Game Drive Tips for Your African Safari Trip

Those looking for ways to make the most of their African safari trip should consider going on a few game drives, one of the best activities for maximizing your time.

If you want to get the best photos during your game drives and increase your chances of seeing Africa’s most famous animals, you can follow these tips that can ensure you have a good time while respecting wildlife and respecting others.

Follow the Most Important Rules: Stay Inside the Vehicle, Keep Quiet and Don’t Feed the Animals

Game drives disrupt the typical experience of wildlife in the bush, but guides and safari tour companies do their best to compromise with nature. By sticking mostly to set paths, taking steps to not stress the animals and keeping interactions to snapping photos, the natural experience can be preserved as much as possible. Most animals even get used to the site and sound of 4x4s.

Uphold your end of the bargain by staying quiet during drives. Do not call out to animals to get their attention, and try to talk softly the entire drive. Definitely do not feed animals, since this can get them sick and encourage them to associate humans with food — not a good connection!

Also, most importantly, keep within the confines of the vehicle at all times. Leaning out or, heaven forbid, exiting the vehicle can stress animals and place you in a very dangerous situation.

Dress in Layers, Wear Sunscreen and Bring Repellant

Game drives can be chilly in the morning and hot in the afternoon sun. Dress in layers so that you can prepare for these temperature changes. Also, wear a brimmed hat and cover yourself in sunscreen to prevent getting burned.

Biting insects are common in many parks, especially during open air drives, so bring along plenty of repellant to reapply during your drive.

Take Along a Guidebook

During your drive, you will probably see a ton of animals you do not recognize but that look interesting. Take along an informative guidebook with photo identification of bush animals so you can know as much as possible about the world around you.

For younger safari-goers, you can print off a checklist of animals so that they can stay engaged and focus on seeing the most interesting species.

Bring Binoculars

Binoculars help you spot far away animals and set up your photos more quickly. Being forced to share binoculars can mean watching a speck by a drinking pool while everyone else sees a lion, so bring a pair for each person to ensure no one misses out.

Wait for the Vehicle to Stop Before Taking Close-Up Photos

The powerful engines in 4x4s tend to vibrate, which leads to blurry pictures if you have your lens zoomed in. Feel free to snap wide angle shots as you drive, but for the best photos wait until the engine is cut off.

Look for More Than Just the Big Five

Everyone wants to see lions, elephants and other famous “big five” animals on their trip, but you should recognize that there are plenty of beautiful species on the African continent, both big and small. Use a guidebook to help you spot birds, tell the difference between antelope-like species and appreciate sights others might miss.

Talk With Your Ranger

Your ranger has gone on hundreds of drives and has likely spent much of their life living in the bush. Feel free to ask them questions or to get them to describe their experiences, especially if you want to know more about a specific animal.

Let Nature and Your Spotter Be Your Eyes

With the tallest necks in the bush, giraffes tend to be amazing lookouts, helping you identify big cats crouched in the grass where you cannot see. Other animals like antelope tend to focus sharply when they see possible dangers. Your spotter guide will also help keep everyone focused either by staring at their target, quietly pointing or informing your ranger.

Tip Your Guides!

Game drive guides earn some wages, but they get much of their income from tips. They also tend to get motivated to do more for groups that tip generously, so if you are particularly keen on seeing something elusive like a leopard, then be a little more giving.

Tip amounts are at your discretion, but R30 to R50 or $8 a person is considered fair. No matter how much you give, be sure to thank your guide since they are providing you a service few others are capable of rendering!

Go on Several Drives to Get a Diverse Experience During Your African Safari Trip

Morning drives are usually the most productive times of day, but afternoon and nighttime drives offer differing experiences. Regardless of when you go, recognize that each drive is a dice roll in that you never know what you will see — or if you will see anything. If you have a disappointing drive one day, do not think that means you will not see more than the average group on your next drive.

You can ensure that you go on as many different drives as possible while enjoying other amazing activities like bush walks and boat rides when you book an African safari tour package and start planning your trip today!

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui

 

What to Expect on an African Riverboat Safari

An African riverboat safari is a less-often considered adventure option that provides many unique benefits. When staying aboard the riverboat, you have the opportunity to let wildlife quite literally come to you. You can also depart on smaller flat-bottomed boats throughout the day to enjoy a leisurely alternative to the game drives or walking safaris.

Those who want to see elephants, hippos, Cape buffalo, exotic birds and many of the most remarkable African species can enjoy doing so on a riverboat cruise while also partaking in delicious meals throughout the day. Here is just a sample of what you can expect:

Up Close Encounters

Many animals you see on game drives are used to the sounds of cars, but others will be elusive. They have few reasons to stray towards the paved roads and well-trod dirt paths in parks except for to get from point A to B. On walking safaris, you often have a better chance at seeing more elusive creatures like wild dogs but must earn the privilege through some quite literal leg work.

By contrast, a boating safari means that the animals often surround you or come close to you despite the presence of a large riverboat or small craft. Animals like elephants and giraffe come to the river to bathe and drink, while others like Cape buffalo make their crossing.

Then, there are semi-aquatic species like crocodiles and hippopotami, which spend most of their day in the water. While gliding past, you are likely to see plenty of eyeballs poking above the river surface.

This distinction is not to say that you should not book walking safaris and game drive tours at all. They can offer access to important regions of parks to enjoy sights and animals you would not otherwise see. But, on the whole, riverboat safaris are an underappreciated way to enjoy wildlife from a different perspective.

A Relaxed Pace

Staying at a game lodge and going on drives means a small amount of scheduling and going from place to place. You still have an itinerary on riverboat safaris, but you will most often be walking out onto the deck to take part in them. Scheduled activities like lunch can take place on these decks while some of Africa’s most majestic creatures glide by.

Five Star Treatment

Many riverboat safari tours roll out the red carpet for their guests with amenities and gourmet foods that would not feel out of place at a luxury resort. The Zambezi Queen, a popular riverboat lodge, serves up gourmet twists on local favorites, including Namibian beef, fresh fish or even the occasional game food like impala filet.

Book Your African Riverboat Safari Vacation Now

Every safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but an African riverboat safari is even more special. You can take a look at our African safari tour packages to find the riverfront experience you desire or contact us directly to book a specialty tour today.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

 

Meerkat Mania

Since the release of Disney’s beloved classic, The Lion King, in 1994, the meerkat has become one of the most recognizable creatures from Africa. This adorable species is common, yet still one of the animals that tourists hope to see the most on their African safari vacation. The meerkat is a rugged creature, despite its delicate appearance, and is as clever in real life as the witty character, Timon. Seeing these tiny animals in their natural habitat is a real treat. If you are planning your trip to Africa, be sure to keep your eye out for a group of meerkats. In the meantime, let’s celebrate with a few fun facts on this incredible creature.

Family Matters

Unlike in the movie, the meerkat is not a creature that you will find flourishing alone or without its own kind. The meerkat thrives in a family gang with 20 to 50 extended members. The group is led by an alpha pair, yet the female is normally the most dominant out of the two. For the most part, the entire family group is made up of siblings or children of the pair. Just two to four new pups are born from the lead pair every year, who are watched over and even nursed by the entire family gang. They are well aware that their continued survival is dependant on the care of their offspring. They have even been known to risk their own lives to protect these youngsters.

The Watch Guard

One way in which the meerkat shows its intelligence is by the establishment of the family watch guard. Meerkats take turns keeping watch over the brood, scanning the horizon for predators while the rest of the family frolics in the sun in peace. If one of the common predators of the meerkat is spotted, the family member who is standing watch will warn the others with a very distinct bark.

Thriving in the Desert

Meerkats are perfect for life in the desert. The markings around their eyes help to reduce the glare of the sun, while the shape of their eyes allow them to see things in a wide angle view. They are master burrowers, living in an expensive network of tunnels that they dig safely below the ground.

Meerkats are Omnivores

One surprising fact about meerkats is that they are omnivores. They eat both plants and animals, and enjoy delicacies that include bugs. Meerkats are known to eat other small rodents, lizards, scorpions, birds, eggs and fruit. They are wonderful hunters, capable of disarming a scorpion from its poisonous stinger in an instant. Since the meerkat does not store body fat well, they forage for food on a daily basis.

Plan Your African Safari Vacation

Would you like to see the magnificent meerkat up close and personal in its natural habitat? Then keep an eye out on your African safari vacation for one of the cleverest families in the land. To start planning your trip, visit our safari tours page or contact a representative with Roho Ya Chui today.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

How to Handle and Ostrich Encounter

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird. They are native to the African savannah and desert lands, where they roam between watering holes eating plants along the way. Though ostriches cannot fly, their powerful legs make them extremely fast sprinters. They are capable of reaching top speeds of 43 miles per hour, and can run over long distances at 31 miles per hour. It goes without saying, but an ostrich is not an animal that you want to get into a foot race with on your African safari vacation.

At Roho Ya Chui, we want you to have a great time on your safari, while also staying safe. Due to their size and awesome abilities, ostriches are very popular animals among tourists. Seeing the world’s largest bird in its natural habitat is a true bucket list item for many. It is important to remember that these are wild animals and special care should be taken if you happen to encounter one. Though humans are not a natural prey of these birds, they have been known to injure and even kill people. Here is how to handle an ostrich encounter.

1. Hide and Please Don’t Seek

Ostriches can deliver devastating blows with their powerful legs, wings and beaks. The best way to avoid being harmed by an ostrich is to steer clear of them all together. Of course, even the most well intended tourists can get into sticky situations with wild animals. If you encounter an ostrich, immediately look to see if there is any brush, a building or vehicle that you can easily reach nearby. Keep your eye on the animal, but quickly seek refuge in this shelter and hide. If you do not think that you can make it to shelter, do not attempt to. Lay on the ground and play dead instead. An ostrich can easily outrun an adult human and will attack from behind with enormous force.

2. Blend In or Climb High

Ostriches are birds that have a primary diet of plants. Humans are far from the top of their list of prey, but they will chase a person if they feel threatened. As mentioned, a person has little hope of outrunning an ostrich, so the best chance is to hide. If there is no brush available, look to see if there is any object that you can use to conceal yourself, such as a boulder or tree. If you do find a tree, try and climb it. Remember that ostriches are incapable of flight, so you will only need to go nine or ten feet to be safe. The ostrich will lose interest in the chase if they believe that you have left.

3. Fight Off the Ostrich

In extreme circumstances, when there is no cover and you are clearly being attacked by the ostrich, you may have to fight. If there is a stick near, arm yourself. Stay to the sides and rear of the ostrich, they can only attack from the front. Make yourself as large as possible by waving your arms and a stick.

Plan Your African Safari Vacation

If you would like more information about planning your African safari vacation, visit our safari tours page or contact a representative with Roho Ya Chui today.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

How to Determine the Amount of Time to Spend on Your Safari

Africa is the perfect continent to visit when you are on holiday. Many people spend years planning the perfect safari vacation. There are multiple countries in Africa that offer tourists wonderful safari experiences. Of course, it is impossible to experience all of the diverse landscapes and biomes within Africa in a short trip — but holidays do not last long. It is important to pinpoint exactly what you want to see and do for your African safari vacation so that you can determine how much time you will need to commit to meeting those goals. Here are some questions to help you determine the amount of time to spend on your safari.

1. Are You an Experienced Wildlife Fanatic?

While everyone is encouraged to take a trip to Africa so that they can truly appreciate everything that the wonderful nations within have to offer, a long safari is not recommended for all. The most common methods for traveling through the safari parks and countries is via a four wheel drive vehicle, walking, horseback or on foot. As you can imagine, a few days of traveling in this manner is exhausting for even the most avid outdoorsman. Of course, for some a week is not nearly enough time to embrace the African wildlife. If you are not an experienced with the outdoors, consider limiting your safari to a week or less.

2. What is Your Method of Travel?

Some methods of travel allow you to see a lot of the landscape very quickly. One of the most popular is an air safari via plane. This is a very unique experience that requires little work on your part — except to keep your eyes open for any incredible animals. There are also water safaris that can be more relaxing than other traditional routes. If you are traveling using one of these methods, you will be able to complete your trip quicker, in just a few days. If you would like to stay in Africa longer, be our guest.

3. What are Your Prefered Accommodations?

Most eco-friendly safari camps are quite primitive. You can expect bucket showers and a true camping experience. However, luxury safari camps offer a finer side for safari tourists. After a week in an eco-friendly camp, you will probably be ready for a nice hot shower and a warm bed. If you are in a luxury camp, you may be able to stick it out a bit longer.

4. What Would You Like to See?

There is so much to do and see in Africa, it is simply impossible to cover it all in a week or even two. Narrow down your top priorities and calculate how much time it will take to travel between them. If you would like to go through multiple countries, you may want to consider extending your trip.

Plan Your African Safari Vacation

Are you ready to plan your African safari vacation? We can help. To learn more, visit our safari tours page or contact us to speak to a representative at Roho Ya Chui.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

 

Essential for Planning a Successful Tour

An African safari vacation is a bucket list vacation that requires careful planning and attention to detail to perfect. The continent is so diverse — you can experience most of the world’s biomes by traveling through a few distinct locations. There are thousands of animals and bird species, as well as an abundance of thriving plant life. You want your trip to Africa to be a dream, and it absolutely can be if you have the essentials prepared. Take your time, talk to the experts and read through these tips for planning a successful tour.

1. Involve the Whole Group With Planning

Most people do not travel to Africa alone, which means that you will have multiple wants and opinions for what to see and do while you are there. This is how it should be, as Africa offers something for everyone. Take everyone’s wishes into account and talk about how you can smoothly make those dreams a reality. Some travel experts recommend different times of the year for different regions, so your group will need to take that into account. You might need to travel through multiple countries — which is both normal for tourists and encouraged. Be sure to commit plenty of time to this trip, one to two weeks is highly recommended.

2. Decide Where to Stay and Travel

Safari experts recommend that tourists who want an intimate, experience in Africa stay in smaller camps. These campsites are normally very luxurious, offering friendly staff, good meals and daily safari tours. Larger lodges may be the way to go if you are on a tighter budget, but these often accommodate upwards of 100 people at a time. As you can imagine, these groups can make safari trips a bit less magical. If you do stay in a lodge, consider investing in a traveling method that will be smaller and more personal. With that being said, take some time to consider a total budget plan with your family or friends who will also be going on the trip. Decide where to stay and travel based off your budget.

3. Learn About the Cultures

The cultures in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself. There are a multitude of different groups, tribes and peoples who are very welcoming to tourists. It is important that you learn about the cultures and customs of the locals in the areas that you will be traveling through. Nobody wants to be that tourist who unintentionally offends a nice tour guide.

Use a Professional Travel Agency

Planning a trip to Africa is a real art. It is highly recommended that you invest in the expertise of a travel agent who specializes in safari vacations. Are you ready to start planning your trip to Africa? To learn more information, visit our safari tours page and contact us to start planning your African safari vacation with Roho Ya Chui, today.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

Fruits and Foods Native to Africa

When most people picture Africa in their minds, they see grassy plains, desert landscapes and fierce animals. Far from a place where fruit and other foods grow in abundance—but, Africa is a surprising land of plenty in many, many ways. Much of African culture revolves around the delicious food that is produced by the diverse peoples that make up the continent. South Africa, in particular, is abundant in plant food sources. This is most evident when tourists taste the world class cuisine that chefs put together using local sources. Once you experience an African safari vacation, you will never think of this place in the same way again. Here are some of the native fruits and foods native to Africa.

1. Amaranth

The lowlands of Africa are associated with the stunning gorillas that many tourists travel around the world to see. The countries that comprise this area are hot, humid and full of thriving plant life. This plant diversity includes the edible greenery, Amaranth. Amaranth thrives and grows quickly in the humid environment and is used by the locals, as well as others around the world, for a variety of uses. As an excellent source of protein, essential minerals, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and other vitamins, this plant plays an important role in the diets of people who call the African lowlands home.

2. Cowpea

Thousands of years ago, the hearty people who called Africa home grew a major crop that is still a staple in the land today. Cowpea is a legume that could not be more perfect for life on the diverse continent. Not only is it efficient in drought, but it can also be grown successfully in poor soil conditions.

3. The Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is to Africa what lettuce and other leafy greens are to many areas of the world. This plant is grown throughout the continent and plays a significant role in the diet of the people who live here.

4. African Eggplant

Like many other plants that are grown in Africa, the African Eggplant can thrive in poor soil and drought conditions. It is also very easy to store and is long lasting. Most importantly, second to being a very nutritious vegetable, this plant is the fiscal lifeline for many African families. While tourism plays a giant role in the economies of many African nations, agriculture is also a driving force. This plant, in particular, is a multi-beneficial staple in many areas.

Book Your African Safari Vacation

Are you ready to try some of these native fruits and vegetables for yourself? You can get your questions answered and begin booking your African safari vacation by visiting our safari page or contacting a representative with Rohoyachui today.

Jill LIphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

Visiting the different regions of Africa

Roho Ya Chui offers safaris all across Africa so that you can travel the locations you’re most drawn to. Each part of the continent offers unique experiences from scenery to wildlife to cuisine. Explore our site and guides for more details, but consider these brief descriptions of some of our favorite regions of Africa to start narrowing down your trip choices. Remember not to stress over your decision—all the safaris are incredible, and you can always come back for another!

Botswana & Namibia

Surround yourself with wildlife during your trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants on the entire African continent. As the game roam freely in the large natural space, you’ll also be likely to spot buffalo, antelope, rafts of hippo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and hyenas. Sound like your ideal trip? Think about the 9-day Signature Botswana safari or check out what our Namibia trips have to offer.

Southern Africa

The country of South Africa is a great place to visit if you’re interested in exploring Southern Africa. Cape Town offers incredible views of the ocean and mountains. Visit the Jackass penguins on Boulders Beach and watch the gorgeous sunset over Table Mountain. Kruger Park offers highly skilled and qualified professional rangers and trackers who will land you intimate wildlife encounters with leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhino, and lions. There are plenty of safaris to think about taking throughout the nations of Southern Africa, but a few to consider in South Africa are the 7-day Signature Kruger, the 10-day Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls, and the 6-day Blyde River, Kruger, and Panorama Route fly-in tour.

Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, & Madagascar

Trips to Victoria Falls offer the opportunity for activities like white water rafting and bungee jumping. If you’re seeking something a little less extreme, there are also the more low-key options of elephant back safaris and sunset cruises. The largest sheet of falling water on earth, The Victoria Falls are one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World. In this region, expect to see warthogs and sample interesting dishes like crocodile risotto and kudu steaks. Consider the 11-day Best of Zimbabwe, Signature Zambia tours, and many more throughout these various nations.

Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, & Uganda

A Tanzanian tour will guarantee spotting an abundance of wildlife. With more than 550 species of birds, the swamps surrounding the Tarangire River support the largest number of breeding bird species found anywhere in the world. You might also come across elephants, pythons, herds of oryx, and tree climbing lions. Additionally, you’ll view impressive rock paintings that were created by men tens of thousands of years ago. Visit the Serengeti to experience an ongoing source of inspiration for filmmakers, photographers, and writers around the world. Try the 18-day Grand Tour Tanzania, or look into our trips to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

8 Packing Essentials for your Safari

Packing for your grand safari adventure is different from packing for a trip to Disney Land or a weekend in Las Vegas. While you are dreaming of excitement and vistas that take your breath away, keep in mind that you are going to spend the majority of your time out of doors, and you do not want to get dirty or be schlepping four bags in your wake.

Packing Light

The name of the game is pack light. In fact, if you are planning on doing any plane hops between sites, you could be limited to less than 25 lbs. Your best bet is not to bring things you do not need, and, if possible, to bring a small duffel bag of absolute essentials to take on your safari, while you leave your larger roller bag and less needed items in your arrival/departure city. Check with your tour operator to find out any luggage restrictions they may have, as well as to get details about lockers or other long-term storage options for while you are “on safari.”

The Wearables: Clothing and Accessories

Temperatures can fluctuate wildly from day to night, so packing in layers is important. Bringing specialty travel wear, or anything that dries quickly, can save you space as you can wash them in the sink and air dry overnight. You want to avoid any brightly colored items, including white, to ensure you do not stand out and distract the animals.

Loosely fitting clothing will help prevent over-heating in the day time, and a fleece or sweatshirt will keep you cool in the chilly morning or evening. A thin roll-up raincoat can be packed in an outside pocket or bottom of the bag and will be needed during the rainy season. Long pants and sleeves will protect you from the elements as well as mosquitoes.

For a typical safari of a week to ten days, the following items should be sufficient, but again, check with your tour operator.

1. Tops: 3-4 T-shirts, 2 long sleeved shirts
2. Bottoms: 1 pair comfortable, loose shorts, two pairs of long cotton pants (avoid jeans)
3. Outerwear: 1 sweatshirt or fleece, 1 thin raincoat
4. Undergarments: 2-3 pairs of socks, 4 pair underwear, 2-3 sports bras (if needed) all in a material that can be washed in sink
5. Shoes: 1 pair water shoes/ flip flops for shower, 1 pair waterproof, comfortable, lightweight shoes for everyday
6. Pajamas: 1 pair warm pajama pants can be paired with your t-shirts or sweatshirt to keep you warm during the chilly nights
7. Accessories: Sunglasses and a hat with strap to protect you not only from the sun but also the dust
8. Your swimsuit

Extra Gadgets
You are going on a safari to see the scenery and wildlife around you, so you do not need to pack a lot of “extra” entertainment. You are, however, going to want to capture your trip, so a camera is a must. With the camera make sure you consider extra batteries and/or charger, as well as additional SD/memory cards. You should also consider bringing binoculars to spot birds and hiding wildlife. Other items to include are a flashlight for walking around at night and a cell phone with an international plan (and the charger!)

Toiletries and Medicines

You do not need to go overboard with medicine and first aid, as the tour company will have first aid kits, but it is always a good idea to have a small stash on hand. When packing for your safari, consider packing Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antihistamine (pills or creams), bug spray/repellent, sun block and antacids/antidiarrheals. You can also pack hand sanitizer for when hand washing water is unavailable. You will also need to pack any feminine hygiene products (if needed) and you should consider panty liners—toilet paper is nowhere to be found nor is there any place to dispose of it while on a game drive.

You are Ready To Go

Keep in mind when packing for your safari that you are limited in the space you can bring. You will be spending the majority of your time outside in the dust and sun; you do not need to bring a fashion runway’s worth of clothes. Pack light and with layerable items for fluctuating temperatures. Moreover, don’t forget your camera! Bon Voyage!

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

Fun Ostrich facts for the curios safari traveler

When most people think of African Safari animals, they think hippopotamus, lions, and all manner of monkeys. But one of the most amazing animals you will find on the Savannah is the ostrich. Many people know that the ostrich is the largest bird on the planet, but did you know its eye is almost five cm across? Many people know that this bird has long, powerful legs to propel it across the plains, but do you know how powerful those legs are? How fast this bird really is?

A Body That Works

While somewhat strange looking, the body of an ostrich is perfectly suited for life on the Savannah. The large eye allows the ostrich to spot predators at a distance, while the long legs take strides of over 15 feet. The ostrich can run over 40 miles an hour to evade those same predators. And if the ostrich cannot run away, it can use the legs as weapons. An ostrich kick could kill a lion or a human with the force behind the blow. The ostrich also uses its head in territorial disputes, slamming its head into and through an opponent’s chest, killing the weaker male.

While they have no teeth, ostriches have evolved a way to break down their food to aid in digestion. They eat pebbles and small rocks, which, in their stomachs (yes, there is more than one –three in fact) grind against each other and break down the ingested food. In fact, at any given time, an adult ostrich has more than two pounds of pebbles in its stomach.

Ostriches love water, and take frequent baths when there is water available. But, Africa having a lengthy dry season means that there is often not the water that ostriches would prefer. Given that, the ostrich has evolved to be able to survive for several days without ingesting any water. They get the water they need from the moisture in the roots and insects they eat and use up metabolic water as needed. Interestingly, ostriches are the only birds that urinate and defecate as two separate bodily functions.

Family Life

Ostriches can be loners, but more often than not, live in pairs or groups. During the winter, the groups are smaller, with ostriches ranging alone or in pairs. During the breeding season, however, ostriches will group into wandering herd of up to fifty birds. This group will be led by a “top hen” and will often travel with other pack animals to graze, typically antelope or zebra.

When the ostrich’s breed, all the hens of the tribe will lay their eggs in the top hen’s nest. This nest is almost ten feet across, and each hen knows which eggs are hers. The eggs that ostriches lay are the largest of any bird, coming in at a whopping five inches in diameter, and weighing as much as two-dozen chicken eggs.

Like seahorses and penguins, male ostriches play an active role in the incubation and care of their eggs. The hens incubate and care for the eggs during the day, using their dun colored plumage to blend in with their surroundings. The males, however, take over the job at night, with their black coloring making them almost indistinguishable from the inky black of night.

Ostriches and People

Mankind has long been inspired and awed by the ostrich. The fascination dates back over 5,000 years to Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia. One common misconception people have about ostriches, however, is the belief that they bury their heads in the sand when threatened. This is not at all true. Ostriches will lay their necks along the ground to camouflage their bodies when threatened, and this can appear that the head is buried in the sand, but that is only because the plumage of the body blends in with the sandy soil and tall grasses.

Ostriches have been sought after for a variety of reasons. They are farmed for their feathers and meat, and even their skin is used for leather shoes, bags and other products. There are some countries in Africa where ostriches are fitted with special saddles and reins are people race on ostrich-back. The intrigue abounds, even as the ostrich population dwindles. The last 200 years have seen the ostrich population diminish drastically, and most ostriches are now found in sanctuaries or on farms.

When you depart on your African safari, make sure to add the majestic ostrich to your “must-see” list, alongside the lions, elephants, and giraffes. These truly are incredible animals and are worth your time. Bon Voyage!

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa