Going on a safari for the first time can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming with all the new words and phrases you’ll hear. Guides use these terms to describe and explain the wildlife you’ll encounter, and you don’t want to miss out on any fascinating details. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some basic terms. For instance, have you heard of a kopje or a boma? Do you know which animals are part of the Big Five, the Little Five, and the Ugly Five?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to a selection of common phrases, local terms, and essential facts that will enhance your safari journey and provide you with the best safari experience possible.
Discover Tanzania’s Natural Wonders and Learn Swahili Along the Way
Safari Terms about Animals
The Big Five – Icons of the African Savannah
Picture this: you’re on an African safari, cruising through the savanna in your open-top safari vehicle, when you spot a pride of lions lounging in the shade, a stealthy leopard prowling through the bushes, a herd of majestic elephants trumpeting their way across the plains, a formidable buffalo herd grazing peacefully, and a rhinoceros casually strolling by. These are the Big Five, five of Africa’s most incredible animals, once prized hunting trophies, now symbols of conservation success.
Back in the day, hunters would chase these magnificent creatures relentlessly, pushing them to the brink of extinction. But thanks to Tanzania’s unwavering commitment to conservation, the Big Five are making a comeback. Strict anti-poaching measures and proactive wildlife management strategies have helped to stabilize and even increase their populations. It’s an amazing story of resilience and the power of human intervention.
So, if you’re ever lucky enough to experience the thrill of an African safari, keep your eyes peeled for these iconic animals. They’re more than just trophies; they’re reminders of the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation.
The Little Five – Delightful Treasures of Nature
While the Big Five may take center stage in African safaris, don’t forget to look closer for the Little Five, a group of diminutive creatures with a big ecological impact. The ant lion’s ingenious sand trap, the buffalo weaver’s elaborate communal nests, the rhinoceros beetle’s strength, the panther tortoise’s seed dispersal, and the elephant shrew’s insect control – these small wonders play a crucial role in maintaining Africa’s delicate ecosystems. So, next time you’re on an African safari, don’t just look for the big names; appreciate the Little Five, too.
The Ugly Five – Beauty Beyond Appearances
Appearances can be deceiving, especially in the African savannah. The Ugly Five, namely wildebeests, warthogs, spotted hyenas, marabou storks, and vultures, may not be conventionally attractive, but their resilience and adaptability in harsh conditions make them crucial members of the savannah community. Spotting these ubiquitous creatures during a safari is virtually guaranteed.
Twilight Animals – The Silent Predators
Twilight animals, including lions and bats, are skilled hunters that take advantage of the low light conditions during sunrise and sunset. On game drives, observing these mesmerizing creatures as they stealthily maneuver through the bush is a truly captivating experience. To make the most of this opportunity, it is advisable to embark on a game drive before sunrise.
Diurnal Animals – Active Under the Sun
Diurnal animals are predominantly active during daylight hours, while resting or sleeping during the night. Cheetahs exemplify diurnal behavior, hunting primarily in the early morning and late afternoon. As diurnal predators, cheetahs skillfully avoid competition with nocturnal predators and rely on optimal lighting conditions for their high-speed hunts.
Nocturnal Wonders – Thriving Under the Moonlight
Approximately 70% of animals exhibit nocturnal behavior, being most active during the night. Night drives provide a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal species such as leopards, bush babies, and porcupines as they roam and hunt under the moonlit African sky.
Bush Baby
Contrary to popular belief, bush babies are not human babies that have been lost and raised in the wild. They are a nocturnal primate species with saucer-shaped eyes. These cute little monkeys, also known as galagos, call the African continent home and spend most of their lives in trees in search of food.
Safari Terms related to Geography and Locations: Unveiling the Safari Landscape
Maasai Boma – Traditional Maasai Homesteads
In the heart of Maasai life, you won’t find traditional villages, but something more intimate—bomas. These family shelters, led by a man, are made up of numerous huts where his wives and children reside. As the family grows, more huts join the Boma community.
What makes these homesteads unique is not just the close-knit family living but also the protective embrace of settlements surrounded by thorny acacia branches. These natural fences not only safeguard the Maasai’s cherished livestock from predators but are also a vital part of the rich tapestry of Maasai culture and lifestyle. It’s more than just a dwelling; it’s a sanctuary where family, tradition, and the rugged beauty of the Maasai way of life come together. Read more on Life in Masai Boma This Article.
Kopjes – Rocky Outcrops amidst the Plains
Kopjes, translation “little heads” in Dutch, are rocky islands scattered across the vast plains of the Serengeti. These unique formations serve as natural habitats for various wildlife species and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding savannah.
Safari Lodges – Luxurious Abodes in the Wilderness
Safari lodges provide accommodation in single-storey structures, often constructed from wood, concrete, or stone. Distinguished by their larger size and superior amenities compared to safari camps, lodges typically feature extensive fencing and security services for the comfort and safety of guests.
National Parks – Preserving Nature’s Masterpieces
National parks are designated regions established by the government to safeguard the natural environment and sustain the diverse wildlife within them.
Nature Reserves – Protecting Wildlife Sanctuaries
Similar to national parks, nature reserves are managed either by the government or private organizations to ensure the conservation of their wildlife populations and habitats.
Savannas – Vast Grassland Ecosystems
Savannahs, characterized by their expansive grassy plains, scattered bushes, and limited number of trees, thrive in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. With distinct rainy and dry seasons, these biodiverse ecosystems create a unique habitat for a wide range of animal species.
Understanding Seasons and Natural Phenomena
Dry Season
The dry season, known as the peak or high season in Tanzania, occurs from July to September. During this time, animals congregate around waterholes and rivers, making them more accessible for observation. With vegetation thinning out, this period is ideal for game viewing, including witnessing the spectacular Great Migration.
Green Season / Rain / Wet / Low Season
The green season unfolds during the warm, rainy months, offering a serene and lush environment. Though wildlife may be more challenging to spot due to abundant foliage, the green season showcases Tanzania at its most tranquil. This off-peak period presents exceptional opportunities to witness newborn animals and enjoy discounted travel rates.
Low Season
This is an industry term that refers to the transition between the rainy and dry seasons – the time in between when there may be occasional showers, but not yet continuous rain.
Calving Time
The wildebeest continue to migrate south, following the rain and fresh grass it brings, and enter the Ndutu region, which connects the southern Serengeti and the northwestern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Almost two million wildebeest gather here for the calving season.From the end of December to March, over 8,000 calves are born every day. These huge herds of hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles feed on the nutritious grass that grows on the fertile volcanic soil that helps feed the hungry calves.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is nature’s greatest spectacle and takes place in the wider Serengeti ecosystem, which includes the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The Great Migration is an annual event and the largest migration of land mammals in the world, with nearly two million animals, including wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles, migrating each year on a circular journey between the two regions in search of water and food.
Safari Terms on Game Drives and Types of Safaris
Safari
You’ve heard the word a thousand times, but what does safari actually mean? Safari is the Swahili word for “journey”. Nowadays, it means a land trip to observe the wildlife of a particular region.
Safari Guide/ Guide
In the African wilderness, it can be difficult to find your way around on your own and discover the best photo opportunities. Our guides will accompany you on all safari adventures in the national parks, be it a nature walk or a game drive, and will give you interesting insights into the geography and wildlife around you. The trained and experienced safari guides know where to find the best places for your wildlife viewing.
Nature Walk/Walking Safari
If you want to hop off the safari vehicle and experience a different side of the wilderness, you can sign up for a nature walk. It gives you the chance to witness the intricacies of African wildlife and the ecosystem in general. Under the guidance of your armed guide, you’ll walk in the footsteps of wild animals and follow their daily lives on this adventure. Except on these guided walks, it is not allowed to leave the safari vehicle on your game drive for safety reasons. It’s not the lions that threaten you from 100 meters away, it’s what you might not see in the grass at your feet.
Night Game Drive
This is a game drive in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle that lights up the stage for Africa’s nocturnal animals such as leopards, servals, porcupines, honey badgers, bush babies, and aardvarks after dark with a powerful spotlight.
Khaki Fever
Who doesn’t love khaki uniforms? You know you have a khaki fever when you feel extremely inspired by a khaki-clad ranger or guide on a safari and eventually become addicted to the African wilderness.
Private/ Exclusive Use
This refers to a special safari package where you can book a lodge or camp exclusively for your family. This means that children of all ages are welcome, and you will have unlimited access to a private safari vehicle with a personal driver-guide for the duration of your stay, in addition to other luxurious and personalized services.
Star Beds
The Star-Bed Experience is a safari adventure where you sleep under the night sky under a mosquito net in a treehouse or in an open-air environment. You can hear the natural lullaby of crickets and other wildlife, along with occasional nightly calls from lions and hyenas.
Tracker
On safari, many safari operators often have a tracker on their team to track the activities of the wildlife. The job of a tracker is to demonstrate remarkable skills in tracking animal tracks to locate wildlife in the area.
Horse Safari
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a horseback safari to encounter big game on horseback. Riding through the African savannah on horseback, you’ll be able to explore the area off the beaten track in the company of experienced mounted safari guides.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Do you want to experience the beauty of Tanzania from a bird’s eye view? You can enjoy Tanzania from the sky. An unmissable adventure on a trip to East Africa is to ride in a hot air balloon while enjoying the scenic, vast wilderness and wildlife from a bird’s eye view. Balloon safaris usually start with the sunrise in the early morning with a hot, steaming cup of coffee and brighten up the day with a shared breakfast and a glass of champagne.
Photography Safari
On a photo safari, you’ll embark on an adventurous expedition into the wilderness where your only goal is to take photos of the amazing wildlife and scenery around you. It provides ample opportunity for both professional photographers and avid amateurs to take memorable pictures for their albums.
Urban Safari
Your safari doesn’t end when you land in places like Arusha or Zanzibar. City safaris are a guided experience through Tanzania’s tourist cities where you can immerse yourself in local life, taste the local cuisine, and learn about the local culture.
Communication is the key
Familiarizing yourself with the local language and common terms will help you better understand the region and the safari experience. By learning a few keywords, you’ll be better prepared to ask questions, explain your needs, and get the most out of your adventure. Finally, understanding local customs and culture can make your experience even more enjoyable and memorable.Tanger Safaris’ guides proudly and passionately help our guests discover and understand the beauty of Tanzania.
