It’s a bit of a conundrum, especially if you are trying to spot an elephant by looking for a large grey shape in the Tsavo National Park; where the largest herds are reputed to be found. If so you will be sadly disappointed because when in Tsavo you need to look for a large PINK shape. Why? Because the Tsavo elephants rather confusingly cover themselves with local deep, red, iron – oxide soil, to keep away the insects.

If it’s the ‘Big Cats’ that head up your ‘Big Five’ wish list then head for the Masai Mara National Reserve where the wide-open plains and the tree-lined rivers offer happy hunting grounds for the lions and leopard alike. A good trick is to keep an eye open for a twitching ear or a sudden flash of creamy-white fur as a lioness rolls lazily over and exposes her stomach to the sun! You might see some cubs tumble out of the bush in a flurry or fur, paws and claws; much too engrossed in their wrestling match to realise their cover is blown.

When looking for the ever-elusive leopard, watch out for the giveaway swinging tail; usually high up in a tree somewhere, draped across a tree branch and cleverly camouflaged.

As for the highly endangered rhino, these great, grey, prehistoric creatures are best found in thick, scrubby bush; particularly in those sanctuaries that have been founded to protect them. This includes the sanctuary in Tsavo East National Park. Of all the ‘Big Five’ the buffalo are the easiest to ‘bag’ because huge herds roam the Mara and Tsavo. The best clues to their presence are the dark shadows that dot the hillsides and betray a heard of buffalo on the move.