Wildlife

As keen "safari-heads" ourselves, we believe that it can be of enormous value to know a few of the species that you are going out there to have a look at and so, without going into too much detail, below is a quick roundup of the best and biggest! (and for the keen birders, there is an entirely separate section!)

Lion (Swahili: “Simba”)

Without doubt the king of the plains and jungles of Africa, the African lion is one of the world’s most prolific predators. As with many of the most successful predators (the hyena and wild dog), they hunt cooperatively for their prey using a combination of stealth and sheer power. In the main their focus is on the larger ungulates such as zebra and wildebeest that they will tend to hunt around dusk and during the night where their superior night vision gives them an advantage. During the day the prides and, in particular the males, can be a little under-whelming as they rest in the heat. Definitely one of the greatest animals to see on safari and, with numbers dropping across Africa, beginning to become quite rare.

Conservation

Unfortunately, due to restrictions on conservation lands, numbers of Africa’s most iconic animal are dwindling at an alarming rate (from around 100-200,000 to an approximate of 30,000 today). While, quite often, hunting has been seen as the saviour of many of Africa’s wildlife such as the elephant, it has, in the case of the lion, been not so great an influence with the large males bearing the brunt of the impact. Another factor, especially important in East Africa is Masai rituals, and the killing of a male lion in order to become a man in their society. Once a male is taken from a pride it creates a vacuum and, as such, a new male (if there are any around) will come in and promptly kill the cubs of the previous incumbent. This awful situation is only becoming worse and we, as a company, are actively trying to support projects such as the Big Cats Initiative that are trying to incentivise local communities to protect these magnificent beasts. Please see the link below to go to the web site.

The facts

Height: 100-120cm
Weight: 150-220kg
Habitat: anywhere
Regions found: All over - very good in the Serengeti, Katavi and Ruaha

Leopard (Swahili: “Chui”)

Certainly the most successful large predators on the planet the leopard, and its cousins, have managed to adapt to pretty much every environment on the planet. When you finally manage to catch sight of one, you will see why. No way near a large as lions, the leopard tends to be a solitary cat and moves with a powerful grace. This belies the fact that actually they can easily carry their body weight in their mouths over ten feet up a tree! The leopards is an ambush predator and so prefers to use its natural skill to get as close as possible to their prey (usually small antelope or warthog) before pouncing. Generally only seen when they “allow” it, this can be the hardest or the easiest of the “big 5” to have a chance of seeing.

The facts

Height: 70cm
Weight: 60-80kg
Habitat: Riverine woodland and rocky areas
Regions found: All over – particularly good in central Serengeti and Selous

Cheetah (Swahili: “Duma”)

There is much debate as to whether the cheetah should be classified as Canine or Feline. In appearance there is not doubt that it is feline in its actions, demeanour and movement…but, with non-retractable claws on its front feet, it is canine. The reason that it has these claws is that it is the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 70km/hr, and so needs the permanent grip that these provide.

Not quite one of the big 5 animals, to see a cheetah is, nonetheless a real treat, especially if you get the change to witness one of its high speed chases across the plains. Generally a solitary animal or seen in hunting coalitions of 3 or 4, the cheetah tends to hunt out on the grassland plains and goes after the Thompson’s gazelle which, while not as fast in a straight line, has an ability to turn at right angles even at full tilt! The one problem that they experience with being such a finely tuned machine is that they can rarely defend their kills against other predators and so often lose out to hyena and lion.

Conservation

As with many of the other famous predators of Africa, the cheetah has long been an animal in decline. Strangely enough, however, as the continent’s populations of lion and hyena have dwindled, so the populations have increased. This is a direct result of the cheetah’s need to protect its delicate frame and so inability to protect their young successfully. Today it is estimated that around 10-12,000 are left in the wild , mainly inhabiting the open grasslands and plains of east Africa and Namibia.

The facts

Height: 70-80cm
Weight: 50-60kg
Habitat: Grassland plains
Regions found: Central Serengeti and Ruaha

Wild Dog (Swahili: “Mbwa mwitu”)

For most safari fans to see an African wild dog pack is a real treat and something that, while on the increase, is not possible in many of the countries in Africa. It is estimated that, of the continent’s total population of around 3-5000, around 1,500 are concentrated in the Selous in southern Tanzania. Here they are protected from interbreeding and the domestic canine diseases that have culled their numbers elsewhere.

A highly social animal, the pack always hunts together, and are one of Africa’s most successful predators with a hit rate of around 90%. During a hunt they have been known to cover anything up to 45kms, but usually, as with many predators, one arm of the pack pushes the prey towards the waiting other. On the whole their favoured prey is small antelope and warthog, although they have bee known to go after larger antelope such as kudu. A great animal to see at any time as, with the social interaction, they are always busy, even if not hunting.

Conservation

One of Africa’s rarest predators, the African wild dog, or painted hunting dog, has been really impacted by the growth of the human species and their encroachment into wilderness areas. The main problem that the dogs have faced is that they are susceptible to the normal diseases carried by the domesticated dogs that come with new settlements. On top of this, with their usual range covering vast swathes of territory, and their natural prey being the ungulates of the savannah, they have really struggled. As mentioned above, along with northern parts of Botswana, Zambia and Kenya, there are few chances to see these wonderful and highly skilled predators. Again, please follow the links below for more information.

The facts

Height: 50-70cm
Weight: 25kg
Habitat: predominantly woodland
Regions found: Selous, Ruaha, eastern Serengeti

Spotted Hyena (Swahili: “Fisi”)

The facts

Height: 85cm
Weight: 70kg
Habitat: All over
Regions found: All over, v. good in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Rarely given their due credit as hunters in their own right, the spotted hyena (the largest of the hyena species) occurs in abundance throughout Tanzania and is often seen sloping off into the distance at the end of a day on the plains. One of the keys to their success as hunters is their sociable nature, often teaming up to incredible numbers in order to take on other predators or animals. Another huge benefit they have is their immensely powerful jaws that can easily bite through bone and tough animal hide. As with cheetah, their exterior is rather misleading as they have rather canine features and gait, but they are actually closer to the mongoose family. A formidable predator and, while one of the uglier things you will see, they are absolutely fascinating!

Nile crocodile (Swahili: “Mamba”)

The facts

Length: 3.5 to 5.5m
Weight: 400-900kg
Habitat: River systems
Regions found: Selous, Grumeti region of Serengeti, Katavi

The Nile Crocodile is a true specialist. As with a few of nature's most ingenious species (such as the shark) it is thought that the crocodile has not changed its form for over 150 million years…they are that perfect!

Generally an ambush predator, the large crocs of the Mara River and the Selous are often known to take down large game, such as wildebeest, and even lions. Their method is renowned, clamping their huge jaws onto their prey with a force of up to 5,000 lbf and then taking them underwater for the "death roll"….it is thought that the only way to get out of this is to put your hand into their mouths and located the throat flap, that stops water coming into their lungs. Once depressed, the crocodile will then drown if it does not release and get back to the surface….we have yet to test this method and so can't guarantee its effectiveness!

Certainly one of Africa's most successful hunters, they can be found across the continent where there are permanent water supplies. Growing to huge lengths in places like the Mara River and the Rufiji in Southern Tanzania, they are always a gruesomely pleasant sight!

Rhino – Black and White (Swahili: “Faru”)

The facts

Height: 160-200cm
Weight: 1000+kg
Habitat: Both open grassland and woodlands
Regions found: Ngorongoro Crater, western Serengeti and Selous

As with the elephant and the lion, rhinos are probably one of Africa’s more recognisable inhabitants and are, unfortunately seen less and less across the continent…mainly due to their horn which, in eastern society, is believed to hold magical properties. East Africa is rather fortunate in that it is possible to see both the white and the slightly smaller and more aggressive black rhino. The main difference between the two is not of their actual colour but is down to the way that they feed. The white rhino is slightly larger and is a grazer, feeding on grass predominantly, and this is the reason for its square lip. The black rhino is a browser and so eats mainly from shrubs and bushes, hence the “v” shape of its lip that allows it to pluck the leaves. (the naming of the whit rhino actually comes from the Afrikaans word for wide, referring to its wide mouth, rather than its colour)

On the whole rhino are very docile creatures but, when confused, they have a tendency to charge at great speeds…considering that they have appalling eyesight and can weigh over a tonne, this is a fairly daunting prospect! It is also once thought that they are very fire-safety conscious, running into camps in the bush when they smelt a fire…but this is an urban legend. Seeing one of these stunning prehistoric animals is the highlight of any trip to Tanzania.

Conservation

The plight of the African rhino is probably the most famous conservation efforts currently running in Africa. With numbers dropping dramatically all across the continent since the 70s (the populations in Kenya dropped from around 20,000 to a mere 300 in the 90s) there has been a concerted effort to nullify the effects of the rife poaching with armed guards and fenced off reserves to give these gentle giants protection.

While Africa has seen a rise in the overall numbers over the last decade or so, as the supply to the Asian black markets has dried up, so the price has, accordingly gone up. In the last few years Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa have seen an increase in poacher activity. We, as a company, are actively involved in try to protect these magnificent animals, please see the link below for more info.

Elephant (Swahili: “Tembo”)

The facts

Height: 2.5 to 3.5 m
Weight: 5,000+kg
Habitat: Around water supplies and vegetation
Regions found: All over, Selous v. good

Is there any animal that is more iconic of Africa than the African elephant?

If there is, we have yet to discover it! This mighty animal is a true wonder of natural engineering with so many fascinating developments to its structure, such as the honeycomb design of its scull and the 1,000+ muscles in its trunk, it is a truly a wonder to behold.

Above all of this, however, is the fact that, unlike its Indian cousin, the African elephant has never been domesticated. When an elephant decides that it is going to feed…or just stand…in the middle of a thoroughfare, then the rest of the bush (and humans) must wait. There is an absolute majesty about this animal that defies and captures the imagination of all those that see them.

Part of what endears elephants to humans is that fact that they also have a very strong family bond, with a single "matriarch" running the show and being the decision maker for the rest of the herd. Usually, at around the age of 3-5, the young males are pushed out from the herd and the clan becomes female dominated. This is partly due to genetics and also as the young males get more and more animated they can become dangerous for the youngsters.

Seen throughout Africa, the numbers of elephant have really improved over the last two decades and, while not up to their previous numbers, there is a very good chance that you will see them wherever you travel to in Tanzania.

Conservation

As many people know, the general populations of elephant in Africa took a massive hit during the 70s and 80, when parks were not effectively policed and the ivory trade was very strong. Today with trade embargoes and plenty of vigilance, the ivory trade and elephant poaching is very much on the wain all over Africa…but elephants are still not out of the danger zone just yet.

Hippopotamus (Swahili: “Kiboko”)

The facts

Height: 150cm
Weight: 2,000+kg
Habitat: rivers and waterways
Regions found: all over, v. good in Selous and Katavi

The rotund and cumbersome sight of a hippo on land belies its true agility and speed below the surface. Always a worrying site when in a boat, the head of a hippo popping up just off the bow is known to put fear into even the most hardened of Africa guide.

It is not that hippos are carnivorous, or even that intent on harm, it is just that they are fiercely territorial and so will go after anything or anyone that comes close to their prised spot on the river. Likewise, when out of the water, they become hugely nervous creatures and so, two of the cardinal rules when dealing with these mighty beasts is never to block off their access back to water…and don't go near them when they are in the water.

The safety now covered, there is so much to love about these wallowing animals. Feeding mainly at night along the banks of rivers and waterways, a hippo will eat close to its body weight in grass in a night, spending the days snoozing and generally getting grumpy in the water. As with elephant and buffalo, it is always remarkable to see such a large animal existing on plants alone.

Living in "harems" with a single dominant male and a group of females, the battles that go on during the mating season are phenomenal and will never be forgotten as the bulls use their razor sharp teeth to try and inflict a winning blow to the other.

Giraffe (Swahili: “Twiga”)

The facts

Height: 250-400cm
Weight: 1,000-1,200kg
Habitat: All over
Regions found: All over

Certainly one of the more recognisable and generally interesting of Africa’s animals, the giraffe, while fairly populous, is often many people’s favourite. The design of the giraffe is one of nature true wonders and the perfect example of how amazing Africa’s wildlife truly is! For example, the giraffe is non-vocal, in that it issues no sounds that we can hear. It is thought that they communicate at such a high pitch that only they can hear each other! Another interesting feature that they have, apart from exceptional eyesight, is that, when the bend down to drink, there is a valve in the neck that closes in order to keep the blood from exploding their head! As they stand upright you will see them shake their heads to release the valve again!

Growing up to heights of 4 meters, they are the ultimate browser and, using their long tongues and tough palate they often chew their way through acacia thorn bushes and other hardy plants and bushes. On the whole there are not many predators that will try and take down a giraffe in part due to their strong legs and sharp hooves. Distributed widely around east Africa, the main sub-species are the reticulated, the Maasai. The one omission is in the Ngorongoro Crater as they can’t negotiate the steep sides of the volcano.