Showing posts with label Mother Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mother Africa. Show all posts

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Mother Africa’s Most Celebrated Wildlife: The Big 5 of the Serengeti Plains

Ever heard of the “Big 5” of Africa? The lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo?

They were named not for their size (even though they are “big”), but for the difficulty and danger they posed to big-game hunters during the colonial era. THANKFULLY, the term today has shifted to a symbol of conservation, wildlife photography, and the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the Serengeti Plains. This vast ecosystem, stretching across northern Tanzania and into Kenya, is one of the most celebrated wildlife regions on Earth. These legendary animals thrive in a sanctuary comprised of sweeping grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal rivers.

Big 5

Visitors from all around the world travel to the Serengeti not for trophies, but for the privilege of viewing these creatures in their natural environment. (So much more humane than trapping them in a zoo.) Each member of the Big 5 plays a vital role in the Serengeti’s balance, and their stories reveal both the beauty and fragility of this iconic landscape. 

Instead of big game hunting for sport and trophy collection, visitors are encouraged to engage in photo safaris. They are an ethical alternative that allows travelers to experience the thrill of tracking Africa’s wildlife without harming animals or ecosystems. In addition to photo safaris, other animal-friendly and Earth-friendly activities include a walking safari and conservation volunteering. Understanding the history and importance of the Big 5 and participating in these activities creates a memorable experience, transforming a simple safari into a meaningful encounter with Africa’s ecological heritage.


🦁 Lion ~ “King of the Beasts”

A lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man.” — Turkish proverb

Don't we all associate courage, majesty, strength, leadership, and fearlessness with the lion?

The African lion, often called the “King of the Beasts,” is perhaps the most recognizable member of the Big 5. In the Serengeti, lions live in prides—family groups that can include more than a dozen individuals. These social cats rely on cooperation for hunting, territory defense, and raising cubs. Females, the primary hunters, work together to bring down prey such as wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo. Males, with their impressive manes, defend the pride from rivals and protect the cubs from threats.

Lions earned their place on the Big 5 list because they were considered both dangerous and challenging to hunt, especially when wounded. Today, they symbolize the majesty of African wildlife and are a major draw for safari travelers. Despite their iconic status, lion populations face pressures from habitat loss, human conflict, and declining prey numbers. The Serengeti remains one of their last strongholds, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe their natural behavior—from roaring at dusk to lounging under acacia trees.


🐆 Leopard

The leopard does not change its spots.” — African proverb

This magnificent animal represents individuality and authenticity.

The leopard is the most elusive of the Big 5, known for its solitary nature and remarkable ability to disappear into the Serengeti landscape. With its golden coat and distinctive rosettes, the leopard is a master of camouflage, often resting in trees or stalking prey under the cover of darkness. Unlike lions, leopards hunt alone, relying on stealth and agility to capture antelope, warthogs, and even smaller animals like hares. Their strength is legendary—they can haul prey heavier than themselves high into tree branches to avoid scavengers. Leopards were considered dangerous to hunters because of their unpredictable behavior and tendency to attack when cornered. Today, they remain one of the most sought-after sightings on safari, precisely because they are so difficult to spot. The Serengeti’s riverine forests and rocky outcrops provide ideal habitat for these secretive cats, offering patient observers a chance to witness one of Africa’s most graceful predators in action.


🐘 African Elephant

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” — Kikuyu proverb

Elephants have immense power, and provoking them could have a ripple effect on nature.  Besides, they are really nice once you get to know them. 😊

The African elephant, the largest land animal on Earth, is a gentle yet powerful presence on the Serengeti Plains. Known for their intelligence, emotional depth, and strong family bonds, elephants travel in matriarch-led herds that can span multiple generations. Their massive size and unpredictable behavior made them formidable opponents for early hunters, securing their place among the Big 5. In the Serengeti, elephants play a crucial ecological role: they shape the landscape by uprooting trees, creating pathways, and dispersing seeds through their dung. These behaviors help maintain the balance between grasslands and woodlands, supporting countless other species. 

Elephants spend much of their day foraging, consuming hundreds of pounds of vegetation, and drinking large quantities of water. Despite their strength, they face threats from poaching and habitat fragmentation. The Serengeti remains a refuge where visitors can observe elephants roaming freely, interacting with their young, and displaying the complex social behaviors that make them one of the world’s most beloved animals.


🦏 Rhinoceros

The rhino is a symbol of quiet strength.” — Modern conservation saying

An endangered species and definitely symbolic of quiet endurance, a trait that humans should emulate.

The rhinoceros is the rarest member of the Big 5 in the Serengeti, with populations of both black and white rhinos having declined dramatically due to poaching. Historically, rhinos were considered extremely dangerous to hunters because of their massive horn, powerful charge, and poor eyesight. Today, they are symbols of conservation efforts across Africa. (But they still don't wear eyeglasses. 👓)  Black rhinos, the species most associated with the Serengeti region, are known for their pointed lips, which help them browse shrubs and small trees.

Despite their size, rhinos are surprisingly agile and can run at impressive speeds when threatened. Their solitary nature and preference for dense vegetation make them challenging to spot on safari, adding to the excitement when one appears. Conservation programs, anti-poaching patrols, and protected reserves have helped stabilize some populations, but rhinos remain critically endangered. Seeing one in the Serengeti is a profound reminder of the importance of preserving Africa’s wildlife heritage for future generations.


🐃 Cape Buffalo (aka African Buffalo)

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb

These magnificent creatures are known for their herd instinct and collective strength.

The Cape buffalo, sometimes called the African buffalo, is one of the most underestimated members of the Big 5. Unlike domesticated cattle, these wild bovines are known for their unpredictable temperament and formidable strength. Early hunters considered them among the most dangerous animals in Africa because wounded buffalo were known to charge aggressively. In the Serengeti, buffalo live in large herds that can number in the hundreds, offering protection from predators like lions. Their massive horns, muscular build, and coordinated group behavior make them a powerful force on the plains. 

Buffalo are grazers, feeding primarily on grasses, and their movements help shape the Serengeti’s vegetation patterns. They also play a role in the food chain, supporting predators and scavengers alike. While not as elusive as leopards or as majestic as elephants, the Cape buffalo is an essential part of the ecosystem and a fascinating species to observe during a safari.


🌍 Conclusion (Includes Travel Suggestions)

Experiencing the Big 5 in the Serengeti is more than a wildlife encounter—it’s a journey into one of the Earth’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Travelers hoping to see these iconic animals should consider visiting during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources, and visibility is at its best.

  • Guided safaris, whether by vehicle, hot-air balloon, or walking tour, offer different perspectives on the landscape and its inhabitants.

  • Many lodges and camps within Serengeti National Park provide expert guides who understand animal behavior and know the best viewing locations.

  • For a broader experience, visitors can combine their Serengeti trip with nearby destinations such as the Ngorongoro Crater or the Maasai Mara.

Supporting ethical tour operators and conservation-focused organizations ensures that tourism helps to protect the Big 5 for future generations. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or first-time traveler, the Serengeti offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Africa’s most legendary wildlife in their natural home.

Travel Resources:

NOTE: This blog post is written for people who may be planning a vacation or making a travel bucket list. Or for others like me who can only travel in their dreams or virtually through blog posts. Hope you enjoyed it. I sure did!

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References/Sources:

African Elephant.” World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/elephant.

Black Rhino.” Save the Rhino, 7 Feb. 2018, https://www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/rhino-species/black-rhinos/.

WATCH: Rescuing a Fierce Leopard—See What It Takes.” Animals, 10 Sep. 2010, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/leopard.

“Leopard.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/leopard.

Lion.” African Wildlife Foundation, “Lion.” African Wildlife Foundation, https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/lion.

African Buffalo.” African Wildlife Foundation, https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/african-buffalo.

Watch What Happens When Buffalo Chase a Leopard up a Tree.” Animals, 31 Oct. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/african-buffalo.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Serengeti National Park.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/156

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Monday, July 7, 2025

Infinite Culture: On The Link Between African And Irish Music

Love history. Love music. Love studying about “fusion”. All of our cultures are nothing but peoples mixed together. Just started following this blog, and this post discusses “the evolution of musical forms” with regard to the fusion of Irish and African influences. For me, this one statement summarizes how it happened:

"Travel and trade was alive and well, and the exchange of music had to have been part of the process."

Of course ... that could be wrong. But anyway ... sounds logical. 


MyLot.com

Plantation Dance, South Carolina circa 1790 featuring banjo and calabash. Image #NW0159 courtesy of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.


Saturday, September 30, 2023

Tales of Pirates and Fairies in Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world. It has a colorful history, flavored with mystery. If one wanted to write about this continent they could easily publish thousands of books and millions of articles. I have a pinboard on Pinterest which I named “Mother Africa”. As of today, it has about 200 pins. The images are varied and unique and link to very interesting reading material. Just in case you don’t have access to Pinterest, the original content links can be found at Ancient-Origins.net. See “References” below. This site has over 12,000 articles and its purpose is to try to reconstruct the history of humanity by reporting on archaeological findings, scientific discoveries, mysterious phenomena, and more. 



Have You Ever Heard of Black Caesar?

I sort of have a fascination with pirates. There is nothing glamorous about them really. I mean … they’re thieves. But my fascination is with all the places they traveled in the world. Most of the stories I have heard about pirates placed them on the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. The most famous and notorious pirate is Edward Teach aka Blackbeard.

Most people have heard of Blackbeard. But have you ever heard of Black Caesar? Well! It turns out he was an African Chief who was lured onto a ship owned by slave traders with the promise of gold and other treasures. When he realized that he was being transported to the New World to be a slave, it was too late. But would you believe it? The ship he was on ran into a hurricane and the vessel sank. He escaped and turned to a life of piracy. Guess who he teamed up with? Blackbeard! The story goes that he was the lieutenant of Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. In the end, however, the authorities caught up with him and he was tried and hanged for piracy.

There are Fairy Circles in Africa?

I’ve heard of crop circles, but fairy circles are a new topic for me. Another thing that’s new and different? I don’t usually associate fairies with Africa. But there are fairy circles found in the Namib Desert of southwestern Africa and they are much like the crop circles in that they are circular patches of ground. All kinds of stories developed around the crop circles such as they are the work of aliens from another planet. As for the fairy circles? There are also lots of stories. One of the stories is that they must be the footprints of the god Mukuru (from the mythology of the Himba people who live in Namibia and Angola).

Of course, a team of researchers conducted computer simulations and they have theorized that these fairy circles could be the combined result of two natural processes: root-eating sand termites and self-organizing plants that competes for water. The team believes these theories will not only explain the fairy circles in Africa but in other parts of the world like Australia. Umm? I don’t usually associate fairies with Australia either. 

Ancient-Origins Article References:

  • Ḏḥwty. (13 Apr. 2019). “Black Caesar: The African Chief Who Was Captured by Slavers and Became a Pirate”. (history-famous-people)
  • McDermott, Alicia. (26 Jan. 2017). “Secrets Behind the Namibian Fairy Circles May Finally Be Solved”. (news-general)


Original Source


Friday, June 2, 2023

My Dream Travel Bucket List Includes 4 African Countries

Starting in 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous travel bans or restrictions have been implemented by various countries. Both the airlines and the cruise lines have taken heavy hits financially and are taking desperate measures in the hopes that they will recover. Still! That doesn’t stop many people from dreaming and making up travel bucket lists of places they’d like to see. 

Casablanca
Image credit:  Amazon.com

In the USA, in March 2020, the pandemic was announced. If you do a generic online search of the phrase “travel bucket list”, you will find people still publishing their lists. In fact, I’ve seen some lists that specifically indicate that these are “Post-COVID” travel wishes. Why not? If there had been an Internet during the Black Plague of the 1300s that affected Europe, you would probably have found bucket lists. An article published by Scientific American stated that Europeans survived the Black Death and those survivors lived even longer. Don’t you imagine that those survivors probably wanted to see another part of the world after that experience?

Most of us want to be optimistic about this modern-day plague and believe that one day, hopefully soon, the world will once again be our “oyster”; even if we are already senior citizens. I have always admired people who were 70+ years of age and still traveling the world. They planned out the places they would visit during retirement and they’re loving it!

So below is a quick list of 4 countries in Africa that are on my bucket list. How did I decide on these locations? I have either met someone from that country, online or in person. I figure if the rest of the citizens are as nice as they are, that’s a place I’d like to see. I might have become fascinated after watching a movie that was filmed on location in that country. It could be that I found a YouTube music video and loved the music or I watched a cooking show that showcased the cuisine from that country and my mouth started watering. It’s one of those reasons.

  1. Botswana

  2. Cameroon

  3. Ethiopia

  4. Morocco

Image credit:  Amazon.com

Botswana: Met a blogger who writes about all the various tourist destinations in this country (yourbotswana.com). The blog post I liked the most was the “photo safari”. People don’t go on safari to shoot the animals. They go to shoot photographs. Also, there is a movie about this country which stars two of my favorite actors: David Oyelowo, and Rosamund Pike. It’s a true love story between an African prince and a British citizen, and in addition to learning about how these two managed to have a successful marriage, against all odds, the film teaches the viewer a lot about the history of Botswana.


Botswana | History - Geography | Britannica

Botswana Tourism Organisation | Official Site of Botswana

15 reasons to visit Botswana – YourBotswana


Cameroon: Met a stranger at a gas station in America. He was very nice, had a delightful accent when he spoke, and I could tell by his clothing that probably wasn’t from ’round here. He needed some assistance at the gas pump and I helped him out. We had a short conversation and I asked him where he was from. He said he was visiting from Cameroon. He filled up his car and I told him that I hoped his stay in America would be pleasant. Off he went. But I couldn’t help but wonder if the folks from Cameroon were as nice as he was. Years later I was watching a musical TV show and the host had invited a guest to sing with him and also play the guitar. The music was amazing. The guest entertainer was from Cameroon and his name is Richard Bona. If you have not heard him perform, you are missing an amazing talent!


Cameroon | Culture, History, & People | Britannica

Cameroon Travel Advisory – travel.gov


Ethiopia: The most outstanding fact about this African country’s history is the fact that they were never colonized by the Europeans. Another fascinating fact is the “Jewish connection”. Some people say that Solomon, the famous Jewish king has a relationship with Sheba, one of the queens of Ethiopia. From that relationship, a child was born. When the queen returned to her own country, it is believed that she was a convert to the Jewish religion and that she raised her son in the Jewish faith. That story is not in the Jewish scriptures, i.e. Old Testament. But nobody has come up with a different explanation for how there came to be practicing Jews in Ethiopia. Today, there are thousands of Ethiopian Jews who willingly relocated to Israel to live. My curiosity is piqued. Last but not least there is a TV cooking show called “No Passport Required”. The host Marcus Samuelsson is from Ethiopia and for one of his shows, he spotlighted the people from Ethiopia who had made their way to America and were living in Washington, D.C., but still maintained their heritage and traditions; particularly, through their food (4).


Ethiopia | History, Capital, Map, Population, & Facts | Britannica

Ethiopia Travel Advisory - travel.gov


Morocco: Casablanca is a city in Morocco. Tell me who would not want to visit Morocco after watching Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the movie Casablanca? In case you have not watched this 1942 Hollywood movie, it is a movie based on true events. The movie won the best movie award and the director won the best director award at the Oscars.


Morocco | History, Map, Flag, Capital, & Facts | Britannica

Moroccan National Tourist Office: Travel to Morocco - Official


* * *

So that’s it!

Of course, this bucket list is based on the assumption that there is peace in the land, no political and social upheavals going on, no major natural disasters have occurred or are predicted to occur, crime is not rampant, it's not dangerous to go there in terms of one's health, and … there is Internet access!

Do you agree with my travel bucket list of African countries?

If not. which African countries would you recommend?

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Source Credit: Content first published at ArticleWritingJobs. It has been revised, updated, and republished at Read.Cash.

Friday, March 26, 2021

Animals and Wildlife: Spotlight on the African Buffalo

I have never seen a buffalo.  Not even at a zoo.  For most of my entire life, I’ve only ever heard buffalo mentioned in 3 contexts.

Context 1:  

Native Americans ate buffalo for food. But the white man killed the animals for sport, thus depleting the food supply for the Indians.

Context 2:  

When crowds go insane and rush into a stadium or a Walmart, they are referred to as a “herd of stampeding buffaloes”.

Context 3: 
There is an imaginary “purple buffalo” which is an integral part of the storyline for The Neverending Story.  Great family entertainment. I prefer the movie, but there is also an animated TV series.


Thanks to a fellow blogger from Botswana, a 4th context has been added to my knowledge base.

Context 4:

There are buffaloes in Africa and they are a part of Botswana’s Big Five.



Impressive beast!  Isn't it?

Angie’s Spotlight On The African Buffalo

For Your Information: “They are well known for their high level of intelligence and intuition Apparently when a person tries to play dead, the buffalo will urinate into the canal of their ear because it causes intense itching, forcing them to snap out of it and give themselves up!”
Uh huh. Well! Now that I know this, I know to continue to play dead no matter how badly it itches!  :)


Image Credit:  Drawing of an African buffalo. Description in the original works (translated): “Kap- or Kaffernbüffel” (Bubalus Caffer). Body length 2,80 m, tail length 0,90 m, height 1,50- 1,80 m (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



*Content previously published at Virily.com*











Friday, August 7, 2020

World History and Politics: Is Tunisia Still HOT?

Several years back Tunisia was HOT! By that I mean this country was all over “our” (i.e. American) news. The citizens were being credited with starting the Arab Spring! (NOTE: Three North African countries of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco are closely connected in sentiment and foreign policy with the Arab states, so might think they are in the Middle East. Geographically, they are located in Africa.)

The Arab Spring is the name given to a movement (probably by people who are not Arab) which described anti-government/pro-democracy protests taking place in Muslim nations. Tunisia was not the only country but evidently, they were the first … TO SUCCEED in regime change. At least, that’s what we hoped and hope. When I say “we”, I mean “US”, the United States of America. PRO-Democracy movements are always on our wish list. That’s why the protests in Tunisia received so much attention from the American news media. Of course, all the brew ha ha and jubilation doesn’t last forever.



I am revisiting Tunisia by way of Twitter to see what’s been going on. What do you know? Tunisia has a problem with the gender pay gap too! Must be a “peculiarity” in countries with governments that like to boast about the equality and equal treatment of its citizens, but don’t really practice what they preach! (#IMHO)

There were quite a few interesting tweets. I tried to narrow it down to a representative sampling. Some of the “new news” is promising. Some of it is troubling. They’re still struggling. But is there any country in this world that doesn’t have its share of problems?











♦Source: Virily.com

https://joiedevivre-magazine.tumblr.com/post/619562472271183873/tunisia-in-pictures-15-beautiful-places-to


Friday, October 25, 2019

Quick List of My October 2019 Articles at 100 Springs

Hello! If you are visiting this blog for the first time, I am happy you're here. I'm happy I'm here too! I have been busy with a new writing job. I was accepted as an article writer at a site called 100 Springs

The site's owner is also a friend and allowed me to express myself by writing on a variety of different topics. Oh yeah! He basically told me to go crazy! And I did! For the month of October, I published 10 articles. There is an alpha listing below. View my writer's profile



1.   Africa: Tales of Pirates and Fairies
2.   As a Tumblr Alternative, Try Over-Blog
3.   El Paso, Texas: 22nd Largest City in the USA
4.   Favorite Movie Stars and Favorite Movies
5.   Halloween: A Quick Study of the History and Superstitions
6.   October is the Month to Celebrate Apples
7.   The Adults at NASA Care About Climate Change
8.   US Presidential Election 2020: The Fighting Dozen (An Opinion Piece)
9.   Vacation Suggestions: South Florida and The Bahamas
10. Where to Find Reliable Healthcare Information







Hope you enjoy reading all of the articles at 100Springs.com; not just mine. ☺ When you're done there, don't forget to visit Joie de Vivre on Tumblr where you will find lots of delightful content collected from around the web, which express the joy of living.  Joie de Vivre is French for "joy of living".

https://joiedevivre-magazine.tumblr.com/post/188454449311

Friday, July 27, 2018

Talented Photographers : Nigerian Girl, 5, Dubbed the 'Most Beautiful in the World' | PEOPLE.com (Reblog)

Finally! Another addition to my “Talented Photographers” post series. Found a great post to share if you having a boring day and want to enjoy some beauty. There is a little bit of a brew ha ha going on at the photographer's Instagram account because the child was posed and dressed sort of like an adult (hair and makeup, etc.).  But just bypass all that and take a look at this lovely photograph. Isn't this child gorgeous?  No doubt this talented photographer was thrilled to work with this child model. Her name is Jare Ijalana and the photographer is Mofe Bamuyiwa.




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A post shared by BMBSTUDIO (@mofebamuyiwa) on


♦ ♦ Related Posts: ♦ ♦


Talented Photographers : Veikko Suikkanen


"To take a perfect picture you must be in the right place and at the right time, this is especially true of nature photography to which I myself belong. Natural photography takes a lot of time and patience to wait for the right weather, the right light and being in the right place.

Talented Photographers : Floral Diversity's Finest! Courtesy of Linda Stokes


About 3 years ago (2014) some Google Plussers were in a flower photosharing frenzy and I came across a lady, Linda Stokes, who shared photographs of floral diversity's finest! What was even more amazing was ... the flowers grow in Oklahoma! Sorry. I grew up in Florida. Florida!

Talented Photographers : A Red Rose and the Flower of Passion ~ A Perfect Couple


Are you an artist or photographer? Are you looking for a lovely site where you can showcase your talent and your marvelous works? Join Virily.com . Sign up is free. Platform is easy to use.


Talented Photographers : Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (Euprymna Scolopes)


Every time I see YAP (yet another picture) of the wonders that live in the sea, I wonder if aquatic life will ever stop amazing me!! It's a squid!! photos by mattias ormestad, jackson wong, jose martín piñatel, david slater, todd bretl

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Albino Children : Innocence Versus Ignorance


At the age of about 8 or 9 years old, I saw a young boy who was "white everywhere"! His skin, his hair, his eyebrows! Asked my mother about him and she casually remarked: "He's an albino". That was the entire discussion. I accepted her answer and moved on. Fast forward.

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BLACKS WITH BLUE EYES: NATURAL PHENOMENON OR GENETIC MUTATION??


It is generally believed that black people do not possess blue eyes. The blue eyes has always been associated with the Caucasians (whites). In many scientific studies and a more recent one conducted by the Copenhagen University the genetic mystery of "blue eyes" is said to have originated from the northeast coast of the Black Sea.

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