by Claudia Smargiasso, 1 July 2009

Been to Africa and seen the Big 5? Thought you could tick that off your bucket list? Or perhaps you're planning your African safari and the Big 5 is your top priority. Well, the face of South African safaris is about to change, and it's not the Big 5 that you'll be fearlessly seeking out: enter the Big 7.

South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs recently announced plans to add 2 more species to the Big 5 - the whale and great white shark - to create the Big 7. Doesn't have quite the same ring does it? But it does add a new, watery dimension to your typical Big 5 wildlife adventure.

What's the Story?

Originally, the term Big 5 was coined by big game hunters, and this elite group was chosen because of the difficulty involved in hunting them. Since then, the Big 5 - made up of lion, rhinoceros (both black and white), leopard, elephant and buffalo - have become Africa's biggest draw card - the thrill is in seeing them in their natural surrounds as opposed to on Animal Planet or behind bars at the zoo.

Some people would argue that the Big 7 should include cheetah and wild dog rather than whale and shark; both the cheetah and the wild dog are endangered species which would make seeking them out in the wild a little more thrilling and way more of an achievement, not to mention that it's a sort of one-stop-shopping approach to wildlife viewing.

However, the up-side of adding whale and shark to the list is that these animals can benefit from their new high-profile status. While South Africa boasts a significant number of large marine animals, the attention brought on by the new Big 7 title will help to promote the sustainability of marine resources - and perhaps give the shark a chance to shake off its ill-deserved nasty reputation.

Besides, what better excuse is there to add a beach break to your safari?

Sticking With Tradition

The new Big 7 will set South Africa apart from other safari destinations; while you can still enjoy a traditional Big 5 safari in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia (although rhino spotting is best in Kenya and Namibia), Big 7 safaris are almost exclusive to South Africa.

Big 7 Hot Spots

The Eastern Cape provides a range of Big 7 destinations in a totally malaria-free area and not only will you get to see all of the Big 7, but you can also experience the varied flora and fauna of 7 of Africa's 8 biomes.

The Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape offers a Big 7 safari and great bird watching. You can experience this reserve on horseback or take to one of the many hiking trails. As the name would suggest, you can even spend some time hanging out with the gentle ellies.

Alternatively, visit the Garden Route and enjoy a Big 5 wildlife experience at one of the luxurious malaria-free safari lodges and a few nights in Plettenberg Bay where you can take to the waters on a 2hr Marine Encounters Tour, offering you the chance to get closer to the southern right and Bryde's whales that visit the bay annually.

You could also plan a safari at Blaauwbosch Safari Game Lodge combined with a coastal stay at The Sands or The Dunes in the whitewashed holiday town of St Francis Bay, a great whale-watching destination. Alternatively, spend a few days on safari at Shamwari and round it off with a total Big 7 experience at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve that offers a wildlife and beach experience all in one.

The Western Cape's Whale Coast offers the world's best land-based whale watching, as well as boat trips out to sea for a closer look, in the quaint harbour town of Hermanus. Not far away, you can slip into a wetsuit for some of the best shark cage diving in Gansbaai - South Africa's shark cage diving capital.

Combine a Whale Coast experience, with a few nights at Cliff Lodge in the small town of De Kelders near Gansbaai with a Big 5 safari at Sanbona along the picturesque Route 62, or head further north for a Kruger National Park safari.

The Early Bird...

It'll be some time before the idea of the Big 7 becomes as popular and as well-used a term as the Big 5, but wouldn't it be great to get in there early and earn the bragging rights before everyone else does?

Readers' Comments:

Have you experienced a Big 7 safari? Want to tell us about it? Let us know.

Article © Copyright 2009 Go2Africa.

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