Would you like to go on safari? The word means "journey" in Swahili, the language of east Africa. This word was later borrowed by wealthy travellers from Europe, who liked going to hunt animals in Africa. Over time, the word safari became part of the English language, and the term "big five" came about. It refers to the five most dangerous animals to hunt on safari. So, what are the big five? The answers might surprise you.

Elephants

They are very big animals, weighing up to 6,000 kilograms. However, they can run up to 40 kilometres per hour! Although they have poor eyesight, they must always be approached with caution.

Rhinoceros

These animals can be as heavy as 1,000 kilograms. They are shy and like to be left alone. If you bother them, they can get really grumpy and unpredictable. Rhinos cannot see well, but they have excellent hearing and a good sense of smell.

Leopards

At around 80 kilograms, leopards are smaller than lions, but they are very fierce and intelligent. Leopards can leap 3 metres in the air, and can carry animals that weigh 3 times more than they do! They have a keen sense of smell and hearing, and can see well in the dark. They like to wander alone, most often at night.

Lions

These are the largest carnivores in Africa. A male lion can weigh up to 230 kilograms, and its loud roar can be heard up be 10 kilometres away. This is why we call the lion the "King of the Beasts". Unlike leopards, lions like to spend their days sleeping with their "pride" or group, when they are not looking for food.

Water Buffalo

These are considered the most dangerous of all African animals. They are intelligent and cunning and work together to fight against enemies and protect the weaker members of their group. They can weigh up to 600 kilograms.

Fortunately, when we talk about going on safari these days, we mean we are going to visit Africa to look at the lovely beasts on this continent. We shoot them only with our cameras. And let's not forget the other amazing animals of Africa, such as the giraffe, the hippopotamus, and the wildebeest. Can you think of some more?

I. Word list

grumpy: angry

intelligent: very smart

keen: very good

carnivores: meat eaters

cunning: trick

II. Draw lines to match the deions of the animals.

1. leopards sleep with their "pride"

2. elephants can get grumpy

3. water buffalo approach with caution

4. rhinoceros wander alone at night

5. lions most dangerous African animal

III. Short answers—Find the important information in the reading.

1. another word for animals: b _ _ _ _ _

2. the language "safari" comes from: S _ _ _ _ _ _

3. what "safari" means: j _ _ _ _ _ _

4. a word meaning "meat eaters": c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

5. the largest African animal: e _ _ _ _ _ _ _

IV. Write T (true) or F (false) for each sentence.

___ 1. The rhinoceros is not a dangerous animal.

___ 2. Leopards are larger than lions.

___ 3. Water buffalo are more dangerous than elephants.

___ 4. Leopards are very smart.

___ 5. Giraffes do not live in Africa.

___ 6. The "big five" usually live together.