If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, do not forget to include a visit to a game reserve on your itinerary. The word game reserve pertains to a huge space where indigenous animals are being maintained and allowed to live in their natural habitat. Known to have many game reserves, both private and public, South Africa managed to stay on top when it comes to wildlife preservation and thrilling safari adventure.
This country boasts the 20 marvelous national parks they have which cover about 3M hectares. Kruger Animal Park which is known all over the world is South Africa’s largest and oldest national park. It covers about 2M hectares of 3% of the total land area of South Africa. It is the home to hundred of wildlife species that you don’t get to see elsewhere.
In these national parks and game reserves, you can find the natural habitats of many wildlife and in here wild animals can roam freely and multiply naturally. Vacationers can stay in game lodges which are situated within a game reserve. There are also game lodges in a game reserve which is positioned near the natural habitats of the popular “big five” thus making the safari experience more exciting.
A popular game lodge where tourists and guests can stay and experience an thrilling safari lifestyle near the home of the big five is the Chisomo Safari Camp. Big five is composed ofthe leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, lion and buffalo. They are the considered the biggest attraction in South Africa and are in demand by visitors of a private game reserve. The big 5 game viewing is fun, exciting and will surely be memorable to all tourists and visitors.
The game viewing can make you appreciate the interesting habitats of wildlife and the beauty of nature at its finest. This will be a real African experience. For a wonderful example, visit www.karongweportfolio.com .
A private game reserve normally offer game viewing through game drives in both day and night time but in Kruger National they only schedule it during the day. Tourists can choose whether to ride an open or close vehicle when getting close encounter with the big five and other indigenous wildlife. Tourists will be guided by expert drivers and trackers who communicate with other drivers in a different vehicle so they can easily pass on information on the location of species that tourists desire to see.
The big five composed of five large animals is a ideal attraction for those who’d like to experience safari lifestyle and observe how these indigenous animals live and behave. These five animals are not chosen by their size but by how dangerous and difficult they are to hunt.
The lions that belong to the big five are the only member of the feline family who are not solitary. Lions are the next largest animal that belong to the feline family. Male lions can reach up 400 lbs and female lions up to 280 lbs. “Pride” is the term used to refer to groups formed by the social female lions.
An elusive mammal that belongs to the big five isthe leopard. Leopards are white or golden brown in color with black spots all over their body. They can reach up to 70 kgs in weight and are dangerous because they are carnivorous and not sociable. Furthermore, leopards are great tree climbers but tend to bite or kill other animals when they feel they’re in danger. Watch out for the leopards that you can see in private game reserves like the Karongwe Reserve.
Cape buffalo is another wildlife that belongs to the big five. The imposing appearance of this large animal will surely amaze viewers. Water holes is the buffalo’s favourite area in the private game reserve. Buffalos can live up to 18 years and can weigh up to almost 800 kg.
The white and black rhinoceros are also among the wildlife animals which are in demand by visitors during a game drive. Black rhinos look unique with their two horns and thick, gray hide while white rhinos look interesting with their wide, square snout.
Now, who would miss the African elephants considered to be the largest land mammal in the world? The powerful trunk of an African elephants serves many purpose and in general these elephants are supersmart. It can be used in collecting food, digging and can serve as nose, hand or extra foot.
Some of the hundreds wildlife species that you can also find ina private game reserve are zebra, hippo, giraffe and cheetah. Karongwe Reserve offers a view of the big five, more than 260 cat speices and around 4,000 other wildlife species.
Most wildlife animals you can find in a private game reserve or national park in South Africa are only available in this country so you are lucky enough to get the chance to see them for real. Get thrilled in your safari adventure and enjoy your stay in the finest game lodge.