Post contributed by Hayley Jones
Nowhere else on Earth can you get up close and personal with such a plethora of exotic animals as you can in the continent of Africa. There you can see some of the most spectacular as well as endangered species earth such as rhinos, giraffes and even penguins! That is what makes it such a popular destination with conservationists and eco-tourists alike. Do you want a glimpse into the animal magnetism of Africa? Read on for a small peek at what you could see and where!
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Gorillas
As Africa is a continent and not a country (you’d be amazed at how many people get that wrong) you will need to first identify the best places to see the animals of your choice. For gorillas, one of the top locations is Uganda. In the Virunga Mountains that you will find a colony of endangered mountain gorillas. These huge primates are now unfortunately endangered with their numbers estimated to be as low as 700.
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It is possible to visit this region independently, although visiting the gorillas is definitely something that you will want to be chaperoned for, for your safety and the gorillas’. It’s possible to see the mountain gorilla as part of something like this G Adventures organized tour. A tour like this can take the hassle out of organizing this once in a lifetime opportunity, and also allow you to combine it will seeing many other unique and exotic animals during your trip.
Elephants
The African elephant is a pachyderm famous for its huge size and long trunk. It differs from its Asian counterpart due to its more enormous ears and is a must-see spot for many animal lovers. Luckily, there are several places well known to be great sites to see Elephants in Africa, including The Okavango Delta in Botswana. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of an immense grassy plain that floods. This happens to be the perfect habitat for animals such as elephants, crocodiles, and hippos.
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It’s also interesting to note that while the African elephants are officially rated as vulnerable, it is no longer seen as fully engaged. Something that is largely due to the anti-poaching programs established throughout the continent. A noble cause that you may want to consider contributing to if Elephants are your thing.
Giraffes
Tall, long-necked, gentle creatures, giraffes are truly one of Nature’s miracles. Herbivores, living in family groups, it’s not surprising that many people want to see them in their natural habitat. So, if that is one of your aims when visiting Africa, then there is no better place than Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. With an area of 14,750 km², the national park is home not only to giraffes but also to wildebeest and zebra too.
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In fact, it may be easier to see the latter rather than the former with there being some controversy about the threat contrary to the African giraffe population at the moment. With many ecologists suggest a recent 40% drop in is indicative of serious problems. To find out more about the specific magnetism of the Giraffe in Africa check out the post here.
As you can see amazing wildlife can be observed ethically all over this amazing continent. Don’t forget, this is just a small selection of what can be seen. You’ll have to get to this massive continent and see it all for yourself.
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10 Comments
Sreekar Harinatha
October 21, 2017 at 7:36 amI was not much of an animal enthusiast before I had a kid. My son is an avid fan of animals and all things related and hence Africa. Now all I want to do is plan a trip there. Hope your post if the motivation I need:)
TastingPage
October 21, 2017 at 3:49 pmWhat beautiful photos. Thanks for the mini virtual safari. I had no idea that there were only 700 gorillas left. That would be a special experience to see them.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
October 21, 2017 at 8:52 pmSo many incredible creatures! I want to see them all. I get such a thrill from seeing animals in their natural habitats. Africa is high on my list right now. The Uganda gorilla trip and the Okavango would be dreams come true, but how can you leave out the Serengeti!?
Hannah
October 22, 2017 at 3:39 amIt has long been a dream of mine to visit Tanzania and especially herds of Zebra. I was obsessed with them as a child, and I don’t think I’ll be truly fulfilled as a traveller until I see them in their natural habitat. The photos in this post are amazing, and you’d definitely be wise to take a good camera on such adventures!
SherianneKay
October 22, 2017 at 5:58 pmReally great images. I would love to see the gorillas in Uganda and have heard it can be a dangerous adventure. I have a friend who was on a tour and the gorilla grabbed the guide and carried him off! I would have fainted
AllGudThings
October 23, 2017 at 12:57 pmLovely post. My husband is going to enjoy this post as well as visiting Africa as he is a big time animal lover. I would be interested only to meet Giraffes and Gorillas. Beautiful Pictures Paige.
authenticfoodquest
October 23, 2017 at 4:58 pmThese are such arresting photos. Magnificent. I’m not much of an animal fan, but I would not skip the opportunity to see them up close at some point!
Buddy The Traveling Monkey
October 24, 2017 at 10:32 amOmg, the eyes of that gorilla really got me. It’s so sad to see that it and so many wonderful creatures are endangered. I’ve only been to Africa once, to South Africa. I was able to see a lot of animals which was really cool. I think the more people learn about them and their state, the better off they’ll be.
Elisa
October 24, 2017 at 12:29 pmI am not an animal lover but I am going to Uganda in a couple of months and you put me in the good mood for it thanks to your post. I gave up with the gorilla things: too complicated and too expensive (commissions, commissions and commissions everywhere!). Hopefully I will see all the big 5 anyway and yes, Africa is the right place for it!
Kirstie
October 24, 2017 at 9:47 pmhaha! This is true. I know of many people who mistake Africa as a country. Wonderful photos, btw.