AFRICA’S “BIG FIVE”
The most prominent of the major African mammals dubbed the “Big Five,” the lion (Panthera leo) lives in social units called prides, usually made up of five to six related females, a single adult male or coalition of males, and cubs; over 80% of a pride’s hunting is done by females. Lions can be seen in Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), Serengeti & Tarangire national parks, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania).
Often seen in large, intimidating herds, the buffalo (Syncerus caffer, the Cape Buffalo, pictured here) can weigh as much as 1,500 lbs. – big and dangerous enough to keep most predators at bay. The buffalo roams the Sabi Sands (South Africa) and Serengeti (Tanzania) national parks.
Hunted almost to extinction in the 20th century, and still endangered now, there are two species of rhinoceros found in Africa: the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). You may spot rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara.
Although the beautiful, solitary leopard (Panthera pardus) is prevalent in most parks and reserves in east and southern Africa, you’ll often need to look up to spot one... since they spend much of their time in trees!
The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the world’s largest land mammal – and one of the most adaptable; it is able to thrive in the desert, rainforest and savanna. This must-see African icon is a fixture throughout the Masai Mara, as well as Amboseli and Serengeti national parks.
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Get to know the locals...
7. PRIVATE GAME DRIVES IN AMBOSELI Visit a Maasai village to meet the local residents, before spotting area wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives; enjoy opportunities to see elephants, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, jackals, warthogs, baboons and monkeys. Meals BLD
8. A MT. KENYA CLUB & ANIMAL ORPHANAGE A morning flight brings you to the legendary Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Straddling the Equator, the hotel was founded in 1959 by the late film star William Holden and is known for attracting a celebrity clientele. Become acclimated to the area during an Equatorial demonstration, followed by a private visit to the William Holden Foundation’s animal orphanage and education center. Have dinner at the hotel tonight. Meals BLD
9. OL PEJETA, CHIMPANZEES & WEAVERS An exciting day begins at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, boasting East Africa’s largest resident black rhino population, and others of the Big Five. It’s also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which shelters orphaned and abused chimpanzees. The town of Nanyuki is known for its colorful rugs, hangings and shawls; on a private visit with local weavers, see them shearing, spinning, dyeing and weaving sheep’s wool by hand. Dine under the stars tonight at a private barbecue. Meals BLD
10. WARRIOR’S WELCOME TO THE MASAI MARA Pack your Tauck duffle bag for a three-night stay in tented accommodations at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, surrounded on three sides by the Mara River and on the edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World. Fly from Nanyuki to the Masai Mara, touching down to a personal welcome by a Maasai warrior. Spend the afternoon as you wish, then get ready for an eye-opening evening game drive on the Mara plains. Meals BLD
11. MASAI MARA, FROM OVER THE TREETOPS Rise early for an exciting hot air balloon* flight high above the treetops’ height. As dawn breaks, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the wildlife herds that roam the Masai Mara reserve. Adding
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