We saw everything…the Big 5, the Ugly 5, some of the Little 5

We have been home from our safari for a few days and are still beaming over the experiences. It was one of the most memorable times in our lives – a privilege to see some of the earth’s most beautiful and unique animals in their native environment. We were a bit concerned that the game drives in the Serengeti during the rainy season would mean we’d forego opportunities to fully experience the area. Not at all true. We saw everything we’d hoped to see….the Big 5, the Ugly 5, some of the Little 5, and the highlight being the assembly of a million wildebeests working their way across the plains at the onset of the Great Migration. There was also the added bonus of so many babies and healthy animals enjoying the abundance of food. It was truly beautiful to see dozens of shades of green foliage across the Seronera plains, around the Gol Kopjes, Naabi Hill, Ndutu Lake, Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater.

We have reflected on what made our safari so wonderful, and have to say the most important item was the quality of our guide. Not only did Russell seem to know everything about the animals in the Serengeti, but he also had an energy introducing us to the animal behaviors. He could spot animals and birds from hundreds of yards in the distance before there was anything obvious to see. We were often the first, and only, vehicle at a sighting and Russell attentively positioned and repositioned the vehicle so that we could have the best viewing and picture taking opportunities. And, regarding birds, we had only a slight interest in birding when we started our safari. However, Russell’s knowledge of birds was infectious and by the end of the safari we had recorded sightings of 123 species. We enjoyed laughter and good natured ribbing – especially during our quest for the dung beetle!

Thank you for all of your efforts. We hope you enjoy a few of our favorite photos.

David and Lynette B.
Georgetown, Texas
Safari Dates: April 7, 2013 to April 15, 2013

  1. I would like a total of expenses from Asheville NC for two adults. The length of the trip needs to be less than a month. Our 47th anniversary is coming up this year and an African safari would be our ultimate trip.

  2. Jambo
    Thank you for the efforts you have put up for these awesome and good quality photos, they are real amazing though i know you got many more best ones too and again thank you for your compliments you have credited for me.
    Wish you all the best
    Ahsante & Karibu tena.

  3. What are the ugly 5 and small 5? We were on safari last month and did not hear of those lists.

  4. According to Russell,

    Big Five: Lion, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino, & Elephant (of course we saw all three)

    Ugly Five: Hyena, Warthog, Wildebeest, Vulture, Marabou Stork (Marabou Stork was our favorite “Ugly”)

    Little Five: Antlion, Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Rhino Beetle (only saw the Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise; so guess we will have to return…Russell must of missed these on purpose!)

  5. Dave and I were on safari with Raphael in April so we heard about the Ugly Five and Little Five from him. It made me chuckle when I saw it on the headlines of your testimonial.Brought back a lot of great memories. Margaret PS Say Jambo to Raphael for us.