Africa’s wild creatures do not live in isolation, each species represents a strand in the web forming the community of plants and animals in which it has carved its niche. Even the briefest safari will traverse many such ecological communities and habitats. The eye soon discerns that the African world is not a singular entity in which animals occur at random, but an ordered realm where every creature has its appropriate place. Some species are extremely adaptive and survive in a wide spectrum of environments. Others are confined to specific niches or microhabitats. It would take volumes to describe all of Africa’s animals, not to mention their relationships and the habitats in which they live in.

A small understanding of African ecology will go a long way toward enriching your safari experience, for the wonder of the animals is heightened by an appreciation and awareness of their total environment. Although the famous big game animals naturally command the most attentions, people who look only for lions, elephants and other large mammals tend to get bored after a few days. Those curious about African wildlife in all of its varied forms never have that problem, for it is impossible to run out of new and fascinating discoveries.