South Africa: Safari Part 3 – The Fun 5 +

While we were on safari, the big thing was always the Big 5, and while Michael and I were all about seeing the big guys, we also loved what we came to call the Fun 5! The Fun 5 + included giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, hippos and nyalas / impalas. It actually also included warthogs, however they were SO camera shy and would scurry away every time that we saw them! We saw a hyena one night as well, but again, couldn’t get a good photo. Beyond that there were tons of birds, insects, reptiles and even plants, vegetation and landscape that was amazing to see, and we include that in the + as well. 🙂 So here we go!

GIRAFFES: I think that giraffes were one of my very favorite animals to see. They are just so tall and funny and majestic and awesome! And they were usually pretty easy to spot which I also appreciated. My favorite giraffe moment occurred when we randomly came upon two male giraffes who, despite being separated by a fence, were still trying to neck-fight over a female.

The 2 males talking trash.

And, the neck fighting starts!

We loved getting to see this in person – it was incredible. And throughout the safari we noticed lots of scars on many of the other giraffes’ necks from previous neck fights.

Hi guys!

My fav!

Say cheese!

Love the tail.

Hey friends!

One morning, over breakfast, we spotted a giraffe eating and roaming just in front of the lodge!

Can you see him!?

This is an old guy.

A little beat up.

Hello handsome.

And of course, nothing beats a group of running giraffes.

CHEETAHS: Cheetahs are so beautiful but can be challenging to spot. We were lucky to have 2 great momma & baby cheetah sitings.

Siting #1: Momma cheetah with her 2 little fluff-ball cubs!

Siting #2: Momma on the prowl.

Taking her perch.

Mom & little cub!

Loving it.

Standing over her kill.

Their coats are just gorgeous.

Little cub chompin down!

ZEBRAS: Zebras are just classic, gorgeous animals. They really look like someone has just taken a horse and painted him, almost like the stripes would wash away with a rain. I loved them.

Pretty pack.

Tush shot.

So pretty!

Chomp chomp.

Love it.

HIPPOS: The one animal that Michael specifically requested to see were hippos. We never saw one come up out of the water but they are still fun!

Hey there hippos!

NYALA: The Nyala and impala were all over the property – they were almost part of the landscape, but Michael and I never got bored of seeing them. Honestly our best nyala and impala sitings were at the pool at our cabin, but I loved these shots as well.