Big in Africa: 20 Reasons why African wildlife is awesome

by Matthew Firestone on

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in East Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

African wildlife is awesome.
Here are 20 reasons why:

A single bite from a black mamba, the largest venomous snake on the African continent, has enough toxicity to kill twenty to forty fully-grown men.

A cheetah in pursuit of its prey can reach speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour, and can leap distances of more than 20 feet.

Impalas on the run however can leap 10 feet into the air, and cover distances of 35 feet in a single bound.

Female hyenas boast elongated clitorises that can reach lengths of nearly eight inches – these appendages even have foreskins and scrotum-like fibrous tissue.

Male vervet monkeys develop a turquoise scrotum and scarlet penis once they hit puberty – the brighter the better, at least in the eyes of prospective mates.

Flamingo tongues were considered to be a prized delicacy amongst elite gourmands and nobility in ancient Rome.

Keep reading as this list goes on…

Although male lions are fierce protectors of their territory, female lions are the ones that actually do all the hunting and child-raising.

It’s good to be an alpha male – the chimp at the top of the social ladder gets unbridled sexual access to all of the females around him.

Africa’s largest flying bird is the kori bustard, which can take to the air despite tipping the scales at nearly 40 pounds.

The terrifying reptile that is the Gaboon viper has 5 centimeter-long fangs, the longest of any snake on the planet.

Crocodiles can close their jaws with several tons of pressure per square inch, though their prey usually dies from drowning during the aptly named ”death roll.”

A raptor cruising the thermals can spot a single grasshopper at 300 feet and a prancing hare at more than 1000 feet.

A single ostrich egg can weigh more than 20 pounds, an amazing feat considering that the largest ever recorded nest contained no less than 78 eggs.

Although Hollywood images might have you believe otherwise, gorillas are in fact almost exclusively vegetarian.

It’s a cat eat dog world – hungry leopards have been known to take down a wild dog.

Aardwolves mark their territory by smearing secretions from their anal glands on just about everything they pass.

Anal secretions from the African civet however smell like flowers, and are harvested in Ethiopia for making perfumes.

A pelican’s somewhat disproportional pouch can scoop up more than 3 gallons of water in a single swipe.

An ostrich can kill a lion in a single kick – their inner claws contain razor-sharp 3 inch spines that can disembowel pretty much anything in their path.

And finally…

After doing the dirty deed, elephant penises turn dark green and drag limp on the ground for a few minutes before returning to normal.

** All images are courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **

Big in Africa: Tips for a truly kick-ass safari

by Matthew Firestone on

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

There are few words in the English language more exotic and scintillating than safari, a Swahili derived word that literally means journey. For most travelers in Africa, going on safari is pretty much at the top of the to-do list, though it’s not too hard to see why. Coming face to face with charismatic critters straight out of National Geographic is a truly kick-ass experience.

Of course, no two safaris are created equal, especially since there are a few potential pit falls that need to be avoided. However, with a little advance planning and a good sense of what you want to get out of your safari, it’s pretty easy to ensure that you’ll have a memorable journey.

On that note, today’s posting is a quick and dirty guide for going on safari…

From posh tented camps and 4WD Land Rovers to bush camping and open topped jeeps, everyone’s idea of the perfect safari is drastically different. However, there are a few general guidelines worth taking into consideration before parting ways with your hard-earned cash.

Location, location, location. National parks in Africa are highly variable in terms of infrastructure, resident wildlife and terrain. With that said, you should plan ahead and choose a park that peaks your interest. For example, Masaai Mara and the Serengeti in East Africa are renowned for their annual wildebeest migrations, while Chobe National Park in Botswana is the most elephant rich corner of the continent. Weather and road conditions can also make the difference between a relaxing scenic drive and an impromptu wilderness adventure.

Hire a guide. A knowledgeable guide can make all the difference, especially if you have hopes of spotting some of Africa’s more elusive animals (such as leopards and cheetahs). Staff at reputable safari companies are extremely competent and highly trained, while fly-by-night operations cut every possible corner to keep prices low. Even if you’re a fiercely independent traveler, defer to expertise and hit the bush with a pro in tow.

Invest in good gear. A safari isn’t very much fun if you don’t see anything, which is why a good pair of binoculars can vastly improve your experience. While professional binoculars can set you back a few hundred dollars, you can get a good entry-level pair without breaking the bank. If you’re a shutterbug, don’t even think about touching down on the continent without a zoom lens – you’ll sorely regret it if you don’t bring one along.

Do your homework. You don’t have to be a wildlife biologist to appreciate a safari, though it certainly helps to know what you’re looking at. There are literally dozens of animal and birding field guides on the market, any of which will give you a quick crash course in the incredible diversity of African wildlife.

Less is better. While it’s tempting to spend every day in Africa on safari, be wary of animal burnout. After you’ve spotted your 100th zebra and 1000th gazelle, it’s all too easy to get jaded and start demanding more exotic sightings. So, try to break up you time in the national parks with outdoor activities and cultural experiences. And of course, remember that while watching lions take down a gnu is an awesome (and bloody!) spectacle, don’t lose sight of the beauty and wonder of the savanna itself…

Been on safari before? Chime in with road-test tips and your best animal stories!

** All images were shot by yours truly **

Big in Africa: 15 uniquely African travel experiences

by Matthew Firestone on

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

Few travel destinations in the world inspire terror in nervous mothers quite like Africa…

(Don’t worry Mom – I’m staying safe and wearing clean underwear!)

With that said, it’s foolish to make generalizations about the so-called ‘Dark Continent’ as Africa is home to no less than 53 countries, each offering an incredible spectrum of travel experiences.

So, if you’re looking to get your kicks from some uniquely African adventures, then today’s edition of Big in Africa is just for you.

15) Come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas (while avoiding guerillas) in the tropical forests of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

14) Look safari chic in your khakiest khaki gear and your floppiest floppy hot while spotting the Big 5 mammals, namely lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black rhinos

13) Smoke some seriously kind ganja while rocking out to Bob Marley with scores and scores of misplaced Rastafarians on the shores of Lake Malawi

Keep reading as the list goes on…

12) Stand on the rooftop of Africa after ascending the lofty heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – spend the next few days recovering from the bitch of an illness that is altitude sickness.

11) Wave your arms like a frantic madman and scream like a little girl after bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls railway bridge along the Zambian / Zimbabwean border

10) Watch the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and Masaai Mara National Parks of Tanzania and Kenya – score bonus points for watching a few of the critters get eaten by Africa’s hungry carnivores

9) Chase daytime hallucinations and spend your nights in deep lucid dreams, both of which are common but occasionally pleasant side-effects of malaria pills

8) Go dune boarding in the deserts of Nambia – because snow boarding on snow is totally, totally overrated

7) Develop a healthy and respectable fear of water sources, especially ones that are home to hungry crocodiles, marauding hippos or that bitch of a schistosomiasis-causing parasite that is the river fluke

6) Sail up the Niger River to Timbuktu in Mali, even if only just to brag to your friends that you got the most coveted of passport stamps

5) Haggle for a three-foot wood carving of a giraffe, even if you don’t actually need a three-foot wood carving of a giraffe

4) Relive your high school days by slamming a box of wine from any of South Africa’s justifiably famous wineries

3) Dine on animals you didn’t think were edible – crocodile tastes like chicken, warthog tastes like pork chops and zebra tastes like, well, zebra

2) Learn all too quickly that a big smile, a strong handshake and a small bribe can clear up a road block very, very quickly

1) Smile in childish delight after learning that ‘Hakuna Matata’ is actually a real Swahili expression

Did I miss anything? Feel free to chime in with your own lists of uniquely African travel experiences.

** All images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **

Big in Africa: Bizarre foods from across the continent

by Matthew Firestone on

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

One of the joys of traveling is sampling the local cuisine, even if it pushes your comfort zone and makes you question whether or not it is actually edible. Indeed, appreciating food is all about culture and perspective, which is why it is always good to travel with a hungry stomach and an open mind.

On that note, today’s posting is about some of the more bizarre foods you might come across in your travels across the continent. From stir-fried creepy crawlies to ostrich-egg omelets, Africa has its fair share of culinary oddities.

1) Ugali One of the first foods you’re likely to encounter on the continent is a boiled cornmeal mush that goes by many names including ugali, pap and sadza. While the taste is not unlike really bland mashed potatoes, it will sit in your stomach like a brick, which is why it comprises the bulk of most African diets. Ugali is anything but gourmet, but it is finger-licking good fun, especially since the food acts as its own utensil. Grab a gob and dig into the accompanying sauce!

2) Antelope jerky Something of a South African speciality, biltong is jerky made from wild antelopes such as springbok, oryx and kudu. Although the idea of eating Africa’s most majestic herbivores might be off-putting to some, antelope jerky is seriously delicious stuff, especially when it’s spiced up with peppercorns and hot sauce. Assuming you don’t have high-blood pressure and can overlook the high sodium content, biltong is relatively fat-free and decidedly Atkins friendly.

3) Ostrich egg omelets A single ostrich egg can weigh more than 3 pounds, which is one mighty omelet if you want a hearty breakfast to start your day. If you’re watching your cholesterol, you might want to share the meal with a few friends though as no right-minded person should eat a whole ostrich egg omelet by themselves. After all, it is really is hard to find a frying pan big enough to cook up this monster, let alone a whisk big enough to scramble the yolk.

4) Mopane A major protein source for rural Africans, mopane are sluggish caterpillars that are as colorful as they are delicious. Although you first need to de-spine them and dry them in the sun, they taste something like greasy potato chips, and are best when served up with curry sauce. Of course, mopane worms aren’t chips, but caterpillars – big, honkin’ caterpillars.

5) Termites Continuing on the insect theme, don’t miss the chance to snack on termites, which also serve as a major source of protein for rual Africans. With that said, it’s worth pointing out that termites’ jaws are seriously strong, so best to either bite their heads off quickly or stir-fry them dead before tucking into a few dozen.

Chakula kitamu sana! (That was delicious!)

** All images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **

Big in Africa: How to spot Africa’s biggest wildlife

by Matthew Firestone on

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

The thrill of the safari is one of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Africa. Boasting more than a hundred different species of mammals (350+ if you include bats!), the continent is a veritable Lost World of charismatic creatures. Of course, the whole safari experience can easily be lost on you if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for.

Most people on safari are obsessed with spotting the so-called Big Five, which include such lofty entries as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinoceroses. A common misconception is that the Big Five refers to the five largest animals in the African bush. However, the phrase was originally coined by big game hunters to denote the five most dangerous animals to hunt, especially since each animal in the group has a reputation for pursuing its attacker when wounded.

Fortunately for you, you’re here in Africa to observe them, not to shoot them…

1) Lions Although they’re near the top of everyone’s ‘must-see’ list, lions are surprisingly easy to spot in East Africa. They have a wide habitat tolerance, and spend most of their days lying about. However, to see this massive predator in top form, arrange for a guided night drive – lions prefer to hunt under the cover of darkness. If nocturnal viewing is not allowed in a park, lions are also active in the early morning and late afternoon.

2) Leopards Africa’s most common cat is surprisingly the most difficult to spot. True to their feline roots, leopards are stealthy and nocturnal, and prefer to spend most of their days sleeping in the treetops. This is one animal that may require the services of a well-trained guide to spot. However, rare sightings do occur in the open, particularly in woodland-savanna areas.

3) Elephants Elephants drink an average of 65 liters of water per day, so it’s usually safe to assume that they’re congregating near a water source. In national parks, elephants are accustomed to vehicles, though drivers should always exert caution and approach herds slowly, especially when offspring are present. Fortunately, elephants will usually give a mock charge if they are threatened, and this usually enough to scare away anyone with the slightest instinct of self-preservation.

4) Buffaloes The African Buffalo is regarded by big game hunters as the most dangerous of the Big Five since they will incessantly pursue an attacker when provoked. Furthermore, solitary males employ the ‘attack is the best defense tactic,’ though large herds are fairly relaxed and unlikely to charge. Buffalo herds have fairly predicable movements, seeking out good grazing and water during the early morning and late afternoon.

5) Black Rhinos Despite their formidable appearance, black rhinos are extremely edgy and nervous animals. When disturbed, they are quick to flee the scene, though they will confront an aggressor head-on, particularly if a young offspring is present. As a result, they are difficult animals to observe in the wild, and it doesn’t help that they are far more endangered than white rhinos. Black rhinos can be easily identified by their triangular (rather than square) lip and the lack of a neck hump, and are smaller than their white counterparts.

Safari njema! (Have a good trip!)

** All images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **