Look out for all sorts of graceful antelopes. A large gemsbok may be recognized by the extraordinary black and white markings on its face. Cute little blackbuck antelopes have white circles around their eyes, wavy spiral horns, and characteristic bright white markings that make them easy to identify. With their distinguishing black and white striped “socks,” larger Asian nilgai antelopes can’t help but stand out in the crowd. Asiatic water buffalos are also readily visible with their massive curved horns and body weight of up to one ton. As their name implies, these buffalos are water lovers, so check out lakes or canals to observe them while you ride. As recognized superstars of the safari, Gorongosa Reserve lions captivate everyone’s attention. When you approach the fenced-in lion compound, a grumpy male might raise his bushy-maned head to roar fiercely at nothing in particular. His bellow could resonate as far as five miles away, but you will be onsite to personally witness his grand announcement. Golden-toned female lions with fluffy cubs in tow are likewise fascinating to see. In case you are interested, lion feedings occur just before the safari drive opens each morning.
In years past during Lion Country’s earlier days, prides of lions moved unrestrained among vehicles driving through their habitat. When my family first started visiting the safari in the late 80s, free-roaming lions actually scratched their backs on our RV bumpers and rubbed their noses on our headlights or tire treads, providing memorable thrills for our three young sons. Naturally, our wide-eyed boys stood transfixed at our RV windows while majestic lions lingered just a few feet away. All these decades later with updated safety codes strictly enforced, Lion Country Safari remains a favorite destination for three generations of our family. Lions are a tough act to follow, but the iconic animals who appear next on the preserve road are certainly worthy of your attention. Don’t be surprised if a dazzle of galloping striped zebras cut across the road just in front of your vehicle. Safari staff cares for the biggest group of zebras in the United States. A crash of brawny gray rhinoceroses is also likely to thunder past. Lion Country shelters one of the heftiest rhino herds in America. Soon to follow, a noisy active community of 17 chimpanzees play on tires, climb on ropes, and dangle on nets in their island habitats. Across the road from the chimps, a white-handed gibbon whoops and hollers while swinging around his home turf.
LCS shelters the most plentiful group of zebras in the United States. Photo credit Paula Loehr
Lions are the superstars of the safari. Photo credit Lion Country Safari
LION COUNTRY SAFARI
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