SAFARI VIRGINS PART 2: ANIMAL MAGNETISM

27 Nov

If you've never been on safari, this blog answers questions about the the really wild side of life in the bush

. . . yes, it's the reason we all want to go on safari; the wildlife.

NOTE: My answers are based on my time spent at luxury private game reserves in South Africa. National park safaris, self-drive safaris and other African countries may have different rules and experiences.

What is the ‘Big Five’?
Most would assume the ‘Big Five’ refer to the five biggest or most common safari species, but the phrase was actually coined by game hunters who referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. These are: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. I guess it has become a marketable selling point for safari reserves as it gives them an extra level of prestige and an aspect of sensationalism when they promote they have the 'big five' on their land.

Are safaris intrusive on the animals and natural environment?
The sole purpose of safari is to enjoy the animals going about their daily life as naturally as possible.
Game drives are always conducted with respect for the animals and safety for both them and guests is paramount. The jeeps stick to main tracks to protect the flora, although it is permissible to go fully off-road to get closer to a sighting.

Rangers stop the vehicles with a noted distance from the wildlife and this will be judged on the species itself and its current display of behaviour. Old male buffalos are renowned for being grumpy and bull elephants in musth (a natural, periodic condition that causes testosterone levels to go through the roof!) can be extremely aggressive, so rangers always give them extra breathing room!

On private reserves, there is always a limit to the number of jeeps allowed around a sighting, it is usually three or four but depends on the reserve. This means the animals are not penned in or overwhelmed by lots of vehicles and also allows guests to get a decent view. Other vehicles can wait their turn at a much further distance and once the closer jeeps have had a reasonable viewing time and moved off, they can take their place.

Do the animals hide? What are the chances of seeing something?
There will always be something to see. Even when it appears to be a quiet day out in the bush there will still be different species of antelope to watch that are normally not given the time of day they deserve. I’m always astonished at the delicate slenderness of impala legs, especially the new-borns. They are so dainty they look like they will snap and yet they leap and gallop with surprising agility. They are a joy to watch.

Some animals like the leopard are well-known for being elusive as they hunt at night and are very good at keeping a low and well-disguised profile. Camouflage is an animal’s secret weapon, so you must train your eye to look beyond what your eyes initially see and focus on where an animal might be lurking. Bear in mind that sometimes even elephants can disappear like magic into the bushes. The rangers and trackers are phenomenal at spotting so you will be in great hands if your eyes aren’t quite up to par in the seeking game.

The benefits of continuing to search for larger mammals provides an opportunity for your ranger to point out different bird species along the way or discuss general information about the landscape and environment. I’ve learnt fascinating facts, from the strength and agility of dung beetles, to how plant species talk to each other through the release of chemicals. Every game drive is a chance to learn and appreciate more about the wonders of the natural world.

What is the habitat like?
Different reserves consist of different terrain. You won’t find vast, open wide plains on the scale of the Serengeti in South Africa. There will be some areas of open savannah but there will be a higher proportion of bush in thicker expanses. Areas like the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve on the edge of the Kruger National Park has a mix of thicket vegetation, rocky outcrops and also the Sabi and Sand rivers, all of which increases the bio-diversity in the area.

What’s it like staying overnight out in the African bush?
Magical! There is something so special about being in the middle of the bush, far away from main civilisation. The air is stiller. The stars are brighter. Turndown service takes place during dinner so you will arrive back to your room and step into a softly-lit, romantic fairy-tale. With mosquito nets pulled round the bed and the covers drawn back, you can snuggle in and drift off with safari adventures replaying in your head.

Hearing lions roar at night is one of my favourite sounds; it’s a deep, guttural, vibrating noise. I find it comforting rather than frightening knowing that they are out there in the dark. How often in life is there the chance to lie in bed listening to the distinct rumble of a lion’s call? I pinch myself and soak up the moment.

My most striking night-time safari memory was at the sensational Ulusaba where I was woken up to the most breathtaking thunder and lightning storm I’ve ever witnessed. Surrounded by hundreds of hectares of land presented the thunder with an enormous area to reverberate around. I have honestly never heard thunder anywhere near the same scale as that night. The booms were so loud they resounded in my own heartbeat. It was exhilarating!