Note: The Africa Adventure Consultants office will be closed September 16th – 18th for our annual offsite.
Note: The Africa Adventure Consultants office will be closed September 16th – 18th for our annual offsite.
Many of our destinations, both inside and outside Africa, share a common thread – similar species! From elephants to marine species, wildlife to seek and observe exists around the world. Today, we’ll look at big cats in some of the countries where we offer adventures.
Big cats are one of travelers’ most sought-after species to see on nature-based vacations. These charismatic felines are beautiful, cunning, athletic and fascinating to observe. From Africa’s lions to Asia’s snow leopards, we can help give you the best chance to see the big cats that are on your wish lists. Seeing big cats in the wild is a special thrill and a wonderful part of any safari – wherever it may be.
Africa’s three big cat species include lion, leopard and cheetah. Lions often top people’s lists. Their beauty and strength are admirable, and seeing them in their natural environs is unforgettable. You might have the chance to witness female lions tending to their cubs, male lions roaring to one another, lion families relaxing and playing together or even see the cats feeding on a kill. Lions can be seen in many areas across the continent, though some are better than others. Your Journey Specialist can help you choose the right parks and reserves that will give you the best chance to see lions in the wild.
The leopard is a strikingly beautiful but elusive big cat. They are largely nocturnal, though they can also be spotted during the day. They are very adaptable and are found throughout most of our safari destinations, from forests to deserts; however, their population densities vary. They are extremely good hunters as they are fast and agile, and will often cache their kills up in trees to keep them from scavengers. If the leopard is high on the list of species you’d like to see on safari, be sure to mention it to your Journey Specialist so you can select areas that give you the best opportunities to view them.
The fastest of all land mammals, cheetahs are easily identifiable by their lean, muscular bodies; long legs; and black ‘tear’ markings that run from under their eyes down their faces. The most endangered of Africa’s big cats, cheetahs live in savanna settings where they can easily spot and stalk their prey. This means they are far less widely distributed than lions or leopards, so it’s very important to choose an area that has the right topography for the felines for a chance to view them in the wild.
India is also home to fascinating big cat species. Bengal tigers, leopards and snow leopards are the most frequently sought after by travelers. Bengal tigers are the world’s largest feline species. There is no thrill quite like spotting your first tiger in the wild. Their massive, beautiful bodies move through the jungle with silence and grace. With their webbed paws, tigers are also great swimmers. While tigers are endangered, India has done a tremendous job with conservation efforts, and the species’ population is increasing.
Leopards are also found in India’s tiger parks. Somewhat smaller than their African cousins, they are similar in that they are generally solitary, are great hunters and talented climbers. The terrain and environment of these reserves are generally very different from those of Africa, making for a wholly new game-viewing experience, even for seasoned travelers.
Snow leopards live in high-alpine areas, often above the tree line and at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet. The climate is cold and dry, with the snow leopard thriving in a mountainous environment featuring cliffs, rocky outcrops and ravines. Their thick coats protect them from the cold while also helping them blend into their environment. Visiting India to see them is seasonal and requires spending time at high altitude in a cold environment, but it’s an amazing experience if you can brave the cold!
Contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your customized big cat adventure! Then subscribe to our newsletter below for more travel information and inspiration.
Photos courtesy of AAC Livingstone Club members Bill C., Erin S., Joshua R., Brian W., Ed L., Dr. Van; Satpura; Surya Ramachandran and AAC Senior Journey Specialist Angie Voigt