Big Five Animals In South Africa
The term ?Big Five? originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous.
These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which will ceaselessly pursue his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!
All of these mammals are to be found in South Africa, making this country one of the most popular locations for safari style holidays.
Indeed, South Africa has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Many of our game lodges offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ?bush? holidays in the world.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, for example, is arguably the most exclusive game reserve in the country. With no fences existing between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, the wildlife roams free between the two reserves. Leopards are the main attraction here, and these awesome creatures are so accustomed to humans that you can even follow them while hunting, in an off-road vehicle. All of the Big Five can be viewed at Sabi Sands.
Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in South Africa include the world-renowned Kruger Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, the Pilansberg Game Reserve in the North Western Province, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape and the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Visitors who are confined to the Cape Town area are often under the impression that they will be unable to view the Big Five. However there is a reserve only 90 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Aquila, where one can view four of the Big Five. Self-drive or guided drive tours are available from Cape Town ? even one day tours are possible, although you may well wish to stay overnight in the appealing accommodation set in 4500 hectares of pristine Karoo landscape. The terrain is varied ? from mountains and valleys to wetlands ? ideal for game viewing be it in a 4x4 safari vehicle, on horseback or even by quad-bike. Aquila is home to four of the Big Five animals: lion, buffalo, rhino and the rare Mountain Leopard. You may also spot and giraffe and hippo, not to mention herds of wildebeest, zebra, springbok and other bucks, plus baboon, jackal and the bat-eared fox.
What with the wetlands, you can expect a wealth of bird-life viewing to complete your safari experience ? all so close to Cape Town!
Those who can travel as far as the Eastern Cape ? a pleasant day?s drive along the beautiful Garden Route ? can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari Game Reserve ? both well-worth the visit for game lovers.
A safari holiday to South Africa is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. These days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies. However there are legal hunting reserves for those who feel the need.
Francois has written many articles on http://www.bloombergaccommodation.co.za/villas.html. He is currently working on a new website: Book Cape Town
Related Articles:
An introduction to South Africa
An introduction to South Africa.
Extraordinary Travel Guides Honoured in Paul Morrison/Wanderlust Award - Romania and South Africa Share Title
Wanderlust magazine has announced the winners of the 2007 Paul Morrison Guide Award, recognizing the true unsung heroes of travel. The awards were presented by judge Bill Bryson at London's Royal Geographical Society on the evening of 4th October 2007.
10 Attractions You Can?t Miss When Visiting Cape Town ? South Africa
1. Table Mountain
Come Experience The Western Cape Of South Africa
Unless you have a month on your hands, forget about seeing the whole of the Western Cape in a single trip. There are so many charming seaside towns and villages nestled in picturesque valleys to visit, you will have to plan your route very carefully if you want to see everything you want. You should decide whether you want to spend your time primarily on the East Coast, the West Coast or in the interior. Whichever route you choose, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience.
The Wildlife of South Africa
Perhaps the biggest draw of a luxury South Africa holiday is the amazing indigenous wildlife that you will never see in Europe It?s no coincidence that Kruger National Park, South Africa?s safari hot spot, is one of the most visited attractions in the country
Holiday Rentals In Knysna, South Africa
The South African town of Knysna is a great destination for a holiday property rental and has something for everyone
The town, which is in South Africa?s Western Cape Province, is part of the country?s Garden Route and is located on the banks of a beautiful lagoon
Namibia – A Bountiful Harvest Awaits the Adventure Traveler
Namibia is a largely arid country of stark rough-hewn beauty. The most vivid images are those of a haunting technicolor landscape of swirling orange dunes, shimmering mirages and treacherous dust devils.
Direct Insurance In South Africa
The trend towards direct insurance has certainly taken off in significant fashion, and insurance companies like Dial Direct Insurance have been taking good advantage with their innovative approach to the insurance market and the insurance consumer in the street. The idea behind direct insurance is that costs can be cut and administrative red tape eliminated, or at least reduced, by cutting out the network of brokers when buying insurance. No longer is it necessary for insurance clients to deal with third party brokers who act as go-betweens between the insurance service providers and administrators and the consumers. Direct insurance removes this middle man element and allows the two entities to communicate directly.
CEA Expands Its Portfolio of Study Abroad Destinations, Adding Programs in South Africa
South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth becomes study abroad provider's 26th study abroad destinationnow enrolling students for the fall 2008 semester.
South Africa
This is a lovely country blessed with indescribable beauty,majestic mountain ranges and valleys, several waterfalls, lakes, rivers, beautiful coastlines, indigenous forests, an abundance of flora, spectacular passes, lovely beaches, mineral springs, and caves. It's home of a wide variety of birds,wildlife and marine life.