Today let’s go on safari to Africa with art. We don’t always have the time or money to go on a real safari, so we are making our own. A safari, according to Webster, is an overland trip across Africa to observe and take pictures of wildlife. Today we are making projects based on things you might see on safari. Let’s grab our art supplies, camera, and get started.

There are many dangerous animals in Africa. This first animal, a hippopotamus is the most dangerous. It is best observed at a distance. Little artists will like to learn that daddy hippos are called bulls, mommies are called cows, and babies are called calves. All together they are called a bloat of hippopotamuses. Let’s get started on making our own bloat!

Hippopotamus

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Supplies:

1. Copy of hippo
2. Regular paper plate
3. Grey paint
4. Sponge
5. Small paper plate
6. Scissors
7. Glue

Directions:

1. Print out hippo.
2. Cut regular paper plate in half.
3. Pour small amount of grey paint onto small paper plate.
4. Teach the little artists how to sponge paint their hippo parts and half paper plate.
5. When dry, cut out parts.
6. Have your little artists glue their hippo parts onto half paper plate.

Next on our safari, we might see a male lion. Your little artist can use yarn to give this lion his mane. In case your little artist asks, (because ours would), daddy lions are simply called lions. Mommy lions are called lionesses, and babies are called cubs. All together a group of lions is called a pride.

Lion

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Supplies:

1. Copy of lion
2. Optional: Markers
3. Brown yarn
4. Yellow yarn
5. Scissors
6. Glue

Directions:

1. Print lion.
2. Optional: Color.
3. Cut pieces of yarn in different lengths. (Option: Use safety scissors, and let your artists cut their own.)
4. Glue yarn to make lion’s mane.

Let’s travel down the road and see what animals are next. Your little artist might like to dart around the house like an antelope! Now, with this next project, he or she can also look like one by making this headband.

Little artists love learning, Daddy antelopes are called bucks, mommy antelopes are called does, and babies are called calves. All together they are called a band or herd of antelopes.

Antelope

Supplies:

1. Copy of antelope
2. Brown card stock
3. Scissors
4. Glue stick

Directions:

1. Print antelope parts onto brown card stock.
2. Cut out.
3. Cut a long strip of paper to fit child’s head.
4. Have the artist glue antelope parts onto strip of paper.
5. When dry, wear.

With your projects done you can now take pictures and pretend you are on a safari. Maybe you can go on safari at the local zoo. To find and make more crafts about Africa visit HERE. However you choose to go on safari, I know you will tell your little artist, “You’re so creative!”