Africa's Big Five, through a lens

One of the advantages of visiting South Africa in winter: you get to see animals. Lots of animals. The grasses are low and the animals are out for water in the dry season. The disadvantage? Sitting in an open vehicle going 30 mph at 6 a.m. is not exactly warm and cozy. But it was worth getting up before dawn and staying out past sunset because we managed to see the so-called Big Five, not to mention dozens of other kinds of birds and animals. We began our tour with a sunset drive at Kruger National Park, and within the hour we were fortunate to spot the elusive leopard crossing under the road. 

Over the next day and a half we got up close to the other four animals that will turn on a hunter if wounded: lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo -- aka "black death" -- the only animal that won't give warning before attacking. Our last day we went on a morning drive at the private reserve Thornybush, where the drivers off-roaded and we couldn't stand up and "break the silhouette" of the vehicle (or risk getting attacked). In addition to getting uncomfortably close to many elephants and buffalo, we got to follow a cheetah on her way to track down breakfast. I have to say that after this, the zoo will never be the same.

(Photos by H. Farrell)