The reason for going on a safari is to experience the bush and the animals. Some safari-goers find some animals less enjoyable, however, and even the most popular species may turn scary or even dangerous if met under the wrong circumstances. Wild animals Some African mammals may become aggressive when faced, for example elephants, buffalos, hippopotamus, lions and leopards. Incidents involving these (or other) mammals do happen, but are very rare and can mostly be avoided by behaving wisely.