| Whether you embark in summer or winter, | | | | The majestic elephant is perhaps the best known |
| African safaris offer magical and thrilling | | | | symbol of the African safari. African elephants are |
| experiences. | | | | much bigger and squarer than their Indian |
| African Winter Safaris | | | | counterparts, with huge ears to keep them cool |
| True bush lovers know that winter is an ideal time | | | | and long trunks. Elephants are intensely social |
| for game viewing, with temperatures and terrain | | | | animals - if you see one, it means there will be |
| ideal for magnificent sightings. Traditionally dry, | | | | others close by. The females in particular form |
| winters at South African game reserves see the | | | | life-long family bonds - even if a herd becomes |
| vegetation become sparse, allowing for excellent | | | | too big and some females form their own herd, |
| game and bird viewing. The arid conditions also | | | | they will remain aware of which other herds they |
| force many animals to look for water at open | | | | are related to. Young calves have many 'aunts' |
| water holes, increasing the chances of being | | | | and are looked after by the whole herd, being |
| spotted by guests. A winter safari experience will | | | | weaned for up to two years. One of the most |
| be one that is remembered forever, with the | | | | touching sights in the bush is the young calf |
| warmth of true African hospitality making up for | | | | struggling to get its trunk under control! Males are |
| the chilly nights and mornings. | | | | more solitary, though still part of a herd. They |
| The Big Five | | | | also form close bonds with one another One of |
| Historically, safari-goers have hoped to see the | | | | the most unforgettable ways to experience |
| 'Big Five' - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo | | | | elephants is to see how harmoniously they amble |
| - and your chances of having these extraordinary | | | | by together as a herd, appearing suddenly and |
| experiences are increased by going in winter. | | | | silently from the bush. |
| Historically a hunting term - in days gone by the | | | | Rhinoceros |
| Big Five were viewed by hunters as the most | | | | Both white and black rhinos are found in South |
| dangerous animals to stalk and hunt on foot - the | | | | Africa - the black rhino is endangered, while the |
| term is now used by safari-goers hoping to | | | | white rhino is more commonly seen in the wild. |
| glimpse these magnificent creatures in their | | | | Black rhinos are notoriously aggressive and will |
| natural environment. | | | | charge when threatened; and white rhino are |
| Lion | | | | more likely to make a quick getaway when |
| You will see lions - the biggest of Africa's cats - | | | | frightened. Rhinos have very poor eyesight and |
| hunting or resting in family groups called 'prides'. | | | | rely on smell and hearing to alert them to danger. |
| The pride will be made up predominantly of | | | | Once hunted almost to extinction for their horns, |
| females - who also bring down the kills - with a | | | | strict anti-poaching policies and breeding |
| few young males. Lions spend most of their time | | | | programmes have restored their numbers across |
| resting, gathering energy for the evening hunt. | | | | South Africa. Only when viewing a rhino close up |
| One of the most spectacular ways to see lions is | | | | from an open Land Rover are you aware of how |
| by following a kill - first the search for prey, then | | | | big and powerful this species is. |
| the quiet stalking (sometimes for hours) and then | | | | Buffalo |
| the chase. While most attacks see the prey | | | | The last member of the exclusive Big Five club is |
| getting away, those that result in a kill make | | | | the buffalo, called bison in the USA. These |
| spectacular viewing. | | | | deceptively placid-looking creatures are in fact |
| Leopard | | | | some of the most dangerous to encounter in the |
| It is a thrilling sight to see the spotted coat of a | | | | bush. Their huge horns and enormous strength |
| leopard resolve itself into the shape of a cat. But | | | | make them a match even for lions, who will often |
| it is not only their camouflage that makes them | | | | be chased off by a herd of buffalo. Moving |
| hard to see - they are also more retiring than | | | | together in herds that can number into the |
| lions. Leopards live and hunt alone - only getting | | | | thousands, buffalos may not have the grace of a |
| together to breed - and they tend to avoid | | | | leopard of the majestic stature of an elephant; |
| people. All the more reason to give yourself the | | | | but they possess their own brand of uniqueness |
| best chance of sighting these elegant and elusive | | | | and mystery that earn them a well-deserved |
| animals. | | | | place on the Big Five list. |
| Elephant | | | | |