Africa – Buffalo Springs National Reserve – Part Three – The Other “Big Five”

We saw so many other animals as well but the leopards are quite often difficult to find. Now this reserve is unique in that there are 5 species of animals that are, according to our guides, only found on this reserve. We were lucky over the two days we were here, to see all 5 of them. We also saw the “Big Five” several times too, consisting of Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Lions, Leopard and Rhinos. But the unique five are, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and Somali Ostrich.

Reticulated giraffe (did you know there are 3 types of giraffes?)

  • Lunch Time
  • I love watching these guys, notice the birds sitting on his back

Gerenuk, these little guys were so different, their necks are super long and don’t seem to match the rest of them. But they are pretty cute. We were told they rarely drink, or need, water as they get enough moisture from the plants they eat. 

  • Hello
  • Leaving now

Somali Ostrich (there are also different types of ostriches too)

  • Very unique looking bird
  • Female ostrich with the male in the background

Beisa Oryx – There are three types of Oryx, this is the medium sized one.

  • Very unique markings
  • Stare Down !

Grevy Zebra (guess what? different types of zebras also !) I read that the Grevy is the largest of the zebras.

  • Zebra!
  • Same Guy in B&W

After we spent some time on the reserve, it was time to head to the Lodge. What a beautiful spot, set on a river and we had great rooms. We were told to always keep our doors closed and locked as they have a monkey problem lol. They are everywhere and very curious; they actually have a man who walks around the resort, particularly the dining area, to use a slingshot to scare them away.

Enough for this post! Stay tuned and stay safe, more to come…..

10 thoughts on “Africa – Buffalo Springs National Reserve – Part Three – The Other “Big Five””

  1. Wow – I did not know there were different giraffes, nor zebras, but this one looks more black with white stripes, than white with black stripes. The critters seem fascinated with you. I like the gerenuk – that neck looks about as long as a giraffe and those ears – very cute! I’m enjoying your trip photos Susan.

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      1. I’d like all that info too, just soak it up like a sponge. I hadn’t heard of them but I think watching “Wild Kingdom” or “National Geographic Specials” I must have seen them before. 🙂

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