safari animals with long horns

15 African animals with horns – Everything you need to know

Many animals with horns can be found on the African continent. Unfortunately, many of these are hunted for their horns. Some species face near extinction purely because they are animals with horns!

However, millions of these animals still cover the African savanna. There are many graceful herds of the Bovidae family to appreciate. Here is everything you need to know about animals with horns.

Animals With Horns or Antlers?

The semantics of language has resulted in horns being used to describe the headgear donned by most African animals .

The term antlers refers to the structures on the head of most North America dwelling animals , like caribou.

It’s easy to assume the two terms are interchangeable and simply exist as a result of American English versus UK English.

In actual fact, horns and antlers have significant differences in their purpose, structure, growth, and the animals on which they can be found.

Antlers grow on the Cervidae family of animals, such as moose, elk and deer.

Antlers are usually covered in a velvety growth as opposed to the hard keratin of horns.

Over time the velvet texture disappears and the antlers become smooth and shiny.

Horns, on the other hand, belong to the Bovidae family.

This includes various species of antelope and gazelle as well as cows, sheep, and goats.

Horns are coarse and rough . Just like human nails they continue to grow throughout an animal’s life, accounting for scrapes and activities that wear them down.

How to Instantly Tell Horns From Antlers

Horns can be distinguished from antlers instantly – horns are one solid structure . They can twist or curve, protrude far or barely show, but they are also one solid mass.

Antlers fan out into branch-like shapes or fingered structures.

Discover African Animals With Horns

There are over 14 different types of gazelle falling under the antelope genus as a group called Gazella .

Of the 14, six are found in Africa , including the Dorcas gazelle which is found in the Sahara Desert and throughout the Northern regions of Africa.

Grant’s gazelle are some of the tallest gazelles, and the slender-horned gazelle is now an endangered species due to a loss of habitat and human expansion.

Other species of gazelle that are found in Africa include Speke’s gazelle , Thomson’s gazelle , and dama gazelle .

African gazelles’ horns

Both males and females grow horns (with a few exceptions). However, in many instances the females have shorter horns than the males.

Male gazelles have longer horns than females in order to win dominance . A dominant male establishes himself by challenging others with their horns.

Horns also serve the purpose of protecting the fawn (the offspring). It is believed that the females are naturally attracted to males that are equipped with horns for this very primal purpose.

The impala is one of the most common antelope species in Africa . They’re unbelievably swift runners and their impressive leaps have been measured to be as high as 3 metres in the air, and 10 metres in length!

If there is danger about, they alert the herd by making a loud barking noise . When food and water are plentiful, they tend to break into smaller groups.

When scarcity hits during the dry season, impala come together in groups as large as 100-200 individuals, to search for food and water together.

Impala horns

Only the male impala grow horns. These horns tend to be dark in colour and curve outwards from the impala’s head, meaning the tips are far apart.

Being splayed apart enables male impala to lock horns with other males when they compete for dominance.

They’re usually around 70 cm in length and have ridges. The horns are strong enough to survive combats between males, but they are hollow inside, and a cross-section is circular.

Females are able to extend their pregnancy by as much as a whole month if they feel unsafe or if there is too little food available!

One of the largest members of the Bovidae species, greater kudu can stand as high as 150 centimetres !

Kudu males (known as bulls) are also easily recognised by their impressive horns . Some of the longest animal horns ever measured and recorded were 180 centimetres in length. And they belong to the kudu.

Only the bulls have horns so it’s easy to distinguish male kudu from female kudu. The females are also far more petite and shorter.

Kudu horns are majestic and beautiful. They are widely sold for their decorative qualities. Many African tribes also purpose them into musical instruments.

They are hollow, which means they can serve as containers. They’re also used in traditional African rituals and practices.

These animals use their horns in combat with other males to establish dominance. The spiral shape allowing them to interlock easily.

There are two main varieties of gemsbok .

The southern gemsbok is typically found in arid regions like the Kalahari.

In the open grasslands of the more northern parts of Africa (mainly East Africa) you will find the northern gemsbok ( oryx ).

Gemsboks enjoy each other’s company and generally form groups of around ten individuals . If food and water become scarce, they form smaller groups or even wander off as individuals.

These elegant antelopes can be incredibly dangerous , using their horns by lowering the head and charging. This defence is so lethal they have little need to run from predators .

Gemsbok horns

The gemsbok is sometimes called the sabre antelope , named for the lethal horn which can spear an opponent or potential threat.

In fact, the tips are so sharp and dangerous, many African tribes use them as points for their spears.

Both males and females have horns, although the females’ horns are significantly more slender than the horns of the males. The horns extend fairly straight forwards at an impressive 83 centimetres.

There are two species of waterbuck , the defassa and common waterbucks .

They are some of the most foul-smelling animals on the African plains. Their shaggy brown coats secrete an oily substance, presumably for waterproofing, which is incredibly smelly.

Waterbucks live in woodlands , savanna grasslands , and anywhere nearby a stable water source.

Living so close to water usually means they have access to an abundance of food. They tend to graze on the tougher grasses other animals ignore.

Waterbuck horns

Waterbuck horns are long and curve slightly. They never stop growing, which means the length of the horn indicates an animal’s age. Only male waterbucks will grow horns, the females do not.

The males may use their horns to ward off predators and also to establish dominance when they are sexually mature.

In combat with other males, the standoff can get intense. Often, the combat is only concluded when one of the two is dead.

Springboks are one of the smaller animals with horns in Africa. The females tend to form a herd of their own, where they raise their young.

The herd will also contain a few males who have proved their dominance. Springboks are named for their impressive jump – as high as 3.5 metres!

It is thought that the purpose of these leaps is to distract predators. The proper term is pronking .

Springboks will feed on most plant types, depending on the season and availability. They prefer plants and flowers with higher water content , but will happily graze on grasses too.

Springbok horns

Males and females have a set of horns. Their horns are fairly modest in size at around 50 centimetres in length but boast a beautiful black colour.

They curve backwards and contain evenly spaced ridges from the base to the tip.  

This animal with horns is the slowest member of the antelope family. Eland are also one of the largest animals with horns in Africa . They can grow up to 3 metres in length and can weigh up to 900 kg.

If water is very scarce, the eland can actually reduce its water metabolism by increasing its body temperature.

This enables them to survive in the semi-arid terrain of Africa – from Southern Africa up to Ethiopia, Angola, and even Malawi.

In Africa, there is a trend towards keeping eland in place of cattle . They are hardier and more drought-resistant. Their meat and milk are considered suitable substitutes.

Eland horns

Eland horns are not very long or particularly spectacular, but they serve the eland perfectly. Both males and females grow horns – the males’ horns tend to be shorter and thicker and the females’ are longer and thinner.

The horns have a twist towards the base and curve outwards to form a V shape . They can usually grow up to 70 centimetres in length.

There’s a belief among certain African cultures that these animals can induce seizures in people. As a result, superstition and beliefs cause them to avoid encounters with bongos.

Bongos are among the larger members of the antelope family. There are two genera of bongo; lowland (western) and mountain (eastern).

They have excellent hearing and are capable of reaching epic speeds of around 60 km/h when they are pursued by a predator.

The males live alone while the females form groups (herds) and raise their young together. A group typically contains 5-40 individuals plus their offspring.

Bongo horns

These animal horns can reach an astounding 99 centimetres in length!

Both males and females are equipped with a set of twisted, lyre-shaped horns. The horns are more spectacular in the males who tend to have more twists and girth.

Easily recognised by their anvil-shaped head, wildebeest have become something of an icon when the African plains come to mind. They’re nicknamed “the poor man’s buffalo” .

One of the traits that make them so distinguishable is the size of their herds . When the rains move across East Africa, over 1 million of these animals form the great wildebeest migration and move to fresh pastures.

There are two species of wildebeest and the blue wildebeest is the one most people identify with. It’s not blue, rather, its back is a silver colour while its head is black.

The black wildebeest is similar but much darker all over. From a distance, it looks black, but at closer inspection, it is actually brown.

Wildebeest horns

In wildebeest, both males and females grow horns, however, the males have substantially thicker and larger horns. An adult male’s horns can reach a width of around 50 centimetres.

The horns are used by the males to impress females. They do this by bellowing and thrashing in a typical display which helps to establish territory.

Cape buffalo

Also called the African buffalo , this gigantic bovine dwells in the plains of Africa, relishing swamplands and savanna terrains.

They’re one of the largest and most successful grazers.

There are four subspecies of buffalo including the African forest buffalo , the West African savanna buffalo , the central African savanna buffalo , and the southern savanna buffalo or Cape buffalo.

The largest buffalo weighs around 910 kg – just short of a ton! And they can run as fast as 56 km/h .

Buffalo horns

Buffalo horns are a defining feature on these large beasts.

They’re rather ornate and decorative, running along the top of the head before curving elegantly off into a sharp point.

Each horn is joined by a fused base which grows as an extension of the animal’s bone.

Both males and females grow horns. They tend to reach around 80 cm in length (sometimes even more).

“ Hartebeest ” comes from the words “ tough ox ”. From far away, they look like slightly misshaped antelope.

They have strong family groups with an established hierarchy among the males. The males will often forego necessary hydration in order to maintain the role of alpha in their territory.

That is because it is common for them to return from seeking water to find another male has claimed the title of alpha.

Breeding season occurs in accordance with rains – if there is food and water readily available, regardless of the season, they will breed.

Hartebeest horns

These animal horns are around 50 centimetres in length. They curve outwards and away from each other, and then back towards each other.

There are also ridges. Both males and females grow horns and the length of these horns depends on the age of the animal, as they grow for their entire lives.

Nubian ibex

The Nubian ibex looks like a goat with spectacular horns . They dwell around rocky outcrops in mountainous regions, living in social groups of up to 8 individuals (for females).

The males tend to wander alone. But when breeding season arrives, the males will join a female herd for up to eight weeks in order to mate.

To win this privilege, the males must first compete for dominance . For this, they employ the use of their large and backwards-curving horns.

Nubian ibex horns

The most impressive thing about these animals with horns is that standoffs take place at heights , sometimes on the edge of a cliff or a rocky outcrop.

Nubian ibex are not only fighting each other –  a single false step and an ibex will fall to its death.

Scimitar-horned oryx

Also sometimes called the Sahara oryx , this animal has been extinct in the wild since the year 2000.

This was largely due to over-hunting for their horns . Now, they are bred in special reserves. In Chad, there has been a successful reintroduction of these animals into the wild.

They require almost no water for survival which equips them to dwell in arid regions, like deserts. They don’t form bachelor pods or female herds, but stay together in groups of up to 70 members.

Scimitar-horned oryx horns

Both males and females grow long straight horns which have a distinctive backwards curve. The female’s horns are often more slender. The horns are a distinctive feature, measuring up to 1.2 metres in length.

Rhinos are probably the best-known animals with horns in Africa. There are two main species of rhino – the black rhino and the white rhino . They have become a critically endangered species due to poaching.

Their horns are prized by particular cultures. While there are extensive efforts to prevent poaching, it remains a devastating issue which plagues many African national parks and conservation efforts.

Rhino horns

Both rhino species have two horns, though they usually differ in both shape and size.

The black rhino ’s horns are more evenly sized and rounded at the base.

White rhinos usually have one large horn and one small horn . They look a little more ‘squarish’ in shape as well.

The horns are used for self-defence and also to help them find food.

White rhinos are grazers and their horns assist them in finding and consuming low growing plant matter.

The black rhino is a browser and tends to eat from trees – leaves, twigs and fruits are its favourites.

Giraffes are best known for their long necks and distinctively patterned coats. They only drink water every few days thanks to their diet, which is rich in water-dense plants.

Giraffe have four stomachs to help them process the roughage and the cellulose-rich plant matter that they consume.

When the giraffe calf is born, it can fall a considerable distance from its mother to the ground. However, within a day a calf is strong enough to run alongside its mother.

Giraffe horns

A giraffe’s horns are called ossicones . The exact reason for their existence is a mystery. Nevertheless, giraffe often use these ossicones in self-defense.

They use the horns by swinging their heads and necks violently from side to side, often connecting their enemy with those horns.

Not all giraffes have two horns, some have three . Ossicones look like antlers but they’re covered with skin – so they’re not.

They’re also different from horns. They feel similar to the legs of the giraffe, firm but also slightly fuzzy.

Discovering Africa’s Animals With Horns on a Safari

Which animal with horns is your favourite? The large and majestic, the stinky, or the graceful?

Don’t wait too long because some of these animals with horns are already extinct in the wild. So maybe it’s time to go on safari to encounter these magnificent creatures.

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

11 facts about the klipspringer – Africa’s dancing antelope

15 of the fastest animals on planet Earth

16 incredible facts about nyala, the legendary African antelope

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Ultimate African Animals With Horns List

Animal horns have been used in various cultures across the world for centuries. From being blown into as a warning signal to being ground and used as a medicine, animal horns are a part of many traditional groups. And while these traditions should be honored, they have caused a multitude of extinctions and increased poaching problems around the world.

Animals use their horns for many things. They are most commonly used for defense against predators and fighting among their own for territory and dominance. Remembering that horns are far more useful on the animal then off, keep reading to find out about the most notable horns found on African animals.

What Animals Have Horns?

There is a difference between horns and antlers. The true definition of a horn is only found in Bovidae animals, e.g. cows, water buffalos, African buffalos, and yaks. A horn is a keratin sheath over a bony structure. Horns grow out of the animal’s head and are a permanent, two-part formation of the animal that often continues to grow.

Antlers are different because they are found in the Cervidae family, e.g. deers, moose, and elks. Antlers branch out and are normally shed annually, growing back during mating season. Antlers are not made up of keratin and only consist of bone.

Names Of Animals With Horns

Most of the horned animals in Africa are a part of the antelope family. Rhinoceros and Giraffe are also popular horned animals, although technically their horns do not fit the exact definition. Keep reading to find out how they differ.

Spiral/Curly Horns

Spiral horns are impressive! As the name suggests the horns are spiraled and resemble a corkscrew. The antelope animals that fall into this category in Africa are referred to as the ‘bushbuck tribe’, or the more scientific term, Tragelaphini .

The most notable of these antelope are the Bushbuck, Eland, and Kudu.

Bushbuck are the only African antelope that do not live in herds. Bushbuck are solitary, non-territorial animals who find safety from predators alone in the thick foliage, mainly around water sources.

The giant eland and common eland are the biggest and second-biggest antelope in the world respectively. The two types of eland differ only slightly in size and coloring. However, both the giant and common eland, as well as both sexes, display a magnificent set of V-shaped spiral horns. The eland is the most famous of the spiral-horned animals.

The greater kudu definitely boasts one of the grandest pairs of horns. On average, they are an impressive 48 inches in length (122 cm) and average two and a half twists in the length of the horn. Kudus are tall, large antelopes and are always very exciting to spot.

Straight Horns

The most memorable straight horned animal in Africa must be the gemsbok (Dutch), a part of the Oryx family. Gemsbok are distinguished by their light greyish-tan coloring and black and white facial markings. Their spectacular horns are an average of 33 inches (85 cm) in length and are almost perfectly straight.

Females have only slightly thinner, longer horns than males, and are often mistaken for males. Female gemsbok mainly use their horns to protect their young from predators, while males use their horns to defend their territory.

Small Horned Animals

Although smaller animals have smaller horns, their horns are still used for the same purposes as larger horned animals. Below are some cute, famous, and little antelopes.

The dik-dik is an adorable antelope. They have their name because of the whistling warning calls both the males and females make.

Only the males have horns which average 3 inches in length (8 cm). The dik-dik species are some of the smallest antelope in the world.

The springbok is South Africa’s national animal and the name of the national rugby team. While their horns are fairly large in ratio to the size of the antelope, they are relatively small compared to other horns found on the animals in Africa.

Springbok get their name because of their distinctive jump while moving at a fast pace. All four of the springbok’s hooves are off the ground and their legs are stiff when they spring into the air.

Both males and females have horns. Their horns average 14-20 inches in length (35-40 cm). The springbok horns curve inwards and lean backward from their head.

Large Horns

The larger animals with horns show off some very impressive and unique horns.

Cape Buffalo

The Cape buffalo (also known as water buffalo) is a large animal with horns. The horns on the Cape buffalo can grow so big that they can sometimes fuse together into one horn in the center. Both male and female buffalos have horns, although the female’s horns are significantly smaller.

The Cape buffalo is one of two horned animals in the Big-Five . The second is the rhinoceros.

Rhino horns have made international news due to the devastating poaching around them. The rhino horn technically does not fit the definition of a horn. Rather than resembling nails (made from keratin), they resemble hooves and beaks. Although there is a difference they are still referred to as ‘horns’.

The rhino horn can grow up to five feet long (over a meter and a half). They are impressive to see and should only be seen in the wild or on protected rhinos.

Are There Animals With Antlers in Africa?

There are no animals with antlers in Africa. Antlers are predominantly found on deers in North America. Because antlers shed, hikers and outdoorsmen can unexpectedly find them in the wild and can take them home to keep.

Types Of Goats With Horns

Most goats in Africa are farmed or domesticated. Goats are a part of the Bovidae family and generally, both males and females have horns. While most types of goats have horns, there are species of goats that are naturally born without horns. These species are known as a “polled” goat.

Are Giraffe Antlers Horns?

While the general public call the protrusions on a giraffe’s head ‘horns’ they are technically called ossicones. Ossicones are made up of cartilage and covered in skin and hair. It is unsure why giraffes have ossicones as they use their long necks to fight.

Cool Animal Horns

Horned animals can be found all over the world. Below is a magnificent horned animal list, most of which can be found outside of Africa.

• Bukharan markhor
• Alpine ibex (long-horn goat)
• Sable antelope
• Pronghorn antelope
• Chousingha (four-horned antelope)
• Manx Loaghtan

Closing Thoughts on Horned African Animals

Horns can be spectacular and breathtaking. They can also be rare. Africa has some of the most majestic horned animals in the world.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in some species becoming extinct. Poaching is done predominantly for meat consumption, trophy hunting, and cultural demand and status, especially with regards to tusks and horns. Poaching has put the rhino and addax in ‘critically endangered’ status.

Admiring these animals is encouraged and the best way to do this is on safari, drinking a beer, and marveling over the animals in their natural habitat at sunrise or sunset. That sounds like a pretty special experience!

Thornybush | Game Reserve, Lodge & Safari

Biggest Animal Migration in Africa (Everything you need to know)

Top Animals in Amboseli National Park | Mammals, Birds & More

Top Animals in Chobe National Park | Mammals, Reptiles & Birds

Top Animals in Etosha National Park | Mammals, Reptiles & Birds

Top Animals in Serengeti National Park | Mammals, Birds & More

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Compare items

• Total ( 0 )

Shopping cart

Ultimate Kilimanjaro

The #1 Guide Service for Climbing Kilimanjaro

10 Reasons to go on a Tanzanian Safari

Why Do Climbers Summit Kilimanjaro at Night?

How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro?

The Woman’s Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

Is it Worth it to Climb Kilimanjaro?

What Should I Wear to Climb Kilimanjaro?

7 Myths About Altitude (That You Probably Think are True)

11 Ways to Boost Your Hiking Endurance for Climbing Kilimanjaro

What Celebrities Have Climbed Kilimanjaro?

Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Really Dangerous? Kilimanjaro Deaths

12 Interesting Facts About Mount Kilimanjaro

The 10 Biggest Misconceptions About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Ultimate Kilimanjaro® – Why We’re Different

Kilimanjaro Meaning – How Did Kilimanjaro Get Its Name?

What are the Most Dangerous Routes on Kilimanjaro?

7 Hard Truths About Climbing Kilimanjaro (That You Need to Know)

12 Things You Need to Know Before Going on a Tanzanian Safari

2024 Ultimate Kilimanjaro Gear List Recommendations

The 7 Most Important Gear Items for Climbing Kilimanjaro

10 Tips for a Successful Climb on Mount Kilimanjaro

12 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Kilimanjaro

10 Places for the Best Photographs on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Seven Summits – Highest Mountain on Each Continent

10 Reasons You Should NOT Climb Kilimanjaro

Are All Kilimanjaro Crews Treated Fairly?

8 Ways to Prevent Injuries on Mount Kilimanjaro

Will Mount Kilimanjaro Erupt Again?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is Easy (Not Hard)

7 Things They Don’t Tell You About Climbing Kilimanjaro

5 Simple Ways to Avoid the Crowds While Climbing Kilimanjaro

5 Medications that Help Acclimatization & Combat Altitude Sickness

Kilimanjaro Map & Climbing Route Selection

Why is Kilimanjaro Famous?

15 Amazing Sights to See While Climbing Kilimanjaro

Why People Fail When Climbing Kilimanjaro

Can an Unfit Person Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Ultimate Kilimanjaro Guides 89 Year Old on Kilimanjaro For New World Record

Common Objections to Climbing Kilimanjaro (& How to Overcome Them)

Is Mount Kilimanjaro Too Crowded?

Can I Climb Kilimanjaro as a Complete Novice?

The Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

How to Stay Warm on the Summit of Kilimanjaro

Horned animals of africa (complete list).

What Are Horns Made Out Of?

Horns are a prominent feature in many animal species.

Made of keratin , they are composed of the same protein that constitutes human hair and nails. This keratin forms around a bony core, originating from the skull of the animal. Unlike antlers, which are shed and regrown annually, horns are permanent structures. They continue to grow throughout the animal’s life, adding layers of keratin over the bony core. In some species, like the rhinoceros, the horn is purely keratin without a bony core.

Horn production is a gradual, life-long process . It begins with the formation of a bony growth on the skull, which in most horned animals occurs shortly after birth. This bony core is vascularized, meaning it has blood vessels that nourish the growing structure. Keratin-producing cells at the base of the horn continuously deposit layers of this tough protein, resulting in the elongation and hardening of the horn.

What is the Purpose of Horns?

Horns play a variety of roles in the animal kingdom. Perhaps the most apparent function of horns is defense . Animals use their horns to fend off predators, delivering powerful blows to deter attacks.

In many species, horns are used in displays of dominance and mating rituals . Males often use their horns to spar with rivals during mating season, with the victor winning the right to mate. They serve as tools for establishing and maintaining hierarchies within herds. They can also be a point of attraction for potential mates, with larger or more intricate horns often being more desirable.

In some species, horns assist in thermoregulation. The blood vessels in the bony core can help dissipate heat, regulating the animal’s body temperature.

Animals With Horns in Africa

African buffalo.

The African Buffalo is a revered member of Africa’s “ Big Five .” Known for its intimidating presence, it sports robust, curved horns. These horns serve as weapons for defense against predators like lions and are also used in dominance battles within the herd. Interestingly, African Buffaloes display strong herd behavior and are known for their protective nature towards each other, often seen collectively fending off predators.

Both the black and white rhinoceroses are emblematic of African wildlife. Their horns have sadly made them targets for poaching. The black rhino, distinguishable by its pointed lip, is smaller yet more aggressive than the white rhino, which has a square lip.

The Giraffe , instantly recognizable as the world’s tallest land animal, has horns known as ossicones. These horn-like protrusions are different from the horns found in other animals as they are covered in skin and fur. Giraffes’ ossicones fuse and harden as they mature, becoming a permanent part of their skull structure.

Saharan Horned Viper

The Saharan Horned Viper is one of the most specialized reptiles inhabiting the North African desert landscape. The most prominent feature is its pair of horn-like scales above its eyes, giving it a menacing appearance. These horns may protect the venomous snake’s eyes from sand.

The Eland is the largest African antelope , known for its spiral and tightly curved horns. Despite their size, Elands are surprisingly agile and can clear obstacles with ease. They are also unique among antelopes for their ability to interbreed with other species.

Kudus, both the Greater and Lesser varieties, are renowned for their spectacularly long and twisted horns, which in the Greater Kudu can spiral two and a half times. These antelopes are more commonly found in the woodlands and bushlands of Africa.

Impalas are agile and graceful, a common sight in the African savannah. Their lyre-shaped horns are used by males during mating contests to establish dominance and win over females. They are known for their impressive leaping ability, capable of jumping up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length and 10 feet (3 meters) in height.

A member of the Oryx family, the Gemsbok is distinguished by its long, straight horns. These antelopes are adapted to living in harsh, arid environments and can survive long periods without water, getting moisture from the food they eat.

Famous for their annual migration across the Serengeti, Wildebeests, or Gnus, have curved horns. They are a crucial part of the African ecosystem, stimulating grass growth and ensuring a balanced habitat for other wildlife.

Named for their propensity to stay near water sources, Waterbucks have long, ringed horns and are known for their shaggy coat. They use water as a refuge from predators, often submerging themselves to escape threats.

Sable Antelope

Sable Antelopes are recognizable from their deep, rich brown to black coats, with white underbellies and white markings on their faces. Known for their majestic posture and striking appearance, Sable Antelopes are a symbol of grace and strength in the African savannah.

The Springbok, South Africa’s national animal, is recognized for its characteristic jumping display known as “pronking.” Their ridged, lyre-shaped horns and the extrordinary fold of skin on their backs, which can be opened to release heat, are among their noteworthy features.

Bongos, residing in the dense forests of Africa, are among the largest of the African forest antelope species. They have spiraled horns and a white-striped coat, which provides excellent camouflage in their forest habitats.

Gazelles, such as the Thomson’s and Grant’s, are epitomes of grace and agility in the African landscape. Each species has a different horn shape, used for defense and as a display during mating rituals. Gazelles are known for their speed, able to run at bursts of up to 60 miles per hour (100 km per hour).

Hartebeests are easily identifiable by their characteristic long, narrow, and oddly shaped horns, which resemble the shape of a heart when viewed from the front. This discernable feature is the source of their name, as ‘hartebeest’ is an Afrikaans word meaning “deer beast.”

Roan Antelope

The Roan Antelope, characterized by its long and curved horns, is one of Africa’s largest antelopes. They have a face with contrasting black and white markings, including a black-and-white clown-like mask around their eyes, which is different among antelopes.

Topis, closely related to the Hartebeest, are notable for their slightly curved and ridged horns. They are known for their incredible speed and agility, often seen performing acrobatic leaps and sprints.

Jackson’s Chameleon

Jackson’s Chameleon is a reptile native to the forests of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania. It has three horn-like protrusions on its head, resembling those of a miniature triceratops. These horns, present in males, are used in combat with other males and for asserting dominance. The chameleon’s skin changes color based on mood, temperature, and light.

Complete List of Horned Animals of Africa

• Gemsbok: A striking member of the Oryx family, the Gemsbok is known for its long, straight horns and desert adaptability.
• Greater Kudu: Known for its magnificent spiraled horns and striped body, the Greater Kudu is a symbol of African wilderness.
• Impala: Agile and graceful, the Impala is recognized for its elegant lyre-shaped horns and impressive jumping ability.
• Springbok: South Africa’s national animal, the Springbok is famed for its pronking behavior and ridged, curved horns.
• Giraffe: The world’s tallest mammal, Giraffes possess ossified protrusions called ossicones.
• Common Eland: The largest of African antelopes, Elands are distinguished by their spiral, twisted horns.
• Blue Wildebeest: Known for its annual migration, the Blue Wildebeest has curved horns and a robust build.
• Saharan Horned Viper: A unique reptile with horn-like scales above its eyes, adapted to desert life.
• Nubian Ibex: A desert-dwelling goat with long, curved horns and a penchant for rocky terrain.
• Hartebeest: Recognizable by its heart-shaped horns, the Hartebeest is a fast and enduring antelope.
• Jackson’s Chameleon: A reptile with three horn-like protrusions, known for its striking appearance.
• Lechwe: An aquatic antelope with long, spiral horns and a preference for marshy areas.
• Dik-dik: A small antelope with short, sharp horns used for defense in the savannah and bushlands.
• Giant Eland: The world’s largest antelope, sporting massive spiral horns and a commanding presence.
• Gazelle: Epitome of elegance in the African savannah, Gazelles have distinctively shaped horns.
• Blesbok: A South African antelope with straight horns, known for its striking facial markings.
• Sable Antelope: Boasts impressive, curved horns and is renowned for its beauty and strength.
• Black Wildebeest: A gregarious animal with forward-curving horns, known for its dramatic mating displays.
• Saiga Antelope: Notable for its unusual nose structure and ringed horns.
• East African Oryx: A sturdy antelope with long, straight horns, adapted to arid environments.
• Ankole-Watusi: A breed of cattle known for its extraordinarily long, large-diameter horns.
• Bongo: A forest antelope with strikingly spiraled horns and a richly colored coat.
• Addax: A desert antelope with long, twisted horns, adapted to life in arid conditions.
• Nyala: Exhibits sexual dimorphism with males having spiral horns and a shaggy coat.
• Royal Antelope: The smallest antelope species with short, spiky horns.
• Waterbuck: Named for its habitat preference, the Waterbuck has long, ringed horns.
• Roan Antelope: One of Africa’s largest antelopes, known for its long, curved horns.
• Rhinoceros: Iconic African mammals with horns made of keratin, facing threats from poaching.
• Spiral Horned Antelope: A group of antelopes including Kudus and Bushbucks, known for their twisted horns.
• Spiral Horned Bovines: This group includes cattle breeds with spiral-shaped horns.
• Forest Buffalo: Smaller and redder than its savanna cousin, with slightly curved horns.
• Cape Buffalo: A member of the Big Five, known for its large horns forming a ‘boss’.
• West African Savanna Buffalo: Slightly smaller than the Cape Buffalo, with sweeping horns.
• Central African Buffalo: Known for its heavy build and large, downward-curving horns.
• East African Oryx: A desert antelope with straight, slender horns and a robust build.
• Scimitar-Horned Oryx: Known for its long, curved horns resembling a scimitar.
• Bushbuck: The smallest member of the spiral-horned antelope, with short, straight horns.
• Gerenuk: Known as the ‘giraffe-necked’ antelope for its long neck and small horns.
• Topi: Exhibits slightly ridged, curved horns, known for its high-speed chases.
• Bontebok: A South African antelope with glossy coat and tightly spiraled horns.
• Lesser Kudu: Smaller than the Greater Kudu, with shorter but equally twisted horns.
• Sitatunga: A swamp-dwelling antelope with long, spiral horns and water-adapted hooves.
• Roan Antelope: Has long, arching horns and a black-and-white facial mask.
• Barbary Sheep: A rugged sheep species with backward-curving horns and a mane.
• Steenbok: A small, dainty antelope with straight, pointy horns.
• Klipspringer: Lives in rocky areas, with short, sturdy horns and a remarkable jumping ability.
• Oribi: A small antelope with sharp, straight horns and a graceful build.
• Reedbuck: Prefers grasslands near water, with forward-curving horns.
• Duiker: A small forest-dwelling antelope with short, sharp horns.
• Suni: Among the smallest antelopes, with delicate horns and a shy nature.
• Tsessebe: Known for its fast speed and lyre-shaped horns.
• Puku: A medium-sized antelope with short, spiky horns, found in wet grasslands.
• Kob: Resembling the Impala, with slightly more robust build and ridged horns.
• Pygmy Goat: A domesticated breed with short, upward-curving horns.
• Somali Sheep: Known for its fat tail and curved horns.
• Grey Rhebuck: Prefers mountainous terrain, with long, straight horns.
• Beira: A small, desert-adapted antelope with short, conical horns.

Related Posts

What Eats Snakes? These Animals Do

The 15 Smartest Animals in the World

The 15 Largest Insects in the World (Biggest Bugs)

Enemies of the Pride: What Kills and Eats Lions?

African Antelopes: Characteristics, Adaptations & Species List

Tarangire National Park: Everything You Need to Know

10 Interesting Facts About Cheetahs

The Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

Arctic Animals: Life and Survival on the Tundra

Climbing kilimanjaro do it the right way. enter your email and get your free e-book instantly..

• Animals That Start With O
• Animals That Start With P
• Animals That Start With R
• Animals That Start With S
• Animals That Start With T
• Animals That Start With U
• Animals That Start With V
• Animals That Start With W
• Animals That Start With Y
• Animals That Start With Z
• Browse WildLife
• Privacy Policy
• Sign in / Join

15 African Animals with Horns: The Ultimate Guide 

Animals with horns in Africa are a fascinating sight, but they face a dire fate due to hunting. Many of these majestic creatures are hunted for their horns, leading to a decline in their populations. It is unfortunate that some species are even on the brink of extinction, purely because of their horns. Despite these challenges, there are still millions of animals with horns covering the savannas of Africa. From graceful herds of Bovidae to solitary rhinoceros, each species has its unique characteristics, and it is an awe-inspiring experience to witness them in action. Understanding these creatures and their significance is crucial in protecting them for future generations.

Table of Contents

Animals with horns or antlers.

The nuances of language have led to the use of the term “horns” to describe the head coverings worn by most African animals. In contrast, the term “antlers” is reserved for the structures found on the heads of many animals inhabiting North America, such as caribou.

Antlers specifically develop on animals belonging to the Cervidae family, which includes species like moose, elk, and deer. These growths usually feature a velvety texture during their initial stages, distinguishing them from the coarse keratin composition of horns. As time progresses, the velvet exterior disappears, leaving behind smooth and lustrous antlers.

Conversely, the category of “horns” pertains to animals within the Bovidae family. This encompasses diverse species of antelopes, and gazelles, as well as domesticated animals like cows, sheep, and goats. Horns are characterized by their rugged texture and composition. Similar to human nails, they maintain continuous growth throughout the animal’s lifespan, compensating for wear and tear due to various activities.

A fundamental distinction between horns and antlers can be immediately recognized: horns are solid structures, displaying variations in shape, curvature, and prominence, yet they remain a unified mass. On the other hand, antlers branch out into formations resembling fingers or branches, differentiating them from the singular composition of horns.

Discover African Animals With Horns

Gazelles, encompassing a diverse array, include more than 14 distinct types falling under the collective genus Gazella within the antelope category.

Within this grouping, six gazelle types are indigenous to Africa, among them the Dorcas gazelle, which thrives in the Sahara Desert and various Northern African regions.

Notably, the Grant’s gazelle stands out due to its considerable height. In contrast, the slender-horned gazelle finds itself endangered, a consequence of habitat loss and human expansion.

Further species of African gazelles encompass Speke’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, and dama gazelle.

In the realm of African gazelles, both genders exhibit horns (although exceptions do exist). However, there is a trend where females tend to possess shorter horns than their male counterparts.

Male gazelles, equipped with longer horns, leverage this attribute to vie for dominance within their social hierarchies. The establishment of dominance involves challenging other males using their horns.

Beyond asserting dominance, horns serve an additional role in protecting the young gazelles, known as fawns. The possession of horns in males is believed to naturally attract females, primarily due to the essential role these horns play in safeguarding their offspring – a primal instinct at work.

The impala stands as one of the most prevalent antelope species across Africa. Renowned for their incredible swiftness, these creatures display leaps of astonishing magnitude, soaring up to 3 meters high and covering distances of up to 10 meters.

In the presence of danger, impalas serve as sentinels for their herd, issuing loud barking signals to alert their companions. During times of abundance in terms of food and water, they exhibit a tendency to form smaller groups.

Conversely, when the dry season ushers in scarcity, impalas congregate in vast gatherings, with group sizes swelling to encompass 100 to 200 individuals, collaboratively embarking on quests for sustenance and water.

A notable trait among impalas is the exclusive growth of horns in males. These horns, characterized by their dark hue, curve outwards from the impala’s head, leading to tips that are significantly separated. The distinctive curvature serves a purpose – facilitating male impalas in locking horns during confrontations over dominance. These horns, typically measuring around 70 cm in length and bearing ridges, possess the necessary strength to endure male combat. Despite their robustness, the horns maintain a hollow interior, featuring a circular cross-section.

Interestingly, female impalas exhibit an intriguing adaptation: they have the capacity to prolong their pregnancies by up to an entire month if they sense danger or if resources are scant, reflecting their remarkable ability to adapt to their environment.

Among the substantial members of the Bovidae family, the greater kudu stands out, reaching towering heights of up to 150 centimeters.

Distinctively recognized by their grandeur, the males of this species, referred to as bulls, boast impressive horns. These horns are renowned for their exceptional length, with some of the longest ever recorded spanning a staggering 180 centimeters, solidifying the kudu’s distinction.

An evident disparity exists between male and female kudus due to the unique presence of horns exclusively among the bulls. This trait provides a straightforward means of distinguishing between the two genders, aided further by the females’ comparatively daintier and shorter stature.

The elegance and magnificence of kudu horns are undeniable. Their aesthetic allure makes them sought-after items in the market. Beyond mere decoration, these horns find purpose in various realms. Many African tribes ingeniously transform them into musical instruments, and they even double as containers due to their hollow composition. Furthermore, the horns play a pivotal role in traditional African ceremonies and rituals.

Kudu males utilize their splendid horns in duels for dominance against other males. The spiral structure of these horns facilitates easy interlocking, enhancing their efficacy in combat scenarios. This distinctive adaptation not only serves as a symbol of their strength but also highlights the elegance and functional versatility of these remarkable appendages.

Gemsboks, also known as oryx, encompass two primary variations.

The southern gemsbok predominantly inhabits arid regions such as the Kalahari, while the northern gemsbok (oryx) roams the open grasslands, mainly in East Africa’s northern sectors.

These graceful antelopes exhibit sociable tendencies, often congregating in groups of around ten individuals. When resources like food and water become scarce, they adapt by forming smaller groups or even dispersing as solitary wanderers.

Despite their elegance, gemsboks possess a formidable side – they can be remarkably dangerous. Employing their horns, they execute a lethal charge by lowering their heads. This defense mechanism is so potent that it renders them less reliant on fleeing from predators.

The name “sabre antelope” is sometimes used to refer to the gemsbok, alluding to the deadly horn capable of impaling adversaries or potential threats. In practice, the horn tips are so sharp and perilous that numerous African tribes employ them as spearheads.

Both male and female gemsboks bear horns, although females possess notably slimmer horns compared to their male counterparts. These horns, extending remarkably straight forward, span an impressive length of 83 centimeters. This adaptation, along with their overall horn structure, reflects the gemsboks’ distinct blend of grace and potency.

Two distinct species of waterbuck exist the defassa and the common waterbuck.

Waterbucks, despite their intriguing qualities, are notably among the most malodorous inhabitants of the African plains. Their shaggy brown coats exude an oily substance, seemingly for the purpose of waterproofing. However, this secretion carries an exceptionally strong and unpleasant odor.

These creatures inhabit a diverse range of landscapes, including woodlands, savanna grasslands, and regions proximate to stable water sources. Their close proximity to water sources typically ensures a consistent food supply, as they predominantly graze on hardy grasses that other animals tend to overlook.

The waterbuck’s horns are characterized by their elongated form and gentle curvature. Remarkably, these horns exhibit continual growth throughout the animal’s life, making the length of the horn a reliable indicator of the creature’s age. It’s noteworthy that only the male waterbucks possess horns, while the females remain without.

Male waterbucks utilize their horns for dual purposes: as a means of warding off predators and establishing dominance once they reach sexual maturity. When engaged in conflicts with other males, the confrontations can escalate dramatically. Often, these confrontations only conclude when one of the two combatants succumbs, highlighting the intense nature of these clashes.

Springboks, comparatively smaller in size among African horned animals, exhibit intriguing behaviors. Female springboks tend to create their own herds, within which they nurture their offspring.

These herds usually include a select number of dominant males. Springboks derive their name from their remarkable leaps, which can reach heights of up to 3.5 meters. These leaps, scientifically known as “pronking,” are believed to serve the purpose of distracting potential predators.

Springboks are adaptable feeders, consuming a variety of plant types based on seasonal and environmental availability. They have a preference for plants and flowers with higher water content, although they readily graze on grasses as well.

A distinguishing trait of springboks lies in their horns. Both males and females possess horns, characterized by their modest dimensions of approximately 50 centimeters in length. These horns showcase an elegant black hue and curve in a backward direction. Additionally, the horns exhibit evenly spaced ridges spanning from the base to the tip, contributing to the overall aesthetic allure of these remarkable appendages.

The eland, a member of the antelope family, stands as one of the slowest members within its ranks. Notably, it also holds the distinction of being one of the largest animals with horns across Africa. Elands can attain impressive lengths of up to 3 meters and carry weights of up to 900 kg.

In situations of extreme water scarcity, elands possess the remarkable ability to regulate their water metabolism by elevating their body temperature. This adaptation equips them to survive within the semi-arid terrains spanning from Southern Africa to regions as far-reaching as Ethiopia, Angola, and Malawi.

Within Africa, a trend has emerged wherein elands are chosen over cattle. Their enhanced resilience and capacity to withstand drought conditions make them preferable. Eland meat and milk are considered viable substitutes, further supporting this choice.

Eland horns may not be excessively lengthy or ostentatious, but they are perfectly adapted to serve their purpose. Both male and female elands grow horns, albeit with distinctions. Male horns are typically shorter and thicker, while female horns tend to be longer and thinner. These horns possess a twisting pattern near the base, followed by a curvature that results in a V shape. In terms of length, these horns usually extend to around 70 centimeters, showcasing an elegant and functional design.

Bongos, captivating members of the antelope family, are linked to a belief in certain African cultures, where they are thought to induce seizures in humans. This superstition instills avoidance of bongos among individuals harboring these beliefs.

Among the larger antelopes, bongos encompass two distinct genera: the lowland (western) bongo and the mountain (eastern) bongo.

Possessing acute hearing, bongos can attain remarkable speeds of approximately 60 km/h when fleeing from predators.

Distinct social dynamics are observed among bongos. While males lead solitary lives, females congregate in groups, nurturing their young together. These groups, or herds, typically comprise 5 to 40 individuals, including offspring.

Bongo horns command attention with their exceptional dimensions, potentially extending up to a remarkable 99 centimeters in length. Both males and females feature a pair of twisted, lyre-shaped horns. Notably, the male horns often exhibit greater twists and girth, rendering them more visually striking.

Wildebeests, instantly recognizable with their distinctive anvil-shaped heads, have evolved into symbolic figures often conjured when envisioning the African plains. They’ve earned the moniker “the poor man’s buffalo.”

A defining characteristic that sets them apart is the magnitude of their herds. During the migration period across East Africa, over 1 million of these creatures partake in the awe-inspiring phenomenon known as the great wildebeest migration, journeying toward fresh pastures as the rains arrive.

Two wildebeest species exist, with the blue wildebeest being the more commonly recognized. Despite its name, its back shimmers with a silver hue while its head is adorned in black. The black wildebeest, in contrast, is much darker overall, appearing black from a distance but revealing its true brown color upon closer inspection.

In the realm of wildebeest horns, both males and females boast horn growth, yet males exhibit significantly thicker and larger horns. Adult males can sport horns with an impressive width of around 50 centimeters. These horns play a pivotal role in male-female interactions, serving as tools for impressing females. This courtship endeavor involves bellowing and vigorous thrashing, contributing to a unique display that aids in territory establishment and mate attraction.

Cape buffalo

Referred to as the African buffalo, this colossal bovine inhabits the vast plains of Africa, favoring environments like swamplands and savannas.

Renowned as one of the most substantial and successful grazers, these animals play a pivotal ecological role.

The African buffalo encompasses four distinct subspecies, namely the African forest buffalo, the West African savanna buffalo, the central African savanna buffalo, and the southern savanna buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo.

Among the remarkable characteristics of these creatures is their impressive size, with the largest individuals weighing around 910 kg, nearly equivalent to a ton. Their agility is equally noteworthy, as they can attain speeds of up to 56 km/h.

Central to the African buffalo’s visual identity are its prominent horns. These horns possess an ornate and decorative quality, adorning the top of the head before gracefully curving towards a sharp point. A defining aspect of buffalo horns is the fused base from which they emerge, growing as a natural extension of the animal’s bone. Both males and females exhibit horn growth, typically reaching lengths of around 80 cm, with variations that occasionally exceed this standard measurement. This striking horn formation contributes to the unique allure and distinctiveness of these magnificent creatures.

The term “hartebeest” originates from the combination of the words “tough” and “ox,” a fitting description for these creatures. When observed from a distance, they bear a semblance of slightly misshaped antelopes.

Hartebeests exhibit robust family structures with well-defined hierarchies among the male members. Notably, male hartebeests might even sacrifice necessary hydration to maintain their alpha status within their territory. This decision stems from the common scenario of returning to find another male who has seized the alpha role.

Their breeding season is intricately tied to the presence of rain. If sufficient food and water are available, regardless of the season, hartebeests engage in breeding activities.

Turning to their horns, these features typically extend to around 50 centimeters in length. Their curvature manifests as a gradual outward and then inward trajectory, creating an elegant curve. Ridges also adorn these horns. Remarkably, both male and female hartebeests develop horns, with their length being an indicator of the animal’s age. These horns continue to grow throughout their entire lives, contributing to their unique appearance and characteristics.

Nubian ibex

Resembling goats with remarkable horns, the Nubian ibex inhabits rocky outcrops in mountainous regions. They display a preference for social groups, with female groups comprising up to 8 individuals.

Conversely, males often venture alone. However, during the breeding season, they temporarily integrate into female herds for a span of up to eight weeks to facilitate mating. To secure this privilege, the males must first vie for dominance, a process in which their large, backward-curving horns play a crucial role.

The most noteworthy aspect of these animals with horns is the manner in which standoffs occur – often taking place at considerable heights, even on the precipices of cliffs or rocky formations. In these confrontations, Nubian ibex not only contend with each other, but also navigate the perilous terrain. A single misstep could result in a fatal fall, emphasizing the high stakes and risk involved in these contests for dominance.

Scimitar-horned oryx

Also known as the Sahara oryx, this creature has faced extinction in the wild since the year 2000, primarily due to excessive hunting for their valuable horns. However, efforts have been made to reverse this trend through breeding programs in specialized reserves. Notably, Chad has achieved successful reintroduction of these animals into their natural habitat.

Endowed with remarkable adaptability, these oryxes possess the capability to survive with minimal water consumption, rendering them well-suited for arid environments such as deserts. Interestingly, they don’t adhere to traditional social structures like bachelor pods or female herds. Instead, they maintain groups of up to 70 members.

The defining feature of the scimitar-horned oryx lies in their horns. Both males and females exhibit long, straight horns that boast a distinctive backward curve. Female horns often display a more slender appearance. These horns contribute to their unique visual identity, measuring up to an impressive 1.2 meters in length.

Rhinos stand among the most recognizable horned animals in Africa. The two main species, the black rhino and the white rhino, have achieved significant notoriety. Tragically, these creatures have been pushed to the brink of critically endangered status due to rampant poaching for their valuable horns.

The allure of rhino horns has led to their demand in certain cultural contexts. Despite ongoing efforts to curb poaching, the issue persists as a devastating threat to numerous African national parks and conservation initiatives.

Rhino horns are a defining aspect of these creatures. Both species, black and white rhinos, possess two horns, although they typically exhibit variations in shape and size. The black rhino’s horns are more evenly proportioned and possess a rounded base. On the other hand, white rhinos generally display one large horn and one smaller horn, along with a slightly more “squarish” shape.

These horns serve multiple purposes, including self-defense and aiding in finding food. White rhinos, being grazers, utilize their horns to locate and consume low-growing plant matter. In contrast, the black rhino’s browsing behavior leads it to feed on tree-based sources, including leaves, twigs, and fruits. The unique functions of these horns contribute to the distinct ecological roles that each rhino species fulfills in their respective habitats.

Giraffes stand out for their iconic long necks and uniquely patterned coats. Their ability to survive on a diet rich in water-dense plants enables them to drink water only every few days.

To process the rough and cellulose-rich plant matter they consume, giraffes possess four stomachs.

Upon birth, a giraffe calf can drop a significant distance to the ground from its mother’s height. Remarkably, within a mere day, the calf gains the strength to run alongside its mother.

Giraffes possess a distinct feature known as ossicones, which serve as their equivalent of horns. The precise purpose of ossicones remains a mystery, but giraffes do employ them for self-defense. A typical tactic involves the giraffe swinging its head and neck vigorously from side to side, utilizing the ossicones to fend off threats. Interestingly, not all giraffes possess two horns—some have three. Ossicones, though resembling antlers, are covered with skin and differ from traditional horns. They possess a texture akin to the giraffe’s legs: firm yet slightly fuzzy to the touch.

Which African animals have horns?

African wildlife is known for its diversity and uniqueness, and many animals you come across are equipped with distinctive horns that define their look. Interestingly, horns are not just meant for defense, but they also play a crucial role in attracting mates and establishing dominance. Several animals with horns come to mind, such as the mighty rhinoceros, the light-footed antelope, the unmistakable water buffalo, and the majestic kudu. Each species has its brush with horns, and some even have multiple.

What has horns in Africa?

When we think of African wildlife, one of the first characteristics that come to mind are the magnificent horns that adorn many of the species living on this vast continent. From the towering spirals of the kudu to the sharp, corkscrew-shaped antlers of gazelles, there are a plethora of animals with horns in Africa. Did you know that even rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo sport these impressive features? Although the purpose of these horns can vary between species, they all serve to make African wildlife one of the most unique and awe-inspiring ecosystems on the planet.

 What African animal has straight horns?

The scimitar-horned oryx, also known as the Sahara oryx, is an African animal that has straight horns. 

Final Words

African animals with horns are some of the most iconic and recognizable creatures on the planet. These majestic animals can be found throughout the continent, from the savannas of Tanzania to the deserts of Namibia. With their majestic horns, these animals are not only an important part of the African ecosystem but also an essential aspect of African culture and folklore. Despite being awe-inspiring, their significance goes beyond just their appearance. From defending themselves to attracting mates, their horns serve a multitude of purposes. However, as majestic as they are, populations of these animals are at risk across the continent due to hunting and habitat loss.  

• https://safarinear.com/african-animals-with-horns/
• https://redrockscenicbyway.com/african-horned-animals/
• https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/oryx  

Zahra Makda

Growing up enjoying the beauty of my village, a good passion for nature developed in me from childhood. Following my passion for the natural world, I have chosen zoology for my graduation, during my undergraduate degree, I participated in many nature trails, bird watching, rescues, training for wildlife conservation, workshop, and seminars on biodiversity. I have a keen interest in invertebrate biology, herpetology, and ornithology. Primary interests include studies on taxonomy, ecology, habitat and behavior.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Bark Scorpion

Bark Beetle

Barbut’s Cuckoo Bumblebee

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

What animals eat tomatoes (10 animals with pictures), nuisance animals in texas tackles: troublesome intruders , animals that cannot swim 5 illustrative examples, porcupines in ohio (diet, lifestyle, predators, more), 10 fascinating animals that eat plants nature’s plant-based connoisseurs.

POPULAR CATEGORY

• Animals 948
• Animal Lists 184

The Spectacular Spiral-Horned Antelopes, and Where to See Them on an African Safari

By Philip Briggs | Updated July 29, 2021

Unique to sub-Saharan Africa, the spiral-horned antelope – a family whose best-known members are the outsized eland, the elegant greater kudu and the Bambi-esque bushbuck – are also known as Tragelaphines, after a mythical goat-stag composite creature the ancient Greeks called the tragelaph. This endemic African family is represented by nine different species, all of which display a high level of sexual dimorphism, with females being significantly smaller than males and lacking their trademark spiraled horns. Surprisingly, although spiral-horned antelope are superficially similar to true antelope and deer, and often occupy similar ecological niches, they are far more closely related to buffaloes, bison and cattle. Here we provide an overview of these spectacular safari favorites, and some hints about where you’re most likely to see them.

The eland is the world’s largest and most ox-like antelope. Two species are recognized, but only one occurs in the popular safari destinations of eastern and southern Africa (the other is confined to West Africa). Weighing up to 2,000lb, this gregarious antelope has a heavy build, a prominent dewlap, relatively short but heavily-spiraled horns, and indistinct white stripes on its tan-grey coat. A unique attribute of the eland is the far-carrying clicking sound made by its hooves when on the move. Elands were the most revered of antelope by the hunter-gatherers who once inhabited southern Africa, and they feature prominently in shamanic and other rituals depicted in the region’s ancient rock art.

Where to see it: Associated with open habitats, elands are common in Tanzania and Kenya’s cross-border Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and in South Africa’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which also houses a proliferation of prehistoric rock art depicting these handsome creatures.

Greater kudu

Many people, myself included, consider the greater kudu to be the most majestic of all antelope. A fully-grown adult male, with its thick beard, striped grey-brown torso and double-spiraled 6-foot horns, is a truly imposing sight. The greater kudu is one of the world’s largest antelope, attaining a shoulder height of 5ft and weighing up to 695lb. Adult males are usually solitary, while females and subadults move in herds of up to 10.

Where to see it: This is one of the most conspicuous antelope in the Kruger National Park and many other parts of Southern Africa. In East Africa, where the population has never recovered from a 19 th century rinderpest epidemic, it is most common in Laikipia (Kenya).

Lesser kudu

This Near-threatened antelope resembles a scaled down greater kudu, with smaller but still significant spiral horns. Smaller, shyer and more localized than the greater kudu, it is usually seen in small herds that flee at the approach of a vehicle

Where to see it: Cobfined to semiarid Acacia woodland in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, the lesser kudu is common but skittish in Tsavo, Samburu-Buffalo Springs and Ruaha.

Africa’s answer to Bambi is the bushbuck, which also happens to be the continent’s second-most widespread antelope, after the tiny common duiker. Bushbuck display such a high level of geographic diversity that more than 30 regional subspecies have been described. The striking ram has large spiraled horns and a dark red-black coat, while the smaller ewe is hornless, and pale chestnut in color. Both sexes have a white throat bib and usually some spotting and striping. Males tend to be solitary, but females are sometimes seen with a single calf.

Where to see it: Bushbuck might be seen in almost any wooded habitat. They are particularly common in riverine forest and thicket, but emerge into grassy clearings when relaxed, and are present in some unprotected areas where few other large mammals survive.

This remarkable semi-aquatic antelope is a niche species associated with swamp interiors. The male resembles a bulkier, shaggier and longer-horned variation on a bushbuck. Unlike most antelope, the sitatunga is a strong swimmer. Its distinctive spreadeagled stance and unique split hooves are adaptations to it its watery home.

Where to see it: The sitatunga is widespread in swampy habitats but seldom seen. Of Africa’s major safari destinations, it is most regular in Botswana’s Okavango Swamp. Minor national parks where sitatunga can be observed from custom-built hides are Saiwa Swamp (Kenya), Rubondo Island (Tanzania) and Kasanka (Zambia).

The nyala is one of the world’s most handsome antelope. Larger than a bushbuck, the ram has long yellow-tipped horns and a lustrous grey-black coat offset by a dozen white stripes, some spotting, a bold V-shaped patch below the eyes, and orange-yellow lower legs. Given that it is confined to hot and humid coastal climates, the male nyala is unexpectedly shaggy, with a white spinal mane that bristles erect during dominance displays (a regular occurrence when two rivals meet). The smaller female is so different in appearance – white stripes on a tiger orange background – you could be forgiven for thinking it is another species altogether.

Where to see it: The nyala’s main stronghold is the eastern coastal belt of South Africa. It is the most conspicuous antelope in the likes of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Phinda and uMkhuze, and present in smaller numbers in Eswatini and the Greater Kruger. Small numbers also occur in parts of eastern Zimbabwe and southern Malawi.

The world’s second-largest antelope, the bongo is a beautiful forest-dweller whose deep chestnut coat is marked with bold vertical white stripes. Two distinct subspecies are recognized: one ranges widely across the lowland rainforests of west and central Africa while the other is confined to a few montane forests in East Africa. Known as the mountain bongo, this latter subspecies was probably never all that common, and the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group now lists it as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals thought to survive as a result of hunting and habitat loss.

Where to see it: The mountain bongo is now effectively endemic to central Kenya, Its main stronghold is Aberdare National Park but the odds of encountering one here are slim indeed. You can visit a bongo herd being reared for eventual release into the wild at Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club’s animal orphanage.

Mountain nyala

The last large antelope species to elude western scientists, the mountain nyala is an Ethiopian endemic first documented in 1908 and described two years later. In the flesh, it bears less resemblance to the nyala than it does to the greater kudu, but recent DNA analysis indicates that its closest relatives are bushbuck, sitatunga and bongo. The male ranks among the most handsome of African antelope, with long twisted spiral horns and a brown-grey coat marked with indistinct spots and stripes. The population of this Endangered antelope has slumped from 7,000+ in the 1960s to fewer than 2,000 today.

Where to see it: Small herds of mountain nyala are quite easily located in the forested Dinsho sector of Bale Mountains National Park. It is also quite common in Arsi Mountains National Park, which was created in 2011 to protect several fragmented forest blocs in Ethiopia’s southeast highlands.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Sign In Here!

Log into your account in just a few simple steps.

You don't have permission to register

African Animals With Horns: the Ultimate Guide

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the diverse and majestic world of African animals with horns? Look no further!

This ultimate guide will take you on an adventure like no other, delving into the fascinating adaptations and behaviors of these incredible creatures.

From the graceful gazelles to the powerful cape buffalo, each species possesses its own unique set of horns, serving a variety of purposes.

Get ready to be amazed by the extraordinary African animals with horns. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Horns are found on animals in the Bovidae family, including antelopes and domesticated animals like cows and goats.
• Horns are solid structures, while antlers branch out into formations resembling fingers or branches.
• Horns maintain continuous growth throughout an animal’s lifespan, while antlers are shed and regrown annually.
• Gazelles, impalas, kudus, gemsboks, waterbucks, springboks, elands, bongos, wildebeests, cape buffalos, hartebeests, oryx, addax, and sable antelopes are examples of African animals with horns.

Horns Vs Antlers: Key Differences

If you’re curious about the distinctions between horns and antlers, let’s explore a possessive noun. When comparing antlers and horns, it’s important to note that antlers develop on animals in the Cervidae family, such as moose and deer, while horns are found on animals in the Bovidae family, including antelopes and domesticated animals like cows and goats. Antlers are shed and regrown annually, while horns maintain continuous growth throughout an animal’s lifespan. Additionally, horns are solid structures, while antlers branch out into formations resembling fingers or branches.

Another important difference between antlers and horns is their purpose. Antlers are primarily used for mating rituals and dominance displays among males, while horns serve multiple functions, including defense against predators and establishing dominance within social hierarchies.

When discussing horns, it’s crucial to address the issue of the rhino horn trade. The illegal trade of rhino horns poses a serious threat to the survival of these magnificent creatures. Rhino horns are often falsely believed to possess medicinal properties, leading to a high demand in certain markets. Conservation efforts and strict enforcement of laws are necessary to combat this illegal trade and protect these endangered species.

Gazelle: Diverse Types and Horn Functions

Moving on from the previous subtopic on horns vs antlers, let’s now delve into the diverse types of gazelles found in Africa and the functions of their horns.

Gazelles are known for their graceful appearance and incredible speed. There are more than 14 types of gazelles in Africa, each with unique characteristics. Mating rituals among gazelles often involve males engaging in vigorous displays of strength and dominance to attract females.

Horns play a crucial role in these rituals, as they serve as a visual indicator of the male’s fitness and genetic quality. Horn sizes and shapes vary among different gazelle species. Some gazelles, such as the Dorcas gazelle, have straight and slender horns, while others, like the Grant’s gazelle, have larger and more curved horns.

These variations in horn size and shape may be adaptations to different ecological niches and mating strategies. Overall, the horns of gazelles are essential for both their survival and reproductive success.

Impala: Swiftness and Dominance Displays

Now let’s delve into the impressive swiftness and dominance displays of the impala. The impala, known for its incredible speed and agility, showcases its prowess through various behaviors that establish dominance within its social hierarchy. Male impalas, the only ones with horns, utilize their curved horns to engage in confrontations over dominance. These horns, which curve outwards, facilitate interlocking during intense battles. To further illustrate the fascinating dynamics of impala behavior , let’s take a closer look at the table below:

As you can see, the impala’s speed and dominance displays, coupled with its distinct horn structure, contribute to its remarkable survival strategies and fascinating social interactions.

Kudu: Impressive Horn Lengths and Unique Uses

Discover the impressive lengths and unique uses of the kudu’s horns in the African Animals With Horns: the Ultimate Guide. The kudu, a member of the Bovidae family, possesses remarkable horns that are sought-after items in the horn market.

Here are five key points about the kudu’s horns:

• Length: Male kudus have horns that can reach lengths of up to 180 centimeters, making them one of the longest horns in the animal kingdom.
• Gender Distinction: Only male kudus have horns, making it easy to distinguish between genders.
• Musical Instruments: Kudu horns aren’t only prized for their size, but they also have unique uses. They’re transformed into musical instruments, such as trumpets, in some African cultures.
• Horn Market: Due to their impressive size and cultural significance, kudu horns are in high demand in the horn market, where they’re used for various purposes, including decorative items and traditional rituals.
• Dueling for Dominance: Male kudus use their horns in intense duels for dominance. The spiral structure of the horns enhances interlocking, providing leverage and strength during these confrontations.

The kudu’s horns aren’t only a marvel of nature but also have cultural and economic significance. Their impressive lengths and unique uses make them a fascinating subject in the world of African animals with horns.

Gemsbok: Sociable Behavior and Lethal Charges

Gemsboks, also known as oryx, are sociable animals that often congregate in groups. Their sociability plays a crucial role in their survival, as they rely on the strength of the group to defend against predators.

However, when faced with a threat, gemsboks aren’t afraid to use their horns to execute a lethal charge, making them a formidable force in the African savanna. The sharp horn tips of gemsboks are even used as spearheads by African tribes, further highlighting their deadly defensive capabilities.

Sociability and Group Dynamics

The sociable behavior and lethal charges of gemsboks make them fascinating African animals with horns.

Gemsboks, also known as oryx, are known for their sociability and tendency to congregate in groups. They form herds that can consist of both males and females, and these herds can range in size from a few individuals to larger groups. Within these social groups, gemsboks establish hierarchies and dominance through various interactions.

The horn symbolism and significance of gemsboks are evident in their lethal charges, where they use their sharp horn tips to execute powerful and dangerous attacks. These horns aren’t only used for defense and territorial disputes but also have cultural significance, as they’re used as spearheads by African tribes.

With their sociable behavior and lethal charges, gemsboks showcase the intricate dynamics and importance of horned animals in African ecosystems.

Lethal Charges and Defense

Continuing the exploration of gemsboks’ sociability, delve into their lethal charges and defensive tactics. Gemsboks, also known as oryx, are sociable animals that often congregate in groups. However, they can be dangerous when provoked and use their long, straight horns to execute lethal charges. These horns are not only formidable weapons, but also have sharp tips that are used as spearheads by African tribes. Both male and female gemsboks possess horns, making them easily distinguishable from other African animals. To help visualize the power and capabilities of gemsboks’ defensive strategies, refer to the table below:

Gemsboks’ lethal charges and defensive strategies showcase their ability to protect themselves and their social groups. Their horns serve as both weapons and symbols of their strength and dominance in the African savannas.

Waterbuck: Coats, Habitats, and Horns for Defense

One of the distinctive African animals with horns that you should know about is the waterbuck. There are two distinct species of waterbuck: the defassa and common waterbuck. These animals have shaggy brown coats that exude an oily substance, which serves as a waterproofing mechanism. Waterbucks can be found inhabiting diverse landscapes, including woodlands and savanna grasslands. One key factor in their habitat selection is their proximity to water sources, which ensures a consistent food supply.

One important function of the horns of male waterbucks is predator avoidance. These horns serve as a formidable defense mechanism against potential threats. The size and strength of the horns deter predators and increase the waterbuck’s chances of survival. Additionally, the horns play a crucial role in establishing dominance within the waterbuck population. Male waterbucks engage in battles for territory and mates, and the size and condition of their horns play a significant role in determining their success.

Springbok: Leaping Abilities and Elegant Horns

The springbok, a graceful antelope species found in Africa, possesses elegant black horns that curve backward with evenly spaced ridges. These horns serve multiple functions, including defense against predators and establishing dominance within their social hierarchy.

Additionally, the springbok is renowned for its incredible leaping abilities, known as pronking, which allows them to distract and evade potential threats.

Horn Functions and Purpose

Discover the remarkable horn functions and purpose of the springbok, including their impressive leaping abilities and elegant horns. The horns of the springbok serve multiple functions and hold significant symbolism in African culture. Here are the key aspects of the springbok’s horn features:

• Leaping Abilities: Springboks are known for their extraordinary leaping abilities, which allow them to jump up to 13 feet in the air and cover distances of up to 50 feet in a single bound. The horns play a crucial role in this behavior, providing balance and stability during these impressive leaps.
• Elegant Horns: Both male and female springboks possess elegant black horns that curve backward with evenly spaced ridges. These horns aren’t only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a means of defense and protection against predators.
• Horn Growth Patterns: The horns of the springbok exhibit unique growth patterns. They grow throughout the animal’s life, with new layers of keratin continuously added to the existing horn structure. This continuous growth allows the horns to maintain their strength and integrity over time.
• Symbolism in African Culture: In African culture, the horns of the springbok hold symbolic significance. They’re often used in traditional ceremonies, rituals, and crafts, representing strength, resilience, and the connection between humans and the natural world.
• Communication and Dominance: The springbok’s horns also play a role in communication and dominance within their social hierarchy. During displays of dominance, males engage in horn-locking duels, pushing against each other to establish their rank and assert their dominance.

Unique Horn Features

Immerse yourself in the unique horn features of the springbok, as you marvel at their extraordinary leaping abilities and elegant horns.

The springbok, a medium-sized antelope native to southern Africa, possesses distinct horns that curve backward with evenly spaced ridges. Both males and females have these elegant black horns, which serve multiple purposes.

In addition to being a symbol of beauty and strength, the horns of the springbok play a crucial role in intraspecific communication and mate selection. The growth patterns of these horns follow a continuous growth process, allowing for the development of impressive spirals.

Moreover, the cultural significance of the springbok’s horns can’t be understated, as they’re often used in traditional rituals and adornments. The springbok’s leaping abilities, combined with their elegant horns, make them a truly captivating species in the African animal kingdom.

Horn Symbolism and Significance

Continue exploring the significance of the springbok’s horns and their extraordinary leaping abilities as we delve into their symbolism.

In African cultures, horns hold deep spiritual significance and are often seen as symbols of strength, power, and fertility. The elegant horns of the springbok are no exception. Here is a closer look at the symbolism and significance associated with the springbok’s horns:

• Strength and Power: The curved and ridged horns of the springbok represent the animal’s physical strength and power, making it a formidable presence in its environment.
• Agility and Adaptability: The springbok’s ability to leap high in the air showcases its agility and adaptability, symbolizing the need to overcome obstacles and adapt to changing circumstances in life.
• Fertility and Abundance: The springbok’s horns are often associated with fertility and abundance, as they’re seen as a symbol of the animal’s ability to reproduce and thrive in its habitat.
• Connection to Nature: The springbok’s horns also symbolize its deep connection to the natural world and its role as a harmonious and balanced member of the ecosystem.
• Cultural Identity: In many African cultures, the springbok’s horns are used in rituals, ceremonies, and traditional adornments, representing cultural identity and heritage.

The symbolism and significance attached to the springbok’s horns highlight the deep connection between African cultures, nature, and the spiritual world.

Eland: Resilience, Drought Resistance, and Horn Features

Elands in Africa showcase remarkable resilience and drought resistance, while their distinct horn features contribute to their unique characteristics. These large antelopes possess the ability to regulate their water metabolism in extreme water scarcity, making them well-adapted to arid environments. Elands are chosen over cattle in some regions due to their enhanced resilience and ability to withstand prolonged periods of drought.

Let’s take a closer look at the horn features of elands. Both male and female elands grow horns, with some variations between the genders. The horns of elands twist near the base and curve in a V shape, giving them a distinct appearance. In addition, the horns have a smooth texture and are relatively straight, tapering to a sharp point. They can reach lengths of up to 65 inches (165 centimeters) in males, while females have slightly shorter horns.

To provide a visual representation of the size and shape of eland horns, here is a table showcasing the average horn length for male and female elands:

The impressive size and unique horn features of elands contribute to their overall appearance and make them a fascinating species to study. Their resilience and drought resistance, coupled with their distinctive horns, highlight the adaptability and survival strategies of these magnificent African animals.

Bongo: Seizure Beliefs and Horn Lengths

Bongos, known for their remarkable speed and distinctive horn lengths, are also associated with beliefs surrounding the induction of seizures in humans. These seizure beliefs and the symbolism of their horns make the bongo a fascinating animal to study.

• Seizure Beliefs: In some African cultures, it’s believed that bongo horns possess mystical powers that can induce seizures in humans. These beliefs are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are often associated with rituals and ceremonies.
• Horn Symbolism: The horns of the bongo hold great significance in African folklore. They’re seen as symbols of strength, power, and spirituality. The unique spiral shape of the horns adds to their symbolism, representing the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
• Length of Horns: Bongo horns can extend up to 99 centimeters in length, making them one of the longest horns among African antelopes. The length of their horns is believed to reflect the age and health of the individual bongo, making it a distinguishing feature.
• Lowland and Mountain Bongo: There are two distinct genera of bongo: lowland and mountain bongo. While both species share similar beliefs surrounding their horns, they differ in their habitat preferences and social behavior.
• Solitary Males and Group Females: Male bongos lead solitary lives, while female bongos form groups. This difference in behavior may contribute to the varying cultural beliefs surrounding their horns.

The seizure beliefs and horn symbolism associated with bongos highlight the cultural significance and spiritual connections that African communities attribute to these magnificent animals.

Wildebeest: Migration and Horns for Attraction and Territory

Now let’s turn our attention to the wildebeest, a fascinating African animal known for its migration patterns and the role its horns play in attraction and territory.

Wildebeests are easily recognizable with their anvil-shaped heads and participate in the great wildebeest migration, a spectacular event involving over 1 million individuals.

Both males and females possess horns, but males have larger and thicker horns, which play an important role in impressing females and establishing territory.

Horns and Migration

The wildebeest, a majestic African animal with impressive horns, showcases its incredible migration and utilizes its horns for attraction and territory.

Wildebeests are known for their annual migration, where millions of individuals travel in search of food and water. During this migration, their horns play a crucial role in establishing dominance and attracting mates.

Here are five key points about the relationship between wildebeest horns and migration:

• Horns aid in territorial disputes: Male wildebeests use their large and thick horns to compete with other males for access to prime grazing areas and mating opportunities.
• Horns as a sign of fitness: Females are attracted to males with well-developed horns, as it’s an indication of genetic superiority and overall health.
• Migration patterns and horn development: The physical demands of migration, such as long-distance travel and competition for resources, contribute to the development of robust and impressive horns in wildebeests.
• Climate change and horn growth: Horn size and development in wildebeests may be influenced by climate change, as changing environmental conditions can impact the availability of resources and the intensity of competition.
• Horns as a defense mechanism: In addition to their role in attracting mates and establishing dominance, wildebeest horns also serve as a means of defense against predators, providing protection during migration and in their day-to-day lives.

Role of Wildebeest Horns

As a wildebeest, your impressive horns play a crucial role in attracting mates and establishing territory during your annual migration. Your horns serve multiple functions, including sexual selection and territorial displays. They are a visual signal of your strength and genetic fitness, making you more desirable to potential mates. Additionally, your horns are used to establish dominance and defend your territory against rival males. During territorial displays, you engage in head-to-head combat, locking horns with other males to determine who is the strongest. The size and shape of your horns contribute to your success in these battles, as larger and more robust horns provide a competitive advantage. Your horns are not just a physical feature, but a key component of your survival and reproductive success in the wild.

Horns and Territorial Attraction?

Continuing the discussion on the role of wildebeest horns, your impressive antlers play a crucial role in attracting mates and establishing territory during your annual migration.

Wildebeest horns exhibit unique growth patterns, with males developing larger and thicker horns than females. Horns serve as a visual cue to potential mates, signaling strength and genetic fitness.

During the migration, males engage in fierce battles, locking horns to establish dominance and secure territory. The size of your horns can determine your position in the social hierarchy, with dominant males often having larger horns.

Horns also serve as weapons, providing protection against predators and rival males.

The growth and function of wildebeest horns exemplify their importance in social dynamics and territoriality. These impressive antlers not only attract mates but also serve as a means of establishing dominance and securing resources during the challenging migration.

Safari Animal Bucket List: 35 Top African Wildlife to Spot

Many of us dream of going on an African safari one day. There’s hardly a person out there who wouldn’t love driving in a rugged vehicle around the different African terrains, spotting the incredibly diverse collection of safari animals that each region and type of environment has to offer.

Below is the ultimate list of the top animals you can find in the wild in Africa. It is good to know ahead of all other planning which wildlife can be found where, because it’ll weigh heavily on which safari you’ll choose to book – you wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to spot your favorites, after all!

The Ultimate Safari Animal Bucket List: African Wildlife You Must See

1. african cape buffalo.

A member of “The Big Five” safari animals, the African Cape Buffalo can be found on safaris in Southern and East Africa, namely at the Kruger National Park or a much lesser known Katavi National Park. I saw quite a few in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater! They are large and have few predators to look out for, aside from lions and crocodiles – as well as human hunters. Thanks to their size, they’re quite impressive to see in the wild.

2. African Elephant

There are two species of elephants under the umbrella of African elephant: African bush elephant and African forest elephant, of which the former is the larger one. You can find African forest elephants only in Central Africa, but the African bush elephants are more widespread across the safaris in Africa, most notably Kruger National Park. Sadly, both of these species are considered vulnerable, threatened by loss of habitat and poaching. Elephants are also considered to be “The Big Five” safari animals.

3. African Hoopoe

African Hoopoe is a gorgeous bird species that can most predominantly be seen in South Africa. However, it has been recorded to be seen in several other countries, including as north as Sudan. There is still a lot of debate going on whether they’re a subspecies of the Eurasian Hoopoe, or of Upupa epops, or if it’s actually possibly its own species.

4. African Wild Dog

Though they largely resemble one, African wild dogs are actually not a close relative of hyenas. Of all canines native to the African continent, the African wild dogs are the largest, standing at 75cm in shoulder height at their largest. If you want to come across this expert antelope hunting, interestingly colored animal, your best bet is to head to any park in Botswana, Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Hwange National Park.

5. Agama Lizard

Found in several African countries, the Agama Lizard is a peculiarly colored small reptile. Specifically, if you happen to catch sight of a dominant male, you’ll get to marvel at a lizard with a blue body! They’re active at any hour of the day, excluding the hottest peak of a day, and they live in social groups formed with a dominant male, subordinate males and around half a dozen females.

There are five different species of baboon, each of which is native to their own region of Africa. You can find them in a variety of different types of environments, from the savannah to hills. As baboons are so widely spread across Africa, you have a diverse choice of safaris to choose from if you wish to see them.

Cheetah is not only the fastest land animal out there, but it’s one that’s stunning to look at thanks to its beautifully patterned fur. Your best bets to spot a cheetah is at the regions of Serengeti and Kalahari. However, you may get lucky and see them in some mountainous areas near Sahara. Cheetahs have been widely presented in different forms of art, partially due to the fact that in the past humans would tame and train them for hunting purposes.

8. Crowned Crane

Honored the position of being Uganda’s national bird, there are two kinds of crowned cranes to be found in Africa: the grey crowned crane and the black crowned crane. They are the only types of cranes capable of roosting in trees, making them quite peculiar in their species family. You can find black crowned crane all the way from Senegal’s Basin in West Africa to Ethiopia’s Highlands in East Africa, and going as far up north as Sudan’s savanna region. The grey crowned crane, on the other hand, likes to inhabit the regions of Uganda, Kenya, and from there to eastern South Africa, as well as from Angola’s southern region to South Africa.

9. Flamingo

Flamingo is a well-known and well-loved tall and pink (or red) of which two species reside in Africa. Flamingos are known to be largely nomadic, although there is no clear pattern behind their movements. The flamingo species found in Africa are the shortest of all the species, found mostly in Rift Valley, Namibia and Botswana, although you may get lucky and spot them in Ethiopia and Sudan as well.

10. Gazelle

Gazelles belong to the antelope species, with around 10 species considered to be under the umbrella of gazelle species. Almost all of them are native to Africa, although some can be found in parts of Asia as well. Although there are numerous gazelle species detected, all of them look very similar in build and type of antlers, with some changes in fur coloring and torso size depending on which gazelle you’re looking at. You’ll find gazelles especially in the northern parts of Africa, near and around Sahara; some rather different looking gazelles can also be found around East Africa, specifically Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya.

11. Giraffe

Giraffes are majestic animals that have the honor of being both the tallest and the longest-bodied land animals out there. You can find giraffes on the woodlands and savannahs from Chad to South Africa and from Niger to Somalia. They are pretty common safari animals, but if you want a truly close and intimate encounter with a giraffe, you may wish to splurge for a night at Kenya’s Giraffe Manor where giraffes poke their heads through the windows while your eating breakfast. 

12. Gorillas

Meanwhile, gorillas are the largest of all primates still living. For living area, these large and dark-colored majestic animals prefer tropical and subtropical forests, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, where they cover only a small area of land, but in a variety of elevations. To see gorillas in person, you have a couple of options: there are gorilla tours arranged in Rwanda and Uganda, as well as gorilla habituation experiences in Uganda. Democratic Republic of Congo also offers some great and unique tours, however the general situation in DRC remains volatile and unstable, making it a less popular place to join a tour in.

Popular Gorilla Tours in Rwanda:

• From Kigali: 1-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• Rwanda: 3-Day Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats Safaris
• From Kigali: 5-Day Gorilla Trek, Big 5 and Big Cats Tour

13. Hippopotamus

Often endearingly called “hippo”, the hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal animal living in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Of all the animals on safari terrains, hippos are known to be among the most dangerous ones due to their unpredictable and temperament nature – in fact, they are considered to be the world’s most dangerous animals! As long as there’s water, the hippos will happily inhabit, whether it’s a river, a lake or a swamp. You can find hippopotamus almost anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Though they are often presented as villains in movies and animations, hyenas are actually quite vital to the ecosystems all around Africa. They are not an intriguing animal only for their looks and vocalization, but for the fact that they contain behaviors of both canines and felines. Striped hyenas can be found in northern regions of Africa, spotted hyenas in east from Senegal to west in Somalia, and in north from southern Sudan to south in Botswana.

Impala also falls under the umbrella of antelopes, featuring a reddish brown coat and majestic, interestingly shaped horns on the male impalas. Impalas can be found all across Africa, in both savannahs and woodlands, typically near water. In southwestern Angola and northwestern Namibia you may be able to run into black-faced impalas.

There are two types of jackals inhabiting African regions: black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal. As the name suggests, the black-backed jackal has a black tail, although its black portion of the coat extends all the way to the black; meanwhile the side-striped jackal has faint and thick white stripes running along the sides of its coat. The black-backed jackal has existed since rather ancient times, and today roams the areas of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia. The side-striped jackal you can meet around central and southern Africa.

17. Kori Bustard

Not everyone may have heard of this bird yet, but it is actually one of the largest flying birds that calls the African continent home. Sometimes they can be more than 40 pounds! Despite of its flying abilities, it is actually a ground-dwelling bird. You can find kori bustard all around southern Africa, especially in Botswana and Namibia

Kudus are another one of antelope species, compassing of Lesser kudu and Greater kudu. The main difference between the two kudu species is that the Lesser kudu is, as you may have guessed, smaller in size than the Greater kudu. Otherwise both species possess long horns that are curled in a corkscrew shape, as well as a greyish brown coat. You can see Lesser kudu in the eastern Africa region, while the Greater kudu roams both eastern and southern Africa.

19. Leopard

This interestingly spotted, soft furred wild cat is one you can see widely spread around the sub-Saharan region of Africa, the densest population of leopard being found in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Although similar in appearance to a jaguar, leopard is somewhat smaller, its legs being especially short in comparison to jaguars and other big cats, while a leopard’s torso runs slightly longer. Interestingly, black panthers are also considered leopards, born out of two leopards possessing the recessive melanism trait mating. Leopards are also a part of the Big Five group of safari animals.

20. Lion 

Widely spread across the sub-Saharan Africa, lions have been seen as prominent in cultural depictions and other symbolic structures for the human kind since the times of Ancient Egypt. With male lions sporting a magnificent mane, lions are known to be more active during daytime than night time in comparison to any other big cats out there. Your top 3 spots for seeing a lion in nature in Africa is in Masai Mara, Serengeti and Okavango Delta. Of course, Kruger National Park isn’t a shabby choice, either.

21. Malachite Kingfisher

Widely spread across Africa south of Sahara, the Malachite Kingfisher is a beautiful and intriguing bird with an orange belly and a metallic blue back. You can find it around ponds and other slow moving water areas, avoiding the driest areas of the continent. Even their nests tend to be built over water.

22. Meerkat

Meerkats are a small and adorable mongoose species. They tend to live in packs consisting of 30 meerkats with a set social hierarchy showing each meerkat in the pack what their duty for their pack is. You can find them in arid and open habitats in parts of southern Africa, namely the areas of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

23. Mongoose

Apart from meerkats, there are some other types of mongoose also living on the African continent. They all have small differences in appearance to one another, in addition to which each species and subspecies of mongoose like to inhabit a different type of an area. For example, some mongoose species prefer arid areas, whereas other kinds of mongoose you can only find in a rainforest.

24. Nile Crocodile

Like the name suggest, you’re able to find this specific type of a crocodile in the Nile River. However, the Nile Crocodile is actually quite a bit more widespread than that, living in the freshwaters of 26 of the African countries. The Nile crocodile is the second largest currently living reptile in the world.

Oryx are also an antelope species, with three of the species inhabiting arid parts of Africa. Large in size, their coat is typically grey, with some black and white in their legs and face, complete with long and straight horns. Your best bet for seeing Oryx in the wild is in East Africa or southern Africa, with the subspecies in East Africa considered endangered.

26. Ostrich

These majestic birds may not be able to fly, but they are the fastest birds on land. You can find them on both sides of the equatorial forest zone, typically in savannahs. Besides the common ostrich, there is also the distinct species of Somali ostrich, which sports some differences in its coat and coloring and can be found solely in the Horn of Africa.

27. Red-and-Yellow Barbet

Another beautifully and colorfully coated bird in Africa, you can recognize the red-and-yellow barbet by their yellow belly and red head. You can find them in different regions of eastern Africa, where they prefer broken terrains like riverbeds to open land or dense woods. These birds are actually quite tame in behavior.

28. Rhino 

Part of the safari animal “Big Five”, there are two rhino species, white and black, living in Africa. Both of them possess two horns and, sadly, the black rhino is listed as critically endangered, largely due to being hunted for their horns. So, it may be tricky to spot this one—it took me two safaris! Of the two, white rhinos are larger, with the southern white rhino occupying land in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda, while the northern white rhino only has two living individuals remaining, both female and living in captivity. The black rhinos live in small parts of various countries, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

29. Secretary Bird

A larger bird with black bottom and greyish white top, this bird can only be found in Africa. It is known to be a raptor bird, like vultures and falcons are. You can spot this bird in Sudan and South Africa.

Serval is another wild cat you can spot in all around sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Southern Africa. It has large ears and its coat is both spotted and striped. You won’t find them in rainforests, but you may come across one in around Mount Kilimanjaro.

31. Velvet Monkey (AKA: Blue-balled Monkey)

These black faced and grey coated monkeys can be found throughout Southern Africa, especially its eastern parts, nearly all the way up to the African horn. They’re an especially interesting monkey species in that they seem to share some very “human” behavioral traits, like anxiety and alcohol use. But, they are also known for their pastel blue colored private parts!

32. Vultures

There are 10 species of vultures that you can find in different regions of Africa. Although some similarities in appearance may exist, each vulture species hold their own unique appearance. For the most part they are scavenging birds, meaning they tend to feed solely on dead animals.

33. Warthog

Warthogs are a type of a wild pig, living in open habitats in Africa. They are recognizable by their two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth. The species of desert warthog can be found mainly in northern Kenya and Somalia only, while the common warthog is slightly more widely spread across sub-Saharan Africa. It’s especially cool to see one that is kneeling on its front legs. This position is used for eating grasses on the low ground, because their necks are short and legs are long. They have adapted nicely by creating calloused kneepads.

34. Waterbuck

Another large antelope species, these brown coated animals with slightly curved horns can be found widely in sub-Saharan Africa. There are 13 subspecies of waterbucks, all of which are keen to inhabit an area with both water and grasslands. Do note that only the male of the species possess horns.

35. Wildebeest

Also known as Gnu, the wildebeest are an antelope species consisting of two species: blue wildebeest and black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest, recognizable from the black stripes on their coat, is known to offer safari goers the joy of witnessing the “great migration” in Serengeti; the black wildebeest are nomadic but possess no habit of annually migrating. However, there are also sedentary groups of blue wildebeest, which you can spot in Ngorongoro and Tarangire.

Lastly, is the zebra, a stunning white coated and black striped animal related to donkeys and horses. While the three species of zebras do not seem too picky on the type of terrain they contain, being found in savannahs and woodlands and mountainous areas – namely the territory of the mountain zebra species – they are only found in patches of southern and eastern Africa. Interestingly, the zebra species differ in their style of social behavior; with some living in stable harems, while Grévy’s zebras, the largest of the zebra species, prefer to live alone or in loose herds.

Now that you know each of these safari animals that exist in the wild in Africa, as well as their whereabouts, you can start putting together your wish list of which you’d most like to see. And based on that list, you can begin planning on checking off your dreamy travel bucket list item of experiencing a safari – one on which you can spot your favorite wildlife during! Which animal would you most like to see on a safari? Will that animal take you to booking a trip to Serengeti or Kruger or somewhere completely else?

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

More about africa.

Animal Bucket List: 100 Names of Random Ones to See Freetown Bucket List: 15 Best Things to Do in the Capital of Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Bucket List: 10+ Best Things to Do in the African Country Ugali (Nshima): All About Africa’s Staple Food The African Big Five: The Top 5 Animals to Spot on Safari African Safari in Tanzania: The Ultimate Itinerary and Tour Africa’s Maasai Tribe: The Culture & Traditions of The People Safari Animal Bucket List: 35 Top African Wildlife to Spot Four Seasons Safari Lodge: Luxury in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park Tanzania Safari Bucket List: 23 Activities Not to Miss

6 thoughts on “Safari Animal Bucket List: 35 Top African Wildlife to Spot”

Just Wow! What a beautiful safari adventure you have in here, some animals are rarely seen even on tv and the internet. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Hoping for more of your adventures in the future.

The other great placei know for seeing lions is Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda, also the gorillas found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are mountain gorillas. By “gorillas”, most of the times they refer to the lowland or western gorillas that can be found in couple of countries across Africa. Thanks for sharing great information, it’s worth reading.

Heading off on my first safari soon. Everyone says keep an eye out for the big 5 but I’m going to keep an eye out now for this top 35 and maybe more. Although won’t be seeing any gorillas on this trip unfortunately. Great animal guide for safaris, thank you.

Love this overview. We can tick of 28 so far, so we have a couple more to go

Great post! We went to Namibia a few years ago and the wildlife viewing at Etosha National Park was amazing. Such a privilege to see so many animals in the wild. We would love to go on another safari, especially reading this overview!

I appreciate your great article. After reading this blog, I feel like going on safari.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Hey Bucket Listers! I'm Annette .

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

Want Inspo To Your Inbox?

I’m giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it.

Whatcha Looking for?

Home About Blog The Shop Partnerships Contact

Bucket list ideas travel facing fear & anxiety.

Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

11 Animals with Long Horns

Horns are a helpful adaptation in the animal kingdom. They can be categorized along with claws and sharp teeth. What do those traits have in common?

They are useful in self-defense and can be used to wound another animal. Horns are adaptations that help an animal defend itself against attack, whether that attack comes from a potential predator, or another of its own species, such as in a territorial dispute. 

This article takes a look at 11 animals with long horns. Let’s go! 

11 Animals with Long Horns 

Before we dive in, let’s discuss the difference between horns, antlers, and teeth. Some animals have bony protrusions on their bodies that look like horns, but are actually antlers or teeth! They act like horns but are not made of the same material that horns are. 

Horns are parts of an animal’s body that grow as the animal matures. They are part of the body; they cannot be removed and they don’t fall off. They are made of bone or keratin, the same material human fingernails are made of. 

Antlers grow fresh every year. They’re most common in large herbivores like deer. Male deer use their antlers to fight each other over access to does and territory.

The antlers fall off at the end of mating season. Long teeth – also known as tusks – can be mistaken for horns. Horns are different than tusks because of their composition and location.

Tusks are modified teeth and are made of bone. They originate from the mouth. Horns can also be made of bone, but they are usually extensions of bones in the skull. 

1. Texas Longhorn 

• Scientific Name: Bos taurus
• Horn Length: 8’ from horn tip to horn tip 

Longhorn cattle are originally from Spain. Their distant ancestors came to the Americas on the conquistadors’ boats. They are usually associated with the Wild West and the state of Texas, where they are still bred for beef.

Many other breeds of cattle utilize longhorn genetics because longhorn cows are protective, attentive mothers. Cattle are ruminants and herd animals . They are prey for many large predators, including wolves, bears, and mountain lions.

Large horns may be decorative in some cases, but longhorn cattle know how to defend themselves with these massive, sharp horns. They whip their heads about and prevent a predator from getting too close. 

2. Giant Eland

• Scientific Name: Taurotragus derbianus
• Horn Length: 2’ to 4’ long

The Giant elands are native to Africa, where they live in just two areas: just south of the Sahara desert in the Central African Republic, and the extreme west, in Guinea and Senegal. They are ruminants that eat grass and thrive in open spaces. 

Males and females look and act differently. Males’ bodies’, including their horns, are larger than females’. Their horns are spiral-shaped and straight.

They extend back from between the ears but widen as they grow long into a “V” shape. Nocturnal and extremely attuned to danger, giant elands can run over 40 miles per hour to escape predators. 

3. Springbok

• Scientific Name: Antidorcas marsupialis
• Horn Length: 14” to 20” long 

Springbok is native to southern Africa. Like white-tailed deer, which are native to the United States, springbok are crepuscular. This means that they are most active at dusk and dawn.

This transition period is a time when daytime predators are headed to sleep and nocturnal predators are just waking up. Springboks’ horns grow slowly throughout their lifetime. Calves are born without horns; they emerge and grow larger until the animal reaches adulthood.

Males use their horns to fight one another for territory and access to female springbok. They collide and even stab each other with their horns. 

4. Pronghorn

• Scientific Name: Antilocapra americana
• Horn Length: 1” to 17” long 

The Pronghorn is the second-fastest land animal on earth. Only the cheetah can run faster. However, pronghorns have more endurance at high speeds than any other animal. They are native to North America, where they graze among the grasslands of the northern Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. 

Both males and females have horns. Males’ horns, which are loosely V-shaped, measure 5” to 17”. Females rarely grow over 6” long, and they don’t fork.

The ends of the horns curve inward slightly. On males, the horn forks into a large and small section two-thirds of the way up the horn. Males fight each other for access to does during the breeding season. 

5. Scimitar Oryx 

• Scientific Name: Oryx dammah
• Horn Length: 3’ long 

A scimitar oryx is a desert-dwelling ruminant that lives in the arid, dry regions of North Africa. They have long, slightly curved horns that measure over 3’ long in both males and females!

Scimitar oryxes are common in zoos, where they are usually part of the savanna animal exhibits. Since they’re so heat tolerant, private collectors in Texas also raise them for show. 

6. Asian Water Buffalo

• Scientific Name: Bubalus bubalis
• Horn Length: 60” long, each 

The water buffalo is another ruminant armed with horns to fight and defend itself. Males have larger horns than females. They use their horns to engage in territorial disputes and fights over access to females. 

Both sexes will use their horns to defend themselves if they are threatened by a predator. They charge the threat, toss their heads, and try to slash and stab it.

Since water buffalos are native to Asia, there are many more large predators than in North America. Big cats, alligators, and crocodiles all pose a threat. 

7. White Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name: Ceratotherium simum
• Horn Length: 24” to 59” long 

The white rhinoceros is the largest living species of rhinoceros. They are majestic, solid, muscular ruminants that roam the plains of the African savannas in search of water-containing grasses. They are fiercely protective of their young and will try to kill anything that gets near them. 

Folk medicine practitioners believed rhino horns had magic powers. In the last two centuries, poachers massacred thousands of rhinos just to see off the horn – which is made of keratin, just like human hair. Today, we protect some of the remaining rhinos from being killed by removing the horn while they are under anesthesia. This makes them useless to poachers. 

8. Bighorn Sheep

• Scientific Name: Ovis canadensis
• Horn Length: 36” when measured along the spiral.  

It’s all in a name, right? The Bighorn sheep is so named because of the large horns that curl about the sides of its head in a circle. Domestic sheep lack horns, so the bighorn sheep stands out.

It is bigger, more sure-footed, and more agile than a domestic sheep. Males have large spiral horns, while females’ horns are small and slightly arched.    

Unlike other animals, whose horns stop growing after a certain amount of time, the bighorn sheep’s horns continue growing throughout its life. Older males with large horns may experience health problems because of their weight – over 13 pounds! 

• Scientific Name: Monodon monoceros
• Horn Length: 5’ to 10’ long

The narwhal is the only aquatic mammal on this list. While the location of the narwhale’s ‘horn’ on the front of its head might lead someone to believe that it is a horn, that is not true. The narwhale grows a tusk from a modified incisor! 

Only male narwhals have tusks . They socially rank themselves by their tusk size as well as use it to shock prey and exchange information with one another. The tusk is a spiral shape and is often cited as inspiration for the legend of the unicorn. 

10. Alpine Ibex

• Scientific Name: Capra ibex
• Horn Length: 
• Females: up to 13” 
• Males: up to 39” 

The Alpine ibexes are swift, agile species of mountain goats that spend their lives in the heights of the European Alps. They spring between rocky outcroppings and balance on scree slopes in search of grass, twigs, and leaves. 

While they graze in herds throughout the year, males fight regularly to establish dominance. There, they use their horns to ram each other. Females’ horns are smaller than males’. 

• Scientific Name: Cervus canadensis
• Horn Length: 48” long 

The elk is one of the only animals on this list that lives in North America. It is one of the largest ruminants in North America, and it can take several predators to take down a beast of this size. While elk grow antlers , which fall off every year, not horns, which are permanent, they are included on this list because of their prominence and how they use their antlers in the same way horned animals do. 

Male elk bugle to attract mates and defend their territory. An elk call rises through the mountain air and can be heard for miles around. Predators know where elk are – but the elk aren’t afraid. They are big enough to fight off wolves and even mountain lions. 

Anna is a wildlife biologist who graduated from Texas A&M in 2020. She enjoys studying and learning about wild birds and wildlife of all types.

• Czech Republic
• Falkland Islands
• Latin America
• New Zealand
• North America
• South Georgia
• Kilimanjaro
• Adventure Travel
• Archaeology
• City Guides
• Itineraries
• Portrait Photography
• Tips and Advice
• Travel Photography
• Travel Stories
• Unhelpful Guides
• Wildlife Photography
• Work With Me

46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

Contents (click to view)

If you’re a wildlife or animal lover, going on a safari in Africa will be a dream come true. You’ve probably watched nature documentaries and the Lion King and wondered what it might be like to go to Africa and see these amazing creatures for yourself. Maybe you’re wondering what African animals you will actually see on safari?

To answer all your questions, here’s my personally researched list of the top African animals and birds you might see on a safari. Every single one of these animals was photographed by me on just five African safaris – in Kenya , Botswana , South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda – so you can rest assured that this isn’t propaganda from a safari tour company, this could really happen to you too!

THE BIG FIVE AFRICAN ANIMALS

The Big Five are considered the top most exciting African safari animals. The name comes from big game hunters, who considered these five animals the most difficult and dangerous to hunt and kill.

Now the term is used by tour operators to describe the top five animals to see on safari – though it’s falling out of use now, as it’s considered outdated and inaccurate. There are WAY more than five amazing African animals to look out for, as this exciting list will show you!

1/ African lion

The African Lion is the King of Beasts, the number one, Africa’s top carnivore, and right at the top of most people’s wishlists of animals on safari.

These iconic predators are the second largest big cats in the world after tigers, and the only cats that live in groups, known as prides. Pride family units usually contain mostly females with their young, as well as one or two males. Only the males have a mane, the females don’t, which is how you can easily tell them apart.

The females do most of the hunting, and they hunt mostly large mammals like antelopes, zebras and wildebeest. They usually hunt in the morning and evening which is your best time to spot them; during the day they quite often rest in the shade and are harder to see.

In Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park the lions climb trees, which is rare as most lions stay on the ground.

Top places to see lions on an African safari

• Botswana – Okavango Delta
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Park, Laikipia Conservancy
• Namibia – Etosha National Park
• South Africa – Kruger National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park has tree-climbing lions
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park (especially the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector), Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park
• Zambia – Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park (especially Lion Camp)
• Zimbabwe – Mana Pools National Park, Matusadona National Park

Read more: 40 Safari Photography Tips For Stunning Wildlife Photos

2/ African leopard

Leopards are, in my opinion at least, the most beautiful of all the African cats, with their stunning spotted coats and piercing green eyes. Unlike lions, leopards are solitary safari animals so you will rarely see more than one at a time; they hunt alone, preying on anything and everything from antelopes and baboons to rodents, birds, fish and even eating carrion.

Leopards are usually nocturnal so your best chance to see one will be in the early morning or evening, and they are strong, powerful animals who love to climb trees, so when you’re on your African safari make sure you look up!

Top places to see African leopards on safari

• Botswana ‐ Okavango Delta. Khwai Reserve
• Kenya ‐ Masai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Park, Meru National Park
• South Africa ‐ Kruger National Park
• Tanzania ‐ Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Zambia ‐ South Luangwa National Park

3/ African elephant

Elephants are another of the Big Five, and a big favourite amongst animal lovers thanks to their intelligence and grace. Seeing a herd of elephants calmly crossing the road just metres from your safari vehicle is one of the greatest thrills of any trip to Africa, and if you’ve never seen them before it’ll be a truly heart-stopping moment.

African elephants come in two types: savannah elephants and forest elephants. Forest elephants are smaller and hairier, and live mostly in West Africa. The type of elephant you will see on your African safari is the African savannah elephant, or bush elephant, which is the largest land mammal, with the biggest males reaching up to almost 4 metres in height. They move around in big family groups led by a female, foraging daily for bark, roots, leaves, and herbs. An elephant can eat 150 kg of food a day!

Top places to see African elephants on safari

• Botswana – Chobe National Park , Okavango Delta
• Kenya – Tsavo National Park , Masai Mara National Park, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Namibia – Etosha National Park, and you can see desert elephants in Kaokoland and Damaraland regions
• South Africa – Addo Elephant Park, Kruger National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park

Read more:  19 Easy Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

4/ Rhinoceros

The name rhinoceros comes from Latin and means ‘nose horn’, though the word is often shortened to ‘rhino’.  There are two species of rhino that you might see on your African safari: the critically endangered black rhino, and the southern white rhino, which is more common.

Confusingly both types are actually grey – the ‘white’ rhino is said to get its name from the Afrikaans word ‘weit’ meaning wide, referring to the animal’s square-shaped mouth. Rhinos can weigh over 1000 kg and live to an age of about 40-50 years old. A rhino’s skin can be up to 5 cm thick!

Rhino numbers have been decimated over the course of the last century due to poaching, and there are now fewer than 30,000 left. But you should still stand a reasonable chance of seeing one, particularly if you visit a game reserve or rhino sanctuary. It’s quite rare to see a rhino in the wild – I did see one in Kruger National Park in South Africa but it was a veeeery long way away!

Top places to see rhinos on safari

• Kenya ‐ Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, Meru National Park, Masai Mara National Park
• Namibia ‐ Etosha National Park
• South Africa ‐ Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park
• Uganda – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Tanzania – there are just a few left in Serengeti National Park
• Zimbabwe ‐ Hwange National Park

Read more:  A Visit To Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda

5/ Cape buffalo

Last on the Big Five list is the African or Cape buffalo, which might not seem as exciting as a lion or a leopard, but is actually one of the most dangerous safari animals in Africa due to its enormous strength and extremely bad and unpredictable temper.  This is why buffalo have never been domesticated like cows.

Buffalo can reach up to 1.5 metres tall and weigh 750 kg, and both males and females have horns, though on the males the horns are fused together in the middle while on the females they are more on the sides of the head like normal cow horns.

You’ll easily see buffalo moving around in huge herds, and they can also often be found wallowing in lakes and watering holes. If you’re staying in a campsite in one of the national parks they sometimes wander into the camps at night to graze, so be careful when moving around after dark.

Top places to see Cape buffalo on safari

• Botswana – Chobe National Park
• Kenya – Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Namibia – Etosha National Park
• South Africa – Kruger National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially the Kazinga Channel , Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park
• Zambia – South Lungwa National Park
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park

ANIMALS FROM AFRICA: OTHER CARNIVORES

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal in the world, accelerating from 0 to 60 miles an hour in just three seconds and reaching a top speed of 75 miles an hour.  To be able to do this they’re much smaller and lighter than lions and leopards. They can’t keep up this speed for long though, which is why they stalk their prey through the long grasses, trying to get close enough before they pounce.

Seeing a cheetah on the hunt is one of the dream sights of any African safari. And while there are no guarantees, it is possible, because unlike leopards, cheetahs are daytime hunters. I saw the one above on the prowl in the Serengeti in Tanzania – it was one of the most thrilling moments of the trip, even though it didn’t catch anything.

Top places to see cheetahs on safari

• Botswana – Okavango Delta, Linyati Reserve, Kwando Reserves
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Park, Kora National Park, Meru National Park
• Namibia – Etosha National Park, Several Cheetah Conservancies
• South Africa – Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Selous Game Reserve
• Uganda – There are very few cheetahs in Uganda; Kidepo Valley National Park is the only place to see them
• Zambia – Kafue National Park

The hyena is not one of the Big Five, but is sometimes referred to as being one of the ‘ Ugly Five ‘. There are three species of hyena (spotted, striped and brown) but the spotted is the most common and can be found all across sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike most mammals the females are actually bigger and heavier than the males, weighing up to around 80 kg, and it’s the females that dominate the pack.

Hyenas are not endangered because they are extremely intelligent and adaptable, eating just about anything, from large animals like zebras and antelopes to birds, fish and lizards. But although they have a reputation for being scavengers, these African safari animals also hunt in packs and actually kill most of their food, which they eat in its entirety, even the skin and bones.

Top places to see hyenas on safari

• Botswana – Okavango Delta, Savuti Reserve (Chobe National Park), Kalahari and Makgadikgadi (rare brown hyenas)
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve, Ambroseli National Park
• Namibia – there are brown hyenas in the southern Namib desert
• South Africa – spotted hyenas are not so common in South Africa but can be found at Skukuza in Kruger National Park and in Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
• Tanzania – Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
• Uganda – Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth , Murchison Falls or Kidepo National Parks
• Zambia – Liuwa Plains

There are three species of jackals in Africa: the common jackal, black-backed (aka silver-backed) and the side-striped jackal. Jackals are closely related to dogs, and like the hyena they’re omnivorous, hunting small rodents, insects and reptiles but also scavenging whatever they can find.

Unlike other types of wild dogs, however, they don’t move around in packs but tend to operate alone or in pairs.  You’re most likely to spot one out looking for food on its own in the morning or evening, or if you see a buffalo or wildebeest carcass there may well be a jackal nearby.

Top places to see jackals on safari

The three different species of jackal prefer different types of habitat.  You’re most likely to see silver-backed jackals on your African safari because they prefer open savannahs and are more active during the day than other kinds of jackal. Jackals can be found throughout sub-Saharan, east and southern Africa, including in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.

9/ Mongoose

The mongoose is one of Africa’s smallest carnivores, and is part of the same family as the much-loved meerkat. There are 34 different kinds of mongoose, including the banded mongoose, Egyptian mongoose (the largest kind, reaching up to 60 cm), and the smallest, the 17 cm-long dwarf mongoose.

Mongooses (the plural is mongooses, not mongeese) are active during the day and mainly eat small rodents, reptiles and insects. They live in burrows and some, like the banded mongoose, are social creatures and live in large communities, just like their meerkat relatives.

Top places to see mongooses on safari

You can find mongooses in most parts of Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. They live in a variety of habitats ranging from forests and woodlands to savannah areas.  Look out for the telltale holes in the ground that are their burrows.

Read more:  The Amazing Animals Of Uganda: A Photo Guide

TOP ANIMALS IN AFRICA: HERBIVORES

Zebras are one of the most photogenic animals on safari – with their eye-catching stripes they really do look great in photos! There are three species of zebra – plains, Grevy’s and mountain – but the one you will most likely see on your safari is the plains zebra.

Zebras are closely related to horses – and scientists think they evolved stripes to confuse predators and make it hard to pick out a single individual from the herd. Every single zebra’s stripes are unique, like a fingerprint, and help them to recognise each other. While they may look calm, zebras can actually be quite aggressive and a well-placed kick from a zebra can kill a lion.

Recently, scientists discovered that plains zebras in Botswana make their own annual migration of up to 1000 miles between Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the Chobe and Okavango Rivers, so if you love zebras and want to see them in huge numbers, Botswana is a great place to go.

Top places to see zebras on safari

• Botswana – Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Parks, Lewa Conservancy (Grevy’s Zebra)
• South Africa – Mountain Zebra National Park, Kruger National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater
• Uganda – Lake Mburo National Park
• Zambia – North Luangwa National Park, South Luangwa National Park

Read more: Leroo La Tau In Botswana: See The Incredible Zebra Migration

11/ Giraffe

With their glorious patterned skins and long necks, giraffes are the tallest living land animals, reaching around 5.5 metres in height. Giraffes are herbivores and their favourite food is the leaves of the acacia tree. There are four recognised species of giraffe in Africa – Maasai, Southern, Northern and Reticulated giraffe.

You will often see them gracefully feeding, wrapping their long tongues around the branches to pull off the leaves. Giraffes are quite sociable and hang around in groups – and a group of giraffes is called a ‘tower’.

If you’re very lucky, you may get to see giraffes fighting. The pair in the picture above are not courting, they’re both males and they’re about to beat each other up, which they do by bashing each other with their heads. This is known as necking and is a way for males to assert dominance over each other.

Top places to see giraffes on safari

• Kenya – Meru National Park, Maasai Mara
• South Africa – Kruger National Park, Wildlife Reserves
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve, Arusha National Park
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park (there are over 1000 here).
• Zambia – South Luangwa National Park

Hippos are the largest land mammal after elephants, weighing up to three tonnes, and surprisingly they cannot swim! Instead, they walk along under the water, where they are able to hold their breath for up to five minutes.

Although they look peaceful, hippos are actually the most dangerous mammal in Africa, responsible for the deaths of an estimated 300 people every year. They’re quite aggressive too, and you’ll sometimes see them grunting loudly or showing their teeth to intimidate rival males.

Hippos spend their days lounging in the water in lakes and ponds, and come out of the water at night to graze on grass.  So you’re most likely to see them on a boat trip , or in a watering hole in one of the many national parks or game reserves. If you’re staying in a campsite near a river or lake, they sometimes even wander into the camps at night, so be careful!

Top places to see hippos on safari

• Botswana – Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve, Katavi National Park, Serengeti
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially the Kazinga Channel.
• Zambia – Zambezi River

Read more:  A Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda

13/ Warthog

If you’ve seen the Lion King you’ll probably remember the character of Pumbaa – he’s a warthog. Warthogs are related to pigs, and as their name suggests they are medium-sized, pig-like animals with warty growths on their faces. These are not actually warts, but patches of thick skin to protect the animal’s face when it gets into fights.

There are two types – common warthogs and desert warthogs – and you may see both on your African safari. They live in burrows, normally occupying abandoned holes dug by other animals like aardvarks. Warthogs are sometimes thought of as quite aggressive – and they can be – but they are actually herbivores and more often than not will run away at any sign of danger.

Top places to see warthogs on safari

Warthogs are found in all national parks and reserves throughout southern and east Africa. Top places to see these animals include the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Chobe National Park in Botswana , Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

Read more: Behind The Scenes On Safari In Tanzania

The hyrax looks a bit like a plump, grumpy, guinea pig-sized rodent – and despite its cuddly appearance, is actually closely related to elephants and manatees. There are two types of hyrax: rock hyraxes, of which there are two species, and tree hyraxes, which have three species. All the species live in Africa.

Hyraxes are herbivores grazing on vegetation, bark, and fruits. Although they have a fluffy coat, they’re not very good at thermoregulation, so you will often see them sunbathing to keep warm. They also have specialised rubbery footpads for climbing up rocks and trees, and are known for their distinctive, high-pitched calls.

Top places to see hyrax in Africa

Hyraxes live in rocky terrains, savannas, and forests, and are commonly spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Namibia. Look for them in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where rocky outcrops provide ideal habitats for these amusing little African animals.

15/ Porcupine

There are about 30 species of porcupine in the world, but the one you’re most likely to see on your African safari (if you’re lucky) is the crested porcupine or African crested porcupine. While the name ‘porcupine’ comes from the Latin for ‘quill pig’, porcupines aren’t related to pigs and are in fact the largest and heaviest of all African rodents.

Porcupines are most famous for their quills, which are made of keratin and can reach up to a foot (30 cm) in length. When threatened, they raise them up and shake them to make an intimidating rustling noise. If the attacker doesn’t back down, they can release their quills, which can embed into the skin and are tipped with hooks, making them difficult to remove. However contrary to popular belief, porcupines can’t ‘shoot’ or ‘fire’ their quills at a predator.

Top places to see porcupines on safari in Africa

Porcupines are hard to spot as they’re typically nocturnal, but sometimes they can be active during the day, like the one I saw in Kenya (above). They live in a range of habitats including forest, deserts and rocky outcrops, and can live in rocky terrain up to 3,700 metres (12,100 feet) above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled for them in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana.

16/ Tree squirrel

You’ll probably have seen tree squirrels in your own country, and African tree squirrels (also known as the Smith’s bush squirrel) are very similar, with brown fur and long, bushy tails. Squirrels are rodents, related to chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs, and they’re primarily herbivores, mainly eating nuts, fruit and seeds, though they will eat some insects as well.

African tree squirrels aren’t particularly afraid of humans so you’ll commonly see them in trees around your lodge, where you’ll regularly hear their chattering calls or see them running up and down the trees and walls or foraging food on the ground.

Top places to see squirrels on safari in Africa

You don’t need to look hard for these guys as they’re very common, especially in wooded and urban areas. Commonly found in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, and Uganda, these squirrels thrive in environments offering ample tree cover and a variety of food sources.

AMAZING AFRICAN SAFARI ANIMALS: PRIMATES

17/ mountain gorilla.

Gorillas are one of Africa’s rarest and most thrilling animals to see on safari. There are fewer than 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and they all live in a small area of forested mountains on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorillas live in family groups of around 10 individuals, and scientists have spent years gradually training some of these families to accept the presence of humans so that they can study them – a process called habituation.

Gorillas are the largest primates in the world, with the biggest males reaching over 1.5 metres tall and 180 kilos.  Just like humans, they communicate with both gestures and vocalisations and have 16 different types of call, including short barks, roars or hoots. Mountain g orillas mainly eat leaves and shoots, but have also been known to eat insects, and they can spend a quarter of their day eating.

Top places to see gorillas on safari

You won’t see gorillas on a regular African safari – you have to buy a special permit and hike into the forest, where you will be able to spend up to 1 hour in their company.  Here are the only places you can see these animals in the wild:

• Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – Virunga National Park

Read More:  Gorilla Trekking In Uganda – The Real Inside Story

18/ Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are our closest animal relatives (they share 99% of our DNA), and are incredibly intelligent. They can learn and understand words,  show emotions including empathy, regret, and friendship, they can recognise faces, remember things, and they can make tools.

There are around 300,000 chimpanzees in the forest of equatorial Africa, living in large groups of up to a few hundred animals led by an alpha male. Chimps spend their day in the treetops resting, grooming, and eating; they also sometimes come down to the ground to feed, drink or hunt. At night they sleep in nests that look like large birds nests made of leaves.

Top places to see chimpanzees on safari

Chimpanzees can only be found in central and western Africa. There are none in the south. The best place to see them in the wild is Uganda’s Kibale Forest, but you can also find them in Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park), and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. Gombe National Park in Tanzania is the first park in Africa specifically created for chimpanzees.

If you want to find out more, I wrote about chimpanzee trekking for Lonely Planet .

Read More:  Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda: A Breathtaking Wildlife Adventure

Baboons are the world’s largest monkeys. Like most monkeys they climb trees to sleep, eat and keep lookout, but they tend to spend most of their time on the ground, making them particularly easy to spot. They’re also not afraid of humans and often approach urban areas to scavenge. They frequently come into conflict with farmers by eating crops.

Baboons live in groups, called troops, of around 50 members. Since they’re not really afraid of humans, having a big troop of baboons surrounding your safari vehicle can be pretty intimidating!

Top places to see baboons on safari

There are five types of baboons living in different parts of Africa. You can see olive baboons in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, yellow baboons in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana, and Chacma baboons in South Africa and Zambia.

20/ Colobus monkey

There are over 100 species of monkeys in mainland Africa, so they’re not hard to spot! Commonly-seen types include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, patas monkeys and the ones above, which are black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Monkeys are divided into New World Monkeys (those from the Americas) and Old World Monkeys (those from Africa and Asia). The main difference between the two is that New World Monkeys have prehensile tails which they can use to grip things, while none of the monkeys in Africa and Asia have this skill.

Most monkeys are omnivorous, meaning they eat everything from leaves, fruit and grass to insects, birds and small rodents. Apart from baboons, most monkeys in Africa spend the majority of their time in the trees, so you’ll need to look up and keep your eyes peeled if you want to spot them.

Top places to see colobus monkeys on an animal safari

You can see monkeys in every African safari country – in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania you’re most likely to see vervet and colobus monkeys. There are only 2 species of monkey in South Africa.

Read more:  Things To Do In Entebbe, Uganda

21/ Vervet monkey

Another type of monkey commonly spotted on African safaris is the vervet monkey. Vervet monkeys are easily recognisable by their distinctive black faces and grey fur, and the males, surprisingly, have bright blue balls. No, that’s not a joke.

Vervets are native to southern and central Africa and are known for their adaptability, thriving in a wide variety of habitats. They have impressive problem-solving skills and engage in grooming rituals to strengthen social bonds. Their omnivorous diet includes fruits, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates.

Top places to see vervet monkeys in Africa

You can spot vervet monkeys in savanna and forest habitats and national parks across central and southern Africa, including in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Uganda.

AFRICAN ANIMALS: ANTELOPES

There are over 70 antelope species in Africa, of which 21 alone live in Kruger National Park and 16 live in the Serengeti in Tanzania, so it would be impossible to list them all here!

‘Antelope’ is a term used to describe any deer-like animal, and includes things like impalas, gazelles, springboks, elands, kudus and many more – though unlike deer which shed their horns every year, antelopes keep them all the time. You will definitely see hundreds of of antelopes on your African safari, and below are just a few of them.

22/ Wildebeest

Wildebeest (which are sometimes also known as gnus) may look like cows but they are actually a kind of antelope. The Afrikaans called them ‘wild beasts’ for their powerful build and sharp horns, and you certainly wouldn’t want to cross one, but these African safari animals are no match for the lions, leopards and hyenas that rely on them for prey.

The famous wildebeest migration is one of the greatest spectacles in nature, and if you’re lucky enough to see it on your trip to Africa you really will be in for the experience of a lifetime.

Every year, more than two million wildebeest, followed by large numbers of zebras, antelopes and predators, migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya and back again, in search of grazing grounds and water. This is a constant cycle of movement, and many safari companies track the migration to make sure you have the best chance to see it.

Top places to see wildebeest on an Africa safari

The absolute best places to go are the Serengeti or Masai Mara during the migration, but if that’s not possible then you can also see wildebeest in plenty of other places, including…

• Botswana – Chobe National Park
• Kenya –  Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park
• South Africa – Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Golden Gate National Park
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve
• Zambia – South Luangwa National Park
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park

Read more: Which Is The Best Botswana Safari Lodge? My Favourites With Photos

Impalas are one of the most graceful and elegant antelopes, with their glossy, short coats and long, elegantly curving horns up to a metre long. They’re a key prey for lions and hyenas, so they practise safety in numbers and congregate in herds hundreds strong.

Impalas are amazing jumpers, able to leap a distance of 10 metres or clear an obstacle three metres high. When running away from predators they often jump clear over bushes and shrubs rather than running round them.

Top places to see impala on safari

You can see impala all over east and southern Africa, including Kenya (Masai Mara), Tanzania (Serengeti and Selous Game Reserve), Botswana (Okavango Delta), South Africa (Kruger National Park), Zambia (Luangwa Valley), Zimbabwe (Zambezi Valley and Lake Kariba) and Nambia (Etosha National Park)

The topi is a larger and more heavyset type of antelope, reaching up to about 126 centimetres (50 inches) in height. It’s well-known for its interesting colour patches – safari guides often say the topi looks like it’s wearing blue jeans and yellow socks – as you can see in the photo above.

Both sexes have horns, which are elegantly ridged and curved in a lyre-shape. Topi are sociable, moving in herds of anything from about 15 to many dozens. They also co-exist peacefully with other herbivores like impala, wildebeest and zebras.

Where to see topi in Africa

Topi are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and are commonly found in the savannas of East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. They are popular prey for hunters like lions, hyenas and cheetahs.

25/ Thomson’s gazelle

The Thomson’s gazelle, a petite and elegant antelope, sports a tan coat with distinctive black stripes on its flanks and face, and a white belly. The males have long, straight horns while the females’ horns are much smaller.

Well-known for their speed and agility, ‘Tommies’, as they are affectionately nicknamed, graze on a diet of grasses in the East African savannas. Displaying intricate courtship rituals, males engage in spirited displays of jumping and chasing to win over mates.

Top places to see Thompson’s gazelle in Africa

Thomson’s gazelles thrive in the vast grasslands of East Africa, notably in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. They prefer habitats with open plains, where they can use their swift running and leaping abilities to escape predators.

26/ Grant’s gazelle

Grant’s gazelles look similar to a Thomson’s gazelle, and at first can be hard to tell apart. The main difference is that the Grant’s doesn’t have the distinctive black stripe on its flanks, and is a little larger – in fact it’s one of the largest types of gazelle. It was named after a 19th-century Scottish explorer named James Grant, who is buried in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Like many types of antelopes (including Tommies and impala), Grant’s gazelles live in herds made up either of females with young, and groups of bachelor males. At breeding time, the males compete for the females, and the winning male will get to mate with all the females in his herd or ‘harem’, while the loser males get nothing.

Top places to see Grant’s gazelle on an African safari

Grant’s gazelles can mainly be be found in the expansive savannas of East Africa, including Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

27/ Bushbuck

The bushbuck, a medium-sized antelope about 90 cm (35 in) tall at the shoulder, is an elegant creature with a coarse reddish-brown coat marked by pretty white spots and stripes. Only the males have horns.

While many African antelopes move about in herds, bushbucks prefer a solitary lifestyle, though they’re not aggressively territorial and are happy to graze near other individuals. They are herbivores, eating a diverse diet including leaves, fruits, and grasses. Remarkably agile, bushbucks navigate dense vegetation adeptly, and have exceptional jumping abilities.

Top places to see bushbuck in Africa

You can find bushbucks in woodlands and savannas across central and southern Africa, especially in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They are not nearly as skittish and shy as some other antelope species, and can even become quite time. In Botswana I regularly saw them in the gardens of the lodges I stayed in, where they were happy to graze near people.

28/ Hartebeest

Hartebeests are one of the fastest antelopes, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 mph.  Their name means ‘tough ox’, and you can recognise them by their short, twisted horns on both males and females, long faces, and pointy ears. Hartebeest are very social safari animals and often group together in herds of up to 300.

Top places to see hartebeest on safari

With an estimated 360,000 hartebeest living in Africa, you should have no trouble spotting some of these animals on safari. Look out for them in any savannah national park or reserve, including the Serengeti in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, and parks in Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

29/ Waterbuck

Another type of antelope you may see on your African safari is the waterbuck. Its name comes from the fact that when threatened it will often run and hide in water, sometimes submerging almost completely until the threat has gone away.

The waterbuck is recognisable by its shaggy coat and very long, impressive horns, which only the males have, and which can grow up to a metre long. The horns are so long and sharp that sometimes males fighting for territory can end up killing each other. A waterbuck’s skin gives off an oily secretion, thought to be for waterproofing, but which is also quite strong-smelling.

Top places to see waterbuck on safari

As the name suggests, you’re most likely to see waterbuck close to lakes and rivers, in groups of up to about 30.  Their territory is more towards east Africa and the east side of Southern Africa, in places like Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Kobs are quite similar to impala but less common, and are found only in central and west Africa and Uganda. They’re identified by their ringed horns which curve backwards, and their short reddish coat. Only the males have horns.

Kobs prefer flat or gently rolling countryside, close to water – but these are also ideal locations for farming so these safari animals frequently come into conflict with humans. They used to be common in Kenya and Tanzania but are now almost extinct in those areas due to habitat loss.

Top places to see kobs on safari

The best place to see kobs on safari is in Uganda, where the kob is so iconic it even appears on the Ugandan coat of arms.

Read more: 28 Top Things To Do and See in Uganda

The lechwe, also known as the red lechwe or southern lechwe, is one of the most semi-aquatic of all antelope species. They are proficient swimmers and can easily navigate through water – a skill they sometimes use to thier advantage to escape predators like wild dogs and lions.

Thanks to their russet-toned coat and the males’ large, elegantly curving horn, they are easy to recognise. Specially adapted to living in marshy or swampy terrains, these herbivores predominantly graze on aquatic plants.

Top places to see lechwe on safari

Since lechwe prefer wetlands, the best place to spot them is marshy habitats like the Okavango Delta in Botswana or water-rich environments in Zambia, Namibia, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

32/ Dik-dik

It’s a common misconception that the dik-dik is the world’s smallest antelope, but that award actually goes to the royal antelope. Nevertheless, the dik-dik is still very tiny, coming in at about 30–40 centimetres (12–15.5 in) at the shoulder and weighing about 3–6 kg (6.5–13 lb). The name dik-dik comes from the repetitive sound the females make when threatened.

Female dik-diks are larger than males, and only the males have horns. Known for their monogamous lifestyle, dik-diks form lifelong pairs and often mark their territories by rubbing their scent glands on twigs and branches, and by leaving droppings in dung piles, which they revisit over and over.

Top places to see dik-diks in Africa

To see dik-diks you’ll need to go to east Africa, where you can spot them in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. You’ll need to be quick though – with their sandy coloured coat they are very well camouflaged in the bushes, and they run away quick when humans come near.

From one of the smallest to the biggest! Standing almost 180 cm (6 ft) at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,200 kg (2,650 lb), the majestic eland is the world’s largest antelope. Males are bigger than females, with dramatic spiral horns like the two magnificent chaps in the photo above, and they live in herds led by a dominant male.

There are two species of eland, the common and the giant, though despite the names the common eland is only slightly smaller. The name ‘eland’ comes from the Dutch word for ‘elk’ or ‘moose’, and was given to it by the first Dutch settlers who came to the Cape of Good Hope and thought it look a bit like the large herbivores they knew back home.

Top places to see elands on an African safari

Elands can be found across central and southern Africa, including Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Although their populations are decreasing, the eland is still considered as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The kudu is an absolute icon, a truly magnificent head-turner of an antelope, standing over 5 feet (1.5 m) tall at the shoulder, and with spectacular widespread twisted horns, huge ears, and a drizzle of white-paint stripes trickling down its sides. There are two types, the greater and lesser kudu, which look similar with the lesser kudu being a bit smaller.

Kudu also have a distinctive white v-shaped band across their face, which my guide said helps to reflect the bright sunlight away from their eyes, acting a bit like sunglasses. Like impalas, kudus move in herds of females with a single dominant male, and the rest of the males move in bachelor herds, though some can also be solitary.

Top places to see kudu in Africa

Kudus are found in southern Africa where they prefer woodlands and bushy savannas where there’s plenty of cover. Look out for them in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia,

ANIMALS OF AFRICA: REPTILES

35/ nile crocodile.

The Nile crocodile is both Africa’s largest crocodile and one of its deadliest predators. Nile crocodiles can grow to around six metres long and weigh up to 750 kilos. While they mostly eat fish they will attack anything that comes within striking distance, whether that’s small hippos, wildebeest, birds, other crocodiles, or even people. It’s estimated that about 200 people are year are killed by crocodiles in Africa.

Crocodiles are cold-blooded safari animals and spend many hours keeping warm by resting in the sunshine on the bank of a lake or river. While they may look sleepy and slow, they can spring into action in a split second should any unsuspecting prey come too close. The best way to spot crocodiles is to take a boat trip and look out for them on the shore or resting in the shallows by the water’s edge.

Top places to see Nile crocodiles on safari

• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially the Kazinga Channel
• Zambia and Zimbabwe – Zambezi River, Tributaries in Zambia

36/ Agama lizard

There are more than 30 different types of agama lizards, which are also known as rainbow lizards because of their stunning bright colours. Most of the year these safari animals are brown or grey, but in mating season the males develop these glorious colour patterns to attract a female. Different species turn different colours and the colour can be less bright if the animal is alarmed or has lost a fight with another male.

Males regularly show their dominance to each other by nodding, lashing their tails and opening their powerful jaws. Sometimes they fight, and you may see older males with damaged tails from previous combats. They mostly eat insects, waiting until one comes by and then snapping it up, using their sticky tongue to help hold onto it.

You’ll find agama lizards in rocky areas, either sunning themselves on the rocks or, if it’s too hot, sheltering in the shade. They’re quite small, up to about 30 cm long, but in mating season their bright colours make them easy to spot.

Top places to see agama lizards on safari

You can find agama lizards right across Africa, including in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.

37/ Monitor lizard

There are about 80 species of monitor lizard, native to Africa, Asia and Australasia, but the two you will most commonly see in Africa are the Nile monitor (sometimes called the water monitor) and the rock monitor. The one above is a Nile monitor, the largest lizard in Africa and one of the largest in the world.

Adept hunters and carnivorous by nature, these fearsome predators feed on fish, amphibians, and small mammals. In Botswana I even saw one hunt and kill a baby crocodile! Renowned for their adaptability, Nile monitors are excellent swimmers and climbers.

Top places to see monitor lizards in Africa

Nile monitor lizards prefer riverbanks, swamps, and wetlands, while rock monitors, as the same suggests, prefer rocky hillsides and drier habitats. Nile monitors can be spotted along the Nile as far north as Egypt and in east and southern Africa including Kenya and South Africa, while rock monitors are found more in central and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Skinks are small lizards, with no clear neck and short legs – in fact some skinks have no legs at all and look more like snakes. Most skinks can shed their tails to escape predators and then grow them back in three to four months. They’re mainly insectivorous, eating flies, crickets, and other bugs.

In Africa there are over 70 species of skink. Unlike most reptiles, some species of skinks don’t lay eggs, but give birth to live young.

Top places to see skinks on safari

As cold-blooded animals, you’ll often see skinks basking on rocks, warming up in the sunshine. Different species of skinks can be seen all over Africa. I photographed the one above in Kenya.

TOP AFRICAN ANIMALS: BIRDS

There are over well over 2,000 species of birds in Africa so it would be next to impossible to list them all in this blog post! Here are just a few of the most iconic or noticeable ones that you might see on your African safari.

If you’d really like to know more about African birds, I’ve written a whole separate post called Top 50 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide .

39/ Common ostrich

The ostrich is one of Africa’s most iconic birds. These huge creatures are the world’s largest bird – at up to three metres in height and 160 kilos they’re so big and heavy that they cannot fly. Instead, they are fantastic runners, reaching a top speed of over 40 miles an hour.

They have long, powerful legs which can cover up to five metres in a stride and kill a lion – or a human – with a single kick.  Ostriches hang around in small groups of up to about a dozen birds led by a dominant male and female. At breeding time, all the lesser females put their eggs in the dominant hen’s nest, where she and the alpha male take turns incubating them.

There is a famous saying that ostriches bury their heads in the sand, but this is not actually true. They do, however, cower down and press their heads and necks onto to floor, which may be where the saying comes from. As well as roaming wild, ostriches are also farmed around the world for their meat, eggs, feathers and skin, which is used to make leather.

Top places to see ostriches on safari

The main places to see ostriches are Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, where you can also visit ostrich farms and get up close to these amazing birds.

Eight of the worlds 19 species of stork live in Africa, including the yellow-billed, saddle-billed, and African open-billed stork. But probably the most common one you are likely to see is the Marabou stork, an enormous, prehistoric-looking bird that reaches up to 1.5 metres tall and has a wingspan of up to 3.7 metres – one of the largest in the world.

Marabou storks are scavengers, feeding on dead animal carcasses, scraps and even the faeces of other animals, and frequently coming into towns and cities to scavenge in bins and rubbish dumps.

Many storks prefer to live in open and wetland areas, eating fish, shellfish, frogs, small birds and small mammals. They are voiceless so they don’t squawk or caw, but communicate by clattering their bills. Their nests are very large and you will often see them on the tops of buildings or high up in trees.

Top places to see storks on safari

Many storks are migratory and head to Africa from Europe during the winter months. You’ll find them all across sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. If you go to Uganda you will see them in and around the capital, Kampala.

41/ Hornbill

The hornbill is another creature you might be familiar with if you’ve seen the Lion King. Zazu , the king’s advisor, is a red-billed hornbill similar to the one above. There are 45 different types of hornbill, of which 24 can be found in Africa, and they’re easy to recognise because of their long, downward-curving bill which is often brightly coloured.

They’re also conspicuous because they’re relatively large birds, ranging from about 30 cm long to about 150 cm long depending on the species, and they’re quite noisy.

When hornbills breed, the female makes a nest in a hole in a tree, which she then seals up with her own excrement, leaving only a very narrow opening. The male must then collect food and feed her through the slot until the chicks are ready to fly.

Top places to see hornbills on an animal safari

Of the 24 types of hornbill found in Africa, 13 can be seen in open woodlands and savanna like the Masai Mara or the Serengeti; the rest live in dense forests and are harder to spot.  You will see different types of hornbills all across Africa, including in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa.

42/ Kori bustard

The kori bustard is the world’s heaviest flying bird – males can weigh up to 20 kilos and reach about 1.5 metres tall, while females are about half the size.

But although they can fly, they usually live on the ground and only take to the skies in cases of extreme danger. Kori bustards are omnivorous, eating mainly insects, small mammals, lizards, seeds and berries.

Male kori bustards mate with several females. Mating lasts only a few seconds and as soon as it’s over the male starts trying to attract another female. He’s also not involved at all in making the nest, incubating eggs or raising the chicks.

Top places to see kori bustards on safari

Kori bustards are found all across east and south Africa. They are most common in Kenya and Tanzania, but you can also find them in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa among others. They live in wide, open grasslands and lightly wooded savanna, so are quite easy to spot thanks to their size.

43/ Grey crowned crane

Reaching 1 metre tall, with its bright red wattle and eye-catching golden crest, the grey crowned crane is really a wonderful bird to see on your African safari. There are two subspecies: one, the crested crane, is the national bird of Uganda and appears on the country’s coat of arms alongside the kob mentioned above.  The other, the South African crowned crane, looks very similar but is only found in Southern Africa.

Crowned cranes love to dance. They have an extravagant courtship display where both males and females bow, jump, and flap their huge wings, but don’t worry if you’re not visiting during mating season – these birds put on this show all year round.

Top places to see crested cranes on safari

Since they’re the national bird of Uganda, that’s the obvious place to see them. However you can also see crested cranes in Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa, where they are often found hanging out with herds of cattle which they use as cover from potential predators.

44/ Secretary bird

With the head of an eagle and the legs of a stork, the secretary bird is one of the most bizarre-looking birds you might see on safari. It’s said to have been given its name by 19th century Europeans, who thought that with its black knee britches and tailcoat, and its long black quills at the back of the head, it looked like an office clerk or secretary. Another theory is that the name comes from the Arabic saqr-et-tair or ‘hunter bird’.

Secretary birds are related to other birds of prey like buzzards, vultures, and kites, and are famous for their unusual hunting technique. They stamp on their prey – usually snakes, small mammals or reptiles – to stun or kill them before swallowing them whole.

Scientists measured the force and discovered the deadly blow can transfer five times the bird’s own weight in a hundredth of a second.  The secretary bird appears on the coat-of-arms of both Sudan and South Africa.

Top places to see secretary birds on safari

Secretary birds prefer flat, open grasslands and savannah, making your chances of seeing one of these birds on safari quite high. Look out for them in Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Masai Mara in Kenya, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

45/ Vulture

Africa is home to 11 different species of vultures, so you’ll have no trouble spotting them on your safari. Vultures are famously natures scavengers and cleaners – they feed on dead animals and the remains left over by predators and they’re responsible for clearing away up to 70% of Africa’s carrion.

Some vultures may also kill sick or wounded animals, or occasionally hunt fish or reptiles. Vultures are usually white, brown or black, and many species have a bald head and neck with a ruff of feathers around the collar.

Vultures are specially adapted to life as nature’s rubbish collectors. Their strong eyesight allows them to spot dead or dying animals from the air, while a unique balance of stomach acids helps them digest rotting meat without getting sick.

Top places to see vultures on safari

Vultures can be found in every country throughout the whole of Africa.

46/ Oxpecker

The oxpecker, also called the tick bird, rides on the backs of large mammals like buffalo, zebras and giraffes, feasting on ticks, fleas and lice. They can eat 100s of ticks a day, and when alarmed they also hiss, warning their host of approaching danger.

But this isn’t an entirely mutually beneficial relationship – oxpeckers also feed on the wounds and blood left by the ticks. There are two species of oxpecker – red-billed and yellow-billed.

Top places to see oxpeckers on safari

You’ll find oxpeckers anywhere in Africa there are large mammals for them to feast on. Look out for them taking a ride on a giraffe, buffalo, rhino or hippo – they make for great photos.

And there you have it! 32 amazing African animals and birds to see on a safari. Of course there are literally hundreds more, so keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might spot!

My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

• Booking.com : A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
• Expedia : Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights , car hire, and loads more all in one place.
• Skyscanner : The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
• Flight Centre : Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
• Priority Pass: I love having access to 1,400+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. With my link you get 30% off a standard membership or 20% off standard plus.
• Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy an e-SIM , install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer.
• TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
• Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
• GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
• Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store. Quote my name – Bella Falk – to get £20 off your first purchase.
• Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
• Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Read more African animals posts

If you enjoyed this, here are a few more wildlife posts you might like:

• Top 34 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide
• 19 Easy Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners
• 28 Top Things To Do and See in Uganda
• Behind The Scenes On Safari In Tanzania
• Gorilla Safaris In Uganda – The Real Inside Story
• 40 Safari Photography Tips For Stunning Wildlife Photos

Liked this African animals list?

Why not Pin It for later using the handy graphic below, or use the share buttons to share on your favourite social site. Every share helps support my blog and is very much appreciated, thank you!

Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

28 Brilliant Things To Do In Uganda

Top 50 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

Ol Doinyo Lengai Tanzania – Climb the Terrifying Mountain of God

Chobe safari lodge in botswana: a complete review with photos, what to wear on safari: my detailed safari packing list with photos.

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Passport & Pixels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

African Animals: A Comprehensive List (A-Z)

Learn about african safari animals on a wildlife course, top african animal species: flagship mammals of africa, animals of africa: african primate species, top animals of africa: flagship birds of africa, animals from africa: african reptile species, wildlife course in the bush: learn everything about african safari animals.

African Animals

Curious about which safari animals are found in Africa ? Find interesting facts & figures about African animals you can find on safari in Africa. For example African  mammals like lion - part of the Big Five - and giraffe, primates like gorilla and chimpanzee, birds of Africa like the Shoebill and Fish Eagle, reptiles like snakes and crocodiles, amphibians like frogs, and fish like Nile Perch, or Tilapia. These animals of Africa can be found in top-rated safari destinations like Kenya , Tanzania , Uganda , South Africa , and Zambia , to name a few.

Because of Africa's biodiversity, it's a wonderful continent for safari lovers and animal researchers. Africa has over 1100 mammal species, 60+ carnivorous species, and 2600 bird species, a true birdwatcher's paradise.

Below you can find a brief list of African Animals ;   a summary of notable safari animals in Africa divided into mammals, primates, birds, reptiles, etc. 

Want to learn everything about African wildlife in the middle of the African bush, where the magic happens? Check out our wildlife courses . Not able to travel? We also offer online wildlife courses to learn everything about Africa's flora and fauna including animal behavior of the African safari animals , their sounds, tracks, signs, and more!

Find a summary of Top African mammal species you can find on safari in Africa. It's not a complete list but it includes all flag-ship mammals of Africa , including the Big Five and some of the most endangered animals in Africa , like the Rhino, Gorilla, and African Wild Dog.

• Aardvark : Nocturnal mammal with a long snout, large ears, and a sticky tongue, known for feeding on ants and termites.
• Aardwolf : The aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal found in East and Southern Africa. It primarily feeds on termites and is known for its distinctive vertical mane.
• African Buffalo : Large and robust bovine species, also known as Cape Buffalo, with distinctive curved horns, found in grasslands and woodlands of Africa.
• African Elephant : Largest land mammal with a long trunk, large tusks, and remarkable intelligence, found in various habitats across Africa.
• African Lion : Iconic big cat species known for its majestic mane, social structure, and powerful roar, found in grasslands and savannahs of Africa.
• African Wild Dog : Highly social carnivore with a colorful coat and excellent teamwork during hunts, found in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Banded Mongoose : Small carnivorous mammal with a striped coat, living in social groups called "mobs" for protection and cooperative hunting.
• Bat : Diverse group of flying mammals with adapted wings, known for their nocturnal habits and ecological importance, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Bat-eared fox : Small, nocturnal carnivore with large ears that aid in detecting prey. It predominantly feeds on insects and is characterized by its adorable appearance and distinctive auditory adaptations.
• Bongo : Large forest-dwelling antelope species recognized by its reddish-brown coat, white stripes, and impressive spiral horns.
• Bushbuck : Medium-sized antelope species with a reddish-brown coat and spiral horns, commonly found in forested areas.
• Caracal : Medium-sized wild cat species with tufted ears and distinctive facial markings, known for its agility and leaping ability.
• Cheetah : Fastest land animal known for its slender body, distinctive spots, and incredible speed during chases, found in grasslands and savannahs of Africa.
• Dik-dik : Small antelope species known for its diminutive size, elongated snout, and habitat preference for arid regions of Africa.
• Dolphin : Aquatic mammal species recognized for their intelligence, social behavior, and sleek bodies, found along the coastlines of Africa.
• Eland : Largest antelope species in Africa, known for its impressive size, distinctive spiral horns, and ability to adapt to various habitats.
• Elephant shrew : Small mammal with a long, flexible nose resembling an elephant's trunk, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Genet : Small carnivorous mammal resembling a cat, known for its slender body, spotted coat, and ability to emit musky scent secretions.
• Gerenuk : Long-necked antelope species known for its ability to stand on its hind legs to reach high foliage in arid habitats.
• Giraffe : Tallest land mammal known for its long neck, patterned coat, and browsing habits, found in savannahs and woodlands of Africa.
• Hippopotamus : Large semi-aquatic mammal with a barrel-shaped body, bulky appearance, and herbivorous diet, found in rivers and lakes of Africa.
• Hyena : Carnivorous mammal known for its scavenging habits, distinctive call, and complex social structure, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Honey-badger : Tenacious and fearless carnivore known for its strength, sharp claws, and ability to withstand bee stings while raiding beehives.
• Impala : Medium-sized antelope species known for its graceful leaps and characteristic black "M" marking on the rear, found in savannahs and woodlands of Africa.
• Jackal : Medium-sized carnivorous mammal recognized for its scavenging habits, vocalizations, and adaptability, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Klipspringer : Small antelope species with a rock-climbing ability, found in rocky areas of eastern and southern Africa.
• Leopard : Agile and elusive big cat species recognized for its spotted coat, solitary behavior, and nocturnal hunting, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Meerkat : Small diurnal mongoose species known for their upright posture, social structure, and sentinel behavior, found in the Kalahari Desert and other arid regions of Africa.
• Nyala : Medium-sized antelope species with a striking appearance, characterized by shaggy fur, spiral horns, and vertical white stripes.
• Oryx : Large antelope species with long, straight horns and a unique ability to withstand arid environments, found in deserts and semi-deserts of Africa.
• Pangolin : Unique mammal covered in protective scales, known for its specialized diet and nocturnal habits, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Porcupine : Rodent species with sharp quills used for defense, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Rhinoceros : Large herbivorous mammal with a distinctive horn on its snout, known for its endangered status, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Rock Hyrax : Small, herbivorous mammal resembling a rodent, found in rocky habitats and known for its high-pitched calls.
• Serval : Medium-sized wild cat species recognized for its slender body, large ears, and excellent hunting skills, found in grasslands and wetlands of Africa.
• Sitatunga : Aquatic antelope species adapted to swampy habitats, known for its elongated hooves and ability to navigate through dense vegetation.
• Springbok : Medium-sized antelope species known for its ability to leap high in the air, forming "pronking" displays, found in arid regions of southern Africa.
• Steenbok : Small antelope species adapted to arid environments, known for its agility, reddish-brown coat, and ability to hide in the grass.
• Thomson's Gazelle : Small to medium-sized antelope species known for its incredible speed and distinctive black stripe on its side.
• Warthog : Wild pig species with distinctive tusks and warty protuberances on its face, found in grasslands, savannahs, and woodlands of Africa.
• Waterbuck : Large antelope species with a shaggy coat and a preference for habitats near water, found in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Wildebeest : Large antelope species known for its migration patterns, distinctive appearance, and grazing habits, found in grasslands and savannahs of Africa.
• Zebra : Equid species recognized for its black-and-white striped coat patterns, social behavior, and grazing habits, found in grasslands and woodlands of Africa.

Note that Primates are also mammals. Here's a list of flagship primate species in Africa :

• Allen's Swamp Monkey : Endemic to Central Africa, Allen's Swamp Monkey is a medium-sized primate known for its distinctive appearance, including a reddish-brown coat, long limbs, and a unique habitat preference for swamps and marshes.
• Angolan Colobus Monkey : Found in Angola and neighboring countries, the Angolan Colobus Monkey is a black-and-white arboreal primate characterized by its long, silky fur, impressive leaping abilities, and leaf-based diet.
• Blue Monkey : Also known as the Diademed Monkey, the Blue Monkey is a medium-sized primate found in East Africa. It is recognized for its striking blue fur on its back and limbs, along with its social behavior and preference for forested habitats.
• Bonobo : Endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bonobo is a highly intelligent and social great ape. With close genetic ties to humans, Bonobos are known for their peaceful behavior, matriarchal social structure, and remarkable sexual behavior.
• Chimpanzee : Found in several African countries, including Central and West Africa, the Chimpanzee is our closest living relative. Known for their intelligence, tool usage, and complex social behaviors, Chimpanzees are iconic primates of the African continent.
• De Brazza's Monkey : De Brazza's Monkey is a medium-sized primate with a unique appearance, including a reddish-brown back, white belly, and striking white sideburns. This arboreal species is found in forests and swampy areas of Central Africa.
• Drill : Endemic to the Gulf of Guinea region, the Drill is a large primate characterized by its stocky build and vibrant appearance. With a critically endangered status, Drills are known for their unique facial coloring, including a blue and red muzzle.
• Gelada Baboon : Native to the highlands of Ethiopia, the Gelada Baboon is a species of Old World Monkey. Noted for its distinctive appearance, which includes a golden mane and a heart-shaped patch on its chest, Geladas live in large troops and feed primarily on grasses.
• Golden Monkey : Endemic to the Albertine Rift region of East Africa, the Golden Monkey is a visually striking primate species. Known for its vibrant golden-orange fur, this monkey inhabits bamboo forests and forms social groups called "troops."
• Gorilla : The largest living primate, the Gorilla is divided into two species: the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla. Found in Central and West Africa, Gorillas are known for their immense strength, herbivorous diet, and remarkable conservation significance.
• Mandrill : The Mandrill is a colorful Old World Monkey found in Central Africa. Recognizable for its brightly colored face, impressive canines, and colorful rump, this primate inhabits rainforests and exhibits complex social structures.
• Patas Monkey : The Patas Monkey is a long-legged primate found in the savannahs and grasslands of Africa. Known for its exceptional speed and terrestrial lifestyle, the Patas Monkey has a slender build, reddish-brown coat, and a unique ability to withstand hot climates.
• Red Colobus Monkey : Red Colobus Monkeys are arboreal primates found in various parts of Africa. They are known for their striking red fur, long limbs, and complex digestive system that enables them to feed on leaves and unripe fruits.
• Sclater's Guenon : Sclater's Guenon, also known as the Nigerian Monkey, is a colorful primate found in Nigeria and Cameroon. With its distinct facial markings and preference for primary and secondary forests, this guenon species is an important part of Africa's primate diversity.
• Tantalus Monkey : The Tantalus Monkey, or Tantalus Guenon, is a medium-sized primate found in West Africa. Recognizable by its black face and grayish-brown fur, this species inhabits various forested habitats and forms social groups called "troops."
• Vervet Monkey : Vervet Monkeys are widely distributed across Africa. Known for their adaptability and versatility, they have a grayish coat, black face, and live in diverse habitats, including forests, savannahs, and urban areas.
• Wolf's Mona Monkey : Wolf's Mona Monkey is a primate species found in West Africa. It displays a beautiful black and white facial pattern, with a crown-like tuft of hair. This arboreal species inhabits forests and is known for its agility and vocalizations.
• African Fish Eagle : Large eagle species with a distinctive white head, brown body, and a haunting call, found near water bodies throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
• Bateleur Eagle : Medium-sized eagle species known for its striking appearance, including a short tail, colorful facial skin, and aerial acrobatics, found in savannahs and open woodlands of Africa.
• Drongo : Medium-sized passerine bird with glossy black plumage and a forked tail, known for its aerial agility and mimicry skills, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Egyptian Vulture : Large vulture species with a distinct white plumage, bare yellow face, and an important role in the ecosystem as a scavenger, found in open habitats and cliffs of Africa.
• Flamingo : Tall wading bird species with long legs, a curved neck, and vibrant pink plumage, often seen in large flocks in saline or alkaline lakes of Africa.
• Grey Crowned Crane : Graceful bird species with a distinctive golden crown of feathers, known for its elaborate courtship dance and found in wetlands and grasslands of Africa.
• Hamerkop : Medium-sized wading bird with a unique hammer-shaped head, brown plumage, and elaborate nest-building behavior, found near water bodies across Africa.
• Ibis : Diverse group of wading bird species with long legs, curved bills, and varied plumage colors, found in wetlands and marshes throughout Africa.
• Jacana : Small to medium-sized wading bird with incredibly long toes and claws, allowing it to walk on floating vegetation, found in wetlands and shallow lakes of Africa.
• Kori Bustard : Largest flying bird native to Africa, known for its heavy build, intricate courtship displays, and habitat preference for open grasslands.
• Lilac-breasted Roller : Colorful bird species with a lilac breast, turquoise wings, and a distinctive rolling flight pattern, found in savannahs and woodlands of Africa.
• Martial Eagle : Impressive eagle species recognized for its large size, powerful build, and exceptional hunting skills, found in open habitats and savannahs of Africa.
• Ostrich : Flightless bird species recognized for its long neck, powerful legs, and ability to run at high speeds, found in grasslands and deserts of Africa.
• Pelican : Large water bird species with a massive bill, expandable throat pouch, and distinctive plunge-diving feeding behavior, found in freshwater and coastal regions of Africa.
• Pel's Fishing Owl : The Pel's Fishing Owl is a large and elusive bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa. With its dark brown plumage, prominent facial disk, and piercing orange eyes, it is renowned as one of Africa's most sought-after bird species.
• Secretary Bird : Large bird of prey with long legs, a crest of feathers on its head, and a specialized diet of small mammals and snakes, found in open grasslands and savannahs of Africa.
• Shoebill : the Shoebill Stork is a large bird species with a unique shoe-shaped bill, gray plumage, and a patient stance while hunting, found in marshes and swamps of eastern Africa.
• Southern Ground Hornbill : Large bird species with black feathers, bright red facial skin, and a booming call, known for its ground-dwelling behavior and strong social structure, found in savannahs and woodlands of Africa.
• Turaco : Colorful bird family with striking plumage, including shades of green, red, and blue, known for their unique vocalizations, found in forests and woodlands across Africa.
• Vulture : Scavenging bird species recognized for their bald heads, sharp beaks, and ecological role in cleaning up carcasses, found in various habitats across Africa.
• Weaver Bird : Small to medium-sized bird species known for their intricate nest-weaving skills, social behavior, and vibrant plumage, found in various habitats across Africa.
• African Rock Python : The African Rock Python is a large snake species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. With its impressive size and powerful constriction abilities, it is one of the continent's most formidable reptiles.
• Black Mamba : The Black Mamba is a highly venomous snake species native to parts of eastern and southern Africa. Known for its speed and potent neurotoxic venom, it is considered one of the world's deadliest snakes.
• Chameleon : Africa is home to various chameleon species, known for their ability to change color and their distinctive eyes. These unique reptiles are found in diverse habitats and are renowned for their camouflage and hunting techniques.
• Crocodile : Africa is home to several crocodile species, including the Nile Crocodile and the African Dwarf Crocodile. These large aquatic reptiles are known for their powerful jaws and predatory behavior, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and wetlands across the continent.
• Gaboon Viper : The Gaboon Viper is a venomous snake species found in the forests of central and western Africa. Recognized for its massive size, triangular head, and distinctively patterned scales, it is considered one of the largest vipers in Africa.
• Gecko : Africa is home to a variety of gecko species, known for their adhesive toe pads and ability to climb vertical surfaces. These small reptiles are found in diverse habitats and are known for their unique vocalizations and remarkable adaptations.
• Green Mamba : The Green Mamba is a highly venomous snake species found in parts of eastern and southern Africa. Known for its vibrant green coloration and arboreal nature, it is an iconic reptile of the African continent.
• Nile Monitor Lizard : The Nile Monitor Lizard is a large reptile species found near water bodies throughout sub-Saharan Africa. With its impressive size, strong swimming abilities, and scavenging behavior, it is one of Africa's largest lizards.
• Puff Adder : The Puff Adder is a venomous snake species widely distributed across Africa. Recognizable by its stout build, triangular head, and distinctive hiss, it is responsible for numerous snakebite incidents on the continent.
• Rock Monitor Lizard : The Rock Monitor Lizard, also known as the White-throated Monitor, is a large reptile found in rocky habitats across Africa. With its powerful claws, keen senses, and scavenging nature, it is an important predator in its ecosystem.
• Spiny-tailed Lizard : The Spiny-tailed Lizard, or Uromastyx, is a group of lizard species found in the deserts and arid regions of Africa. Known for their spiky tails and ability to tolerate extreme heat, they are well-adapted to harsh desert environments.
• Tortoise : Africa is home to several tortoise species, including the African spurred tortoise and the leopard tortoise. These land-dwelling reptiles are known for their sturdy shells, herbivorous diet, and long lifespans.
• Viper : Africa is home to various viper species, including the West African Gaboon Viper and the Saw-scaled Viper. These venomous snakes are known for their triangular heads, heat-sensing pits, and potent venoms, making them formidable predators.

If you are a nature and wildlife lover and want to enhance your knowledge of the natural world and African wildlife, a field guide course is the perfect fit for you!

These wildlife courses - varying from 6 days to 1 year - are not only for the ones who pursue a career as a safari guide but for all nature enthusiasts who want to spend meaningful time in the African bush in order to get a better understanding of the natural environment and African animal behavior . It's a great alternative to an 'ordinary' group safari trip, ticking off the Big Five as you will learn so much more from all the experienced trainers.

People who are unable to take time off their jobs for a minimum of 28 days have the possibility to join shorter wildlife courses from 6-7 days and 14 days up to 55 days. If you have a gap year or want to pursue a career in the safari and conservation industry, then the best way is to sign up for the one-year professional field guide course.

As an official ambassador and partner of EcoTraining , you can book a course or request availability through me. The advantage for you is that I can help you with all related course questions to be well prepared for the course and I'm able to share my personal experiences with you as I did the 35-day Practical Safari Guide Course in Kenya and the 8-week online Field Guide course. 

If you book through me, I can offer you interesting extras - including a Zoom meeting - to make studying for your exam much easier.

• Help Center
• Plan Your Visit
• Places to Stay
• Youth Programs
• Student & Youth Groups
• Dining Programs
• Events & Catering
• Live Cameras
• Our Mission

BIGHORN SHEEP

Bighorn sheep may not seem exciting at first glance. But wait until you get to know them better! They have amazing climbing talent, spectacular horns, and can live in some of the world's steepest, most forbidding habitats. Bighorns are worthy of attention and appreciation.

The current range for Peninsular bighorn sheep is from the San Jacinto Mountains near Palm Springs, California, to the US-Mexico border. The surefooted sheep walk on two toes—the third and fourth—on each foot. The bottom of each foot is soft, giving them the ability to climb on rocks with a secure foothold.

Both male and female sheep have horns, but the males’ are much larger. Males use their horns in head-butting clashes that get more intense during the breeding season. You won’t see that kind of action in Condor Ridge, as we have just one adult male, to keep things calm!

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

wildlife guide to the impala

One animal that is likely to be present on most safari game drives is the impala , a medium-sized antelope that lives across Eastern and Southern Africa.

This unassuming-looking African antelope is often an entertaining spot on safari due to its nonchalant looks and elegant yet epic high jumps. Read on for a full guide to the impala.

Skip to: Characteristics , Range & habitat , Diet , Behaviour , Fun facts , Video

Latin name: Aepyceros melampus

Group name: Herd

Size: 0.7 to 0.9 meters tall

Weight: From 40 kg to 76 kg

Impala characteristics

First off, the impala is an animal that you shouldn’t have too much trouble spotting during your safari, as they’re commonly seen on the savannas and grasslands of most East and Southern African national parks and game reserves.

The impala has a lovely reddish-brown coat matched against a white underbelly, which is reminiscent of the springbok, though the colours are not quite as dramatically contrasted. Another characteristic of the impala is the dark black streaks that run from its buttocks down to its upper hindlegs, with a dark stripe down its bushy white tail.

The impala is sexually dimorphic , which means that the males and females don’t look alike. Where males have horns, the females don’t, and it’s with these lyre-shaped horns that the males fight off their opponents and rivals. The curved arch in the impala horns means that they become interlocked during a skirmish, potentially saving the male impala from skull damage or serious wounds.

Range & habitat

The impala prefers habitats that don’t have long grasses that could potentially hide predators like lions , but at the same time, they like to inhabit areas with enough shade and a good water source.

In Eastern and Southern Africa these environments are found in the form of woodlands and the overlap between woodlands and savannas. Specifically, in Southern Africa, the impala is found in mopane and acacia woodlands . But as the seasons change so does the impala’s preference, and it is known to move between savannas in dry season and woodlands in the wet.

When it comes to feeding, the impala gets the most out of its environment by not only grazing but browsing as well, feeding on a variety of nutritional sources like fruits and acacia pods. Impala will even go so far as to nibble on succulent plants in times when water is scarce.

During the late wet season, impalas will mostly browse, but as the dry season begins, their diets become nutritionally poorer, with a greater dependence on woody dicots. When grazing, the impala feeds on soft and nutritious grasses, avoiding the tougher, taller grasses in the area.

Behaviour & lifestyle

Like most wild animals, the impala’s behaviours are mostly centered around feeding and reproduction. The impala is most active during the day, feeding and socialising, but as with most African animals, when the sun is at its peak during the hottest part of the day, the impala will rest in the shade. At night, impalas may continue feeding, or else simply rest. During rainy season impalas tend to gather in groups of hundreds, and in dry season the impala herds roam together to find food.

There are three distinct impala social groups: territorial males, herds made up of bachelors, and herds of females. Territorial male impalas will hold a territory where it can have its harem of females, marking it with urine and faeces and protecting it from any male intruders. Bachelor and female herds interact frequently during allogrooming interactions , grooming each other and themselves.

As soon as the breeding season begins around the end of the wet season, rutting males initiate fights amongst each other to determine dominance. A rutting male walks stiffly and displays its horns for all to see. They become rather more interested in their harem, or creating one, even at the expense of feeding.

When a male comes across a female that’s ready to mate, he will court her by following her and nodding vigorously. After the first copulation, the male might wander away seeking new mates, while the female is still active and can mate with others. When a calf is born, the female will keep it hidden for a few weeks after its birth, protecting it from potential threats. After a time, the fawn will join an impala nursery group within the herd.

Impalas usually live to around 13 years in the wild.

Fun impala facts

• The name ‘impala’ comes from phala, the Tswana word for ‘red antelope’.
• There are two subspecies of impala: the smaller common impala and the darker black-faced impala that is found mostly in Namibia and Angola.
• Impalas and oxpeckers share a symbiotic relationship. The oxpeckers relieve impalas of pesky ticks from hard-to-reach areas such as its ears.
• The impala has two characteristic leaps. It can jump as high as 3 meters, even jumping over other impalas, and covering a distance of 10 meters in once bounce. Its smaller jumps involve kicking with its hind legs midair and leaping in many different directions, ostensibly to confuse predators.

Meet the impala

What’s your favourite thing about the impala? Have any stories to share about sighting an impala during your African safari? Let us know in the comments below!

Read about more safari animals .

Estes, R.D. (2004). The Behavior Guide to African Mammals: Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, Primates (4th ed.). Berkeley, US: University of California Press. pp. 158–66.

Hart, B.L.; Hart, L.A. (1992). “Reciprocal allogrooming in impala, Aepyceros melampus “. Animal Behaviour . 44 (6): 1073–1083.

“Impala: Aepyceros melampus “. National Geographic. Retrieved 12 June 2020.

Jarman, P.J.; Sinclair, A.R.E. (1984). “Feeding strategy and the pattern of resource partitioning in ungulates”. In Sinclair, A.R.E.; Norton-Griffths, M. (eds.). Serengeti, Dynamics of an Ecosystem . Chicago, US: University of Chicago Press. pp. 130–63.

Kingdon, J.; Happold, D.; Butynski, T.; Happold, M.; Hoffmann, M.; Kalina, J. (2013). Mammals of Africa . London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. pp. 479–84.

Mooring, M. S.; Hart, B. L. (1995). “Differential grooming rate and tick load of territorial male and female impala”. Behavioral Ecology . 6 (1): 94–101.

Oxford English Dictionary , 3rd edition, March 2005, s.v. pallah

Schenkel, R. (1966). “On sociology and behaviour in impala ( Aepyceros melampus ) Lichtenstein”. African Journal of Ecology . 4 (1): 99–114.

Skinner, J.D.; Chimimba, C.T. (2005). The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (3rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 703–8.

Stuart, C.; Stuart, T. (2001). Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa (3rd ed.). Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Publishers. p. 210.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

Most read articles

• All about the ‘big five’ animals
• Collective nouns for animals
• Safari movies to watch before you go
• The world’s fastest land animals
• Apex predators
• 10 Fascinating African tribes
• The biggest animals in the world
• 17 Epic hybrid animals
• The world’s ugliest animals
• Why are flamingos pink?

Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

• Frogs in USA
• Bats in USA
• Lizards in USA
• Turtles in USA
• Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in USA
• Birds in USA
• Woodpeckers in USA
• Hummingbirds in USA
• Owls in USA
• Hummingbird
• Desert Birds
• Colorful Birds
• Fastest Birds
• Birds of Prey
• Dangerous Birds
• Birds That Lay Blue Eggs
• Birds Around the World
• Birds That Sing at Night
• Birds by Color
• Crested Birds
• Alpine Birds
• Smartest Birds
• Herbivorous Birds
• Antarctic Birds
• Arctic Birds
• Poisonous Birds
• Longest Living Birds
• Birds That Mate For Life
• Long-Legged Birds
• Long-tailed Birds
• Diving Birds
• Birds That Eat Mosquitoes
• Fish-eating Birds
• Mountain Birds
• Small Birds
• Whistling Birds
• Nocturnal Birds
• Grasshopper
• South American
• North American
• Sonoran Desert
• Live in Lakes
• Deciduous Forest
• Temperate Forest
• Small Animals
• Hybrid Animals
• Rare Animals
• Monogamous Animals
• Animals that are Carnivorous
• Amazon Rainforest
• Death Valley
• Galápagos Islands

Animals with Horns

• Animals with Antlers
• Camouflage Animals
• Ice Age Animals
• Animals that Migrate
• Animals with Big Eyes
• Endangered Animals
• Animals that are Omnivorous
• Animals You Can See On a Safari
• Animals Living in the Mariana Trench
• Animals with Long Necks
• Ugly Animals
• Smartest Animals
• Flying Animals
• Dumbest Animals
• Biggest Animals in the World
• Animals that Hibernate
• Fastest Animals in the World
• Hoofed Animals
• Animals that are Herbivorous
• Fluffy Animals
• Extinct Animals
• Melanistic Animals
• Longest Living Animals
• Animals That Mate For Life
• Ruminant Animals
• Scary Animals
• Poisonous Animals
• Colorful Animals
• Asexual Animals
• Animals that Burrow
• Fat Animals
• Dangerous Animals
• Slow Animals
• Nocturnal Animals
• Strong Animals
• Gay Animals
• Weird Animals
• Black Birds in Florida
• Beautiful Animals
• Animals That Lay Eggs (Oviparous Animals)
• Animals Living in Death Valley
• Yellowstone National Park
• Domestic Animals
• Land Animals
• Animals That Kill the Most Humans

List of Animals with Horns

• African Buffalo
• Alpine Ibex
• American Bison
• Bighorn Sheep
• Four-horned Antelope
• Gaur (Indian Bison)
• Giant Eland
• Greater Kudu
• Horned Desert Viper

Indian Rhinoceros (Great One-honed Rhinoceros)

• Jackson’s Chameleon
• Nubian Ibex
• Royal Antelope
• Scimitar-Horned Oryx
• Spiral-horned Antelopes
• Texas Longhorn Cattle
• Water Buffalo
• Wild Water Buffalo

Different Types of Horns in Animals

Bovine Horns – The members of the Bovidae family, including sheep, antelopes, goats, and cows, are the ones that have true horns. Their horns are curled, curved, or spiral but never branch.

Rhino Horns – The horns in rhinos don’t have the bony core seen in true horns and are wholly made of keratin woven tightly. Both sexes have horns that remain permanent.

Giraffe Horns – Most giraffes have three horn-like bony projections on their head, known as ossicones, that remain covered in a layer of hair and skin. Like the bovine horns, the giraffe horns also come in pairs, are permanent, and do not form branches.

Horns of Pronghorns – Pronghorns are related to antelope and goats. It is neither a true horn nor an antler but rather a mix of the two. The horns, comprising keratin, like bovine horns, branch into two prongs. However, they shed annually like antlers and regrow.

Horns vs. Antlers

Horns are bony, unbranched projections of keratin lying in front of the animal’s skull.

Antlers contain just bones and not keratin. They have branched structures located in the frontal of the animal’s skull, just like horns.

Horns remain permanent while antlers shed each year, with new antlers growing.

Scimitar oryx, spiral-horned antelopes, horned desert viper, Jackson’s chameleon

Markhor, greater kudu, scimitar oryx, Alpine ibex; the Asian water buffalo has the longest horns

Narwhal, short-nosed unicornfish

Greater kudu, giant eland

Royal antelope, known to have the smallest horns

Markhor, saiga, bharal, mouflon, blackbuck

Scimitar-horned oryx; has long, slender, and straight horns

Bighorn sheep, saiga antelope , Alpine ibex, Giraffes, though they don’t have horns but horn-like projects called ossicones

Tusks are neither enamels nor horns but elongated ivory teeth.

Recent Wallpapers

• Invertebrates

Subscribe our newsletter

Follow us on:.

• Privacy Policy
• Animal Habitats
• Animal Memes

© 2024 ( Animal Spot ). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

AfricaIncoming Blog

Africa Travel Blog

42 African Safari Animals You Must See

A safari is more than just a regular vacation; it’s a trek into Africa’s untamed interior, where nature rules supreme. The environment includes rivers, woodlands, vast grasslands, and lush jungles. Wildlife safari allows you to see majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Safaris offer the ability to see the breathtaking African savannah landscapes and take in nature at its most untainted, unadulterated, and initial state. You may expect to witness a staggering array of creatures on a safari, including the powerful Elephant, the majestic Lion, the graceful Giraffe, and the cunning Leopard. Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the opportunity to witness animals up close that you may never see elsewhere. Hence, take a deep breath and prepare for a safari journey you won’t forget. Here are the best 42 African safari animals you can see on your next trip!

All You Need to Know About Best African Safari Animals

Given below are the animal you must see in Africa:-

AFRICAN ELEPHANT

• WHITE RHINO + BLACK RHINO

AFRICAN BUFFALO

African wild dog, common hippo, common ostrich, secretary bird, weaver birds, leopard tortoise, thomson gazelle, agama lizard, kori bustard.

• GREY CROWNED CRANE

The African Lion is the King of Beasts, the largest carnivore in Africa, and the animal that most people want to see while on safari. Lions, the biggest cats, live in tiny pride commanded by a single male. They are the easiest cat to spot on a game drive because they have no fear of other animals and don’t need to hide. Lions can sleep up to 20 hours daily and are most active between dark and dawn. Mostly brownish-yellow in color, the males have thick manes of black or brown hair. While they are engaged in combat, the manes serve as protection. They live in the pride of five to ten adult lions, making them the most social wild cat species. Female lions are excellent hunters. A lion can take the lives of 15 to 20 huge animals annually. Most of the time, they continue to kill other hunters, leopards, antelopes, zebras, and wildebeest. Although most lions like to stay on the ground, it is unusual to see them climbing trees, yet this happens in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. They are facing threats from human beings. Lions hunt at night and rest during the day, hiding from the sun under trees or dense vegetation. The best time to spot them is early morning while they may still be out hunting or later in the day when they are getting ready for the night. Lion is one of the most exciting African animals to spot on a safari.

Places to see:-

• South Africa – Kruger National Park  and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 
• Botswana – Okavango Delta Kenya – Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Park, Meru National Park  
• Zambia – Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park
• Namibia – Etosha National Park  
• Kenya – Amboseli National Park ,  Lake Nakuru National Park,   Meru National Park,   Nairobi National Park ,  Tsavo East National Park, and Tsavo West National Park, and Samburu National Reserve. 
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater , and Tarangire National Park have tree-climbing lions.
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park , Murchison Falls National Park , and Kidepo Valley National Park  
• Zimbabwe – Mana Pools National Park , Matusadona National Park

Leopards have the most elegantly patterned coats and piercing green eyes of any African animal. Leopards are only seen in groups of one; they hunt alone, eating everything alone, including rodents, carrion, fish, birds, and antelopes. They are shy, isolated animals that spend most of the day in trees or caves before going out at night to hunt through bushes. Leopards use trees for protection and as platforms for observation. Leopards are outstanding climbers, swimmers, and draggers of prey, capable of lifting trees that have more weight than them.   Males leopards weigh between 80 and 165 pounds, while female leopards range from 46 to 132 pounds. They use violent and elegant hunting techniques; they hunt animals, including rodents, zebras, monkeys, large birds, warthogs, and wildebeest. For hunting, this African animal possesses keen hearing and vision. Thankfully, they are more adaptable than other African species, and despite their numbers being in decline, they can still survive outside of parks on nearby farms. Given below are the great place to see these curious African animal.

Places to see:- 

• South Africa ‐ Kruger National Park , and Sabi sands private reserve . 
• Botswana ‐ Okavango Delta  
• Zambia – South Luangwa National Park
• Kenya ‐ Masai Mara National Park , Tsavo National Park , Meru National Park and  Samburu National Reserve.
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park 
• Tanzania ‐ Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

One of the most exciting moments of any trip to Africa is witnessing a herd of elephants peacefully cross the road. Elephants are incredibly destructive creatures who shred foliage to bits with their strong trunks, creating a path of destruction that indicates the presence of elephants. It is easy to observe when they cluster at waterholes to drink during the daytime in the dry season. Keep your distance from an elephant alone if you are self-driving on a safari because they can be restless and unpredictable. Elephants are the biggest land animal alive, and while their size alone is impressive, many tourists are also drawn to them by their seeming wisdom. They may consume up to 600 pounds of plants daily as herbivores. Although most elephants are naturally calm, they can be violent if provoked. Elephants have the capacity for long-distance communication. Bamboo, grasses, bark, roots, and leaves make up their food. Rogue  Elephants in Africa have a reputation for breaking into fields and eating crops like sugarcane, cabbage, maize, and bananas. Savannah elephants and forest elephants are the two main subspecies of African elephants. Most forest elephants, which are smaller and hairier, are found in West Africa. The largest land animal and the type of elephant you will witness on your African safari is the African savannah elephant, also known as the bush elephant, with the greatest males reaching heights of up to approximately 4 meters. You can see these animals in the wild forests of Africa.

• South Africa – Addo Elephant Park and Kruger National Park
• Botswana – Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta 
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park
• Kenya – Tsavo National Park , Masai Mara National Park , Shimba Hills, Amboseli National Park , Samburu National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust 
• Namibia – Etosha National Park, and you can see desert elephants in Kaokoland and Damaraland regions
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park 

BLACK AND WHITE RHINO 

Rhinoceros is one of the most popular african safari animals. Rhinoceros is a common abbreviation for the Latin word rhinoceros, which means “nose horn” in English. On your African safari, you might encounter one of two rhino species: the highly endangered black rhino and the more common southern white rhino. Apart from elephants, rhinoceroses are the largest land mammals. They use their horns for fighting, mating, and self-defense against lions and other predators. Being a herbivore, Rhinos graze on grass and the leaves of plants and trees. Since adult black rhinos have no natural predators, poaching is the main cause of the species’ population decline. Its keratin-based horns, harvested for use in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia, are shipped after their deaths. Only two female northern white rhinos remain in existence worldwide due to decades of widespread poaching. Black rhino populations fell by 98% between 1960 and 1995, but because of outstanding conservation efforts, they have now stabilized at about 5,600. Due to poaching, rhino populations have been destroyed over the past century, and there are now less than 30,000 left. 

• Kenya ‐ Ol Pejeta Conservancy , Lake Nakuru National Park , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Meru National Park, and Masai Mara National Park
• Namibia ‐ Etosha National Park
• South Africa ‐ Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park , Kruger National Park , and Pilanesberg National Park
• Uganda – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park
• Zimbabwe ‐ Hwange National Park

One of the most common big herbivores in Africa is the African buffalo. Given its huge strength and incredibly volatile temperament, it is one of the most deadly safari animals in Africa. Since they are so strong and volatile, buffalo are among Africa’s most dangerous safari animals. Because of this, unlike cows, buffalo have never been domesticated. Both male and female buffalo have horns, albeit on the males, they are fused in the middle, while on the females, they are more on the sides of the head. Buffalo may grow up to 1.5 meters tall and weigh 750 kilograms. They have a 1,500-pound maximum weight. Buffalo herds continually move throughout the day for new grass and water, so the greatest sightings will likely be in areas between waterholes. Keep an eye out for movement since lions frequently follow buffaloes. The males compete for dominance using their horns as weapons. They are regarded as one of the continent’s most dangerous creatures since they cause numerous human fatalities each year. They reside in Africa’s woods and savannas. They are found in herds of hundreds or thousands. One kind of herd consists of females and their offspring, and dominant adult males frequently protect the herd. Males separate from the herd and establish single groups during the dry seasons. They have even been observed swimming across in quest of ideal grazing areas. 

Tip from Us : They are extremely dangerous and are prone to attack without warning. While on safari keep your distance from this African animal when on a safari in Africa.

Places to see :-

• South Africa – Kruger National Park 
• Kenya – Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Park , Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park , Ol Pejeta Conservancy , and Samburu National Reserve
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park 
• Namibia – Etosha National Park
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo National Park , and Murchison Falls National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park , Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
• Zambia – South Lungwa National Park 

The cheetah is considered to be the world’s fastest land animal. Cheetahs have a top speed of 75 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds. They cannot maintain this speed for long, so they follow their victim through the tall grasses to get close enough to pounce. They can accomplish this since they are much lighter and smaller than lions and leopards. The long-legged body of Kenyan cheetahs is thin. They frequently possess “tear stripes” that go from the corner of the eye to the side of the nose, making them stand out from other varieties of cats. Several African safari visitors have had the good fortune to see a cheetah hunt. The majority of cheetahs in Eastern Africa live in Kenya. After sunset in the evenings, cheetahs are more prevalent. They try to stay out of the heat. Impalas, gazelles, and calf wildebeest are just a few of the smaller hoofed species that the Kenyan cheetah hunts for food. They cannot maintain this pace for very long, so they follow their victim through the tall grasses to get close enough to pounce. 

Tip from us – Safari drives in the early and mid-morning hours offer the best chances to see cheetahs. Go to the wide-open plains where they can make the best of their speed due to the lack of flora.

• South Africa – Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve , Samburu National Park, Kora National Park, Meru National Park
• Uganda – Kidepo Valley National Park 
• Botswana – Okavango Delta , Linyanti Reserve, Kwando Reserves
• Namibia – Etosha National Park, Several Cheetah Conservancies, and They try to stay out of the heat. 
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park , Selous Game Reserve
• Zambia – Kafue National Park

Hyenas can be found in a range of settings, such as rocky terrain, open plains, and arid woodlands, and they will live anywhere there is a plentiful supply of prey. Among the three hyena species (spotted, striped, and brown), the spotted variety is the most widespread and may be found in sub-Saharan Africa. Contrary to the widespread belief that hyenas are predominantly scavengers, over 70% of their diet consists of their kill. Hyenas are not considered endangered as they can eat almost anything, including huge animals like zebras and antelopes and birds, fish, and reptiles. Hyenas frequently communicate with one another when hunting or scavenging by laughing. During the day, they relax by the water or beside their den. But, despite their reputation as scavengers, these African safari animals also hunt in packs and kill most of the food they consume, including their skin and bones. 

Tip from Us: Early in the morning, hyenas are most active, either hunting or trying to steal another predator’s meal from the previous night.

• South Africa – Skukuza in Kruger National Park and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.  
• Zambia – Liuwa Plains
• Botswana – Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
• Uganda – Lake Mburo , Queen Elizabeth , Murchison Falls , and Kidepo National Parks  
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve and Ambroseli National Park  
• Namibia –  Southern Namib desert
• Tanzania – Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

Jackals, a safari species that looks cunningly like a cross between a fox and a German shepherd, are underrated. In Africa, there are three jackal species: the common Jackal, the black-backed Jackal, and the side-striped Jackal. Jackals are closely related to dogs, and, like hyenas, they are omnivores, eating anything they can find in addition to small rodents, insects, and reptiles. They prefer to scavenge off larger prey, frequently at significant personal risk to larger predators. Yet, they don’t typically travel in packs like other wild dogs; instead, they prefer to work alone or in pairs. They form solid partnerships to ensure their continued survival and are devoted creatures with only one mate for life. The three jackal species have distinct habitat preferences. Black-backed jackals enjoy open savannahs and are more active during the day than other jackal species, so you’ll most likely see them on your African safari. The best time to observe one is early in the morning or late at night, or if you notice a buffalo or wildebeest carcass, a jackal may be close.

Tip from Us: If there is a kill by the side of the road, you can spot jackals nearby. They are skilled and strategic scavengers. 

Places to see :- Jackals throughout sub-Saharan, east, and southern Africa. Black-backed jackals are seen in the southern African countries of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Skeleton Coast in Namibia is another place to spot Jackal. The Countries Jackal found include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.

The largest and one of the rarest canids in Africa, African wild dogs are easily recognized by their tan, black, and white fur. African wild dogs form packs of six to twenty canines and are gregarious. Wild dogs look frightening despite having big ears like Mickey Mouse. But their greatest strengths are perseverance and cooperation. They communicate with one another through various vocalizations, touches, and body motions. They are highly gregarious animals that form packs under the leadership of an alpha male and female and use a succession of high-pitched twittering noises to communicate. Wild dogs chase their prey in packs until it passes out from weariness. Unlike other social carnivores, weaned pups are permitted to consume first at the kill to give them the best chance of surviving. Because they are carnivores, wild dogs prioritize their pups when they slaughter an animal. Protecting the puppies is a duty shared by the entire pack. Weaned pups are permitted to consume first at the kill unlike other social carnivores to ensure their survival. Despite this, African wild canine populations are in decline due to habitat fragmentation, armed strife, and diseases spread by domestic dogs.

Tip from Us: Wild dogs are uncommon and frequently challenging to locate. The first indication you’ll often get is the prey’s frantic flight because they prefer open grasslands and bushy areas and attack without warning.

• Kenya – Laikipia, Mara North Conservancy, Mpala Center in Kenya and Samburu
• Tanzania – Ruaha National Park 
• South Africa – Madikwe Game Reserve 
• Zimbabwe – Hwange national park and Mana Pools
• Zambia – South Luangwa
• Botswana – Linyanti Reserve

In the rivers, swamps, and lakes of Southern and Eastern Africa, hippos are regularly seen. Large and fond of the water, the hippopotamus is a native of Africa. Hippos are the third-largest land animal. Hippos are among the most hazardous animals in Africa because they are aggressive and territorial. They have a reputation for being fiercely protective, especially around children. Surprisingly, despite their three tonnes in weight, they cannot swim! Alternatively, they move through the water while holding their breath for up to five minutes. Webbed feet, big canine tusks, and the capacity to secrete a type of natural sunscreen are just a few of their interesting adaptations. Although they appear calm, hippos are the most lethal creature in Africa and are said to cause 300 fatalities annually. They may also be pretty aggressive, and you may occasionally observe them intimidating competing males by grunting aloud or flashing their teeth.

Tip from Us: Hippos can be seen in river pools throughout the day, although you’ll probably see the tops of their heads. A guided night safari offers the opportunity to better look at this fantastic safari animal by allowing visitors to observe them out of the water.

• South Africa – Kruger National Park and  iSimangaliso Wetland Park, near St Lucia. 
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park , especially the Kazinga Channel.  
• Botswana – Okavango Delta  
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve 
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve , Katavi National Park, and Serengeti National Park  
• Zambia – Zambezi River  
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park

The tallest land-living animal on earth is the giraffe. Because their distinctive brown and white patterns provide great camouflage, giraffes can appear out of the brush just a few feet away. Giraffe numbers in southern Africa are rising after dropping in the preceding decades. Travelers now have ample opportunity to observe these kind but awkward African creatures’ sluggish behavior and perplexed looks, thanks to their hopeful revival. Their legs alone can be over 6 feet long, making them taller than the typical person while being noted for their long necks. Unique veins and valves in the giraffe’s neck control the blood flow to its head, allowing it to drink without losing consciousness. According to modern research, four species of giraffes and five subspecies exist. Although giraffes have distinct spots on their coats, no two are alike. Giraffes are easy to detect because they tend to stand out from their surroundings. They frequently eat elegantly, encircling the trees with long tongues to strip off the leaves. Giraffes are very social creatures that like to hang around in groups. A group of giraffes is referred to as a “tower.” Giraffes roam in vast groups, so if you go on a safari, you’ll see them there. Giraffes live in Africa’s plains, grasslands, and savannas and are vegetarians. South-east Africa is where giraffes are most common.

• Kenya – Masai giraffe in Kenyan national park and Northern Selous. 
• Uganda – Endangered Rothschild’s giraffe in Murchison Falls National Park.  
• South Africa – Kruger National Park
• Botswana – Okavango Delta   
• Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park      
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve and Arusha National Park
• Zambia – South Luangwa National Park

One of the most recognized African animals is the zebra, which has a distinctive coat with stripes of black and white. On their coats, they feature striking brown or black markings. The three zebra species found in Africa are the plains zebra, most frequently spotted in East and Southern Africa, and the more uncommon mountain and Grévy’s zebras. There are three types of zebras: plains, Grevy’s, and mountains. On your safari, you’ll probably meet plains zebras. They make beautiful subjects for wildlife photography because their colors contrast so wonderfully with their surroundings. These African creatures communicate with one another using exciting body language, including showing fangs or opening their eyes. Also, they have distinct ways of huffing, snorting, and braying. They can easily be seen on safari since they frequently congregate in huge groups known as harems. Zebras use grass, leaves, and twigs as food. During the migration, they frequently develop a positive relationship with the wildebeest, a different African species. Scientists believe that zebras’ stripes, which are closely related to horses, were created to confuse predators and make it difficult to distinguish one member of the herd from the others.

Place to see- 

• Botswana – Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
• South Africa – Mountain Zebra National Park and Kruger National Park  
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Parks, and Grevy’s Zebrais found at Lewa Conservancy.
• Zambia – North Luangwa National Park and South Luangwa National Park
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater  
• Uganda – Lake Mburo National Park 

The two notable warts on either side of their faces, which are actually mounds of bone and cartridge, gave them the name “warthog.” These wild pigs have thick, bristly hairs covering them, a distinctive crest, and highly hairy tails and cheeks. They appear to be fierce predators thanks to their four-tusked heads. However, they frequently avoid conflict and hide in aardvarks’ old burrows. They will consume everything, so occasionally they risk being culled after a rice or bean binge in an agricultural area. Savanna woodlands, grasslands, and marshes are ideal habitats for warthogs. Common warthogs and desert warthogs are the two varieties. Although warthogs can be fairly violent, they are herbivores and will typically flee at first sight of danger.

Tip from Us: Warthogs are common, so chances are good that you’ll spot numerous of them while traveling.

• Southern and Eastern Africa
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Tanzania – Serengeti national park
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park

On a safari, KuduKudu is an amazing African animal to see because of its characteristic corkscrew horns. The larger KuduKudu and lesser kudu subspecies of this antelope species can be distinguished from one another by their white vertical stripes, spots, and chevron pattern between their eyes. Kudu is graceful, with white loops encircling coats ranging from light brown to dark chocolate. Larger kudus are most common in the lowland Bushveld of southern Africa, although they can also be found in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. Little kudus, meanwhile, tend to favor the dense thornbush in and around East Africa. Despite living in herds, Kudu is frequently seen on the open road with single individuals. They often get caught lurking amid the brush as they depend on vegetation to protect them from predators. Often observed alone or with other bachelors, male kudus, which have extended horns that may grow up to 6 feet long, can also be found with females during the breeding season. Female kudus, on the other hand, dwell in small herds with their young.

Tip from Us: If you see Kudu in the wild, it’s best to be silent because they prefer to run away from disturbance. 

• Kenya – Tsavo National Park 
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park

The nyala is a lovely medium-sized antelope with spiral horns and a shaggy coat. The best chance to see these elegant antelope is on a safari in one of Southern Africa’s eastern regions with more frequent rainfall. Although slightly smaller than Kudu, Nyala has similar attractive features. As the male’s coat gradually gets darker and eventually turns slate grey as he ages, the female’s coat stays light brown. Nyalas are found in the southeast of Africa, particularly in northern South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, and Swaziland. Recently, populations were introduced to Botswana and Namibia. The highest nyala populations can be found in the southern and northern regions of the Kruger National Park. They rarely travel into open fields or grasslands because they are shy. Yet, they are relatively simple to recognize due to their enormous numbers, especially when they are active in the morning.

  Places to see:-  South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal and Ndumo Game Reserve

Gnus, also referred to as wildebeest, are huge African antelopes. They have manes, curled horns, and bushy beards. They form a herd when they assemble together. They have huge, cow-like heads, and their back tapers to thin, spindly legs. The greatest time to see them is during the great migration when about 2 million animals move throughout the Serengeti-Mara habitat in search of water and nutrient-rich grass. The best viewing occurs between June and September during the dry season.  The common wildebeest weighs between 260 to 595 pounds and is the largest antelope species. Being herbivores, they primarily eat grass and leaves. These African safari animals are no match for the lions, leopards, and hyenas that depend on them for hunting. Given their frightening appearance and sharp horns, the Afrikaans referred to them as “wild beasts.” 

Place to see:- 

• Kenya – Amboseli National Park 
• Zambia – South Luangwa National Park 
• Botswana – Chobe National Park   
• Namibia – Etosha National Park     
• Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve    

Oryx is another antelope with a very regal appearance, with horns pointing directly upward and dark markings on a light coat. Four different oryx species can be found in Africa and the Middle East. The largest oryx species is the Gemsbok, an enormous antelope with long, spear-like horns. They are genuine desert animals with thick, horse-like necks, short manes, and compact, muscular bodies. They are frequently found in Africa’s driest areas, creating beautiful silhouettes against solitary and barren surroundings. During dominance rituals, a distinct pattern of black markings is clearly shown to draw attention to the length of their horns and the might of their shoulders in contrast to their white face and fawn-colored body. They are hunted for meat, and many cultures regard their horns as lucky charms.           

Tip from Us: They are social and calm animals that gather in sizable herds of up to 40 individuals and are most often seen wandering around in the middle of the day.

Places to see: – Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Old-world monkeys like baboons have fossil records dating back over 2 million years. Baboons are opportunistic feeders who consume everything that even smells slightly appetizing. They spend a significant portion of their waking hours foraging for food in big units, which have highly complex social structures with up to hundreds of members. While they can and do climb trees to sleep, feed, and maintain watch, they prefer to spend most of their time on the ground, which makes them highly noticeable. The five species of baboons come in a wide range of sizes; they can weigh as little as 30 lbs or as much as 80 lbs. Baboons come in five main species and live and move in groups known as “troops.” They frequently visit metropolitan areas to scavenge since they are fearless of people. By consuming crops, they regularly get into disputes with farmers. Even while social diplomacy is not always peaceful, these troops represent a careful balance. Baboons dwell in groups of about 50 individuals known as troops. Having a large troop of baboons surround your safari vehicle can be frightening because they are not particularly afraid of people. Baboons are most frequently seen in semi-arid settings like savannas, though you may also see them in tropical forests. Several regions of Africa are home to five different species of baboons.

Tip from Us: Baboons are frequently seen on the side of the road and in picnic areas throughout most of Africa.

Place to see:-  Amboseli National Park ,Yellow baboons can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Chacma baboons can be found in S outh Africa and Zambia.

There are numerous species of monkeys throughout Africa, mostly in the tropical jungles. Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, patas monkeys, and those above black and white colobus monkeys are some examples of the types that are frequently observed. The vervet or Samango monkey, however, can be found on the savannas of the game reserves. They are easy to see; they might even come to you if you pause for a picnic. There are two types of monkeys in the world: Old World Monkeys from America and New World Monkeys from Asia and Africa. The primary distinction between the two is that only New World Monkeys can grasp objects with their prehensile tails, but no monkeys from Africa or Asia can. Most monkeys consume various foods, including grass, leaves, fruit, insects, birds, and small rodents. Apart from baboons, most African monkeys spend most of their time in trees, so if you want to see one, you’ll need to look up and watch for one.

Places to see:-  Vervet and colobus monkeys are most frequently encountered in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. In South Africa , there are just two types of monkeys. 

The largest bird in the world, the ostrich, may reach a height of three meters and a weight of 160 kilos. They are unable to fly due to their size and weight. Instead, they excel at running, with a top speed of more than 40 mph. While being primarily vegetarians, they will occasionally consume small insects to survive, and in water scarcity, they can drink from plants. Ostriches are hence able to survive in even the most hostile environments. They have long, muscular legs that can go up to five meters in each stride and kick a lion or a person to death. Ostriches congregate in small groups of up to twelve individuals, usually with a dominant male and female in charge. Ostriches are raised on farms worldwide for their meat, eggs, feathers, and skin, which are used to manufacture leather in addition to their wild habitats. Ostriches were frequently killed for their meat and feathers in the 18th century. Researchers think they would likely be gone now if it weren’t for farming.

Places to see:- The countries you can spot Ostrich are Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.

The continent of Africa is home to 11 different vulture species. By disposing of up to 70% of animal remains, vultures are essential to the ecosystem of game reserves. In addition to killing sick or injured animals, some vultures occasionally hunt fish and reptiles. They are medium to large-sized birds of prey. Most vulture species have a bald head and neck with a ruff of feathers around the collar, typically white, brown, or black. The vultures in Africa are known as “Old World Vultures.” Kettle is a group of flying vultures. On the other hand, if they are sitting together in a ground then they are called a venue. Vultures may consume carcasses infested with anthrax, rabies, and other dangerous diseases thanks to their powerful stomach acids, preventing infections from entering the water supply. Each year, they only have one mate and only produce one egg. It has long nails, enormous wings, and a pointed bill. They mainly consume newly killed animal carrion. To live as the garbage collectors of nature, vultures have specific adaptations. An exceptional balance of stomach acids enables them to digest rotting meat without becoming ill, and their keen vision allows them to recognize dead or dying animals from the air.

Tip From Us : It will be easy for you to spot Vultures since it is present throughout Africa in various habitats, including wooded areas, deserts, and rocky terrain.

Vultures can be found all over Africa, especially:-

• South Africa – Kruger National Park
• Namibia – Etosha National Park
• Kenya – Mara regions
• Serengeti – Tanzania

It’s incredible to see hundreds of flamingos light up a lake with waves of vibrant pink color. Flamingos are many in Africa, and it’s a unique sight to witness them with their smooth rhythmic movements. They can stand on one leg, and they are excellent flyers. The mass takeoff of flamingos in the early morning sun is one of the most breathtaking safari sights. The smallest of the five flamingo species in the world is the lesser flamingo. The Greater Flamingo, which has the widest wingspan between 1.4 and 1.7 meters, is the most prominent member of the flamingo family due to plans to build a salt mine near Lake Natron in Tanzania, where almost all of the lesser flamingos reside, which would harm their habitat. Although more common, greater flamingos can be seen swimming in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley’s Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Lake Elmenteita.

• Tanzania – Lake Natron
• Kenya – Lake Bogoria
• Botswana – Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
• Namibia – Salt pans 

The secretary bird is one of the strangest-looking animals you might meet on a safari, with the head of an eagle and the legs of a stork. Although they can fly, secretary birds often roam Africa’s vast grasslands and savannas because they seek their prey on the ground. Europeans in the 19th century are credited with giving it its name because they believed it resembled an office clerk or secretary with its black tailcoat, knee britches, and long black hair at the back of the head. Another explanation is that the word for the bird is saqr-et-tair, which means “hunting bird” in Arabic. They often hunt from early morning till late in the day, eating everything from rodents and other juvenile birds to tortoises and snakes. Secretary birds are renowned for their unique hunting style. You have a good chance of encountering a secretary bird on safari because they like open grasslands. 

Tip from Us:  Since secretary birds spend most of their time hunting alone, it is rare to see them in groups. 

• South Africa – Kruger National Park and Ritvlei Nature Reserve
• Tanzania  – Serengeti National Park
• Kenya – Masai Mara 
• You can also see these birds in the national parks of countries like Nambidia and Bostwana. 

Weaver birds are a group of small passerine birds from various families that are closely related to finches. Most weaver birds have yellow plumage, while some can have red, black, or brown plumage. They are well known for constructing elaborate nests. The males construct elaborate nests with a downward-facing design to ensure the females’ comfort and safety from predators. Based on comfort and beauty, the female selects the ideal design. With 5 Asiatic and 2 Madagascan species, Sub-Saharan Africa is where you may find the majority of weaver finches.

Tip from Us : Due to their high levels of social interaction, you can frequently encounter them in groups, occupying a single tree with numerous nests affixed to its branches.

Places to see: – The weaver bird can be found nationwide; you can precisely spot them in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Crocodiles are dangerous and aggressive African animals that don’t live in any group yet can get along well enough to swim together. Crocodiles can grow up to six meters long and weigh a maximum of 750 kilograms. Crocodiles will attack anything within striking distance, including small hippos, wildebeest, birds, other crocodiles, and even humans, even though they prefer to eat fish. They can be found in sub-Saharan Africa’s lakes, rivers, deltas, and other aquatic habitats. Crocodiles are typically seen relaxing on a riverbank as they blend so nicely with their surroundings underwater. The Nile Crocodile, the most prevalent crocodile species in Africa, is an apex predator, which means that no other animals naturally prey on it above them in the food chain. They take at least four years to reach breeding age and can lay anything from 10 to 60 eggs at once. Almost 200 people die yearly due to crocodile attacks on everything that crosses their path. So, it’s wise to identify them from a distance.

Tip from Us: The best way to see them is to take a boat excursion and watch for crocodiles on the coast or laze in the shallows by the water’s edge.

• Botswana – Okavango Delta
• Uganda – Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park , and the Kazinga Channel
• Zambia and Zimbabwe – Zambezi River
• Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve and Samburu National Reserve

The unique bony or cartilaginous shells of sea turtles have evolved from their ribs to shield them from other marine reptiles. Although sea turtles are not typically considered among the list of African creatures, they arrive at the coast yearly. You may encounter turtles during diving or surfing because the mother turtles come onto dry land to deposit their eggs. It is a difficult task when they drag themselves over the beach to lay their eggs on the sand, weighing up to 700 kg. However, only 1% of hatchling turtles will survive to adulthood as they journey over the beach back into the ocean a few months later. The population of sea turtles has been drastically declining, mainly because of interruptions with breeding areas but also as a result of fishing pressure. Due to their extreme shyness, they need peaceful, isolated beaches to lay their eggs.  Much work is being done to preserve their habitats and promote reproduction. 

Places to see:- St. Lucia island, Private island lodges on the coast of Mozambique, and Pemba Islands in Tanzania are the best choices for a turtle tour.

The Leopard Tortoise features leopard-like markings on its high-domed shell. They are members of the Testudinae family of “land tortoises.” They can grow up to 40 centimeters long and weigh up to 20 kilos. The leopard tortoise are too slow to build their nests, they exploit holes that other creatures have left behind. The dry savannahs of central and southern Africa are home to the leopard tortoise’s natural habitat. These are stunning turtles that their domed carapaces may identify. Although male leopard tortoises normally grow larger than females, it might be a challenging to identify them correctly. While rare giants of the species, the largest leopard tortoises ever recorded reached over two feet long and weighed over 80 pounds. Colorful motifs in contrast to black and yellow.

Places to see :- In South Africa , you can spot leopard tortoises in Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, and St Lucia.

They feature light-brown coats with dark stripes running down their flanks, a white patch on their rumps that extends underneath the tail, and ridged horns that bend backward. These tiny gazelles were named Thomson in honor of researcher Joseph Thomson. The Thomson’s Gazelle is a stunning, graceful species of antelope. The light bodies and curved, ringed horns of gazelles make them agile enough to run and jump away from predators. When most animals have left, they are frequently spotted on farms and ranches where they forage on the short grasses the cattle have exposed. They belong to the same family as sheep, goats, and cattle. The Thomson’s Gazelle, which weighs between 26 to 165 pounds, is considered a lesser species. They are herbivores and mainly eat grass, leaves, and shoots.

Places to see :- Serengeti region in Tanzania.

Topi is a medium-sized antelope weighing between 150 and 340 pounds. When frightened, they can run up to 43 mph, which is extraordinarily fast. They have distinct black patches on their face, top forelegs, hips, and thighs. The topi’s yellowish-tan legs give them a unique appearance as if they were wearing stockings. Typically, female topis are lighter in color than male topis. Topis are highly energetic, especially in the morning and at night. They reside in fenced-in herds. It is more challenging for the topi to compete for resources because of its ecological and nutritional restrictions. They are herbivores and mostly eat grass. Seven species of Topis have been identified. The savanna and occasionally flooded grasslands are where topics usually reside.

Places to see :- Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Hartebeests, whose name translates to “tough ox,” can be identified by their long faces, sharp ears, and short, twisted horns on both males and females. Hartebeest can run for long distances with an average speeds of 70 km/h, making them one of the quickest antelopes. One of the swiftest antelopes is the hartebeest, which can run up to 45 mph.Their most distinguishing features are long legs, an extended head, and a sharply sloping back. The sociable safari animal, the hartebeest, frequently congregates in herds of up to 300 individuals. It would help if you didn’t have any trouble seeing some of these animals on safari, considering that there are thought to be 360,000 hartebeests living in Africa.

• Kenya – Masai mara
• Hartebeest is present in some reserves of countries like Zambia, Botswana, Uganda, and South Africa

The waterbuck is another antelope species you might spot on an African safari. These huge grey or brown antelopes rarely travel alone and are typically seen in herds of up to thirty. It gets its name because it usually flees into the water to hide when frightened. The waterbuck may be identified by its shaggy coat and impressively long horns, which are exclusively present in males and can reach a meter in length. Excellent spiral horns that may grow up to three feet long and curl backward and forth on male waterbucks. Because the horns are so long and pointed, men engaged in territorial disputes can end up murdering one another. The common waterbuck is far more frequent than the defassa waterbuck, which is considered a “Near Endangered” species. The skin of a waterbuck secretes an oily substance that is supposed to be waterproofing but has a foul aroma. Waterbuck spend most of their time grazing on new grass, making them susceptible to dehydration in hot conditions. Because of this, they can only live in savanna regions close to lakes and rivers.

• Kenya – Nakuru Park
• Botswana – Chobe National Park and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

In Africa, you can see variety of species in antelope in its rainforest, grasslands and savannah each with its own unique characteristics. There are more antelopes on the African continent than anywhere else. The antelope, which includes over 91 species, are frequently seen on African safaris. Antelopes are members of the Bovidae family that are not cattle, sheep, or goats. The antelope, which includes over 91 species, are frequently seen on African safaris. Although they are generally more closely related to deer, antelopes have horns that never fall off, whereas deer do. Antelope refers to all members of the Bovidae family that are not cattle, sheep, or goats. Although antelopes have horns on both the male and female, the size of the males’ horns tends to be larger and varies between species. Famous antelope you might spot on your safari include the kudu, gazelle, steenbuck, eland, and waterbuck.

Places to see:- South Africa – Kruger National Park

Mongoose is one of the most interesting animals you can find in Africa. They are mainly found in Africa, but you can also spot the 34 different species of mongoose in Asia and Europe. Mongoose is one of the most petite carnivores in Africa; they belong to the same family as a meerkat. Mongooses are active during the day and prey primarily on insects, small rodents, and reptiles. Some of them, like the banded mongoose, are sociable animals and live in vast communities, like their relatives, the meerkats. They are burrow dwellers. Although they are land creatures, certain species are semi-aquatic, and some have even been discovered in treetops. They inhabit various environments, including savannah regions, forests, and woodlands.

Places to see:- You can find mongoose in many parts of Africa like South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.

Chimpanzees are the closest living cousins to us and have a high level of intelligence with 99% similarity in DNA. They can remember the faces of people and understand emotions. The chimpanzee has four subpopulations. They are the western chimpanzee, central chimpanzee, Nigeria-Cameroon, and eastern chimpanzee. In the tropical African jungle, there are over 300,000 chimpanzees that live in huge groups of up to a few hundred animals under the leadership of an alpha male. Chimpanzee populations in the wild are steadily declining. The increasing rate of forest destruction for farming, habitation, and other purposes is one of the primary causes. In addition to sleeping, grooming, and eating during the day, chimpanzees occasionally descend to the ground to consume food, drink, or hunt.

• You can find chimpanzees in western and central Africa
• Uganda – Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest, and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
• Tanzania – Gombe National Park

One of the most elegant and graceful antelopes is the impala. In eastern and southern Africa, impalas are medium-sized antelopes that live in the savanna and sparse woods. With their short, shiny coats and large, gracefully curving horns that can reach a metre in length. Since they are a prime target for lions and hyenas, they gather in large herds in the hundreds. They may come together in sizable herds of several hundred animals during the rainy season, when food is plentiful, to browse on grasses, herbs, bushes, shrubs, and shoots. Impalas are amazing jumpers, capable of clearing a three-meter-high obstacle or leaping a distance of ten meters. They frequently jump over bushes and shrubs in their flight from predators rather than sprinting around them.

• Kenya – Masai Mara
• Tanzania – Serengeti and Selous Game Reserve
• Botswana – Okavango Delta
• Zambia – Luangwa Valley
• Zimbabwe – Zambezi Valley and Lake Kariba
• Nambia – Etosha National Park

Only found in central and west Africa and Uganda, kobs are remarkably similar to impala but are less common. The Ugandan kob is typically reddish-brown, while some subspecies are lighter brown or nearly black. They can be recognized by their short reddish coat and ringed horns that curl backward. Horns are only present in males. Kobs favor areas with flat or gently undulating terrain near water, but because these are also great places for farming, people frequently see these safari animals. Due to their biological limitations, these antelopes choose low-lying flats or gently sloping terrain free from seasonal extremes and adjacent to permanent water bodies.

Places to see:- Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya

In sub-Saharan Africa, lizards belonging to the agama genus can be found. Within this genus, there are more than 40 known species. Due to their beautiful, vibrant colors, they are often known as rainbow lizards. These safari creatures are typically dark or grey throughout the year, but during mating season, the males create these magnificent color patterns to entice a female. Agamas have different body forms and a wide range of vibrant colors, which should make identification simpler.  For instance, the red-headed agama lizard, also known as the common agama, has six or seven darker side patches and a brown body with a bright stripe running down the middle. Males frequently nod, whip their tails, and open their formidable jaws to each other as a sign of dominance. Sometimes they fight, and elderly males with battle-damaged tails may be visible. They primarily consume insects, waiting till one passes by before snatching it up and clinging to it with their sticky tongue.

Tip from Us:  Agama lizards are typically found in rocky locations, where they can be seen basking on the rocks or, if it’s too hot, seeking refuge in the shade. 

Places to see:- You can see the lizards in countries like South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

With 8 of the world’s 19 species of storks present on the continent, Africa has more than its fair share of storks. Africa is home to eight of the world’s 19 stork species, including the African open-billed, saddle-billed, and yellow-billed storks. Although some storks are restricted to aquatic areas, storks are often thought of as wetland animals. Many storks choose to live in open and marsh environments and subsist on a diet of fish, shellfish, frogs, small birds, and mammals. Marabou storks are scavengers that frequent towns and cities to scavenge in trash bins and garbage dumps. They eat dead animal carcasses, crumbs, and even the feces of other species. Yet the Marabou stork, a huge bird with a prehistoric appearance that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has one of the greatest wingspans in the world (up to 3.7 meters), is the one you will see the most frequently.

Places to see: – You can find storks across sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe

Hornbills come in 45 varieties, 24 of which are in Africa. They are easily identified by their long, downward-curving bill, which is frequently vividly colored. Except for the ground hornbill, all hornbill species have a unique nesting strategy in common. They are monogamous, and a pair bond often only lasts one season. As a pair bonds, the male courtship and feed the female by regurgitating food or solid objects. When hornbills mate, the female digs a nest in a tree hole and covers it with her waste, leaving only a little opening. When the chicks are ready to fly, the male must gather food and feed her through the slot. In addition, they stand out because they are loud and huge birds, with sizes ranging from 30 to 150 cm, depending on the species. In addition, they stand out because they are loud and very large birds, with sizes ranging from 30 to 150 cm, depending on the species. You will find 13 of the 24 hornbill species that can be found in Africa’s vast forests and grasslands.

• Tanzania – Serengeti
• You can also see hornbills in Bostwana and South Africa

The kori bustard is the heaviest flying bird in the world; males can weigh up to 20 kilos and grow to heights of 1.5 meters; females are roughly half that size. This terrestrial bird has a long neck, a long foot that ends in three fingers, and light brown or grey-colored feathers. On the head, the sides of the crown curve into a black crest. Each eye has a white stripe covering it. The neck, throat, and chin are black and creamy white bands. Although they can fly, they often stay on the ground and only take to the air when it is hazardous. Being omnivorous, kori bustards primarily eat insects, small animals, lizards, seeds, and berries. Kori bustard males mate with a variety of females. After a brief mating period, the male immediately attempts to attract another female. However, he does not build the nest, incubate the eggs, or raise the chicks.

Tip from Us:  Their size makes them easy to spot in savannas and large, open grasslands.

Places to see:- You can see these birds in the countries like Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

GREY-CROWNED CRANE

The grey-crowned crane stands up to one meter tall and has a striking golden crest and brilliant red wattle; it is a beautiful bird to observe on an African safari. From Kenya and Uganda to South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Grey Crowned Crane inhabits eastern and southern Africa. It frequents marshes, savannahs, open grasslands, and cultivated regions. There are two subspecies; the crested crane, the national bird of Uganda, is depicted alongside the aforementioned kob on the nation’s shield of arms. The other, the South African crowned crane, is only found in Southern Africa but has a similar appearance. Grey-crowned cranes are nocturnal birds that spend days foraging in pastures and agricultural regions, rapidly pecking the ground for food. They enjoy dancing. Don’t worry if you’re not there during mating season; these birds put on this show all year. They have a spectacular courtship dance when males and females bow, jump, and flap their enormous wings.

Places to see: – You can see the bird in countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

The oxpecker, sometimes known as the tick bird, feeds on ticks, fleas, and lice while riding on the backs of huge herbivores, including buffalo, zebras, and giraffes. These birds engage in a win-win arrangement known as mutualistic symbiosis, plucking and eating parasites from their hosts’ skin during the day. They may consume hundreds of ticks daily, and when startled, they hiss to alert their host of impending danger. Yet, this partnership is only partially win-win because oxpeckers eat the ticks’ wounds and blood. The red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers are the two species.

Tip from Us:  You can easily spot them on other animals like rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. 

BEST TIME TO SEE ANIMALS ON SAFARI

From June to October, the dry season is the best time to go on safari. You are more likely to spot animals now because it is cooler outside, and they are looking for water sources. You can also view the famous Masai Mara migration during these months. Animals gather at any surviving waterholes out of desperation, trees are usually bare, and vegetation is minimal. These circumstances greatly facilitate wildlife viewing. In the middle of winter, the nights are frequently cold, but the days are mild, and the risk of malaria is at its lowest. The rainy season lasts about from December to March. There are brief but intense bursts of rain during this hot and often humid weather. During this time of year, the Southern African terrain is lush and green, birdwatching is excellent, and many animals give birth, making for a unique game-viewing experience.

TIPS TO SEE ANIMALS IN SAFARI

The ultimate aim of the safari is to see all the big and small animals in reserve. But you may need some help in spotting them. Below are some valuable tips that can become your lifesaver during the safari. 

• Time of the day:  The most important aspect in determining an animal’s activities and behaviors is the time of day. Most mammals and birds are typically most active at dawn and dusk. 
• Finding a water source:  A watering hole is an excellent idea because most animals will drink daily if water is available, especially during the dry season. Antelopes seldom drink during the day, unlike predators and large herbivores, who usually drink water at dawn or dusk.
• Knowing their habitat – Understanding which creatures prefer specific habitats may help, but knowing exactly where to search will greatly increase your chances of spotting.
• Guided safari tour:  You can talk to a good guide and pick up a few tips from them while on a guided safari.

THINGS YOU NEED ON A SAFARI

During a safari, you need many things to make your journey easy. The essentials include:-

• Insect repellent
• Glasses and Sunglasses
• Photography gear
• Water bottle and snacks 
• Medical kit 
• Important documents

Read more about :- What to pack on a safari in Africa

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE ON A SAFARI

Before leaving your house, you can ensure your safety while on safari.

Medicine and vaccinations – The annoying little mosquito is the deadliest animal you’ll encounter while on safari. Make sure to speak with a travel physician about the necessary immunizations, stock up on malaria preventatives, and bring a potent insect repellent.

No littering or smoking- These are two serious sins. Smoking will contaminate the ecosystem, upset wildlife, and pose a fire risk in the African wilderness. Littering is never acceptable. Leave no trace and place all waste in the appropriate bins.

Reduce your reliance on technology – Your camera should be the only equipment you require, and it’s crucial to consult your guide before taking any pictures. When they hear the camera click, animals can flee, ruining everyone’s encounter. To prevent agitating wildlife, the camera light must always be off.

NOT TO DO THINGS ON SAFARI

There are certain things you cant do in a safari, Some of them are listed below:-

• Disposable plastic is no longer allowed in many countries, especially East Africa. Keep in mind that you are returning to nature. Carry only what won’t harm the environment.
• We ask that you refrain from using plastic water bottles and bring reusable steel or glass bottles to your vacation. Most safari vans and motels include water dispensers for reusing water bottles. 
• You will climb, hike, and walk kilometers on a safari or general. You must keep your fancy dress within the parameters of being daring.
• Avoid bright colours, your African safari guides will likely note this as one of the first things they point out to you. Also, avoid donning clothing in shades like blue and black, which will also attract insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which country has the most number of safari animals?

Several safari animals, including lions, have their biggest populations in Tanzania. Over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moved through the Serengeti environment in Tanzania during the fabled Great Migration.

Q2. What makes a safari famous?

Safaris in Africa allows you to see wildlife in its native habitat.The best safaris in Africa promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for those hoping to see the “Big Five,” which include the leopard, lion, rhinoceros, African buffalo, and elephant.

Q3.Which country is the world’s capital of safari?

Kenya is known as the world’s capital of safari.

Q4. What does the word “Safari” mean?

During Georges Pompidou’s leadership, SAFARI was an effort by the French government to establish a centralized personal information database. SAFARI, or “Automated System for Administrative Files and the Repertory of People,” is an acronym for Système Automatisé pour les Fichiers Administratifs et le Répertoire des individus.

Q5. What do animals on a safari eat?

Other safari creatures, such as carnivores—animals that depend on and eat meat—like leopards, which can be spotted lounging in trees on hot days—are also expected. Herbivores can also be seen as animals that rely on grasses, plants, vegetables, or leaves for food.

Related Articles

Solo Travel - Guides 38 Best Places To Visit in Africa

Destinations - Solo Travel 11 Best Safari Parks and Game Reserves Near Mombasa

Solo Travel Fly to Tokyo for My Christmas 2019! And My Trip Plan Inspirations

Solo Travel Unique Short Breaks in the Mountains of Switzerland

Recent Posts

• 10 Best Safari Parks in Namibia in 2024
• 10 Top Places to See Lions in Africa 
• Must 15 Things to Do in South Africa 2024
• 10 Best Safari Parks Near Victoria Falls 
• Top 15 Reasons why you should visit Tanzania

Browse Categories

• Destinations 21
• Solo Travel 6
• Test Category 1
• Tips & Tricks 2