I grew up a huge fan of Disney’s The Lion King, thinking all of Africa’s wild looked like the vast plains of the Serengeti. Upon arriving, I realized this massive continent is incredibly diverse with a vast array of animals.

Africa’s sun can be blistering, which is why most animals nap and lie low during the heat of the day. I woke at 5:30am daily and climbed into an open-topped jeep in search of active wildlife. With the ranger and tracker on the lookout, I saw kudu, giraffes, lots of warthogs, wildebeest, springbok, and a beautiful, speedy cheetah. Watching a herd of elephants at a watering hole not more than ten feet away was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I never imagine being so close to an uncaged, untrained elephant.

The ranger pointed out animal footprints and droppings, an easy way to track various animals. Travellers on safari usually stay on game reserves for multiple days because wildlife is unpredictable. Hence, the more game drives taken, the more animals seen.

On my second morning drive, I learned warthogs play ‘follow the leader’. The head hog point its tail in the air in the direction its moving. While those who follow, point their tails at the leader.

By the end of my safari experience, I had spotted four the Big Five; sadly, the elusive leopards stayed hidden.

The Penguins at Boulders Beach. South Africa’s animals are far more diverse than just the Big Five. In the early 1980s, a colony of African (or Jackass) penguins settled at Boulders Beach near Cape Town. Since then, visitors have been flocking here to observe the almost 3,000 penguins. The African penguin is now an endangered species as a result of overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts are being taken to prevent further decline of the penguin population.

I’m in awe of the ecosystems I’ve discovered during my adventure and have a new appreciation for how fragile our Earth is. I now fully understand the critical importance of protecting the habitats of these animals. Hopefully, through responsible action these amazing creatures will continue to thrive, and we can continue to marvel at them for years to come.

Miss something? Start your South African journey over again or go behind the scenes!

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