Africa’s large mammals, and the Big Five in particular, are widely credited for being the ambassadors that popularised safari holidays on our continent. After all, is there anything more surreal than spotting a leopard at twilight, or more humbling than sitting quietly in the presence of elephants? There is no call more primal than a lion’s in the dead of night, nor could anyone argue that buffalos and rhinos – formidable and tough – are forces to be reckoned with.
Here at Kuzuko Lodge, we hope that the Big Five will form a big and special part of your stay with us, particularly if this is your first Eastern Cape safari, but we also hope to awaken in you an appreciation for the other species of wildlife that call our extraordinary reserve home.
As the only lodge on a 35 000 acre private reserve, we boast extraordinary wildlife encounters that you’ll get to enjoy in peace and privacy. From the smallest sunbird to the most elusive caracal, our reserve offers intimate encounters with nature that rival any traditional safari experience.
Below we’ll explore some of the lesser-known animals you’ll encounter on your Eastern Cape safari!
The Setting
The Eastern Cape is emerging as one of South Africa’s choice safari destinations, with many recognising the region for its tireless conservation efforts, wonderful game-viewing opportunities, smaller tourist volumes and, of course, malaria-free status.
In 2001, Kuzuko was established through the merging of 22 private farms, which were thoughtfully purchased, carefully rehabilitated, and rewilded to become part of the Greater Addo Conservation Area.
At Kuzuko Lodge, we hope to offer a safari experience that goes beyond the Big Five, offering you an immersive, unhurried experience, where you will have ample time to connect with nature, and yourself.
Our reserve has a diverse landscape, boasting three of South Africa’s nine biomes. From the rolling hills and textured valleys that descend from the Zuurberg Mountains in the south, to the wide open Karoo plains in the north, we encourage you to wake with the sun and experience the newness of a world that gets under your skin and, if we do our jobs right, will forever hold a place in your heart.
While we are a Big Five reserve, let’s take a closer look at some of the other animals you may be lucky enough to enjoy during your stay with us.
The Forgotten Five
While leopards and lions may steal the spotlight, these lesser-known residents deserve equal attention:
- Servals: These secretive cats, with their distinctive spotted coats, are master hunters of the grasslands. Their incredible leap – up to 3 metres high – allows them to catch birds in mid-flight.
- Bush Pigs: Often overlooked, these intelligent creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. They use their snouts like natural plows, aerating the soil and creating microhabitats for smaller species.
- Brown Hyenas: Unlike their spotted cousins, these shy scavengers are solitary and rarely seen. They are smaller than Spotted Hyenas and have an attractive cream neck ruff that fluffs out when they feel threatened.
- Aardwolfs: This insect-eating member of the hyena family emerges at dusk, helping control termite populations that would otherwise damage the delicate balance of our grasslands. They are very rarely seen – making them a very special safari sighting indeed.
- Blue Cranes: Deft and elegant, South Africa’s national bird graces our reserve with its presence, performing elaborate courtship dances in the breeding season that few get to witness.
While the Big Five remain active during traditional game drive hours, the best time to spot our hidden gems is during the transition periods – dawn and dusk.
Our twice daily game drives, one with an early morning coffee stop and the other ending with sundowners in a scenic location, will offer you ample opportunity to experience this ‘changing of the guard’ and (fingers crossed) spot more elusive animals on your Eastern Cape safari.
Safari Tips For First-Time Visitors
- Pack a pair of binoculars with good light-gathering capability for dawn and dusk viewing
- Bring a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture quick movements
- Wear neutral colours to blend in with the environment
- Listen to your guide’s insights about recent animal activity
- Keep your voice low and movements minimal to avoid startling shy creatures
Stay With Us
Over the years we’ve learnt that it’s often the unexpected encounters that leave the most lasting impressions of your time on safari.
The sight of a meerkat playing outside its den, or a family of warthogs trotting past with their tails held high – these are the moments that transform a regular safari into an extraordinary adventure.
If you’re looking to experience the hidden wonders of an Eastern Cape safari for yourself, feel free to contact our reservations team at reservations@kuzuko.com and we’d be happy to assist you with the process.
Alternatively, use our seamless online booking platform to secure your own dates.
We look forward to introducing you to the extraordinary diversity of Eastern Cape wildlife!
