Whilst on Safari in the Kruger National Park, you may be lucky enough to view all of the 'Big Five' -
Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo - the most illusive being leopard - all large mammals that acquired their 'Big Five' status from the hunting fraternity, as these animals are the most treacherous, intelligent and dangerous to hunt. 

Many wildly romantic Wilbur Smith novels, making use of Africa's beautiful palette as his backdrop, Mr. Smith describes how a bull elephant, with mammoth tusks, cunningly 'turns' on the hunter, stalking him down wind and the hunter becomes the hunted - these are legendary stories, but quite believable as we now know how intelligent and socially interactive elephants are. Your Ranger will bring the bush to life with his knowledge of the intricate workings of the natural world and those animals that live within, as well as innumerable bush stories and legends of the antics of man and wildlife as their lives intertwine.

The 'Big Five' are but a few of the fascinating creatures that survive in the harsh African bushveld and yes, a sighting of one of these incredible creatures is thrilling, yet there is so much more to the African savannah.  Bird lovers will delight in the variety of their fair-feathered friends, insects abound and the struggle of the dung beetle will be explained by your Ranger as will termite mounds and the fauna and flora that surround you.  You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered wild dog or perhaps see the Nile crocodile basking in the sunshine... hyena chasing cheetah off a kill - the opportunities are endless

A safari in Africa is an entirely 'other world' of discovery, so far removed from our everyday modern lives.  It really is food for the soul and we at Thompsons Africa, would be delighted to assist you to put together your safari vacation.