11 African Safari Animals To See

Nothing beats the rising of an orange yolk over the horizon of the great Safari plains. Craving something up-close and personal with one of the world’s greatest animals? Head to the Safari to get a glimpse of these amazing beasts, their bursts of power, great stamina, and majestic outlook will awe you in your jeep. Feel the rush of your adrenaline when seeing one of the world’s deadliest predators in front of you, just a few feet away. Be amazed at the thundering hooves of a herd of Buffalos, and try your best to spot the Leopard with his elusive nature. The African Safari could be where you feel most alive; every corner of this place is buzzing with life! Here are 11 safari animals you may or may not encounter, at a safe distance, of course!

The Notorious BIG 5

The big 5 are the most famous and more dangerous animals on the Safari. Curious to know why? Let’s have a look:

1. The African Lion

Ready to visit Simba? We’re not just poking fun at the classic broadway show, “Simba” actually means Lion in the African language Swahili. Majestic, sometimes a bit lazy, the head of the pride is often lying in the sun when his pride hunts for him. It might also be one of the reasons why the lions are the only cats that live in groups. Under that grungy mane, is a big cat that has a killer jaw and sharp teeth. There is a reason he is called the king of the Safari.

Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa

Spotted during: Any time of the year

2. The African Elephant

You think you’ve seen enough elephants in Thailand? Think again, these African elephants can grow up to 4 metres tall and weigh up to 2.5 tonnes. The largest land animal on Earth, it is second to none when it comes to size and appetite, even its name “Elephant” actually means “huge Arch” in Latin. Poaching is a serious issue for these endangered species, though intelligent and sensitive, their ivories make them constant targets.

Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa

Spotted during: Any time of the year

3. The African Leopard

One of the most elusive predators is this big cat that is largely solitary. Most photographs show that Leopards rest in trees. Not only does it mean comfort, it’s also a great way to avoid conflict with other large predators after stealing their food! Hunters can run up to 58 KM/H, making them deadly. Want to know the difference between a cheetah and a leopard? Check for facial streaks. Only cheetahs have facial stripes. 

Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa

Spotted during: Any time of the year (if you look hard enough!)

4. Rhinoceros 

The white rhinos are the largest, weighing up to 3,500kg despite being vegetarian and largely consuming only grass and leaves. What we have in common is that their horns are made up of Keratin, the same protein that makes our hair and nails! Their eyesight isn’t that good. Most Rhinos can’t see past the distance of 30M and rely heavily on their sense of smell. Sometimes they like to roll themselves in mud, not for spas but for a protective layer to keep them cool, prevent bites from all sorts of pests and to get rid of parasites. 

Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya

Spotted during: November to February with a mild climate

5. Cape buffalo

Like the rhino, the Cape Buffalo is enormous despite the fact that they only eat grass. One of the most dangerous animals on the Safari, they can maul lions and fend off predators with their feisty horns. They are certainly not easy to tame and thus have never been domesticated. They also share something in common with the rhino – their love for mud! They too, use the mud to ward off ticks and other pests that latch onto them during the day. 

Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya

Spotted during: June to October in the dry season

Intriq’s Favourites

Beside the big and the bad, there are plenty more interesting animals to see here at the Safari. Here are some of our favourites:

Zebra

Ready to be dazzled? That’s exactly what a herd of zebras is called due to their distinctive pattern. Scientists have now proven that they are in fact black animals with white stripes, you can keep that in mind now! Being close relatives to the Donkey and Horse, it’s a wonder why we never tamed the Zebra. Their personalities are probably to blame: constantly looking for ways to escape, being super headstrong when it comes to training, and their constant urge to run away. This is perhaps because of their protection mechanism against predators in the wild, making them hard to tame, and often rebellious. 

Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya

Spotted during: July to October during Migration

Giraffe

The tallest mammals on Earth, Giraffes are often seen standing up. They take things almost to the extreme, not only do they never sit down, they even give birth standing up. Another extreme is that they don’t sleep that much, on average a Giraffe only needs 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in 24 hours! Can’t tell if we’re jealous or horrified. Their unique patterns are like our fingerprint, no two giraffes have the same pattern. See this amazing pattern with your own eyes, look up and see how far their necks go!

Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Niger, and Kenya

Spotted during: April to September

Warthog

Unlike Pumba from Lion King, Warthogs don’t actually eat bugs. They are completely herbivorous and though look ferocious are quite adaptable and aren’t fighters unless during mating season. Fun fact: they can live up to months without water in the dry season, all they need is the water from the grass they eat! 

Spotted in: South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya

Spotted during: April to September

Hyena

Hyenas, the notorious scavengers of the Safari, known as thieves for other predator’s hard work. FALSE! They actually hunt up to 90% of their own food, and they are very capable hunters. Hyenas are also very long-living, unlike feral cats and dogs, they can live up to 20 years old in the wild. The record-breaking old hyena lived up to 41 years in captivity! 

Spotted in: Kalahari and Namibia

Spotted during: Year-round (if you’re lucky!)

Impala

Often seen chased around by the Cheetah or other predators, the impala is a nimble and quick animal that can jump three times its height in a single bound. They have excellent agility, allowing them to live in the harsh Safari and run away from other fast-footed predators. The best way to run away is to dodge left and right, using agility as their edge!

Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya

Spotted during: May, during mating season

Secretary bird

These birds look more like raptors, standing nearly 1.5M tall among the shrubs and grasslands, but that’s the highest they go. Secretary birds rarely fly, contrary to other birds, they are one of the rare breeds that actually hunt on foot. A mix of rodents, amphibians and reptiles are great for their diet. What’s also special about this bird is that they mate for life. Usually they return to the same nest every year with the same partner, adding to it season after season. 

Spotted in: Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Spotted during: Year-round (They mate year-round too!)

Ready to roll? Let us know just what you want to see, we’re more than happy to drive you along the edges of the Safari and get real close to all these amazing wildlife. Whether you’re a herbivore like the Rhinos, a carnivore like the big cat, you’ll be able to feel a part of nature in this bumpy ride.

In a post-pandemic world, change is underway. 2020 has forced us to stay grounded and look inwards, taking care of not only our bodies but also our mental health. Many have turned to meditation and wellness programmes to be more mindful in a world full of negativity. The time has come where we can explore the world once again, with lessons learnt in the past two years, let’s make this trip a wellness therapy to heal our hearts and relax.

Being in nature has magical effects, we have all experienced it at some point in our lives. The sound, scent of the trees, the sunlight that shines between the gaps of the restless leaves, these all give us an unfathomable sense of comfort. The art of forest-bathing, or what the Japanese call “Shinrin-yoku” means bathing in the forest atmosphere, and taking in the forest with all our senses. Forest-bathing can ease our stress and worries, help us relax and think more clearly. Being in nature can help restore our energy and rejuvenate us.

This Himalayan Kingdom is an ideal destination for a wellness journey.

Forest-bathing can happen in all shapes and forms, it doesn’t have to be active, you can simply be in nature and connect with it through your sense of touch, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Numerous studies have shown that forest-bathing has many health benefits, simply head to your nearest forest for a tester. Want to take a step further? Why not visit one of the world’s happiest places in pursuit of peace?

Bhutan is nestled in between China and India, this small country is well-known for being the happiest in the world and also the only carbon-neutral country. It has also had one of the lowest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world, with most of its citizens vaccinated. A place full of natural wonders, ranging from forest to glaciers, the Himalayan mountains to deep valleys, Bhutan is more than ready to welcome back tourists from all around the world. Indulge and take in every gasp of fresh air in this country of zen, reach down to your inner self to find calm amongst the trees with us:

Take a walk into the woods and feel the therapeutic power of nature in Bhutan.

Go tree bathing

It’s real, you can bathe amongst the roots of trees and breathe in pure fresh air that almost cleanses your soul right here in Bhutan. Descend into the valleys of Bhutan head to its countryside, winding through trails and villages. Away from the distractions of modern technology, inhale and close your eyes to feel one with nature. The world is never silent in nature, the rustling of the leaves, birds chirping in the distance, the breeze that feels like a warm caress under the sunlight… Go deeper into the woods to cleanse your body and spirit, meditate in any form, be it seated, walking, or even while humming. You can be among these beautiful trees either at the Gangtey Village Stupa or at the entrance of the Gangtey Valley Nature Trail Walk. Feel rejuvenated and at ease after your walk, treading lighter, and ready to explore other parts of Bhutan.

Six Senses is one of the luxury hotel and resorts that set foot in Bhutan.

Meditative Practises

Some people choose to meditate in other forms, you can join a Forest and Prayer Flag Bathing or create your own mandala. The mandala is a symbol representing the search for completeness and self-unity, by drawing the mandala in sand, you can transmit positive energies from the environment and focus on the present feelings in your meditative state. The sand is a solemn reminder that nothing is set in stone, and that even the most intricate and well-planned designs will one day return to dust. Connecting with your inner self can be simple, practise mindfulness with guidance to make the most of your trip.

Mushroom Foraging

If you’re more active and meditation really isn’t your forte, why not join a mushroom foraging expedition in the forest? Search for all sorts of different mushrooms, gently sniff the fragrance of fresh mushrooms and hunt for them amongst the trees. You can even choose to join a culinary class to cook these mushrooms right after you’ve picked them. True stem to table! Common mushrooms found here are species quite similar to the infamous matsutake mushrooms in Japan and Yunnan. Mushrooms make up a large part of the rural economy, and the foragers can go deep in the woods for days on end to search for the best mushrooms. Try out Bhutanese cuisine, usually slightly hot but mostly vegetable-based.

The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Thimphu Market

While some people love nature, for some the routes might be too laborious. Head to Thimphu Market to get in touch with Bhutan’s lovely produce and culinary culture. Visit the beautiful open-air market to see farmers sell their produce and hawkers sell their goods. You’ll be in touch with a range of different fruits such as mangoes, apples, sugar cane and, of course, their staple chilli peppers. The initiative aims to better the lives of the rural community in Bhutan, and these maze-like pavilions are a great joy to wander in. Immerse yourself in the local culture for a journey with your senses. Grab incense, fresh produce, fermented goods and all kinds of spices, pick out your favourite local arts and crafts too. Let the hustle and bustle of the market sweep you off your feet and into a world of Bhutanese culture.

Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment.

Whether you’re more of a tree-hugger, or just a fruit-lover, find serendipity in Bhutan no matter what floats your boat. Live life differently, experience happiness in the happiest countries on earth, simple joys that will make not only great memories, but also life lessons in being meditative and reflective. While in general getting into Bhutan can get a little tricky, we’ve figured out a way to make things hassle-free for you. Let Intriq Journey tailor your trip to Bhutan to fit your needs, be it forests or florets!

The polar opposite of being grounded in Asia during a pandemic? Soaring through the sky to the furthest continent down south – Antarctica. Antarctica isn’t your usual destination, it’s at the very bottom of our beautiful planet, and it’s constantly covered in white on the globes in classrooms. So what makes this place such a wonderful place to spend your next vacation?

Home to penguins, seals, and other marine animals that can brave the cold, this continent is a true natural treasure trove where you can be humbled by nature, amazed by wildlife, and feel calm and serene amongst the glaciers. Not only will you be one of the few people to make it to the world’s 7th continent, you’ll also be unlocking a whole lot of other achievements that can only be accomplished here. The South Pole may seem far, here’s what you can experience for any trip to Antarctica :

There are seven species of penguins that can be found in Antarctica. Come and see it for yourself.

• Penguins
  Waddle amongst these curious birds, from the tall, majestic Emperor Penguins, to the feisty Adélie, witness how they survive these harsh surroundings while looking effortlessly cute. These monogamous birds are one of the few birds that don’t know how to fly, but look prepared for a party on ice in their year-round tuxedos. Witness mating season during the Antarctic summer, breeding ground to 4 penguin breeds.
  
  Head to South Georgia Island where 3 million penguins flock to every mating season to continue their legacies. This island is a truly diverse place with the most amazing mix of wildlife, simply hop on to see for yourself!

Ditch the heels and tuxedo, hop onto an expedition ship for this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the southernmost part of the world.

• Expedition Ship Experience 
  
  Forget about cruise ships and get the most authentic experience on expedition ships, learn what it means to explore and be an adventurer. Witness firsthand what it is like to be able to break through the ice and maneuver the arctic sea with your loved ones. Minus the social events of a normal cruise ship, ditch the heels and tuxedo and get to really get off the ship and explore. Simply hop off, adhere to the safety rules and the Antarctic world is yours to tread. For expedition ships, the shortest trip is 6 days, but take all the time you need for this once in a lifetime experience!

There is no other place on earth where you can experience the ice and wildlife up close like kayaking in Antarctica.

• #Kayaking among icebergs and whales
  
  Kayaking under 0 degrees might not sound like the most attractive thing to do, but you’ll get to see the whales of these icy seas up close and personal without the humdrum of an engine. Kayaking is easy to manage and less physically-taxing.  Snake your way through the ice and get to see Antarctic wildlife with your own eyes. Kayaking with a whale can be an ecstatic and humbling experience, just imagine being in the same waters. 

• Camp
  
  Make camp on the ice, get comfortable in your warm, toasty sleeping bags and experience something that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime. In good weather, you may even be able to sleep outside the camp in a bivvy bag under the open sky. Remember to keep your toes tucked in or you might wake up to penguins pecking at your feet. Grab a good night’s sleep in the tent. Next morning, wake up to a view of glaciers, ice, and quiet waters, definitely one of the best experiences for camping possible. 

Massive Iceberg floating in the Southern Ocean in Antarctica with snow-covered mountains in the background

• Scuba dive under the ice/Snorkelling
  
  Swim! That’s right you can swim and scuba dive under the ice and explore parts of the world some people will never get to see. Get to see penguins and seals, swim with them in the same waters and be a part of nature. If you’re not licensed for scuba diving, you can also opt for a snorkelling option, where the waterproof suit will keep you warm, and get the full-on immersive experience with wildlife.

• Whale-watch
  
  Prefer to stay dry? Whale-watch from the comfort of your ship and learn about these gentle giants who are also mammals like us. Most of us have only seen whales in aquariums, now observe from a short distance how they are in their natural habitat, free and at ease. You might see the Blue whale, one of the largest mammals on earth, or the famous black-and-white Orca “Killer Whale”.
  

  Brown Station is an Argentine Antarctic base and scientific research station named after Admiral William Brown, the father of the Argentine Navy.

   

• Mail from the post office
  
  Send the most epic postcard. Send your family some love! The old British Antarctic Survey base at Port Lockroy is now a museum and post office nestled amongst colonies of penguins. Mail to your friends and family from the post office furthest South in the world. It will travel through ice and air just to get to its destination. Just hope the postcard doesn’t get stolen by nest-building penguins!

No matter where you’re going in from, the ideal time to travel to Antarctica is around summer (late November to early March)as the ice melts and makes way for expedition ships to come through and take you on the journey of your life. You don’t need to take a whole month off, there’s just the right length for you. Travelling to the Antarctica Peninsula can be hassle-free, make the most of your vacation by experiencing the amazing wonders nature has to offer in the South Pole. Waddle with the penguins, sail with the whales, and kayak between ice and land, we can make it happen. 

Make Antarctica your next travel destination with Intriq Journey.

Six Senses has recently opened its first three lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, across the serene Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Famous for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, the lodges are a combination of wellness, sustainability and exceptional experience, in which guests can have a taste of the country’s culture, hospitality and spirituality.

?Book by May 15^th, Stay Later. Enjoy 30% savings and up to USD 1,000 credit?

Six Senses Bhutan is delighted to offer preferred rates exclusively to our guests from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan for bookings made by May 15th, 2021, valid for stays through December 31st, 2024. Book now to lock in this special offer so you may set out on a spiritual journey after travel restriction’s been lifted.

?Special Rates –

Low:  June 1st – August 31st & December 1st – February 28th | High: March 1st – May 30th & September 1st – November 30th

Lodge Suite – USD 1,015++ per night (low) / USD 1,225++ per night (high)

Upper Lodge Suite – USD 1,155++ per night (low) / USD 1,365++ per night (high)

One-bedroom Villa – USD 1,330++ per night (low) / USD 1,610++ per night (high)

Two-bedroom Villa – USD 2,310++ per night (low) / USD 3,360++ per night (high)

Three-bedroom Villa – USD 3,360++ per night (low) / USD 4,830++ per night (high)

✅What is included:

• Accommodation at any Six Senses Bhutan lodge.
• Full board (taken at the lodges’ restaurants or as a picnic), non-alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic items in minibar, laundry and wifi at the lodges.
• English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle as well as all touring and monument entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Credit of USD 100 per suite/villa per night for up to 10 nights. Credit to be used towards spa, destination dining and activities.
• A minimum of 5 consecutive nights’ stay in any combination of the Six Senses Bhutan lodges is required with this offer.
• Flexible booking policy: Buy now and confirm travel dates later. 2 date changes allowed with 60 days advanced notice.

Terms and Conditions apply. Call us now at 6219 1359 or WhatsApp 8820 9080 or Email: enquiry@intriqjourney.com to learn more.