Guest post from Josh and Caroline Eaton of Traveling 9 to 5.

It’s all you hear about when researching an African Safari.  They are the biggest, most dangerous, and by far the most popular animals in Africa. These are the animals you’ll be awed by, but you don’t want to mess with.

African Safari – An Elephant Herd

You might be unaware that these aren’t the 5 biggest animals, but the most dangerous and expensive to hunt on foot. Even if you are just “hunting” with your telephoto lens, you’ll be on the lookout for all of these spectacular mammals. We spent all three weeks in Botswana and Namibia on a self-drive safari and were lucky enough to see each of the Big 5 along with hundreds of other animals. The Big 5, in no particular order:

1. African Elephant

Your first reaction will be awe and amazement at the beautiful, enormous and seemingly gentle animals of Africa. A large herd of 30+ elephants is a highlight of anyone’s safari, especially watching the babies interact with the adults and fumble around while they learn how to use their trunks, but if you get too close, you’ll see this!

African Safari – A warning from an agitated Elephant

And you might not breathe for a minute or two, as this massive animal looks you in the eye and sizes you up. If you live through the experience, you’ll observe fascinating behavior, as elephants are constantly moving, digging, spraying, growling, drinking and eating.

African Safari – Elephant digging for mud near the Chobe River

The elephant is probably the easiest of the Big 5 to see, especially in Botswana, where they are around every curve, even outside the parks!

2. Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros is severely endangered, and therefore very difficult to find in the wild. We badly wanted to see one of these big-horned mammals which led us to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana. With only 30 rhinos, a sighting isn’t guaranteed, but we were lucky enough to spot a mother and baby rhino on our first trip to the water hole. If it weren’t for the lighted watering holes at Okaukuejo in Etosha National Park, the sanctuary would have been the only place to see this amazing creature.

African Safari – A Rhino Mommy and her Baby at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary

African Safari – Mommy Rhino inspecting us, protecting it’s baby

African Safari – Rhinos at Night near our Campsite at the Okaukuejo Waterhole

3. African Cape Buffalo

Buffalo may not seem like the most exciting animal to come across, but they are regarded as the most dangerous of the Big 5, having caused the most hunter casualties. These extremely powerful animals can charge and knock out or gore their prey with their massive horns. The horns are fused on top the head in a bone shield called a “boss” which has been known to stop rifle bullets! You’ll mainly observe the buffalo grazing, but keep your distance so you don’t experience “the boss” firsthand.

African Safari – Buffalo Up Close in a stare down with us

African Safari – Grazing Buffalo in the Moremi Game Reserve

African Safari – African Buffalo enjoying the Chobe River

4. Lion

The lion needs no introduction. The “king of the jungle” (yet they live out in the savannah) sits atop the food chain, and is by far most sought out animal on an African Safari. The great thing about lions is that if you find one, you’ll probably see several as they are rarely alone. Your best chance of some action is during the very early morning or late evening when they hunt. During the day, lions can be found lounging in the shade or sleeping under a tree. Unless you’re very lucky, you’ll hear about a spotting from another safari-goer and race over to join the crowd of 4x4s surrounding a pride of apathetic predators.

African Safari – Lion Pride waiting for lunch

African Safari – A Curious Male Lion

African Safari – Lioness on the Prowl

5. Leopard

The leopard was the final Big 5 animal we saw, and is usually the most elusive, which makes a sighting that much more exciting. This predator tries to get within 5 yards of its prey before pouncing, and that same stealth keeps it hidden from your untrained eye. You might spot one sleeping up in a tree, or relaxing in the shade. They are solitary hunters, unlike the lion, so spotting just one is quite an event.

African Safari – Leopard resting in the shade

African Safari – A Leopard guarding it’s meal

African Safari – Leopard on the banks of the Chobe River

The Big 5 is at the top of everyone’s African Safari checklist. While our hearts raced when we found any of these, we quickly fell in love with the zebra, wildebeest, hippo and warthog running about. Each game drive is unique and exciting in its own way. While an African Safari isn’t usually included in a standard backpacker’s budget, this is a once in a lifetime experience you can’t miss!

Josh and Caroline Eaton are the creators of Traveling 9 to 5. From Chicago, IL, they’ve quit their corporate jobs, sold (almost) all of their belongings and are currently writing and traveling around the world hoping to inspire others to say yes to their own adventure.

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Rachael Cullins of Girl, Guy, Globe shares some unexpected experiences while living in Dakar, Senegal as an expat.

The city of Dakar, Senegal is often called the “Paris of West Africa.” But don’t let the (nick)name fool you – I’ve been to Paris and I live in Dakar, and Dakar is no Paris. This crazy, fun, loud, dirty burg perched on the Atlantic Ocean has plenty of excitement and surprises for travelers – but the City of Lights it ain’t. Here are five unexpected things about Dakar that make it a destination all unto its own.

1. The absolute giganticness of the African Renaissance Monument

The stats help tell the tale of its size – 160 feet tall, bigger than the Statue of Liberty, the tallest monument in Africa – but they still don’t compare with seeing the monstrosity in person. The statue is perched on top of steps on top of a hill, and in a city with virtually no other tall structures, it stands out, to say the least. Climb to the top to get some fantastic breezes.

Set on a hill overlooking the ocean, the huge African Renaissance Monument looms over the city

2. Driving is some of the world’s worst in Dakar

You’ve been white-knuckled in a taxi in Boston, you’ve battled the streets of New York – but the driving in those metropolises is nothing compared to the danger-filled roads of Dakar. Cars swoop through roundabouts without so much as a sideways glance at oncoming vehicles, taxis honk incessantly to sell their services, exhaust-spewing car rapide buses enter and exit traffic at will. Traveler beware, lest you end up on the wrong side of a balingd Senegalese tire.

One of the many casualties of Dakar

3. Things aren’t cheap in Dakar, Senegal

Travel to a third-world country often equates with mega-affordable prices. Not so in Dakar, where restaurant prices are comparable with Europe and the United States and grocery prices can be especially high. Take a head of broccoli, for instance, which will run around $12 USD at most chain grocery stores.

One way to combat food costs: grow bananas in your backyard. We’re doing it, courtesy of these surprise trees we found at our apartment

4. Animals roam the streets in Dakar

By African standards, Dakar is a modern, upscale place. But that doesn’t mean all is glittery and westernized, and one of the most glaring (and entertaining) examples is the street animals. Groups of goats are shepherded from one lot to another, even in the most affluent of neighborhoods, and it’s not uncommon to see a skinny steer tied to a building or a horse-drawn cart cruising the streets alongside an expensive sports car.

Goats and other farm animals roam the streets of Dakar. For the photo-snapping traveler, be sure to ask permission before taking a photo of an animal that obviously belongs to someone

5. Fitness is king in Dakar, Senegal

“Athletic” is perhaps the top adjective used to describe most Senegalese men. They’re tall, lean and muscular – and they work for it. Running is huge in Dakar, with big groups of guys taking to the roads in the evening after some of the day’s high humidity has dissipated. They often jog in tattered shoes and without any special, moisture-wicking clothing – an inspiration for us spoiled expat runners and a great reminder that the best reason to run is simply for the love of the sport.

The beautiful Corniche, a boulevard that runs along the city

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Image By Jeff Dahl

Neglected in favor of the big game and wild landscapes of East and Southern Africa, West Africa sits largely untouched.  Most travelers will never meet the friendly people of Ghana or hear the mind altering melodies of Mali’s Wassoulou music.  I am on a crusade to change this.  My sales pitch comes in the form of 10 jaw-dropping videos and songs.  Listen to the soulful melodies and explosive polyrhythms of an overlooked region.  If these tunes don’t convince you to visit, I don’t know what will.

Amadou et Mariam (Mali) – “M’bifé”

This blind husband and wife couple from Mali produce some of the most gorgeous music on the planet.  This song and accompanying images will hypnotize you.

Fela Kuti (Nigeria) – “Don’t Gag me”

Fela Kuti was the father of Afrobeat, a polyrhythmic, funky adaptation of highlife music from Ghana.  This video is shot and narrated by Ginger Baker, the drummer from Cream who happened to collaborate with Fela in the 70′s.  Screaming saxophones, pouring rain, off the hook dancing – this is raw.

Nana Boroo (Ghana) – “Ahayede”

While the song and video production are clearly influenced by aspects of Western hip-hop and rap culture, the music is decidedly African.  This song combines elements of hiplife from Ghana with coupe-de-cale music from Cote D’Ivoire.  Listen closely and you will hear lyrics in French, English, and Twi, the language of the Ashanti people in Ghana.

Tiken Jah Facoly (Cote D’Ivoire) – “Ouvrez les Frontières”

Reggae was born in Jamaica, but it’s roots are African.  It is a genre that continues to make trips back and forth across the atlantic.  Tiken Jah, produces some of the most politically charged music on the continent.  A pan-Africanist, Tiken Jah sings about opening up foreign borders in this song.

Sir Victor Uwaifo (Nigeria) – “Ekassa 26”

Overshadowed by Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Uwaifo is not well known outside of Nigeria.  Listen to this track and you’ll understand why this is a shame.  If this song does not have you smiling, you may need medication.

Baaba Maal (Senegal) – “Allah Addu Jam”

Not much by way of imagery in this video, but the song itself is unreal.  I dare you to listen to the whole thing.  You will be rewarded with a drop of the beat and backing chorus that will send chills down your spine.

Ali Farka Toure (RIP) and Boubacar “KarKar” Traore (Mali) – “Diarabi”

Ali Farka was well known to prefer natural acoustic environments.  This song and video will blow you away.

Wulomei (Ghana) – “Meridian”

Ghanaian highlife meets the more traditional music of the coastal Ga people.  Elastic guitar, warm polyrhythms, and choral vocals.  Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a fishing village on the beach in Ghana.

Oumou Sangare (Mali) “Yala”

Oumou Sangare is a songstress from Wassoulou, an area south of Bamako.  This is the region of traditional Malian hunter’s music.  In the video, amazing photos of post-independence Mali taken by famous Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, and of course, Oumou Sangare’s soaring vocals.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

his one is not a song, but it does have a lot of music in it.  It is the trailer for a documentary about the Refugee All Stars, a group of musicians that formed in refugee camps in Guinea during Sierra Leone’s Civil War.  Their story and music are incredible.

You can support many of these artists on Itunes, Amazon, or MondoMix, a world music site.  You can also travel to West Africa and really get to know this music, along with some of the friendliest people on earth.  Ultimately, this is what I hope you’ll do.

Feel free to share any of your favorite music from West Africa or Africa in general in the comments below!

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