1. Journey into the Wild: The word safari actually comes from an Arabic word that means "journey" or "travel." Today, going on a safari means taking a trip to explore the wilderness and see amazing wild animals in their natural home.

2. The Big Five: Safari guides often talk about the "Big Five" animals: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo. These were originally named by hunters as the hardest and most dangerous animals to track on foot, but today everyone loves spotting them with cameras!

3. Sunrise and Sunset Action: Safari animals love the cool morning and evening air. This means safari-goers often wake up before the sun comes up for early morning game drives when lions, cheetahs, and leopards are most active before taking a nap in the heat of the day.

4. Special Safari Vehicles: Most safari rides happen in open-air trucks or jeeps with high, raised seats. This gives everyone a fantastic 360-degree view and keeps people safely up high while wild animals roam around the vehicle.

5. Not Just Africa: While East and South Africa (like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa) are famous for safaris, you can go on a safari all over the world! You can take a boat safari in the Amazon rainforest to see river dolphins, or a tiger safari in India.

6. The Watering Hole Hangout: During the dry season, animals gather around lakes, rivers, and man-made watering holes to drink. Sitting quietly near a watering hole is one of the best ways to watch zebras, giraffes, and elephants all hanging out together.

7. Picture Perfect: Going on a safari is the ultimate photography adventure. People bring giant zoom lenses on their cameras to capture up-close pictures of a cheetah yawning, a baby elephant playing in the mud, or a giraffe reaching high up into the trees for a snack!