September 7, 2016Read time - 2 minutes"I still remember my first wildlife safari, aged 16," says Tom Harari, who has worked at Exodus HQ since 2011, and has experience on the road as a tour leader. African Wildlife Safaris"It was in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. We'd seen elephants, buffalo, hippos and even a lion in the tall grass close to our 4x4.We were starting to make our way back when another passenger cried out - there was a leopard in a tree. It was thrilling. I still love sitting by the flood-lit watering holes in Etosha and watching the theatre of the brush unfold as various animals – zebras, springboks, even rhinos or lions – come down to drink. Other highlights include seeing the sun rising over the ochre sand in Namibia, casting a warm light on the vibrant colours of these giant dunes, or seeing the impossible volume of water thundering over the edge of Victoria Falls. One night, during a full moon, we were able to see a lunar rainbow created by the full moon's bright light in the spray of the falls. And then there's the Milky Way. I first saw it in all its glory in Botswana but have since seen it elsewhere in Africa. Camping out and gazing up at a billion twinkling lights is just incredible. It comes down to the raw beauty of Africa and its natural treasures, whether it's the ever-changing desert in Namibia or the imposing sight of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the savannah. And, once again, there's the wildlife... the number of encounters I've had is too high to recount. Elegant giraffes, cheeky warthogs, sage elephants, the thrill of seeing cheetahs on the hunt or the 'aww' moments of catching cubs at play." Here are five of Tom's favourite African animal encounters:African Animal EncountersGiraffeGiraffe"Their long necks are amazing and they almost have to do the splits when they drink! They sleep for only 30 minutes a day and hardly make any noise.I told my niece this and when my sister later asked her to be 'quiet as a mouse' my niece replied, 'No, quiet as a giraffe!'" HippoHippo"A safari favourite, hippos are actually the most deadly animal in Africa – and surprisingly fast for their size. You should never get between a hippo and the water, or a hippo and their young.The word hippopotamus comes from the Greek 'hippos', meaning horse, and 'potamos', meaning river – literally river horse." CheetahCheetah"Some of my most memorable wildlife experiences involve cheetahs – they are the fastest land animal and extremely elegant cats.Namibia may have the highest population of cheetahs but East and Southern Africa provide the best opportunities to see them in the wild."ElephantElephants"Elephants have strong bonds with other members of their herd and grieve at the death of others. Calves are looked after by their mothers as well as 'aunties' – other females from the herd.Head to Namibia to see its very special desert elephants.LionRoaring lion'Simba' is the Swahili word for lion. Known as 'the king of the jungle', lions don't typically live in the jungle and their kingly status is debatable; they're poor hunters, with just an 18% success rate.Tanzania is a good place to see them lazing in trees.Browse our trips below and plan your own African wildlife experience.
Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana 62 reviews A Safari through Botswana's best wildlife reserves and Victoria Falls. Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $4,349 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari 26 reviews Botswana and Zimbabwe greatest natural wonders and wildlife parks in comfort Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $6,249 USD $5,849 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Classic Kenya 4WD Safari 48 reviews A classic journey on safari in Kenya. Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 7 Days from $3,949 USD $3,779 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure 53 reviews Excellent game viewing, spectacular scenery and exotic Zanzibar. Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $5,849 USD $5,449 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein - Premium Adventure 70 reviews Premium Photographic safari during the great migration with award-winning photographer, Paul Goldstein. Premium Adventures Activity level: Moderate Ages: 18+ 7 Days from $8,799 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping 60 reviews Fantastic wildlife viewing in Kenya and Uganda. Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 15 Days from $6,579 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Highlights of Madagascar 17 reviews Discover Madagascar's unique wildlife and stunning beaches Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $4,349 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Namibia 4WD Desert Safari 26 reviews True wilderness safari in Namibia's remote northwest where animals outnumber people. Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 13 Days from $5,599 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Safari Extension after Rongai Route Why not extend your trip? Discover the fantastic wildlife of Tanzania Trip Extensions Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Safari Extension after Lemosho Route Why not extend your trip? Discover the fantastic wildlife of Tanzania Trip Extensions Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda 26 reviews Looking through Uganda for some of Africa's most emblematic and amazing wildlife Wildlife Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 10 Days from $7,199 USD $6,749 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details