The Scariest Animal in Africa

While on safari in Africa you're likely to experience a few moments of pure fear. I'm no hero when I'm on safari. The last time I saw a large elephant standing in the middle of the road in Etosha (Namibia) I believe I yelled "reverse, reverse!". Later that week I nearly sat on a scorpion that had made its home in the campsite long-drop, and I merely shrugged my shoulders and moved to the next stall.

The scary-factor of any animal is a very personal affair. Many Africans are fearful of chameleons since they are believed to be imbued with magic (not the good kind). I'm terrified of buffalos because of the way they seem to stare with pure hatred in their eyes whenever you happen to get close to them. From a previous poll we know that, aside from the mosquito, the hippo is responsible for the highest number of fatal attacks on humans in Africa. But that doesn't mean people dislike hippos more than say, hyenas.

Please vote in the poll below and share your fears with the rest of us.

Poll: What African Animal Scares You The Most?

• Hippo
• Buffalo
• Elephant
• Scorpion
• Mosquito
• Lion
• Crocodile
• Hyena
• Snake
• Other (tell us why using the "comments")

  View Results

Image of a Cape Buffalo (giving "the stare") © David Hutchinson