When going on an African Safari guides will use certain safari terms and phrases. To help you feel more prepared for your trip I’ve compiled this list of all the words related to safari you’ll need to know.
African Safari Terms and Phrases and Words Related to Safari
Bean Bag
A bean bag is used to stabilize a camera while taking photos or videos in the safari vehicle. Some safari guides will have them available in the truck for your use and other will not. If you are going with an outfitter that does not have them, I recommend getting the Grizzly Camera Bean Bag.
The Big Five
The safari term, “Big Five” is an old hunting term to name the five most difficult and most dangerous animals to hunt. It is less used for hunting and more so for safari goers. Learn more about what animals make up the big five in my blog post.
Pin this safari terms and words related to safari post for Later
Words Related to Safari: The Bush
A sparely populated area usually where safari animals can be found. This can include both wooded areas, grass land, and scrub bushes.
Bush Breakfast
A full breakfast had while out in the bush on safari. Safari guides set up a table and chairs to sit and enjoy. Food can consist of, but is not limited to: eggs, sausage, yogurt, granola, cereal, fruit, nuts, homemade bread, and fruit juices.
Conservancy
A privately maintained area to manage and preserve wildlife and the environment.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is a play on words for when your safari vehicle goes over a bumpy area. Many safari guides will jokingly call this a deep tissue massage.
Read More: Ultimate Safari Packing List
Safari Terms
Diurnal Animals
Diurnal is a safari term for animals that are most active during the day. A few examples of diurnal animals are giraffes, zebras, hippos, and monkeys.
Safari Terms: Game Drive
A game drive is when you go out in the safari vehicle to view the African animals in the bush. Game Drives usually happen in the mornings and evenings as that is when majority of the animals are active.
The Great Migration
Taking place in the ecosystems of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Great Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Happening annually, over 2 million animals including wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate in search of water.
More Safari Terms and Words Related to Safari
Mark my Territory
When you go to the bathroom out in the bush.
National Park
A National Park is a natural protected area run by the state. When inside a National Park visitors are not allowed to go hunting or fishing. There are usually stricter rules to follow as well. Nairobi National Park is the most unique park in Africa as it is located right next to a major city, Nairobi, Kenya.
Safari Terms: Night Drive
A Night Drive is similar to a Game Drive except it is done after the sun goes down. It is the perfect of the opportunity to see nocturnal animals.
Words Related to Safari: Nocturnal Animal
Nocturnal is the term used for animals that are most active at night. A few examples of nocturnal animals are Aardvarks, Bushbabies, Civets, and Honey Badgers.
Ranger
A Ranger is a guard that protects parks, reserves, and conservancies. They’re responsible for protecting both the land and animals. For example, the Rangers at Ol Pejeta Conservancy are charged with protecting the endangered animals, specifically the last 2 Northern White Rhinos in the world.
Even More Safari Terms and Words Related to Safari
Savannah
The Savannah is grassy plain with scattered trees and bushes. This ecosystem has only two seasons a wet and a dry season.
Safari Terms: Self-Drive Safari
A safari in which you drive yourself around to view the animals. Not all conservancies, reserves, or parks allow self-drive safaris, so plan accordingly.
Tse Tse Fly
A small fly that is attracted to dark colors like black and dark blue. When it comes to what to pack for an African safari avoid dark colors to help keep the tse tse flies away.
Sun Downer
A sunset drink is usually had while on an evening Game Drive accompanied by a light snack.
Tented Camp
A semi-permanent camp usually consisting of safari tents, a lounge, food tent, and sometimes a pool.
Words Related to Safari: Territory
The area in which an animal frequents and raises it’s young. Lions and Leopards are 2 examples of territorial animals.
Ugali
A porridge made of maize or cassava, that comes from the manioc plant. It is served with fish, meat or vegetables. You’ll most likely try this is you’re traveling in East African countries such as Tanzania.
Words Related to Safari: Walking Safari
A Walking Safari is a Safari on foot where a guide takes a small group of people around the Bush usually pointing out the flora and fauna difficult to see from a safari vehicle. The guide is armed for safety purposed.
Do you know any other safari terms and words related to safari? If I missed any let me know what they are in the comments.
Love it? Pin it!