Get familiar with the key words and phrases you’ll hear on safari. From wildlife to local customs, this quick guide helps you feel confident and connected before you head out into the wild.
Big Five
These are the five rockstars of the safari world: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Originally, this term was coined by hunters as the most challenging animals to hunt, but now it’s all about spotting these majestic creatures in the wild.
Binos
Abbreviation for bionoculars, a safari essential.
Boma
Originally referred to livestock enclosures, but now is about a cozy evening hangout under the stars.
Braai
Similar to a BBQ, meat is cooked over an open fire, and is a popular South Africa pastime.
Bush
Loose term to describe any savanna or grassland inhabited by big game.
Bush Breakfast
An idyllic breakfast experience set up for you in the wilderness.
Bushveld
Used interchangeably with ‘bush’, bushveld also refers to any savanna or grassland inhabited by big game.
Crepuscular
Animals that prefer to be active or appear during the time of day before the sun goes down or just after the sun rises.
Dagga Boys
Solitary older male buffalos (dagga meaning "mud") that have been forced out of a herd by young bulls or have fallen behind the herd due to their need for softer vegetation.
Diurnal Animals
Active during the day and sleep at night. In Africa they include elephants and meerkats.
Dorp
Small rural town or village.
Dry Season
Also known as high season, it typically occurs from June to October and is characterised by hot, dry weather with low humidity.
Game Drive
Excursion to Africa's most iconic and elusive wildlife.
Green Season
Also known as low season, this is when Africa sees the least number of visitors.
Lekker
Commonly used in South Africa, this word is used to indicate something "great" or "nice."
Rusks
Traditional South African breakast meal or snack that consists of dry, hard biscuits, similar to an Italian biscotti.
Safari
If you are here, you know what a safari is. But do you know its origin? Originally from the word "safar," which is Arabic for "making a journey."
Safari Lodge
Type of tourist accommodation for safari goers, typically located in or near national parks or game reserves.
Savanna
A grassy plain found in tropical and subtropical regions with few trees and scattered bushes. The savanna ecosystem has only two seasons – the wet and dry seasons.
Sundowner
Alcoholic drink enjoyed at sunset.
The Great Migration
Ever-moving circular migration of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mari ecosystem.
The Maasai
The red-clad Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania are renowned warriors and pastoralists who have roamed the wild of East Africa for hundreds of years.
Tracker
A person who guides tourists through the African wilderness, locating animals that are often elusive and well-camouflaged, and interpreting signs of nature.
Ubuntu
Meaning, ‘I am because we are', ubuntu is an ancient African phrase that denotes the spirit of humanity, compassion and family.
Zulu Tribe
Largest ethnic group in South Africa.
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