most desired destinations in Africa. It has a wide coverage of land that hosts thousands of wildlife and birds. Being home to the famous wildebeest, you can witness the wildebeest migration, the big cats, and many birds species.

Wonders of Africa Safari

Our 3 days Safaris Tanzania to Serengeti and Ngorongoro gives you a short visit, but a more experiencing trip. You can visit Serengeti at any time of the year. In words of Maasai people, Serengeti is the place where lands run forever- indeed. This description goes really well with vast plains other wildlife sanctuaries.

Albeit Africa’s Garden of Eden, The Ngorongoro Crater is not behind in this, it host variety of wildlife including the exceptionally rare black rhinoceros which is commonly renowned for game spotting.

The post 3 Days Luxury Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Tanzania appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

As the Coronavirus Pandemic is spreading globally, the Jamboree Africa team is closely monitoring the outbreak and will continue to provide assistance to travelers. The health and safety of our travelers and partners remain JATS ultimate priority. Below we have created an overview of your rights in times of a virus-outbreak and negative travel advice.

Coronavirus Pandemic Updates

This page will be updated based on new information and the development of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Please note that we are based in Nairobi and, on the advice of the Kenyan authorities, all of our staff are working from home. As a result, we are currently unable to take as many calls as we would and ask for your patience and understanding.

Before the trip

Before the trip: Understand the safety risks and health recommendations of the destination

Please familiarize yourself with the safety risks, health and travel recommendations of the destinations you visit. For the most up to date information contact your foreign office in your home country for advice. For reference, you can also visit the WHO advice page on the novel coronavirus pandemic and the official advice of your local government of health authority.

Travel advice is non-binding.  You are always responsible for your travel choices and decisions.

We strongly recommend taking comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Before the trip: There is no travel warning, can I still travel? 

Our local agencies will execute the trip as they have planned it with you. You can always reach out to them in case you have questions or concerns.

At the moment that you are not willing to travel to the planned destination, you can also contact your local agency. In most cases, our local agencies will be open to postpone or rebook your trip to another destination.

Before the trip: A travel warning has been issued, what happens with my booking?

The situation with Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) and its impact on political borders and movement are unprecedented. As a result, we are reviewing all cancelations on a case-by-case basis. 

We are as flexible as possible with postponements, re-bookings and change of destinations, however, most cancelations will incur charges in line with the cancelation policies of your bookings.

Please reach out to us for assistance. Kindly note that, due to the volume of requests at present, there will be a significant delay in response time. 

We will prioritize travelers by scheduled start dates for all correspondence. Get in touch with us.

Further reading from the World Health Organization on Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19).

Already traveling during the Coronavirus Pandemic

I am already traveling in the destination, what do I need to know?

If there is an outbreak in your destination, please follow the advice of your local authorities.

We recommend you to review the recommendations of the WHO and your local health authority on basic safety measures and precautions for your destinations.

Please familiarize yourself with the details of your travel insurance policy, in particular, the contact details in the event of a medical emergency..

In the case of repatriation (when you must return home during your trip), because of a medical-accident or sickness, travel insurance should kick in and you should directly contact your providers.

When you wish to interrupt your trips and return home without a medical reason, you should also contact your insurance providers. 

Postponement & Change of booking

How can I postpone my trip?

The Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID 19) has brought us a lot of unprecedented circumstances that are beyond our control. It has affected and spread in every corner of the world. It got all of us unaware and made us go through some uncontrollable conditions.

In case you want to postpone your trip, please contact us. Let us know that you intend to travel later and, if you already know a time frame, also inform us about your newly planned travel dates. We will check the bookability of your trip and confirm the itinerary or any needed changes (e.g. due to seasonality).

We are grateful to all those who have rescheduled their safaris to 2021 and 2022. These give hope to our safari operations, tour staff, and a long chain of all our suppliers. We request all those thinking to cancel, that we humbly request that you keep your booking and reschedule to 2021. You are given a Year from the time your safari to start, to choose a date in between to rebook your safari.

Can I move my trip to another destination?

Moving your trip involves canceling your current trip and re-booking another. Cancelation fees would apply. The remaining amount would be refunded in travel credit. Changes are allowed and we will provide you with new itinerary.

If no travel warning has been issued for your travel destination and the itinerary has not been significantly affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), travelers wishing to cancel a booking are subject to standard cancellation policies and fees. 

There is undoubtedly no determined end in sight of the COVID-19 pandemic although global efforts to find vaccine(s) and develop guidelines on how to live with the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) have picked momentum.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya amidst the global covid-19 pandemic?

Our answer is YES. Kenya has been listed among the 80 global destinations certified and authorized to use the “World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) “Safe Travel Stamp” after the destination’s adopted the global COVID-19 health and hygiene standardized protocols.

This stamp allows for the recognition of Kenya as a viable holiday safari destination subject to the implementation of the health and safety protocols.

Our Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) health and safety protocols:

Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris (JATS) has adopted tourism and hospitality protocols on health and safety to mitigate the effects of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and taken responsibility of ensuring that destination Kenya is safe for tourism business.

Protocols for Jamboree Africa offices & staff:

1. All our core staff have valid covid-19 free certification not more than14 days old from a recognized government approved facility at the first time and subsequently maintain the Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) prevention guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant agencies.
2. We have provided approved facemasks, hand sanitizers/hand washing facility with running water and soap at the entrance and at other strategic locations in the premises which   are hygienically operated.
3. We have provided contactless thermometer for body temperature check at the entrance for both staff and visitors.
4. Have documented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for guest Management line with these protocols and MOH’s Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) preventive guidelines as appropriate.
5. We have created and will maintain a register of all staff & drivers.
6. All staff have been instructed to wash or sanitize hands their before and immediately after entering the work premises, after changing into uniforms, after using lockers and frequently while on shift, particularly after touching items or surfaces.
7. All our staff offices have provision for adequate ventilation and maximized via wide openable windows.
8. We have provided visible notices / signages and other sensitization information at the strategic locations/entrance on Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) preventive measures, screening, frequent hand washing and sanitization and mandatory wearing of face masks.
9. We have a Guest/visitors register shall be kept and updated daily and include mobile contact & physical address for ease in contact tracing.
10. We have Integrated technologies to enable automation, such as online, mobile payment and discouraged cash payments.
11. Our wide office doors shall be left/wedged open to reduce surface touching or porters/security shall be deployed to open doors to limit their touching of surfaces.
12. We have provided separate waste bins in each office and at strategic locations and appropriate method for collection and storage of used PPEs to ensure hygienic waste disposal with minimum contact.
13. We have a documented list of emergency contacts, reporting system and evacuation procedures for any arising health related incidents at our offices.
14. We have developed office staff work schedules and shifts and provided the option of working from home for some of our staff.
15. All our public facilities (kitchen, washrooms, lobby/lounge etc) shall adhere to social distancing, frequent cleaning and disinfection and provided with adequate supply of hand washing and sanitizing facilities. Staff have been trained on the same.
16. We have developed cleaning procedures with appropriate disinfectants/sanitizers focusing on guest’s body, luggage, travel documents and high-frequency touch points/surfaces.
17. Office gadgets/equipment headsets, personal computers, desks, telephones are dedicated to one staff member.
18. Guest/visitors register shall be kept and updated daily and should include mobile contact & physical address for ease in tracing. Whenever possible, minimize walk-in clients and encourage online bookings.
19. We will maintain records of sanitized areas/surfaces, detergents used and personnel involved in cleaning and sanitization process.

Protocols for airport transfers, excursions & safari operations:

1. We will ensure that all our safari transfer vehicles are properly cleaned and sanitized during and after each trip/ transfer.
2. We will Provide packed lunches for long drive to avoid unnecessary stop-overs.
3. We shall ensure drivers and guides use suitable communication gadgets for vehicles carrying more than 7 passengers to communicate with guest to avoid turning or shouting to enable them to be heard by guests.
4. We will maintain a register of clients transported or who have interacted with the tour guides.
5. We shall ensure our safari / transfer vehicles are sanitized before the start of each trip and this will include cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces (handrails, door handles, seats etc.) at regular times in the course of trip.
6. Particular attention shall be given to luggage disinfection before and after handling.
7. We shall encourage open windows when weather permits, to allow air circulation in all our safari and transfer vehicles.
8. We will limit the number of staff accompanying guests in every trip – only one driver guide per vehicle.
9. We shall ensure information provided (like tourist map) is stuck on the back of the chairs of the vehicle to minimize contact.
10. Only the driver guide will be permitted to open doors for the clients to minimize touching contaminated surfaces where applicable. The driver shall sanitize the doors before and after opening/closing.
11. We will endeavor to educate office staff, driver guides and customers about their shared responsibility to help protect each other in a Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) environment.
12. Maintain appropriate and reliable list of emergency contacts for rapid assistance in case of health and safety related instances. This list will be stuck in each of our safari/transfer vehicles.
13. We will educate and encourage our guests to minimize /avoid paying using cash at restaurants, curio shops e.t.c. Online, Mobile payment or credit/debit cards encouraged.
14. Disposable approved & quality facemasks and sanitizers shall be made available in the vehicle for use at all times.
15. Our drivers shall not be allowed to make stopover at any other place apart from the prearranged designated point or areas.
16. All our vehicles shall carry a capacity that ensures social distancing between guests travelling together. Land cruisers and similar vehicles the carrying capacity shall not exceed 7 passengers.
17. Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris will only choose partners that are confirmed to comply with existing Government directives for the safe handling of their guests. This includes but is not limited to hotels, airlines, boats e.t.c.
18. Any provided water bottles or items shall be labelled with each guest name to avoid sharing or use by another.
19. Binoculars and cameras shall not to be shared and shall be sanitized regularly.
20. Families, tour groups and couples shall be allocated to a specific vehicle and a guide for the duration of their stay to minimize exposure to other guests and guides.

Commitment To Our Guests And Jamboree Africa Tours and Safaris Team

As Time moves, we are developing the fact that the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID 19) is here to stay. We at Jamboree Africa Safaris are trying to create the best conducive environment for our staff, and our guests when traveling to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zanzibar.

Our different safari destinations are sharing their safari protocols and how we should conduct our safaris. This will be a big difference to what we used to have before the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), and we should adapt to these guidelines. These protocols are still being build and we will keep you posted as time goes by.

Flights To East Africa / Quarantine Procedures

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kigali International Airport are set to open up on 1st Aug 2020. This brings hope to us as we anticipate to receive you back to East Africa for your endless amazing safaris. But again all these depend on guidelines set by the different individual airlines, airports, and countries. Tanzania opened its airport and are accepting international flights. Ethiopian Airways announced they start Tanzania flights on 1st June 2020.

When Land You land in any East African destination, you will be required to produce a 14 days COVID 19 – Coronavirus Pandemic Negative Certificate to show you are free from Corona Virus. You will be subjected to mandatory temp testing at the airports, and when confirmed negative, you will be allowed to continue with your safari, if you are positive, you will be quarantined for 14 days at your own cost.

Please Note, Rwanda has a Mandatory 14 days Quarantine procedure when you land in.

Kenya resumed its flight operations to various countries in the world. Its also receiving flights from various destinations listed on the government website www.kaa.go.ke.

Tanzania is opened too and accepting flights from all over the world.

Uganda remains closed now with no flights accessing the country at the moment. We will keep you updated on any developments.

Looking for countries allowed to fly in Post Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID 19) to Kenya? The Kenyan Government Website has the latest list of countries.

Please read into detail our Safari protocol to keep you up to date with what comes up.

Kenya Quarantine exempted states

Visa, Health and Country requirements

Kenya Mandatory online Travelers Health Surveillance Form to be filled and submitted prior

The post Traveling during the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on Kenya Safaris| Tanzania Safaris| 2020/21.

Jamboree Africa gives updated and verified interesting General Africa Facts. Africa is an amazing continent to visit, as almost every type of habitat is found there/here.
For example:

• It has true deserts such as the Sahara (North Africa) and the Namib (Namibia/ South West Africa).
• It boasts great thirstlands, like the Kalahari (covering much of Botswana, parts of Namibia and regions of South Africa.). A ‘thirstland’ is an arid/dry area where there are big trees, but no surface water.
• It has beautiful mountain ranges like the Drakensburg mountains (Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa) and the stunning Ruwenzori mountains (eastern equatorial Africa, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.)
• It also has large tropical rainforests in its equatorial zone.
• Beautiful green forests on its coasts and on its mountain slopes.
• Vast open grasslands (savannas).
• Breathtaking highland plateaus, like those in Guinea and the Ethiopian Highlands.
• Mangrove swamps along the Indian coast.
• Live and dormant (sleeping) volcanoes in East and Central Africa

Lions Vs Hyenas General Africa facts

Lions and spotted hyenas are fierce enemies — they are Africa’s two top predators and will kill each other — especially the young.

However, both do not have much affect on reducing the numbers of prides of lions or clans of spotted hyena, but both also attacks and kill other competitors — the African wild dog leopard and the cheetah. They do have an impact on their populations — especially the cheetah cubs. About 90-95% of cheetah cubs die before they reach 1 year, and 70% of those are due to the predation of spotted hyenas and lions.

Different species normally ignore each other’s territory, but not lion’s and spotted hyenas — these two will defend their territories like they do against their own species.

Lions and the true hyenas are known to use circling vultures to find a carcass.

The size of spotted hyena clans and lion prides (both are Africas top 2 predators) gives you a good idea of the health of an ecosystem. Those large clans, prides and overall populations reveal that there are plenty of herbivores in that area for them to have large numbers — there is enough food in that area.

And if there are many herbivores that means there is good water and good grass and trees — a healthy ecosystem.

Africa’s two top predators are:

1. Lion.
2. Spotted hyena.

The spotted hyena is not as powerful as the lion — the lion is the alpha as has no natural enemies.

The spotted hyena does have a natural enemy — the lion, but a lion is not as successful in hunting because as powerful as it is, it does not have the spotted hyena’s amazing stamina — it can run for ages and run its prey to exhaustion where it is too tired to fight and run — so it can hunt any size of prey.

Cheetahs Vs Lions and Hyenas General Africa facts

Lions and spotted hyenas are a cheetah’s greatest enemy.

When either of these two appear after a cheetah has killed its prey — there is little a cheetah can do but abandon its prey. In certain areas, as high as 30% of their prey is stolen by these larger and more dangerous predators, and on average (all of Africa) about 15-20%.

This is likely the reason why they hunt during the day and sometimes in Africa’s hottest times, as they avoid the other predators that prefer to rest in the shade during those times. They also eat fast — faster than other predators because they cannot hide their kill.
A cheetah can eat an adult Thomson’s gazelle (their favourite prey) in only 2 hours!

• Luckily, that food-filled belly soon disappears and they are sleek again.

Namaqua chameleon General Africa facts

The Namaqua chameleon is one of the most extraordinary desert adaptations. To heat up, it absorbs the morning sun (as it is cold-blooded), but only on one side of its body — that part (perfectly separated down the length of the middle of its head, body and tail), and that area darkens in colour. The other side remains light in colour to prevent the heat from escaping.

• Namaqua chameleon is found in the western desert regions of Namibia, South Africa and southern Angola.

Warm Blooded Animals General Africa facts

Warm-blooded animals have greater brain power than cold-blooded animals, as warm-blood feeds body tissues to perform at their best. For example, a monkey is more intelligent than a lizard.

All mammals have one thing in common: They have sweat glands that have been modified to produce milk.

Another definition of mammals is the amount of bones connecting their eardrum to their inner ear. Like in birds and reptiles — they have only one bone, whereas mammals have 3 bones.
— The ear bones in mammals are called Malleus. Incus. Stapes.
— The inner bone-ear in a bird is called ‘stapes’.

Impala General Africa facts

When an impala jumps its activated everywhere including the pheromones at the black patch.

What was noticed and rather interesting… The male impala assesses his rivals horns and usually backs off if they look at his gracefully curving horns, but it is not only his rivals… The females were noted to graze alongside the male with better horns.

A male impala will also keep an eye on his girls, and if his spectacular horns are not intimidating enough and a rival comes closer, he will raise his tail, yawning and flicking his tongue.

Impalas are one of the most commonly seen antelopes in certain parts of Africa — especially Southern Africa. These beautiful antelopes are different. Southern Africa boasts 32 species of antelope, but the impala is the only one out of all of them that has metatarsal glands on its hind legs. These glands produce a liquid-like scent, and it is believed it is left on grasses and that so herd members can follow when chased.

Like many animals, impalas cannot see colour, so when they run (usually from something) besides leaving scent (below post) they also raise their tail, showing the following impalas a flash of white and from the now visible white stripes. The black stripes on its rump add to that unmistakable sign of ‘follow me!’.

Springboks General Africa facts

Springboks are both grazers (eat grass) and browsers (eat vegetation from trees and shrubs), and also hardly, if ever, need water as they get water from the vegetation and morning dew.

• Please know the shape of the horns, as some gazelles have similar markings, but not similar horns.

Gazelles jump in the air and often it looks to be for no reason. The true reason for ‘pronking’ or ‘stotting’ is not really known, but the two reasons most used for this show are usually when they have seen a predator approaching them and want to show them they are agile and athletic and very healthy.

The other reason has to do with display — showing the girls just how fit and healthy this stud actually is (the one showing off to them), and his rivals to back off as this healthy ram will flatten them.

Rufous Sengi General Africa facts

The rufous sengi lives like an antelope — a tiny antelope. Instead of living in a nest or burrow, this little mammal (not a rodent) relies on hiding spots in the vegetation. If it spots a predator, like many antelope, it drums its little rear feet on the ground likely to warn mates and young to dash for their well-known hiding spots.

Sengis (or elephant shrew one of the small five) are not a rodent are monogamous (have one mate, usually for life) and hold large territories for their size — 1, 600 – 4, 500 square metres (about an acre). And they fiercely defend it against the same sex — so the females will fight females, and the males will fight males. They fight by first slowly walk around each other (act tough) and then in a blur of fur, they fight, but although vicious, it is over in a few seconds.

Great Rift Valley General Africa facts

Africa’s Great Rift Valley is long. It stretches more than 6, 000 km (3, 700 miles) and along its length lies many lakes. Some of those lakes have few places the water can flow out– so it sits there and the waters become soda lakes, which are high in alkaline mineral salts and temperatures that can reach 60-65 degrees Celsius (140-150 degrees Farenheit). Few living things can survive in that extreme climate. The one that calls this paradise is the lesser flamingo.

Herbivores General Africa facts

Antelopes, goats, cattle, buffaloes and so on, are ‘even-toed ungulates’, as they have an even number of hooves (2 is an even number in mathematics).
So, buffalo and the warthog and above are even-toed ungulates (as 2 is an even number), and rhinos and zebras are odd-toed ungulates (as 1 and 3 are odd numbers — although a zebra is part of the horse family so also had 3 hooves, although we now only see one).

Hooves are like our finger or toe nails, and they are also made of keratin (a hard protein).

Antelopes and the Cape (African) buffalo belong to the same family — Bovidae, but they are not an antelope; the Cape buffalo is a bovine.

Herbivores Vs Carnovores General Africa facts

Here is another addition to the confusion regarding carnivores, but this has more to do with herbivores. We tend to think only carnivores and omnivores have canines (used mainly to pierce– stab), and herbivores do not have them. Not so, as some herbivores have them, for example the gorilla. It is a herbivore and yet has fearsome canines.
Huh?!

Animals cannot carry weapons around so they evolved to never need to do that and have ‘built-in’ weapons, like teeth and claws (mainly).
And also needed to tear some fleshy plants — like tubers and roots.
So, some herbivores have canines for three reasons —

1. Defense.
2. Fighting.
3. Eating certain plants.

Carnivores sleep longer than herbivores.
Herbivores are awake for longer because they need to be awake as long as possible to get enough food and energy.

• A gorilla is a herbivore and does not eat any meat.

African Meerkat General Africa facts

A female meerkat is pregnant for 60-70 days, and once the little pups are born, they will remain in the dark and safe burrow for about 19 days before greeting the sun for the first time.

A meerkat belongs to the mongoose family, and they are omnivores because besides eating insects, small reptiles, birds, eggs, scorpions and spiders, they also eat fruits and plants, like this little guy found an apple, but I bet he is more interested in the insects wiggling in and around it, like beetles.

In some parts of Africa, mainly on the border separating Zambia and Zimbabwe, meerkats are adored and called ‘sun angels’ and they are believed to protect villages.

Meerkats can dig a lot! As much dirt as their own body weight in only a couple of seconds.

Plants General Africa facts

Without plants we would have no animals — no herbivores (eat plants) and omnivores (eat meat and plants) means no carnivores (eat meat). Please take a moment — just 10 seconds, and close your eyes. Now, imagine a world with no animals, and that includes insects.

Anything that is part of the animal kingdom is an animal — including us, as we are primates. One of the great apes.
Now, close those eyes, breathe deeply and imagine that type of world…

Home ranges vs. territories General Africa facts

Some basic differences:

• A territory is an area which is defended.
• Animals that do not defend their area they inhabit from other animals of the same species, is a home range.
• A territory is usually a smaller area than a home range.
  Examples: Elephants have home ranges and lions have territories.

Honey badgers General Africa facts

Honey badgers are not part of the hyena family — hyenidae, but the two species share something physical in common.

They both have anal pouches that secrete a foul-smelling oil-like substance that they use for defense, but more often used to mark their territories — it is believed that honey-badgers use this suffocating smell to calm bees when they raid their hive.

African Savannas General facts

The African savannas are one of the hottest areas in the world. In environments like this, animals have adapted to these extreme temperatures and it is usually noticed the most in the shape of their ears.
In cold climates, animals tend to have small ears that are close to their body.

In hotter environments, some animals have far bigger ears so that its surface can support a larger area of blood vessels. So, these important networks of blood vessels cool the blood, which circulates the body, by allowing cool air to pass over them (thereby cooling the blood — which cools the body temperature).

Bush fires General Africa facts

Bush fires are often accidental, and this natural bushfire, although it looks devastating — especially out in the dry savannas — it is a good thing as it necessary to balance the ecosystem — it clears areas, enabling new, nutritious vegetation to grow — it also kills invasive plant species and a few other points.

The birds love it, especially the rollers diving for insects that are trying to escape the flames. It is beautiful, but scary when you see these flashes of blue and other attractive colours (birds), diving among flashes of orange (flames).

Well, it was, but climate change has made the air drier, and that normal bushfire that is controlled by the natural elements, now rages out of control, and eats up and destroys a lot more than the ecosystem can allow.Natural bushfires can occur by lightning strikes, but unnatural bushfires can occur by poachers trying to flush out prey

Alligators, Caimans and Crocodiles General Africa facts

Alligators and caimans are not native to Africa and nest differently to crocodiles (that are found in Africa).

Alligators and caimans have proper nests — where they collect vegetation in piles, near water. They then lay their eggs on these nests — similar to birds, but cover the eggs with more vegetation..

Most crocs, though, dig holes in the sand also near water — like a turtle and deposit their eggs in the hole and then cover it up and wait.
All of them guard their eggs.

You do not find caimans in Africa (caiman crocodiles). Some may argue that there is indeed a caiman in Africa. The African caiman. That is the (West) African dwarf crocodile .

The African dwarf crocodile is a burrower — just like certain mammals — like the meerkats.

During the day, it rests in them, and usually comes out at night to hunt — it is active at night so it is a ‘nocturnal’ animal. In some areas, you might find them around during the day, but they kind of hide in isolated pools, or under tree roots in the water, or between roots at the water’s edge.

This is a vulnerable species (conservation status), and despite this it is still hunted and besides for meat it is also hunted for its skin. The skin of this croc. is of low quality, and the seller only finds this out when he is trying to sell it and no one buys.

Seahorse General Africa facts

The seahorse looks like a 100% harmless creature from a Fairy-tale book.
It also looks so innocent and fragile that we naturally assume this marine creature is a prey species… In fact, this proves how looks can be deceiving, because this ethereal little animal is actually a predator — and a sly and stealthy one at that.

You see that little, almost transparent fin on its lower back?
Well, that fin flutters at 30-40 times a second! The seahorse is so well camouflaged it moves through the shallows and seaweed undetected, and then surges forward astonishingly fast (thanks to that fin) to snatch a passing little fish.

Crickets General Africa facts

Crickets have ears, and do you know where you find them? A really bizarre place. Their ears, situated on their front legs! To be more precise… A swelling just below their knee on the front legs — that is their ‘ear’. Weird!

African Penguin General Africa facts

Overfishing is an important reason for destroying the rare and endangered African penguin.

Feathers are better at insulating — they keep the bird warm, far better than fur ever could (no matter how thick it is) and proof of this is that we only find one animal in the freezing temperatures of the coldest points of the Antarctic — The Antarctic icecaps, the coldest place on earth. In that terribly hostile environment, only a certain bird lives and survives. The tallest and heaviest penguin — the emperor penguin.

Beautiful Mountain Ranges in South Africa

One of Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges is found in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The Drakensburg mountains — called ‘uKhahlamba’ by the Zulu Nation — that word means ‘barrier of spears’, and in this area vultures soars so high, they are believed to see into the future. The vulture is an important animal to the Zulu Nation, so important that she is the Zului’s Mother Nature and gave birth to the Zulu Nation — the vulture gives life, but also eats death. A magical and sacred animal.

Tropical Rainforests General Africa facts

West and East Africa has tropical rainforests — more so West Africa, but both these areas was mostly covered by dense forests. Gorillas occupy an area (includes Central Africa) is called the ‘Hagenia zone’. Although this area is large, they are stranded here and are unable to move out of this area.

Africa Continent General Africa facts

Africa is an ancient Continent and proof of that is found in many parts of this huge but mysterious continent. In East Africa, we find truly ancient trees — These great trees are the East African yellow woods, red stinkwood and the ancient hog gum tree that has a history that can trace back 45 million years (the tree we see are not 45 million years old — their history can be traced that far back).

• Hog gums are now found in the New World.

Giraffes and Zebras General Africa facts

These are captive animals and having them living together is totally normal, as in the wild giraffes are often seen in the company of a herd of zebras. The zebras have an excellent sense of smell, and the giraffes have brilliant eyesight so together, they are great at spotting an approaching predator.

Animal Relationships General Africa facts

Some animal’s close relationship to other living animals is bizarre — like the hippo. Its closest living relative is cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises. That is why a group of hippos is called a ‘pod’- just like a group of cetaceans.

Horns General Africa facts

Horns are bony outgrowths of the skull and they are covered with keratin (a hard protein) — the same substance that makes whiskers, feathers, fur and hooves.
Although we call the ‘horn’ on a rhino a rhino horn — it is actually not a horn because it has no bone in it. It is completely keratin — dense hairs.There is no bone in the centre, unlike true horns.

African Deer General facts

We tend to believe no deer exist in Africa, but that is not completely true because a smaller sub-species of the red deer are native to North Africa — The Barbary stag, also known as the Atlas deer (Atlas mountains).

• This deer is classified as an endangered animal.

Did you know dear they have no gall bladder.

The world’s biggest deer are the moose (native to North America and called ‘elk’ in Europe), and the world’s biggest antelope are the elands (native to Africa).

Meat – General Africa facts

Meat is muscle, and out of all the foods, meat is the most energy-packed foods — perfect food for the energy needed for carnivores.

Nutrients and Minerals General Africa facts

Animals need minerals in their diet, some dig for them in caves, some dig for them in the soil and so on, but some travel great, dangerous distances to add them to their diet. We often are amazed at one of the world’s most spectacular mass migrations — the Serengeti migration, but few of us know that one of the reasons for their migration is their need for minerals.

In the Serengeti they are content because this is volcanic soil, so loaded with minerals, but then the rains begin to fail towards the end of May. The grass withers and the waters grow scarce.

They move away and migrate towards the Masaai Mara plains in Eastern Kenya. Here, the patchy rains have produced tall grass and water is available, but then towards the end of the year — they begin to move from this area. However, what is strange is that they choose to leave when the rains begin and new growth occurs. Why?

It is because these lands have a low Phosphorous content — that important and precious mineral can only be found in the newly sprouting grass of the Serengeti in Tanzania (where this journey began), where they were forced to leave 6 months earlier because the grass began to wither and die.
They return, so the cycle continues.

Female animals need minerals to produce milk to feed their young.

Cat Family – General Africa facts

All the cat species found in North and South America, Asia, Europe and Africa are solitary hunters. All of them hunt alone, except for one cat. The lion.

Blue Whale – General Africa facts

We think the biggest animal to ever live on earth was one of the dinosaurs… Nope. It is a mammal, and the greatest part is that it still lives on earth — This amazing animal is the blue whale! This is truly a giant, and one and a half times bigger than the biggest dinosaur to ever walk the earth. The blue whale was once abundant in nearly all the oceans on Earth until the end of the 19th century. It was hunted almost to the point of extinction by whaling until the International Whaling Commission banned all hunting of blue whales in 1967.

They are still found in most seas — all major ocean basins, except the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean, although blue whales have been sighted near the ice edge in the North Atlantic.

Although this great mammal managed to avoid extinction, this great and gentle blue whale is still an endangered species and there are five subspecies, and some of them are critically endangered.

Camels General Africa facts

Camels were domesticated 6, 000 years ago, and due to their early domestication. There are no truly wild camels in existence today.

African Hunters Facts General Africa facts

Hunters need weapons like butchers need tools.
Carnivores have teeth a set of teeth not found on grass eaters — these teeth are the hallmarks of a carnivore. The carnassial teeth — further back in the jaw, but before the crushing and grinding flat teeth (the molars). These strong teeth are used to cut up the meat — slice up the meat like garden secateurs.

African Wild Pigs – General Africa facts

We do not think of pigs as grass eaters, but in Africa, the giant forest hog is mainly a grass eater. The giant forest hog is considered the largest of the wild pig species. This wild pig is found in Central and West Africa, and although their numbers are decreasing, at the moment, they are listed as ‘least concern’.

Moth Vs Butterfly General Africa facts

One of the differences to note between butterflies and moths is their antennae.
— Most butterflies have a clubbed antennae (like a weirdly shaped ball at the end of their antennae).
— Moths have usually have straight or feathery antennae.
The adults of both species have a long mouthparts — they suck up liquids through a curled/coiled tube called a ‘probiscus’.

Do you know moths and butterflies’ wings are made from scales? Scales so fine, they rub off like dust. Under a microscope, those tiny scales fit as tightly together, and resemble, roof tiles.

Ethiopian/Kenyan Border – General Africa facts

On the Ethiopian/Kenyan border lies the largest desert lake in the world: Turkana. 3 rivers flow into this lake, and usually lakes have an outlet, but here, the waters do not flow out — they remain here. It is so hot here that the excess water just evaporates into the air. Evidence of this river once connected to the mighty Nile river is its reptilian inhabitants — Nile turtles and one of Africa’s largest populations of Nile crocodile — about 15, 000 of them, and some are enormous and reach 18 feet!

Ethipian Wolf and African Squirrels – General Africa facts

You know that squirrels store their extra food, like acorns, for when they need them. This ‘storing’ behaviour is shared with the Ethiopian wolf. If this rare canine catches more mole or grass rats than it can eat, it buries them in the ground for a later feast.

The Vibrant ‘Gray Wolf’ – General Africa facts

This is also called the ‘timber wolf’ or ‘common wolf’. The fearless and vibrant hunter is native to North America.

They are the largest members of the wild dog family and only fear Tiger and humans. They mostly hunt hoofed mammals — the antelopes, especially deer. They also prey on birds, snakes and lizards. The gray wolf can stay for a week without eating.

They have a highly organized social structure called a ‘pack’ usually of about 12-15 members of one family. This ‘pack’ bonded relationship enhances their hunting and territorial defense abilities. The pack is dominated by an alpha male and only mate with the alpha female within the pack — they are the breeders in the pack. Every member of the pack has a hierarchical role to perform.

They have fur, which ranges in colour, but the common shade is ‘tawny brown’. Females have a smoother fur than males. They make a loud sound in the form of barking known as “howl” which can travel for several miles

Wolves and African hunting dogs

The main hunter of the pack is the alpha female, so besides being the breeder, she also leads and provides so killing/hunting the alpha female is devastating on a pack.

Sea Cow (Dugong) – General Africa facts

A sea-cow has an undemanding and relaxed life. These gentle animals inhabit shallow and warm waters — the Dugong is an entirely marine mammal and lives in the south and south-west Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Its close cousin, the manatee, lives in the Amazon swamps and the winding streams of Florida and West African rivers. In the West Indies, they feed off the plants along their coast.

African Warthog – General facts

The African Warthog is a herbivore and eats tubers, leaf bases of grass, bark of trees and roots. It eat while kneeling coz it does not have a neck the head is directly connected to the chest. Its one of the ugly five

Fennec fox – General Africa facts

The Fennec fox hunts in an undog-like way. Other canids generally use their sense of smell to locate their prey, but to do that they need moisture in the air to carry scents — the Sahara is too dry for that, so this cute fox relies on its enormous ears to hear insects.

The carnivorous mammal that has the biggest litters is the Arctic fox — it can have up to 18 pups!

Bat eared fox

This is another misunderstood animal and often killed for thinking they killed something.
Like the Aardwolf, if you see them eating a carcass, there is a 99% chance they are eating the insects found between the flesh.
The majority of the bat-eared fox’s diet consists of small invertebrates such as ants, termites, spiders, scorpions and crickets. They will also eat small birds, mammals and reptiles, and even desert truffle.

Rabbit General Africa facts

When you see a pet rabbit eating its own poop — do not stop it and yell. “Disgusting!” This is a perfectly natural and a very important part of their digestion process. A rabbit digests (or eats) the vegetation a second time.
The first time passes through and the partially, smaller and softer digested droppings are quickly eaten again, and this time round it extracts all the important nutrients.

This, usually occurs at night when they are in their burrow, a few hours later, when it is foraging outside, they litter the ground with their normal, drier droppings (for good this time).

Striking differences between Hares and Rabbits – General Africa facts

Some people know, but most people, including students of wildlife ecology don’t know the differences between a hare and a rabbit. They look similar but they are entirely different from each other. Although they are of the same family — ‘Leporidae’ but don’t breed with each other in their natural habitats.
Some of the striking differences between them are:

1. Hares are larger, possess longer ears and less social than rabbits. This behaviour of being less social by the hares came about the term “harebrained” — meant as an insult to a low mental capacity individual.
2. Rabbits run slower and always prefer to hide in burrows, but hares run much faster and cover a distance of 60 Km/hour. This speed makes the hares “poor pets”.
3. The gestation period of rabbits is about 33 days, they give birth to their babies blind and without any fur, but hares have about 42 days gestation period, give birth to their babies with fur and opened eye

Leaves – General Africa facts

Leaves are extremely poor food, and contain cellulose (Cellulose is the main substance in the walls of plant cells, helping plants to remain stiff and upright). No animal, that has a stomach, can break it down and therefore, some animals have adapted — like the gorilla, as leaves are the main part of its diet, has digestive bacteria that can break it down.

Another point to note, is that the sap (juice) in leaves has little nutritional value and is not that much, anyway. Cellulose makes up the biggest part of the leaf.

So, all animals that eat a large amount of leaves have plenty of bacteria in their digestive system to help them digest this tough vegetation — they also take a long time to digest.

Leaves also have a low energy content, and once again we mention the gorilla as an example (they are, after all, great examples) — luckily, the gorilla does not move around that much so hardly uses energy!

Grasses

Grasses keep most animals alive — the herbivores feed off grasses and the carnivores feed off the herbivores. So, grasses are important and they have evolved to protect themselves in wonderful ways to prevent their disappearance, and that has a domino effect on ecosystems. The most noticeable is those long strands running along the ground. The best example of that is Kikiyu grass. When you pull one clump out, a whole lot trails with it — all joined by a long stem.

They grew these long horizontal stems so close to the ground, they are often hidden to prevent sharp teeth or muscular muzzles nipping/eating them. These stems are important, because from that new grass sprouts and those grow and feed the hungry herbivores.

All grasses are tough to eat and digest, so the animals that survive eating this vegetation, all have strong teeth to grind them down into smaller pieces — which make this vegetation, or any food, easier to digest. However, some animals have something extra… A compartmental stomach, where a section/s is used to further the chewing/digestion process before it goes into the intestines. An example of that is when some animals relax to chew the cud.

Mole Rats – General Africa facts

Mole rats are smart and considerate. When they come across a juicy root or tuber underground, they make sure they do not eat the entire root or tuber — or a big part of it. They eat only a little so that the plant still grows and offers them an almost regular supply of food.

Mole-rats are interesting in that they do not really use their front teeth for food, but for making tunnels, which they are brilliant at. For this reason, their front teeth protrude (stick out of their mouth more) and are longer than other rodents. However, they have another great quality to that mouth. Their lips. Their furry lips are situated behind those teeth, and therefore, they can close and seal the mouth to prevent dirt and sand entering.

Wild Animal Eyes General Africa facts

The shape of an animal’s pupil gives you a good idea of where they belong:

• The horizontal pupils are great to always keep the ground in focus and have a panoramic-view to see approaching predators. So, a prey animal.
• The round pupil, generally animals higher up from the ground have them, like gorillas and elephants. Some predators also have them, like eagles, that need to pinpoint prey from great distances.
• The vertical pupil, ambush predators have them as this shape allows them (like cats can sometimes narrow their round pupil into this shape when stalking) optimal judgement of distance.

Eagle’s exceptional eyesight

Eagles have one of the strongest eyesights in the animal Kingdom. Their sight is 4-8 times stronger than that of an average human. The size of the eye is known to be larger than its brain, in terms of weight — not just the size. It can spot an animal about 3.2 Km away. Hence, any sharp-sighted human has always been referred to as having ‘eagle eyes’.

• The size of their eye is roughly the same size as a human’s eye.

Elephants and Rhinos General Africa facts

Elephants and rhinos are so important to clear land, and what we see as destruction; the ecosystem loves it. Let us take for example a lovely patch of grass out in the savanna. The wind blows a seed from the forest, and this seed lands on their ground. It takes root and grows and grows. The poor grass needs all the water it can get, especially in the dry season, and here is this bush or young tree (a sapling) stealing its water.

However, what is worse, its spreading leaves are also taking the grass’ light. The grass retreats from its shade to grow in the light, leaving a bare patch of earth under the bush or tree. Now, imagine there are a few more.

The bushes or trees continue to grow, causing more herbivores to suffer with less grass to eat. However, nature balances it and brings in the elephants which are big and powerful enough to tear down trees and black rhinos to feed on the shrubs. Also, they all — including white rhinos, are big enough to create pathways and trample bushes that are not meant to be there.

African Grazers General Africa facts

Wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and hartebeest are often seen grazing together and we automatically believe they are eating the same grass. They are not. Each species has its favourite food and often they do not like the different plants/grasses their close neighbour is eating, and some prefer long grasses — like zebra, and some prefer shorter grass — like the wildebeest and even shorter for the hartebeest, and the most gazelles like the new shoots of grass.

They also differ in the age of the plant — some prefer the new shoots — like some gazelles, and some prefer the older plant or grass like the zebra.
So, none of them are competing for the same food. There is no competition and that is why they get along with one another so well!

Eggs General Africa facts

Eggs have to be waterproof to survive, and nature ensures that happens. On their way down, the eggs pass through a duct that has special glands in its walls and they secrete a fluid and that hardens into hard shell, or parchment (like in some reptile eggs) before the egg greets the world.

Birds lay eggs, and that they inherited from reptiles. Some species of reptiles can do both, actually lay eggs or have the eggs develop in their body and give birth to live young, like certain sharks, snakes, seahorses (examples), but not birds. Birds are different, and this makes them unique among vertebrates (‘vertebrates’ are animals with a spine), because all birds lay eggs.

Bonsai Apple Tree – General Africa facts

Another fascinating photo from ‘Our Earth’. A little Bonsai apple tree. Although it has been pruned and trained to grow like a perfect, miniature tree — it still bears fruit of the regular size! Bonsai trees (miniature trees) are quite capable of growing full-size fruit which you can eat.

Genet – General Africa facts

The solitary Genet is one of the few animals that can travel through the trees like water running over rocks. They look as if they are flowing from one branch to another as they move with such grace, speed and agility because of their sharp claws. They keep them so sharp because they can retract them into their paws to prevent them from becoming blunt.

Otter – General Africa facts

Although they look like they practically live in water, most species of otter spend more time on land.

Elephants and Giraffes General Africa facts

Although the African elephant is heavier, the giraffe has the largest heart of all living land animals. It weighs 11 kg (25 pounds) and 24 inches long (61 cm).

Elephants, like giraffes, do not have ‘blood-battles’, but have fights of strength. These fights look fierce, but only rarely is a rival killed or seriously injured (a tusk might be broken).
The elephant has the largest brain of all living land animals.

The ant that sings – General Africa facts

There is another predatory ant in Africa — called the ‘megaponera’ ant (this is not the ‘driver’ ant, but also rather vicious). The easier name to remember is the ‘Matebele ant’. They are called that because of the Matebele tribe, who, in days long gone, were aggressive warriors — greatly feared by their neighbours.

Every morning they send out scouts to locate a termite mound. The Matabeles food are termites, and even though the soldier termites are big and powerful, they are no match for the Matabele’s aggression.
A colony of a few hundred ants, some also nearly as big and powerful, follow the scent trail left by their scouts.

They can march for a few hundred metres and make a rustling chorus of a sound — by rapidly jerking their abdomens up and down, and rubbing the front file-like ridges on a spike on their waist. They ‘sing’ until they reach their prize — a termite mound. After their raid, the file home carrying the dead termites and like triumphant warriors after a battle

Spiders General Africa facts

Spiders are not insects — they are built differently. Spiders belong to a group called ‘arachnida’ and this group also includes ticks, mites and scorpions.

Wolf spiders are wanderers and are often seen travelling along the floor to search for prey –that is how they got their name — stalking prey like a wolf. Do not fear them, because wolf spiders are not harmful to humans.
In this family, you also find large spiders like the well-known tarantula spider.

• Tarantulas are not native to Africa.

Primates – General Africa facts

Many animals use their limbs for grabbing things — but none are as dextrous at it as those of the higher primates, like monkeys and apes. Their fingertips can pinpoint surfaces and are highly sensitive. This together with a larger brain, in comparison to their size, makes them quite capable of manipulating objects around them.

The largest nocturnal primate in the world is found Madagascar, and it happens to be the strangest looking one — the harmless and mysterious aye-aye (related to lemurs).

Pygmy Shrew General Africa Facts

The smallest mammal on the planet is the pygmy shrew (also known as the Eurasian shrew), and so tiny it battles to fight a beetle.

• This is a widespread shrew of northern Eurasia. It is the only shrew native to Ireland.
  Classified as a mammal of ‘least concern (conservation status).

Brown Rat General Africa facts

The most widely spread mammal in the world is the brown rat (also looks grey), but it did not reach that status on its own — it only reached that milestone with the help of another omnivore: The human.

Grasslands Names – General Africa facts

Grasslands in different countries are each called something else.

• In South America, they are called ‘pampas’.
• In North America, they are called ‘prairies’ or ‘plains’.
• In Europe, they are called ‘plains’
• In Asia, they can be called ‘plains’ but also ‘steppes.
• In Africa, they are called the ‘savannas/savannahs’.

Frogs General Africa facts

We think of frogs and immediately imagine near water, or perched on a lily leaf… Not the rain frog. This little frog stays away from any kind of pond, puddles, permanent water. It dislikes them so much, they have a bit of a phobia about them. Understandably so, as they would never be able to perch, like other frogs can on aquatic vegetation. Even when not puffed up (they only do that for defense), they are still too rotund (round) to keep balance — even the smallest ripple can knock off and send the little frog into the water.

Frogs are not Toads

Both frogs and toads are amphibians — which means they live in both water and on land. Although, they both belong to the same Scientific classification — Order Anura, they however, have striking differences on a closer examination. Some of those differences are:

• Frogs have longer legs with a smooth slimy skin while toads have shorter legs with a dry rough skin.
• Toads lay their eggs in long strands while frogs lay theirs in clusters like a bunch of grapes.
• All toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. This is because, frogs only survive in water and near water environments, but toads in addition to water, also move around in drier environments like gardens.
• Male frogs guard their eggs, but toads don’t guard their eggs, they rely on their poisonous secretions to defend intruders.
• Some species of frogs are edible and taste like fish, but toads are not edible because of the poisonous glands on their skin.

Arizona spadefoot

The Arizona spadefoot toad has amazing skin. It is dry in its area, especially in dry times, so it has a cacoon-like skin to prevent it drying out and burrows into the soil during the dry period and digs out once the rains have arrived the following summer.

Insects General Africa facts

Some insects mimic others — they look so like them even some expert entomologists (study insects) sometimes cannot tell the one copying apart from the real one. They usually do this to fool predators — for example, you might get a harmless insect that looks like a highly poisonous insect and this is so that predators leave them alone.

The first creatures to fly were insects, and that was about 330 million years ago. However, before that they dominated the earth for about 70 million years. So, insects have been around longer than most realise — about 400 million years!

Cape Fur Seal – General Africa facts

The Cape fur seal do things a bit differently… The bigger the bull does not mean it gets the most females, as we would expect, but the better ‘seafront property’, but that is where the ladies prefer to hang out — so, that is why we use the word ‘bit’. Breeding bulls (male seal) are big — about 200 kg (440 pounds)

Leopard Seal General Africa Facts

Like a cat, the leopard seal usually plays with its prey before eating it.

The leopard seal is the largest seal found in Antarctica and preys on penguins, but also hides from view and waits for young seals to take their first swim. Many young seals (about 80%) bear scars from their frightening encounter with the huge leopard seal. Although they do not hunt humans, swimming with them is a scary thing for a photographer as they will often try to bite the shiny camera lens — thinking it is a rival that is competing for their prey.

Bovids General Africa facts

The Bovidae comprise the biological family of cloven-hoofed, ruminant vertebrates that includes bison, African buffalo, water buffalo, antelopes, sheep, goats, muskoxen, and domestic cattle. A member of this family is called a bovid.

As we know Bovids are the largest family of hoofed mammals. In the world we have 279 different species in the world. In this family you have one of the biggest size difference between species of ungulates (odd-toed ungulates — like rhinos, as they have 3 toes and even-toed ungulates — like antelopes as they have two toes).

Why we say there is a huge difference in the sizes of species is because we find the Cape buffalo, some can weigh 1 tonne, and then way down the smallest antelope in the world, the Royal antelope found in West Africa, may only weigh 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds).

Thomson’s gazelle. Some may say, but that is a gazelle; not an antelope.

Gazelles are antelopes.

Antelopes and buffaloes belong to the same family: Bovidae, the biggest and most diverse family group of hoofed mammals (called ‘ungulates’).

Mosquitos General Africa facts

Mosquitos have 47 teeth.. Mosquitos have the same basic mouthparts as other insects and like them lack teeth. However, the mouthparts of female mosquitoes have evolved into elongate mouthparts that are specialized for feeding on vertebrate blood. When the mosquito bites, the structures that pierce the skin consist of a pair of needle-like structures called “stylets.” Each stylet is made of a mandible, which is pointy, and a maxilla, which has ridges like a saw

Ox-peckers – General Africa facts

Want to see something strange?
It looks like this giraffe is eating an ox-pecker…
It is not; the ox-pecker is cleaning its teeth (eating the plant matter between its teeth).

You will usually find ox-peckers near, or on animals — ridding them of annoying parasites. Some of these birds have red bills, and some have mainly yellow bills — hence the different names. Red-billed oxpecker and yellow-billed oxpecker.

However, they do prefer blood, but these birds do not make wounds, but they sure take advantage of the wounds caused by an infestation of ticks, battle wounds and so on. They try to keep these wounds open, so that the blood still flows — however, animals, especially hippos, have a thin skin, so do not like it and get rid of them when the pecking gets a bit much. So, although these birds are brilliant in relieving the hosts from parasites — they are actually parasites, themselves.

The oxpeckers have a symbiotic type of relationship with the buffalo. They help these animals in limiting the parasites on their body surface.

However, the oxpecker will pick the wounds of animals keeping them open and drinking the blood of animals.

An adult oxpecker can consume 100 swollen ticks in a day or 12,000 of their larvae.

Their legs are short to get the bird close to the skin. The feet is actually adapted for clinging to the sides of the herbivore

The Aardvark – General Africa facts

The Aardvark has powerful forelegs, and also strong and tough claws. These features allow them to dig into the earth at a phenomenal speed — these unusual and gentle animals are not anteaters as we know them, but they belong to their own family, and yes, they also eat termites and ants… But, this one is a little different, as it is the only animal that feeds on a kind of underground fruit — The Aardvark cucumber.

• It is not at all shaped like a cucumber!

Living in Captivity Vs Wild – General Africa facts

Some of you may wonder why animals live longer in captivity than in the wild? If you think about it, it makes complete sense. Animals in captivity are in a safe and controlled environment (should be, but unfortunately there are a very few out there that are terrible places for any kind of animal).

The captive animals do not have to look for food, hunt, open to be hunted/predation, the harsh climates they are not exposed to, and a few more benefits. This all leads to them living full and healthy lives — not possible out in the wild.

The Congo Basin – General Africa facts

The part of Africa that has the most animals also has the most biodiversiy. ‘Biodiversity’ is a word which means ‘a variety of plants and animals.
This area straddles the equator and is the Congo Basin.

• Gorillas are probably its most popular inhabitants.

Conservation of Wildlife Specimens – General Africa facts

When we mean wildlife, most people only often think about the fauna (animals), but it also includes the flora (plants). So, the protection of wildlife fauna and flora for sustainable benefits is termed ‘conservation’.

It can be ex-situ or in-situ conservation. Ex-situ conservation entails “off site”, that is, protection of wildlife specimens outside their natural environment. Examples of such are: conservation practices in Zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens — usually a confined environment to save some endangered species from possibly becoming extinct.

In-situ conservation is “one site” –the practice of protecting wildlife specimens in their natural environment — here, there’s no confinement, wildlife interactions are not limited. Examples of such are: National parks and game reserves.

*The conservation statuses of wildlife species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is to keep us abreast on their state

Deers Vs Antelopes – General Africa facts

Sometimes we might get confused between antelopes and deer — there are a few differences, but the easiest to see is by their horns. Antelopes do not have branched horns.

Pronghorn General Africa facts

The Pronghorn is sometimes called an ‘antelope’. It is not an antelope, it belongs in its own family. A family different to antelopes.

• Reminding of above post — an antelope does not have branched horns.

A pronghorn is native to North America, and it is related to a giraffe because a giraffe is an ungulate (a hoofed mammal). So, therefore, all hoofed animals are related, but in different families. Like the pronghorn, giraffe, goat, sheep, various antelopes and do on, all are in different families.

• Antelopes are only found mostly in Africa, but some also inhabit Eurasia.

Mammalian Carnivores – General Africa facts

All mammalian carnivores belong in two divisions — cat-like and dog-like.

The word ‘carnivore’ as a classification belongs to a group of supposedly ‘meat-eating’ animals that causes confusion. One expert, let us say, who lectures and studies this order of mammals might say one thing, but then another equally qualified will say another, similar but different observation.

For example, in the order ‘Carnivore’ we usually believe all mammalian (mammals) carnivores have carnassial teeth, those strong and sharp teeth behind the canines, and in front of the molars and used to cut through meat, are not found in Aardwolf (eats almost entirely termites) or Giant pandas (mainly eats bamboo) — despite what you think, they are classed as carnivores. Confusing, hey?

And then… Not all carnivores eat meat, like the jackal — its diet consists of meat and fruit, but it is a carnivore and not an omnivore.
The classification and evolutionary history are something still hotly debated, still discussed and still disagreed upon by scientists.

Wildlife Population Classification

The IUCN , places animals in different categories or classifications depending on their population, but tied into if they are in threat of extinction. Those categories/classifications from least worrying (although, any of these listings is extremely troubling) to extremely worrying:

• Near threatened.
• Vulnerable.
• Endangered.
• Critically endangered.

The IUCN (WORLD’S LARGEST CONSERVATION UNION — VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND STANDARDS) has 3 conservation objectives:

1. Secure biological diversity, make sure all the species, animals (fauna) and plants (flora) keep the ecosystems alive and healthy.
2. To use the world’s recourses wisely, not stripping coal, or minerals and destroying all life.
3. To guide/show human communities towards a good quality life, that is in harmony (agreement) with nature.

Bongo General Africa facts

Both Bongo species are forest antelope and both are endangered — one more than the other and that was the Eastern or mountain bongo.

1. The Western or lowland bonga. The one we see the most. It is found in the forest zone of the equator, and in some areas to the north of it — this bongo is endangered.
2. Mountain or Eastern lowland bongo. It occupies a small part of Africa. A tiny part — the mountain forests of Kenya. This is a very rare antelope and much seriously endangered. This bongo is critically endangered.

Termites – Social Engineers

In wildlife ecology, termites are important biological engineers due to their roles in aerating the soil (getting air into the soil) and increasing humus content to become richer and ensure healthy soil and crops (compost — termites get dry leaves and other organic materials into the soil. It is an extremely important part of the soil — besides releasing important nutrients to keep the soil healthy, it also helps keep the moisture and minerals in the soil). Termites are known as social insects and bioengineers.

Termites are called social insects because they exhibit a functional division of labour among themselves. They are divided into four subgroups known as castes– Soldiers, Workers, Queen and the special King, apart from the winged reproductives. The soldiers attack and defend their habitat, the King fertilizes the numerous eggs laid by the Queen and the workers build their habitat (house) known as TERMITARIUM or ANTHILL.

Termites don’t sleep, they are awake 24 hours constantly carrying out their different activities.

Marsupials

The earliest mammalian predators were marsupials. An opossum-like creatures with pointy snouts and big ears – small about the size of smaller rats, shrews and mice. These animals lived a long time on earth, and dominated the southern continents for 30 million years.

Cats – General Africa facts

There are 36 wild cat species found on earth, and they are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

African Dik-dik General Africa Facts

Dik-diks are one of Africa’s most adorable looking antelopes. And their most distinctive physical characteristics is their long and pointed snout. In some sub-species this can look like a little trunk — similar to the South American tapir.

Dik-diks live in hot and dry places — in the bushlands of the Horn of Africa, the Eastern and Southwestern part of Africa, they need to keep cool, and that is when that elongated (long) snout comes in…

It is a major mechanism for cooling the blood. From the other parts of the body, arterial blood flows to the moist membranes in the nose and mouth.
It pants quite a bit, which causes a continuous stream of air to pass over these membranes and ensures cooler blood reaches the brain.

When we see an antelope being born, we notice the first part of the calf, or lamb, we see are the hooves. However, the dik-dik baby is born differently — its nose arrives first and it can do this because its legs are held firmly against its body and the baby is tiny — When they are born, they only weigh a tiny 560 to 680 g.

Grey Rhebok – General Africa facts

The grey rhebok is native to South Africa and as a grazer prefers mountain slopes with a good layer of grass. Although the rams (males — smaller so not called a ‘bull’ like bigger antelopes) they prefer not to fight. When a ram has to defend his territory he uses a kind of advertising. He will approach the intruder that is invading his territory and approaches him slowly, stamps his front hooves and snorts loudly. Usually this shows the intruder his presence is not tolerated, and he leaves. If this ‘advertising’ does not work, actual physical fighting may occur.

Banana climbing mice – General Africa facts

Banana climbing mice is a great pollinator and working with the fruit bat also has pollen sticking to its fur as it goes along to other flowering fruits and pollinates them. Without these incredible pollinators (both species) that area will not be bursting with fruit. The banana climbing mouse (Dendromus messorius) is a species of rodent in the family Nesomyidae. It is found in Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Togo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.

The final one (today) relating to the banana climbing mouse. With the help of the fruit/ mega/ fox bat, and the banana climbing mouse, they are responsible for pollinating the flowers so the fruit can grow… But, fruit need trees to start, and this is when animals like the potto come in.

Besides eating insects, a big part of their diet is also fruit and these helpful primates scatter seeds in their dung throughout the forest — enabling the growth of trees — the fruit bats also do this, but the pottos are better at it because they have strong jaws and can bite into the really tough fruit.
Without these important animals, that lovely forest and fruit to feed the animals and people will not exist.

Hedgehog – The Prickly Ball

This gentle mammal is found in Africa and other continents. There are 17 species of hedgehogs in five genera (singular– genus). The name is derived from its foraging habit on hedges while looking for insects and worms, and it makes piggy grunts, hence, “hedge – hog”. They rely on their sense of smell and hearing because they have poor eyesight.

They have stiff, sharp spines all over its body except the face, which number up to about 5000 in one. As an adaptation, if attacked, it curls up into a prickly ball with the head inside to deter predators.

They are also known as the Gardner’s friend — being kept as pets because they prey on pests. The most domesticated is the African Pygmy Hedgehog. A group of hedgehogs is called an ‘array’ while a baby- hedgehog is called a ‘hoglet’.

*Their conservation status is ‘least concern’.

Duiker – General Africa facts

The word ‘duiker’ means ‘diver’ in Afrikaans. This is because they ‘dive’ into the vegetation to escape predators and humans (although we are also a predator).

Wildebeests, Hartebeests, bastard hartebeest (tsessebi) and Hyenas

All wildebeests, all hartebeests and the bastard hartebeest (tsessebi), all have sloping backs — not as pronounced as all the hyenas, but still there — this unique design is why these animals have such incredible stamina — the long-distance runners of Africa.

Lemurs Facts – General Africa facts

Madagascar has some truly unique and lovely animals. Their cutest and most popular animals are the lemurs, and the most interesting is the one that looks the most bizarre — mainly due to its long finger — the aye-aye. This primate is about the size of an otter and has one long and bony finger on each hand. It is that long because it has a specialised diet and mainly eats beetle grubs hiding deep in the wood. They often cannot escape that prodding long finger.

• This unusual mammal is classified as ‘endangered’.

The fascinating ‘Praying Mantis’ – General Africa Facts

This insect — ‘praying mantis’ got its name from the position of its folded front legs, which appears as if it’s in prayer. This fascinating, carnivorous insect is found all over the world comprising about 2, 400 species in 15 families. There are more species in tropical Africa than in the temperate regions.

They are typically green or brown and well camouflaged among plants for their protection against predators. They have a triangular head (with bulging eyes) which can be turned 180 degrees without turning the body, for looking out for prey and predators. They mainly feed on live food, mostly insects. Their legs have spikes used for pinning down their prey.

Species in the tropics mate all year round. The females, which are usually larger, send pheromones (chemical substance from their bodies) towards the males to attract them. The fascinating aspect of this mating is that sometimes, the head of the male is eaten after or during the mating which last for few hours.

• This behaviour of sexual cannibalism is estimated to be about 25% in the populations of some species, and it does not happen every time they mate.

Komodo Dragon General Africa Facts

The Komodo dragon is a top predator, a muscular and a heavily built reptile. Also, it is the world’s most powerful and largest lizard. This reptile was only discovered and documented in 1912 — Imagine calmly fishing on a Philippine island and seeing these large, carnivorous animals casually patrolling the beach while searching for prey. This was the first time the Western world heard of this ‘dragon’.

This is an endangered animal, they are native only to the five islands east of Bali– at the point the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet. This is a small area, and out of all the ranges of carnivores — their home range is the smallest. The biggest population is found on the island called ‘Komodo’.
This fearsome predator has the ability to hunt humans and on average, males are about 2.2 metres (including their tail) and weighs about 176 pounds (80 kg) — this is no small lizard.

Polar Bear General Africa Facts

The polar bear is the world’s largest land predator.

• This magnificent animal is in danger of extinction, mainly due to the earth heating up, resulting in reduced ice areas and that means less prey. Polar bears are starving to death, and if you want to believe it or not, the facts are right there to see. The earth does heat up, over many thousands, millions of years, but not at this worryingly rapid rate — this is the Climate crisis, and the stark proof of that is in the polar bear’s struggle for survival.

When the female polar bear leaves her den, after the harsh winter — snow and ice are still everywhere but it is warmer. She has cubs — usually one or two, and she stands at the entrance of her den and sniffs the air — trying to catch the scent of a male, as he will likely kill her cubs.

By this stage she is starving, but her instinct to protect her cubs is stronger than her need to eat and she can wait up to two weeks back in her den with her nursing cub/s, until the threat has gone and they can all leave the den. The polar bear mother has many admirable qualities and this is only one of them. She is listed as being one of the best mothers in the animal world.

The screaming mouse General Africa facts

In the southwestern parts of the US desert lives its most aggressive, vicious, fiercest, quickest and possibly its furriest predator, and this little bundle of fury only weighs a ‘mighty’ 14 grams (half an ounce). This is the grasshopper mouse.

We tend to only think of mice a sweet little animals that only eat grains, grass and similar. Well, this little predator bursts that bubble, because it eats scorpions (and hunts the largest in that area), beetles, ants, grasshoppers and little else.

Besides its ‘meaty’ diet, this little guy also has an unusual way of letting his rivals know where his territory lies, and he uses the same bizarrely-wonderful technique to attract a mate.

This brave mouse stands upright on its hind legs and screams. Yes, you read right. This sound is loud enough to carry to its furthest borders to ward off rivals and attract a mate.

• Forget the photo of wolves howling in the moonlight, because here is a mouse.

What is a home range? – General Africa Facts

A home range is an area where it lives, reproduces and survive; while a territory might be the same size and also used for the same reasons, but the difference is, that those areas are exclusive to a certain species and it defends that area.
So, simply put, a home range they do not fight over, or defend it in another way; they do in a territory.

• Lion’s are the easiest to see the difference — they really defend their territory!

We explained about the difference between home ranges and territories. Now, there may be some confusion when it comes to the leopard… The leopard definitely has a territory, but it adds an extra twist to it because the leopard has a ‘mosaic territory’. This means more than one territory can overlap the other, and a good example of that is the male leopard. He dominates an area, but he allows one or more than one leopardess’ (female leopard) territory to overlap his as he will breed with the leopardess (actually, the leopardess makes sure her territory overlaps his, as the dominant male is likely to protect her cubs because they are his).

Orangutans General Africa Facts

Adult orangutans are lighter than the general gorilla and this is also why orangutans build, every night, a nest in trees; while gorillas build, every day, a nest on the ground.

Why are orangutans so important?

Well, for these reasons and WWF sums it up the best:

‘Orangutans are “gardeners” of the forest, playing a vital role in seed dispersal in their habitats. They live in tropical forests and prefer forest in river valleys and floodplains of their respective islands. Orangutans’ extremely low reproductive rate makes their populations highly vulnerable. Females give birth to one infant at a time about every 3-5 years, so these species can take a long time to recover from population declines. With human pressure only increasing, orangutans face an increasing risk of extinction.’

Orang-utan means ‘person of the forest’ in Malay.

Kangaroos General Africa facts

Just like deer and antelope that live in herds, so do kangaroos, but they are not called herds, but ‘mobs’. Also like them, males fight to win females. They begin with a bit of ‘fist bumping’ with their short front arms, but their true power is their back legs. Those legs are powerful enough to propel them 8 yards in a single jump and they lean back, balance on their powerful tail and kick with their feet. They have sharp claws and they can deliver a deathly blow that can rip open their opponent’s stomach.

When kangaroos are threatened by a predator, they lead the attacker into the water and attempt to drown them.

Sharks General Africa Facts

Sharks cut through the water so smoothly and efficiently, and they also move so fast. This is due to one of their great adaptations: They have special skin that reduces the drag as they effortlessly move through the water.

Barbary sheep or Aoudad General Africa Facts

They look more like a goat than a sheep and genetically speaking, the are more closely related to wild goats than sheep — but they are stuck with that name (sheep and goats are separate species — sheep belong to their own genus and have 56 chromosomes, while goats belong to theirs and have 60 chromosomes). These sheep are native to the rocky, arid regions of North Africa.

Habitat General Africa facts

We often hear of ‘habitat’ when describing where an animal lives, so let us make it a bit clearer — A habitat is the natural home of an animal or plant. For example a pukka antelope habitat is marshy grassland, near water. They look similar and live in a similar habitat to the Kob — therefore, they are often considered a subspecies, or some think they are the same antelope. The Kob and Puku are mostly separate species.

Wetlands cover 6% of the earth’s surface and they include swamps, marshes and bogs. They are important habitats to an ecosystem and supports much wildlife — think of the importance of kidneys in the human body. Kidneys are a vital organ, they filter toxins and balance our blood so that it does not poison our system/body. Well, wetlands are the kidneys and the world is the body.

Just like kidneys, they filter out pollutants and keep the ‘body’ (earth) healthy. Unfortunately, many wetlands are being drained to make room for developments and/or agricultural land — robbing the ‘body’ of a vital organ that supports much life, including human life and keeps the earth working well.

A good sign of a healthy wetland is the presence of otters. An otter is an ‘umbrella’ species — if they are not there, that ecosystem might look great to us, but it is dying.

Snails General Africa Facts

We all know snails and often associahte every slow pace movement as ‘snail’s speed’ but I rather see it as ‘patience’. There are over 50, 000 species of both land and sea snails around the world. They range in different sizes (0.68mm-70cm) and shapes. Sea snails make up the majority of all species. Most of them have gills, but some have lungs.

It will amaze many of you to know that snails have the highest number of teeth of any animal. They have a small mouth, but feed with radula on which many thousands of teeth are lined, depending on the species. The limpet teeth were shown to be 5 times stronger than spider silk.

When the temperature is so dry, snails sleep to secrete enough mucus for their survival. A nap of a snail can range between a few hours and 2 or more years.

They have two eyes, but land snails have more vision than aquatic species. Some underground species don’t even have eyes. They rely on their senses to move around. Again, carnivorous species have more vision than others. Some other species are only able to distinguish light and dark times.

Tiger General Africa Facts

Tiger cubs have the first 1 and a half years easy — their mother provides and if their father is still around — or their mother remains (like the leopard) within part, or all of his territory, he will also provide, but not food and more nurturing but defence.

The first to leave are the female cubs that has grown sufficiently and hunt well to lead an independent life. The ‘boys’ remain, relying on their mother to provide food so that they grow into as large as possible as they need to defend and fight other males.

Red river hog General Africa facts

Are the most colourful of Africa’s wild pigs and on average, also the smallest — colourful in that the west African hogs are a lovely reddish colour and have a white stripe running down their back, and same with the ones found more eastern and southern habitats tend to be also red, but also brown darkening with age. Besides the striking colour and pattern, they have another wonderful ‘feature’ — although they are quick on land they are also good swimmers.

Chinese water deer

These are not musk deer, similar, but not the same. These deer are a small deer and native to China and Korea.
These deer do not have antlers, and male deer have longer teeth than the females because they fight with them and can cause serious injuries. These teeth, are teeth and are elongated (long) canines.

• This unusual deer is threatened with extinction and listed as ‘vulnerable’. It would be at a more severe conservation status, but has successfully been introduced to some countries, notably the U.K.

Chinese water deer are also called ‘vampire deer’ — no guessing the reason why. There are quite a few of these deer in Britain. They are not native to the British Isles, and native to China and Korea. The reason why you would think that, is because they were successfully introduced back in the 19th Century.

The Brazilian tapir

The Brazilian tapir is about the size of a donkey, but more powerfully built. They have a unique feature, which sets them apart from most large mammals: Their nose.

They have long (elongated) nostrils in a short trunk.As you can imagine, this gives them a brilliant sense of smell and helps them find the leaves they prefer, and they have to be careful of what leaves they eat because leaves also protect themselves — some have little spines covering them and some are poisonous.

Cephalopods – The Brainy Molluscs

Cephalopods belong to a scientific classification known as ‘Class Cephalopoda’ of the ‘Phylum Mollusca’.

Cephalopods have members like Octopus, Squid and Cuttlefish. They are marine organisms (not freshwater). This class is the most advanced, brainy and most intelligent of the molluscs, and by extension, of all invertebrates (animals without backbone). They are capable of learning.

They have a large brain, brain-to-body mass ratio is the largest among the invertebrates. They also have the most highly developed nervous system of all invertebrates. Their eyesight is excellent, almost like that of humans, as studies have revealed.

They grow fast and generally have a short lifespan — 1-3 years but some species have a range of about 3-5 years.

Reindeer and Caribou General Africa Facts

Fitting time to ‘talk’ about reindeer and caribou (which are also called North American reindeer, but…)

The North American reindeer are actually caribou — in general, they are the same species, but two different sub-species and they have a few, subtle, differences between the two.
The first one we notice is that they are found in different locations —

1. Caribou are native to North America.
2. Reindeer are native to northern Europe and Asia.
   The second one is:
3. Caribou are wild-living animals that migrate long distances.
4. Reindeer are domesticated and some are wild.
   The third notable difference is:
   Due to them migrating so often and over great distances, caribou are thinner and taller than reindeer.

Caribous are the migrate the longest distance of any large mammal — a round trip of 3000 km (1865 miles). When they migrate, they head for the tundra (grassland) in Alaska and Canada to feed on the new growth, give birth and raise their young as far away as possible from predators. When it begins to snow, they head back and bravely migrate through the real threat of death by wolves and bears — again.

Wild cattle – The Gaur

In India we find the largest species of wild cattle — the Gaur, also called the Indian bison. This magnificent animal is under threat from habitat loss and are now classified as a vulnerable species.

Coyotes – General Africa Facts

The coyote is closely related to the wolf and often appears in Native American folklore because they are very clever animals.
They will eat almost anything and having a keen sense of smell and brilliant vision is to their benefit of survival. The bulk of their diet is made up from mammalian animals, but they also eat other animals, as well as fruit and other vegetation.

What most of us do not realise is that they are very family-orientated and form strong bonds within their family/pack, but like some packs or clans, etc. they forage separately, so we tend to think they are solitary creatures. When the female gives birth, it is not only the female that raises the pups, but the male also shares the responsibility with her.

Amazon General Africa Facts

The Amazon river holds 3, 000 species of fish — that is more than the whole of the North Atlantic ocean.

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African Cheetah’s claws are only classified as non-retractable, because only a little section withdraws into its sheath like other cats. This is because it must keep them sharp, so it does not touch the ground (as that will make them blunt).

Female cheetahs hunt alone, but sometimes they are joined by their older cubs. They hunt smaller antelope like gazelles, dik-diks and baby antelope.

Although the African cheetah is faster than any gazelle; the cheetah tires before the gazelle. About half of the cheetah chases do not end in a kill at the escapee lives another day, but not if its a calf/fawn. Then, the cheetah is the winner and often 100% of those chases end in a kill.

The African cheetah has the longest and the most flexible spine of all wild cat species.

Cheetahs are native to Africa, but a small population can be found in Iran (photo) called the Asiatic cheetah or Iranian cheetah.
*Critically endangered.

Cheetahs cannot climb trees like other cats that regularly climb trees. Their nails are too blunt and they do not have powerful muscles to enable them to climb high. Cheetahs have been seen in trees, but only on the lower part of any healthy tree they are able to climb up — it may be at an angle, or similar ‘steps’.

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