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15 Animals to See on an African Safari

The word "Africa" is an evocative one that usually goes hand-in-hand with mental images of vast savanna plains dotted with exotic game. The majority of overseas visitors to Africa will go on  safari and, in doing so, discover that there is nothing more magical than a close encounter with the continent's incredible wildlife. Most of the species one sees on safari are unique to Africa, and many of them are instantly recognizable. In this article, we look at 15 of the continent's most iconic animals, including those that make up the African Big Five . 

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To see a lion in its natural habitat is one of the most humbling, impressive sights an African safari can offer. However, while witnessing a kill is the ultimate prize, you're more likely to see one sleeping than in active pursuit of dinner. Lions spend up to 20 hours a day at rest and are most active at dusk and dawn. They are the most social of all wild cat species, living in prides consisting of between five and 10 adult lions. Tragically, lions are threatened by human expansion throughout Africa, with experts prophesying that populations could fall by as much as five percent in the next 20 years.

Best Places to See Lions: Head to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on the border of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana; or to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park during the wildebeest migration. 

There is nothing quite like the first time you see an  African elephant  in the wild. As the largest living terrestrial animal on Earth, their size alone is overwhelming; but many visitors also find themselves drawn by the elephants' tangible aura of wisdom. Elephants are found in various sub-Saharan habitats, including forests, deserts, and savanna. They are herbivorous, processing up to 600 pounds of vegetation per day. Although most elephants are peaceful by nature, they can be dangerous if provoked; however, they are far more at risk from humans than we are from them. 

Best Places to See Elephants: Vast elephant herds roam Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana. 

As the tallest animal on Earth, you'd think that giraffes would be easy to spot on safari. However, their distinctive brown and white markings serve as excellent camouflage, and it's not unusual for giraffes to materialize out of the bush just a few feet away. There are nine subspecies found across sub-Saharan Africa, all of which boast blue tongues, stubby horn-like protrusions on their heads, and of course, outrageously long necks. To drink without losing consciousness, the giraffe's neck contains unique veins and valves that regulate the flow of blood to its head. 

Best Places to See Giraffes: Spot large herds of Masai giraffe in the Serengeti, or head to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda to see the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. 

The elusive  African leopard  is a subspecies of leopard found only in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its wide range, leopards are among the most difficult of all safari animals to see, as they are both nocturnal and exceptionally wary of humans. Leopards use trees as observation platforms and for protection, and that is where they are most often spotted during daylight hours. They are solitary animals with exceptional predatory skills, including the ability to climb, swim, and drag prey weighing up to three times their body weight up into the trees. Leopards are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 

Best Places to See Leopards: South Africa's Sabi Sands Game Reserve and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia are famous for leopard sightings. 

White Rhino

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The easiest way to tell Africa's two rhino species apart is by the shape of their bottom lip: wide and square for white rhinos and pointed for black rhinos. The name "white" rhino comes from a mistranslation of the Dutch word for "wide." Although the survival of both species is threatened by widespread poaching, white rhinos are more numerous and therefore easier to spot, especially in Southern Africa, where they prefer grassland and savanna habitats. White rhinos are the largest of five extant rhino species. Adult males averaging around 5,100 pounds are also one of the world's heaviest land mammals.

Best Places to See White Rhinos: Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park and Kruger National Park in South Africa offer a good chance of spotting white rhinos.

Black Rhino

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Once found across Southern and East Africa, the black rhino is now considered critically endangered, with fewer than 5,000 individuals left in the wild and three subspecies already classified as extinct. Adult black rhinos have no natural predators, and their population collapse is predominantly due to poaching. They are killed for their horns, made of keratin, and exported to Asia for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike white rhinos, which can sometimes be seen living in herds, black rhinos are generally solitary (although the bond between mother and calf is strong). They favor thick scrub and bushland.

Best Places to See Black Rhinos: Etosha National Park in Namibia is a rhino conservation success story with a thriving black rhino population. Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy is another renowned sanctuary for black rhinos.

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

The cheetah is the most slender of Africa's big cats, a magnificent animal known for its incredible speed. They are capable of short bursts of up to 70 miles per hour, making them the world's fastest land animal. However, cheetahs often have their kills stolen by other, more powerful predators despite their speed. They are a vulnerable species with only around 7,100 individuals left in the wild, including a tiny population of approximately 40 individuals in Iran. Cheetahs are found throughout Southern and East Africa in wide-open spaces that allow them to reach their top speed while pursuing prey. 

Best Places to See Cheetahs: The Maasai Mara National Reserve provides the ideal habitat for cheetahs. Alternatively, track rehabilitated cheetah on foot at  Okonjima Game Reserve in Namibia. 

African buffalo have a robust build and distinctive fused horns. They are grazers, typically moving in herds, with no natural predators except lions and crocodiles. Unlike other species of wild buffalo, the African buffalo has never been successfully tamed, thanks to its naturally aggressive and unpredictable nature. Although seeing a buffalo herd ranging across the savanna is undoubtedly an unforgettable sight, it's crucial to treat these animals with respect. They are responsible for multiple human fatalities every year and are considered one of the continent's most dangerous species. 

Best Places to See Buffalo: Katavi National Park in Tanzania is famous for its enormous buffalo herds. Chobe National Park is another good bet. 

Hippopotamus

Hippos are a common sight in Southern and East Africa's rivers, swamps, and lakes. Often found in groups of up to 100 individuals, hippos spend most of their life in water, only leaving their aquatic homes to graze on the riverbanks at dusk. They have several fascinating adaptations, including webbed feet, large canine tusks, and the ability to secrete a kind of natural sunscreen. Male hippos are territorial and, like buffalo, can be exceptionally aggressive when provoked. Similarly, take care never to get between a hippo mother and her calf. 

Best Places to See Hippos:  Zambia's  Luangwa Valley  is home to the world's largest concentration of hippos. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is also full of them. 

Nile Crocodile

After the saltwater crocodile, Nile crocodiles are the world's largest living reptile, with the biggest on record exceeding 20 feet in length. In sub-Saharan Africa, they are found in various aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, and deltas. Crocodiles are well camouflaged in the water and are most often spotted sunning themselves on the riverbank. They have been around for millions of years, and with heavily armored skin and powerful jaws, they certainly look prehistoric. Nile crocodiles are perfect predators, employing ambush tactics to take their prey unawares. 

Best Place to See Crocodiles: Watch herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River during East Africa's annual migration to see Nile crocodiles in action. 

There are three species of zebra in Africa; the plains zebra most commonly seen throughout East and Southern Africa , and the rarer mountain and Grévy's zebras. Although they may look like domestic horses, zebras are almost impossible to tame; their distinctive stripe patterns are unique to each individual as a human's fingerprints. Zebras live on grass, and in some areas, form great migratory herds to seek out the best grazing grounds. They often create a mutually beneficial relationship with another African species during the migration, the wildebeest . 

Best Places to See Zebra: For sheer numbers, you can't beat the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara during migration season. To see the endangered Grévy's zebra, head to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. 

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Easily recognizable by their tan, black, and white fur, African wild dogs are the largest (and one of the rarest) canids in Africa. They are highly social animals, living in packs led by an alpha male and female and communicating with a series of high-pitched twittering sounds. Wild dogs hunt as a team, chasing their prey until it collapses from exhaustion. Unlike other social carnivores, weaned pups are allowed to eat first at the kill to give them the best chance of survival. Nevertheless, African wild dogs are endangered, with populations declining due to habitat fragmentation, human conflict, and diseases spread by domestic dogs.

Best Places to See Wild Dogs: Top destinations for spotting wild dogs include Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

The most common large carnivore on the African continent, the Hyaenidae family comprises four species of hyena: spotted, brown, striped, and aardwolf. Though their mighty jaws and strong digestive tract are ideally suited for scavenging, hyenas only feed on carrion and other refuse for 30 percent of their meals; for the other 70 percent, they prey on animals of all different sizes and shapes, including wildebeest, antelope, birds, and snakes. Hyena clans can consist of up to 100 members, and individuals will communicate with each other through wailing, screaming, and "laughing." Hyenas (particularly spotted) live in a range of habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from savannas and grasslands to subdeserts and mountains.

Best Places to See Hyena: You can find hyenas in many national parks in Africa, including Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Namibia's Cape Cross Seal Reserve , and Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. For your best chance at seeing them, plan to sign up for a night safari.

This antelope species can be subdivided into the greater kudu and the lesser kudu subspecies, both of which can be identified by their white vertical stripes, spots, and chevron pattern between their eyes. Greater kudus are most prevalent throughout southern Africa's lowland Bushveld but can also be found throughout East Africa—particularly Kenya and the Horn of Africa region; similarly, lesser kudus tend to prefer the dense thornbush around East Africa. Males, characterized by elongated horns that can grow up to 6 feet in length, can typically be seen alone or with other bachelors, though you may find them with females during mating season. On the other hand, female kudus live in small herds with their offspring.

Best Places to See Kudu: Greater kudus are best seen in Kenya's Tsavo National Park and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Warthogs thrive in savanna woodland, grasslands, and marshes, taking up natural burrows and abandoned aardvark holes. With the use of their strong neck muscles and padded knees, warthogs will spend the day foraging for food, digging through soil to uncover tubers, roots, berries, and grass. Sows can be found in matriarchal groups comprising up to 40 female warthogs and piglets, while boars prefer to live alone or with other bachelors.

Best Places to See Warthog: Warthogs live all over sub-Saharan Africa but are most common in the eastern and southern parts of the continent. If you want to spot them on safari, consider planning a trip to Kruger National Park , Masai Mara , or South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

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30 African Safari Animals You Need To See (With Pictures)

Africa’s natural beauty is unmatched, luring you to gaze at the passive stride of a lioness that you forget to breathe and marvel at a giraffe’s tripod bent to water.

The continent’s jungles, savannahs, forests, and other natural habitats contain mysteries that even a wise man cannot understand.

Therefore, seeing one-tenth of these African animals would bring about an incredible safari escapade.

It would be impossible to find all of Africa’s wildlife species, prompting us to compile a list of thirty African safari animals you need to see, including lions, elephants, zebras, and antelopes, among others.

Each animal we will consider has its scientific name, geographical range, conservation status, and photo highlighted, with a description that features the best places to find them.

So come along with us as we explore the beautiful world of these animals you can see on an African safari.

African Safari Animals You Should See

• Scientists Name: Panthera Leo
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Lions are endemic to Africa, occluding in savannahs, scrublands, grasslands, grassy plains, open woodlands with bushes, and bordering rivers.

Between 300 and 1,500 mm of annual rainfall, Savannahs constitute most African lion habitats.

Some populations reside in West African tropical moist forests and montane forests.

Sadly, Africa’s lion population has declined substantially by fifty percent in only twenty years. 1

However, one can still find lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, and Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

• Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
• Conservation Status: Not Extinct 

The leopard resides across sub-Saharan Africa and is aboriginal to many African nations.

These spotted cats inhabit the Cape Provinces of South Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, and West Africa, occurring in mountainous forests, grasslands, and savannahs.

Leopards are among Africa’s “Big Five” safari, attracting many tourists; Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve are some of the most prominent leopard centers in the continent.

The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded leopard sightings as the animals drink the park’s thermal waters.

3. Elephant

• Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
• Conservation Status: Endangered 

African elephants are considered endangered by the IUCN; still, they are indigenous to the continent, inhabiting the Sub-Saharan arid regions and Sahelian scrub.

They also reside in the continent’s jungles in tropical rainforests, mopane, and miombo woodlands.

African elephants primarily have populations in Central Africa.

Still, they exist in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, East Africa, and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.

Also See: List of Animals with Big Heads (with Pictures)

4. Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The black rhino species is endemic to Africa, living in its eastern and southern regions.

Rhino populations inhabited eleven countries, but most wild rhinos today, from the estimated six thousand, occupy only four countries — Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya.

They roam the open savannahs and grasslands and naturally exist in Etosha National Park, Namibia, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda, Nairobi National Park, Kenya, and Kruger South Africa.

Black rhinos have a size worthy of making them major African wildlife, growing up to 5.2 feet, and weighing 1,760 to 3,080 pounds.

• Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened 

Various species of the African buffalo occupy every part of the continent. The Cape buffalo inhabits Southern and East Africa, while the forest buffalo occurs in Central and West Africa.

These species are enormous, measuring up to 5.6 feet in shoulder height and weighing up to 1,900 lb.

They live in savannahs, swamps, mopane grasslands, and densely covered habitats.

Some wildlife parks include Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. 

6. Hartebeest

• Scientific Name: Alcelaphus buselaphus
• Conservation Status: Least Concern

The hartebeest is an antelope species native to the black continent.

It is a large-sized species with a prominent hump, a large chest, and a long face that distinguishes it from other antelope species.

Hartebeests are primarily grazers, with grasses making their menu, but they mostly occupy wooded grasslands, dry savannas, and open plains in Central, West, southern, and southeast Africa.

The hartebeest roams in their natural habitats in the Kruger and Bontebok National Parks in South Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Camp Linyanti in Botswana. 

• Scientific name: Tragelaphus eurycerus

The bongo is another antelope species native to African jungles, with white-yellow stripes and black-and-white markings on its reddish-brown coat.

Bongos exist in tropical forest mosaics with dense undergrowth around West and Central Africa.

The Aberdare National park in Kenya is one major spot to find the bongo.

• Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni
• Conservation Status: Endangered

The okapi, a zebra look-alike, is the only extant member of the Giraffidae family along with the giraffe.

However, the okapi is not as tall as a giraffe, measuring only four feet and eleven inches.

It occupies canopy forests but is essentially solitary, with wildlife populations in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Ituri Rainforest, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

9. African Wild Dog

• Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus

The African wild dog is a threatened species now mostly located in the southeast of Africa, with only over 6,000 individuals left. 2

These wild dogs primarily inhabit Africa’s savannas and dry regions, preying mainly on antelopes.

African wild dogs have a strong sense of socialization to form packs of about thirty dogs.

The best places to find the African wild dog include woodlands, scrublands, and mountains, and they are open to the public in their natural habitats in:

• Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa
• Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania
• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

Also See: Different Types Of Wild Dogs (Species List With Pictures)

• Scientific Name: Hyaenidae

Hyenas occupy Africa’s savannas, sub-desserts, grasslands, forest edges, and woodlands and hold an apex position on the food chain.

Hyenas control prey populations and prevent the spread of diseases, primarily by consuming animal remains that could rot and cause diseases.

They have unparalleled bone-crushing abilities, helping them fight off potential competitors. 3

Hyenas may not be among the most beautiful animals, but they attract visitors around Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa. 

11. Wildebeest

• Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus

The antelope’s imposing appearance is why the Afrikaans named it the wildebeest.

However, it is never too fearsome to the African wild cats, wild dogs, and hyenas that constantly prey on it.

Wildebeests are among the jungle animals in southern Africa that also occupy grassy plains and open woodlands that support their grazing routine in Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are some of the best places to watch the wildebeest.

12. Warthog

• Scientific Name: Phacochoerus africanus

The common warthog is a plump, hooved wild pig with little fur, a mane through the spine to the middle of its back, and upper tusks that protrude upwards from the mouth.

Warthogs, commonly called Pumba by many safari guides, are among Africa’s highly-watched safari animals.

They reside in grasslands, savannas, and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa, across western, eastern, central, and southern Africa.

The Kruger National Park, South Africa, and Meru National Park, central Kenya, are famed for housing the warthog. 

13. Vulture

• Scientific Name: Accipitridae (Old World vultures); Cathartidae (New World vultures) 

About eleven vulture species from the Accipitridae and Cathartidae families reside in Africa, popular among many as a scavenger and keystone species in most of the continent’s ecosystem.

Sadly, about seven of eleven African vulture species are critically endangered, with West Africa losing about ninety percent of the native White-backed vulture. 4

However, vultures spread across the black continent in west, north, east, central, and southern African cliffs and tall trees.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa and Comoé National Park have vultures, and one might be fortunate to find one while visiting.

Also See: African Birds: 30 Amazing Safari Bird Species, With Pictures

14. Marabou Stork

• Scientific Name: Leptoptilos crumenifer

While most storks are beautiful, the marabou stork has a reputation for horror due to its black cloak, large, fleshy pouch, and featherless features.

However, even the world’s most unattractive creatures attract large fanbases, explaining why the marabou stork ranks among Africa’s safari animals you should see.

Marabou storks are also large birds, reaching four feet, eleven inches in height, and 6.5 feet in wingspan length.

The IUCN ranks these birds as ‘Least Concern,’ with a stable population to support their evaluation.

Therefore, one can find the marabou stork in the west, east, central, and southern Africa.

One can find the marabou stork in Ben Lavin Nature Reserve and the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in South Africa. 

• Scientific name: Beatragus hunteri

The hirola is the world’s rarest antelope, native to Kenya and southwest Somalia.

White spectacles around its eyes, a white tail through to the hocks, and lyre-shaped horns are distinctive features that distinguish the hirola from other antelope species.

The hirola occupies parched environments with relatively low annual rainfall.

However, it is a primary grazer, enjoying grasses with more leaves than stems. Hirola populations exist in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.

16. Giraffe

• Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable 

Everyone wants to watch the world’s tallest living terrestrial and largest ruminant creature.

Giraffes occupy semi-arid savannah and savannah woodlands and are highly distinguished by their extremely long necks and legs.

Some best places to find the Giraffe in its natural habitat include:

• Africa’s Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Kouré in Niger

Also See: Amazing Long Neck Animals (List With Pictures)

• Scientific Name: Equus  

Three zebra species reside in Africa, but the common zebra is the most popular. They all share black-and-white striped coats, but patterns are unique to each species.

The common zebra ( Equus quagga ) occupies much of southern and eastern Africa, the mountain zebra ( Equus zebra ) in southern Africa, and the Grévy’s zebra ( Equus grevyi ) in east Africa.

Zebras are herbivores and inhabit grasslands, savannahs, shrublands, woodlands, and mountainous areas.

The best places to find Zebras in their natural habitats include:

• Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
• Lewa Conservancy in Kenya
• Klein Karoo in South Africa

18. Hippopotamus

• Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippos are famed for their round and cute appearance and a fearsome reputation for being the world’s deadliest land mammal, killing an estimated 500 people annually in Africa.

They weigh up to 2,750kg, with large tusks and speeds reaching 30 km/h. Hippos are everywhere in the black continent, occurring in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.

The hippo’s history with man implies that encountering it in the wrong place might not end well.

However, the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks in Zambia, Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Selous in Tanzania are among the best places to view the hippopotamus.

19. Common Ostrich

• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus

The common ostrich is the world’s largest and heaviest extant bird . However, such feats make the bird incapable of flight due to its immense weight.

However, the common ostrich makes up for its lack of light with speed, running up to forty-three kilometers per hour.

They are also impressive with using their long, powerful legs as defensive weapons.

A mature ostrich can grow to a height of nine feet and weigh up to 160 kilograms, a size worthy of ranking among African Safari animals one should see.

Many zoos feature ostriches in captivity, but the Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda and the Kruger National Park in South Africa are nice places to find the common ostrich in their natural settings. 

20. Shoebill

• Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex

The bird’s large, striking shoe-shaped beak earns it the distinguished name. However, its enormous bill is just one of its features.

The shoebill is one of the world’s largest birds, growing up to four feet, eleven inches, thus becoming one of the five most captivating birds in Africa, according to birdwatchers.

The shoebill can be found in the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, Kasanka National Park in Zambia, and a few wildlife centers in the continent present views of shoebill storks.

21. Leopard Tortoise

• Scientific Name: Stigmochelys pardalis

The leopard tortoise is one of the smallest wildlife Africa’s safari offers. However, the leopard markings on its shell account for the most prominent feature.

The leopard tortoise has populations scattered across Africa’s semi-arid shrubland of the Sahara, from Sudan to the cape of South Africa.

The tortoise’s leopard markings are not its only distinctive feature, but its ability to swim is unique as it is the only Testudinidae with such an ability.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Mountain Zebra National Park in South Africa are wonderful destinations to find the leopard tortoise. 

22. Meerkat

• Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta

Mongooses are popular for killing snakes, and here is the meerkat, an animal belonging to the same family — Herpestidae.

The meerkat is a small mongoose native to Southern Africa, inhabiting arid, open habitats containing little woody vegetation in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.

Mongooses have a distinctive banded pattern, big eye circles, thin tails, and sharp, curved foreclaws that support digging.

They dig burrows in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa.

• Scientific Name: Tragelaphus
• Conservation Status: Least Concern 

The kudus are two large-sized antelope species found in East and Southern Africa.

The most distinctive feature differentiating both species is size, with the greater kudu measuring over five feet and the lesser kudu within the four-foot range.

They inhabit savanna near Acacia and Commiphora shrubs, relying on thickets for protection.

Therefore, these antelopes are found in the Addo Elephant National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

• Scientific Name: Canis aureus

Jackals are dog relatives of the genus Canis. Three jackal species exist — black-backed, golden, and side-striped, all occurring in different parts of Africa, especially the eastern and southern countries.

The black-backed jackal inhabits savannas and wooded areas; the golden jackal occupies dry environments, including deserts, open savannas, and arid grasslands.

The side-striped jackal lives in damp savannas, marshes, bushlands, and mountains.

Visiting the Kruger National Park, Shongweni Resources Reserve, and the wildlife parks offers the intriguing sights of jackals in South Africa.

The Tsavo West National Park in Kenya, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Etosha National Park in Namibia are other nice places to find a jackal.

25. Cheetah

• Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus

Watching the world’s fastest land animal stalk its prey and initiate its signature high-speed chase is a dream sight to anyone willing to enjoy the untamed beauty of the African safari.

Therefore, some of the best places to watch a cheetah in your next safari escapade include:

• Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa
• Phinda Private Game Reserve in Tanzania
• Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda
• Kafue National Park in Zambia
• Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus

The Impala is one of the most elegant antelope species, featuring a graceful stride, plush, glossy, reddish brown coat, and slender, curved horns.

While you might love to admire them, it will be more thrilling to watch them jump clear of obstacles, leaping up to ten meters long and three meters high.

Such a sight lies in the Lake Mburo National Park and Katonga Wildlife Reserve in Uganda, Kruger National Park, Hluleka Nature Reserve in South Africa, and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. 

27. Waterbuck

• Scientific Name: Kobus ellipsiprymnus

It would help if You never get tired of seeing antelopes if you visit Africa for its safari.

The waterbuck is among the many antelope species you may find, especially if you cruise through Chobe National Park in Botswana, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, or Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya.

Waterbucks are large, robust antelopes with reddish-brown to shaggy gray coats that become darker with age.

As the name suggests, the waterbuck depends on water, thus inhabiting areas close to water sources.

28. Kori Bustard

• Scientific Name: Ardeotis kori
• Conservation status: Near Threatened

Kori bustards are very large birds — the heaviest flying bird native to Africa. Male kori bustards weigh between seven and eighteen kilograms.

The male kori bustard’s wingspan ranges from seven feet seven inches to nine feet.

Even though they have large wings, they do not frequently fly unless necessary.

Therefore, there is much to admire in this feathered giant, bringing you to the Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where it occupies sparsely wooded savannas and open grasslands. 

29. Nile crocodile

• Scientific Name: Crocodylus niloticus
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Some insects and amphibians might be insignificant during a safari escapade, but not large reptiles and apex predators like the Nile crocodile.

The crocodile occupies various habitats, including rivers, lakes, and marshes, and earns a fearsome reputation for its size, fearlessness, and extremely powerful bite.

One can find the Nile crocodile in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, among others. 

30. Grey-crowned Crane

• Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
• Conservation status: Endangered

The large, attractive bird, growing over three feet in height, with plush blueish-gray plumes and a golden crest, would be one of the most majestic creatures to see on one’s African safari.

The grey-crowned crane primarily inhabits dry savannas in Sub-Saharan Africa but could occur in cultivated areas and grassy flatlands in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

The Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Also See: Beautiful Birds With Mohawks (With Pictures)

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals feature on africa’s top safari.

Africa’s safari features several animals, but lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffalos are the continent’s top-five safari animals.

Some of the world’s most popular animals, including zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and antelopes, also feature on an African safari. 

Would you see a tiger on an African safari? 

While Africa is home to some of the world’s largest wild cats, including lions and cheetahs, it is very unlikely to find a tiger that is not in captivity in Africa.

However, one can find the tiger in a zoo or special reserve; the Laohu Valley Reserve, Tiger Canyon, Jugomaro Predator Park, and Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa are some places to find the world’s largest wild cat.

What is the most common animal on the safari?

The lion tops most people’s wishlists of animals to find on a safari. Without a doubt, it is one animal almost everyone coming on a safari would want to see, thanks to the beast’s title as the king of the jungle and the continent’s top carnivore. 

What is the largest safari animal?

Lions, giraffes, hippos, and buffalos are in contention for Africa’s largest safari animals, but they do little to match the African bush elephant ( Loxodonta africana ).

The mammal can grow up to 13 feet and weigh almost 23,000 pounds, more than any other safari animal.

What African habitats support wildlife?

Most African habitats support wildlife, including savannas, rainforests, semi-deserts, wooded grasslands, deserts, and plains, because they have the perfect climate and terrains to support specific animals.

One might never get enough of Africa’s scenic terrains and the breathtaking explorations of its safari.

However, various challenges, including habitat degradation, human activities, and climate change, pose considerable threats to the survival of several African safari animals, driving some of these species to extinction.

Therefore, it will be more helpful for all to support conservation efforts to ensure the continuity of the continent’s beauty of undomesticated animals.

References & Notes

• Bauer H., Chapron G., et al. 2015. Lion (Panthera leo) populations are declining rapidly across Africa, except in intensively managed areas . PNAS.
• Alexis Valdes. 2018. Painted Ferocity: The Social Behaviors of African Wild Dogs, Threats to Survival, and Resulting Conservation Initiatives [pdf] . Liberty University.
• Binder W., Valkenburgh V. B. 2000. Development of bite strength and feeding behavior in juvenile spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) . Journal of Zoology.
• White-backed Vulture  Gyps africanus . BirdLife International.

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About The Author

Jake Wilson

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The Little Five: Africa’s Smaller Must-See Animals on Safari

Jan 18, 2019 | Animal Facts , Safaris , Things to See on Safari

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing a safari in Africa, chances are you have heard of the term The Big Five .

A notorious group of animals, the Big Five are considered to be the most incredible and exhilarating of the wildlife species to witness while of a safari. However, these large animals are not the only exciting animals to keep an eye out for during a safari experience in Africa.

The Little Five, sometimes referred to as the Small Five, is a term used to draw attention to the smaller and sometimes more fascinating creatures of the bush.

The Little Five are a group of small mammals and insects that correspond and relate to the Big Five through their names and physical characteristics. For example, the ‘elephant’ to the ‘elephant shew’, the ‘buffalo’ to the ‘buffalo weaver bird’ and the ‘lion’ to the ant lion.

The Little Five

Here is a closer look at the Little Five and how you can spot them when you’re deep in the African wild.  

The Elephant Shrew

Named for their elongated snouts, elephant shrews are small mammals, no bigger than a large mouse. Their little trunks are quite flexible, which they use to twist and sniff out insects in tiny holes. Elephant shrews are found throughout Southern Africa and Botswana in a number of different habitats including savannah grasslands, dense woodlands and rocky outcrops.

Despite their abundance, shrews are known to be tricky to spot, due to the fact that they are one of the fastest small animals on the planet. Although they are not very social, elephant shrews live in monogamous pairs, paired up for reproduction purposes. Elephant shrews feed on insects, fruit, seeds and nuts and in turn, they are food for snakes and large birds, making them shy and weary.

Buffalo Weaver Bird

The buffalo weaver bird is the easiest to spot of the Little Five, mostly because they are very vocal. There are three species of the Buffalo Weaver bird; the white-headed buffalo weaver, the white-billed buffalo weaver and the red-billed buffalo weaver. All three species can be seen in countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.

The three species are distinct in appearance, with a variety of various characteristics ranging in different colours of heads and bodies. They are social animals that live in noisy colonies, building intricate nests with forked branches, small sticks and dry grass. They nest in open colonies, where male buffalo weaver birds tend to be polygamous and control one to eight nests with up to three different females.

Rhinoceros Beetle

Known for their body armour and impressive strength, rhinoceros beetles get their name from the hook-shaped horn on their heads. The horns are used for digging, climbing and mating, and males use their horns during battle fights. Rhinoceros beetles can be found worldwide, with over 300 species roaming the planet, 60 of which can be found in Southern Africa. Some species can grow up to 15 centimetres in length although the largest Southern African rhinoceros beetle will only reach around five centimetres.

The size of the horn of the beetle is a good indicator of nutrition and physical health. Despite their size and fierce appearance, rhinoceros beetles are completely harmless to humans. Surprisingly, they have even become popular pets in some parts of Asia due to the fact that they are easy to maintain and safe to handle.

Leopard Tortoise

The unique gold and black markings on the backs of these tortoises resemble the spots of a leopard. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, in areas of scrubland and Savannah they often graze on dry grass and seek shelter close to water.

Leopard tortoises can often be roaming along the side of long, quiet road. Typically solitary animals, leopard tortoises will seek shelter in abandoned burrows of jackals and hyenas. Living up to 100 years, leopard tortoises are incredibly resilient, climbing and swimming to wherever they need to be. These tortoises are the fourth-largest of the world’s tortoises and the largest tortoise found in Africa. A mature leopard tortoise can grow up to one metre in length and can weigh over 23 kilograms.  

Just like their lion counterpart, antlions have a notoriously savage temperament despite their size difference. Efficient predators, antlion larvae dig crater-shaped traps in the sand, which they use to catch their prey. They wait at the bottom of the crater, then ambush their victims (usually ants), and suck their prey dry. Once they are done, they toss aside the carcass and wait for their next sufferer.

Antlions can survive for months at a time without food and can live for several years. In their larval stage, antlions have hairy bodies with sharp jaws. In their advanced stages of development, this insect has wings and can sometimes resemble a dragonfly. There are more than 2000 species within the antlion family found all over the world.

We want to hear from you!

Have you seen any of these five animals and insects on your safari travels? Which of the Little Five do you find most interesting and why?

Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts! We love receiving your feedback!

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The antlion is more fascinating. How it captures its prey demonstrates a really ferocious predator.

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Top 8 African Safari Animals (and Where to Find Them!)

When you think of Africa you imagine African safari animals. Africa conjures images of charging elephants and roaring lions.

It’s imagery that has had travelers venturing off across the wild frontiers of this expansive continent for centuries in search of adventure and to find the most elusive, dangerous or unique animals of Africa.

Today that tradition continues with the modern-day safari tour, an exciting way to see wild animals and wild landscapes.

There are so many safari animals to spot, from the classic Big Five – that’s lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo – to hippos, and giraffe to name just a few.

We put together this African safari animal guide to help you to figure out the best places to see the animals that you’ve always wanted to in their wild habitats.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Africa (Travel Guide)

Table of Contents

The mighty lion is perhaps the most iconic of all African safari animals. These fearsome beasts roam the plains in their extended pride, hunting prey across the savannas.

The lion is one of the big five safari animals and an animal that any visitor to the African continent will be in search of. While they can be spotted in many areas, your chances are higher in the following parks:

The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

At the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, lions are found hunting and stalking prey on the plains. It’s one of the best places to spot these big cats, and in the right season, you may even witness the spectacular Masai Mara Migration passing through.

Our top recommended tours:

• 4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari
• 3-Day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha Private Safari

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The flat, wide territory of the Serengeti is the perfect hunting ground for the lion and game drives here will take you out into the Tanzanian wilderness in search of these beasts, who you may be lucky enough to spot stalking or hunting their prey.

Our top recommended tour:

• G Adventures Tanzania Safari Experience

The Okavango Delta, Botswana

Lions are usually found on wide, open plains were they can chase down prey, but in Botswana the lions have taken to the waters of the Okavango Delta, living and hunting amongst the reeds and rivers of this beautiful part of Africa.

• G Adventures Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari
• G Adventures Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Overland

The magnificent rhino is one of the most endangered of the big five safari animals in Africa. There are two species of African rhino, white and black, and both are unfortunately hunted for their ivory horns by illegal poachers.

Southern and eastern parts of Africa are the best regions to spot these creatures in the wild, with most concentrated in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Rhinos are elusive, but if you spend enough time in Africa, you will see one. Your chances are highest at the following parks:

Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the most famous safari destinations on the African continent, being home to all of the big five animals and much more. It’s one of the best and most accessible places to potentially see the black rhino, and if you are extremely lucky, even the much rarer and more endangered white rhino too.

• G Adventures Kruger National Park and Swazi Overland
• G Adventures Explore Kruger and Victoria Falls
• G Adventures Explore Cape Town and Kruger National Park
• G Adventures Explore Kruger National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is also home to all the big five animals, and like Kruger, it’s an excellent location to spot the endangered rhino too. Hwange is also easily accessible, and the huge area gives rhinos a wide-ranging territory, and give visitors more chance of seeing more of them.

• G Adventures The Great Southern Africa Safari
• G Adventures Southern Africa Safari Adventure
• G Adventures Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia’s rhino population, black and white, is consistently on the rise. Due to extensive protection efforts, the animal has been brought back from the brink of extinction and is now slowly beginning to recover in numbers, especially within the boundaries of Etosha National Park.

• G Adventures Cape and Dunes Overland
• G Adventures Wonders of Namibia
• G Adventures Wildlife and Wonders of Southern Africa

We also had crazy good luck seeing rhinos in both Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe and Nakuru National Park in Kenya.

3. Elephant

The elephant is another emphatic African animal that evokes all the adventures of the continent in visitors who are lucky enough to see them. They are graceful yet huge and occasionally unpredictable.

Many countries are home to large elephant populations, however, visiting certain places will dramatically increase your chance of spotting one.

Our favorite place to watch elephants in Africa is Hwange National Park. The concentration of elephants here is unrivaled, with numbers up to 30,000 within the park boundaries at any given time.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe in Botswana is home to thousands and thousands of elephants. In fact, it’s possibly the best place in the world to be guaranteed a sighting. One of the best safaris is to take to the rivers of Chobe on a boat cruise to see the elephants lining the riverbanks.

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa

As the name would suggest, Addo Elephant Park is an excellent location to see elephants. The area is a prime example of successful conservation efforts, as the park was established to protect the eleven remaining elephants in the 1930s. Now there are over 600 wandering within the boundaries.

• G Adventures South Africa & Swazi Quest
• G Adventures Hiking South Africa

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s prime elephant habitats. Tanzania’s most famous national park is actually so safe for elephants, that their numbers are dramatically increasing here year after year. Combined with opportunities to spot other safari animals and to even see the huge wildlife migrations at certain times of the year, Serengeti National Park is an excellent location to find elephants.

• Full-Day Serengeti Tour from Mwanza
• 3 Days Group Safari Serengeti

4. Cape Buffalo

The African Buffalo is one of the most unpredictable animals you might encounter on safari. This huge beast has few predators and has even been known to take down lions and even crocodiles. Because of its imposing size and behavior, it’s one of the big five safari animals.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, and it’s also one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. All the big five are found here, and in particular, the chances of seeing large herds of buffalo roaming the crater’s edge and vast caldera are high.

• G Adventures Tanzania Camping Safari
• G Adventures Classic Serengeti & Zanzibar
• 6-Day Tanzania Camping Safari: Including Ngorongoro Cater and Tarangire National Park from Arusha

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

This national park was one of the first areas of African land to be protected as a reserve, not for hunting but for conservation and tourism. That tradition continues today, and amongst the flourishing wildlife are found herd after herd of buffalo.

• G Adventures Serengeti to Victoria Falls Adventure
• G Adventures Falls, Beaches & Serengeti Adventure

Hluhluwe Game Reserve, South Africa

The buffalo is found across the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in South Africa and is one of the most accessible places in Africa to spot one of these huge and powerful animals.

The elegant, fast and deadly Leopard is the last of the big five in this guide. The spotted big cat is a distinctive and powerful animal, one that stalks its prey and catches them with incredible bursts of speed.

Finding these creatures hunting or stalking in the wild is a humbling experience but you really have to be lucky to see one. We’ve spent a total of 6 months traveling in Africa and have been on countless safaris. We’ve only seen a leopard once.

Leopard’s are found in large numbers within Kruger National Park, and many of these usually shy animals are completely accustomed to safaris, meaning that a trip here is more than likely to result in a sighting.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife Southern Africa (Travel Guide)

The Masai Mara National Reserve is home not only to lions but to leopards too. Here they stalk the plains at night, and a safari at the right time may result in a sighting in more wild conditions than at Kruger in South Africa.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

This Kenyan national park is situated in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous mountain forms an impressive backdrop to this area of natural beauty. Leopards are among the many animals found thriving in the area.

• G Adventures Kenya Safari Experience
• G Adventures Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
• G Adventures East Africa Gorilla & Safari Experience
• G Adventures Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek

There’s no other animal in the world quite like the hippo, and this impressive yet powerful animal can’t be missed when on safari. The hippo spends most of its life on the water and despite its fearsome teeth and dangerous reputation, it grazes on riverside grass for much of the day.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The vast wetlands and network of rivers and watering holes of the Okavango Delta are possibly the best place in all of Africa to spot hippos in the wild. The animals are found along the waterways and on the lakes, and a sighting can be pretty much guaranteed.

Zambezi River, Zambia

A river safari along the Zambezi is one of the most exciting ways to see hippos in Africa. The long Zambezi is home to thousands of hippos, and the beautiful river setting can’t be matched anywhere else.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife East Africa (Travel Guide)

St Lucia Wetlands Park, South Africa

The wetlands of St Lucia are home to South Africa’s largest hippo population, and it’s the perfect place to see these large creatures. Be careful though, as there are so many they sometimes wander into nearby towns and villages and can be seen simply strolling along streets.

• G Adventures Kruger & Swazi Overland

The strange, bizarre yet wonderfully elegant giraffe is a must-see animal while on safari. The beautiful, long-necked creature will be found on open plains reaching for the tallest branches on the tallest trees, a sight to wonder at in pure amazement.

Like the elephants of Etosha, giraffes also have increased exponentially in numbers at this Namibian national park. It’s all due to successful conservation efforts, and giraffes, as well as other wildlife, are flourishing here.

Arusha National Park, Tanzania

This national park is unique because it’s one of the few places that will allow walking safaris. If you are lucky, ranger-guided walking tours will bring you close to these magnificent animals.

• G Adventures Wildlife Parks of Tanzania
• G Adventures Tanzania Active Safari
• G Adventures Kilimanjaro Marangu Route & Serengeti Adventure

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Tanzania is known for its large giraffe populations, and Selous Game Reserve is a huge wilderness, home to an abundant population and just waiting to be explored by travelers on safari.

• G Adventures Southern Tanzania Safari

8. Mountain Gorilla

If you talk to any adventurer and ask them what one of their top trips was, they will likely tell you gorilla trekking in Africa, if they have done it. If they haven’t, I guarantee you it is on their bucket list.

There is only one place to see this animal in the wild and it is in Africa. They reside in the jungles that spew over the shared borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

It is possible to see them in all three countries, but the best trekking is done in Rwanda into Volcano National Park on the edge of the Virunga region.

Our top recommended tours to see gorillas:

• G Adventures Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery
• G Adventures Culture & Wildlife, Uganda & Rwanda

More on Africa:

• 25 Epic Places to Have the Best Safari in Africa
• Gorilla Safaris in Africa: Everything You Need to Know
• Ultimate Vaccination Guide for Africa Travel
• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather From Africa to Greenland
• 25 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Africa
• Africa Overland Trip Budget-Oasis Overland
• Oasis Overland Trip Through Africa-What to Expect
• Great White Shark Cage Diving in South Africa
• Preparation Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
• Day in the Life of an Overland Trip through Africa
• Cape Peninsula Photo Tour in South Africa With Viator

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “Top 8 African Safari Animals (and Where to Find Them!)”

I read your article about the big five safari in Africa and it is so informative and interesting. Thanks!!

I would like to mention that the small five safari is possible to experience in Madagascar (African’s country), visitors will get the opportunity to spot lemurs ( the oldest worlds’ primate), chameleons,geckos, giraffe necked weevil, varieties of native frogs in the wild. Lemurs can be spotted in differents area in the big island of Madagascar cause there 104 species of them there and 65% are night active. Each area has their own specific lemurs, from the rainforest to the dry decidous forest.

Best wishes,

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Top 15 Safari Animals & Where Best to Spot Them

The amazing wildlife of Africa sure does take some beating!

But when it comes to knowing what to see where, it can be quite the minefield!

For the great African continent holds so many treasures, that deciding where to begin your trip if you want to spot the best safari animals, can be a difficult decision.

And that’s not to mention where your itinerary should take you, how long your trip should be and where you will finish your adventure.

But fear not, after 5 trips to this amazing continent, I’ve compiled this handy list of what I think are the 15 most amazing safari animals and where, in Africa, you can most easily spot them.

Check out the list below to help plan your safari animal excursion and don’t forget to hop across to Safari Bookings as well if you’re looking for a top African tour…

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#1 elephants.

I’m going to kick off with a big one here… literally!

Yup not only are African elephants huge, but they are also part of the “Big 5” – the 5 safari animals that regularly make up the African wildlife bucket list if you will!

Thanks to a severe clampdown on poaching, elephants are one of the easiest safari animals to spot due to their large populations and yes, well, their size too!

From Kenya to South Africa, Namibia to Tanzania, it’s likely you’ll see elephants in almost any “safari” nation in this continent and just about any reserve.

That said, the country where I saw the most elephants, and where the populations are thought to be the largest due to strict and enforced protection regulations, is Botswana.

Head to the amazing Chobe River National Park in this country to see elephants in the river, on land, from a land vehicle or from a boat… yup the opportunities are endless.

Best Place to Spot Elephants: Chobe River National Park, Botswana

#2 Leopards

Coming in at number 2, it’s another of the Big 5 safari animals, but these ones are certainly a little harder to spot.

In fact, I’ve only seen 2 leopards despite having taken countless game drives, because these large cats are so secretive, silent, shy and well camouflaged.

As such, the thrill of seeing an exclusive leopard is one of the most exhilarating safari animals spots and their grace and elegance only adds to this appeal.

Often travellers get to glimpse their first leopard in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, or in the Masai Mara in Kenya, but the best place I recommend for seeing this enchanting safari animal is one of Zambia’s top parks – South Luangwa National Park .

This is where I got my best leopard sighting and the shot you see here!

Best Place to Spot Leopards: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

And sticking with the big cat theme, it’s true that one of the most popular and amazing safari animals you can’t miss are the lions.

Yup that’s right, the kings of the jungle are every bit as epic to see in real life as you imagine and doing so has to be on your bucket list!

Again, thankfully, lions are quite easy to see and an early morning game drive is the best way to do just this.

Fresh from their nighttime hunt, and often lying out in the open before they retreat to the shade in the heat of the day, a dawn safari trip is definitely the best way to spot a pride of lions, especially a group of females with the cubs.

Again I’ve seen lions in a lot of different reserves across Africa, but I think the place I saw the most –  including a large number of cubs, as well as a mating male and female – was in the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Best Place to Spot Leopards: Serengeti, Tanzania

And from the common to the extremely rare, rhinos are definitely up there as one of the hardest safari animals to spot.

While they are one of the Big 5 animals too, they are also one of the most endangered safari animals out there and their populations are still declining to a worrying level.

Many parks have either none or only a few rhinos left and, as such, the chances of you spotting one can be pretty slim.

The delightful country bucking this trend is the tiny nation of Eswatini – formerly known as Swaziland, where rhino protection measures are going very well and there are large populations in at least one of the reserves – namely Hlane Royal National Park .

Here you can actually enjoy a walking safari with rhinos and get really close to them, which is incredible.

Such an opportunity is also available in Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe and I’ve also seen rhinos, from the safety of a safari vehicle (!), in both Kenya’s Nakuru National Park and Namibia’s Etosha National Park .

Best Place to Spot Rhinos: Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

#5 Buffalos

And last of the Big 5 safari animals is the mighty buffalo.

These guys are pretty common and easy to spot across sub-Saharan Africa with most parks having a plentiful supply.

Again I’ve seen them across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya… so take your pick!

Best Place to Spot Buffalo: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda (because this is a really picturesque reserve)

And now onto another creature, the hippo is another common safari animal that you should be able to spot in most reserves with water!

As such, it’s really all about the most interesting places to see hippos and, for me, that award has to go to Lake Naivasha in Kenya, where a sunset cruise can bring you really up close and personal with these guys, with fewer tourists around.

Other top hippo spotting parks are the Masai Mara in Kenya and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – in particularly the latter is great if you want to have hippos crashing around your tent at night!

Best Place to Spot Hippos: Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Hyenas are quite a prolific safari animal, but due to being largely nocturnal, they aren’t always as easy to spot as they perhaps should be!

However, as the scavengers of Africa, watching them in full action chewing on a carcass is every bit as mind-blowing as you imagine and certainly one of my top African experiences.

Lucky enough to have spotted these strong-jawed creatures across Tanzania and Kenya, I think my best hyena experience came from Ethiopia.

Yes in the eastern Ethiopian city of Harar , you can actually watch a man feed wild hyenas as they claw up his back to eat raw meat off a stick dangling from his mouth.

Yup no joke!

And if you want to go one step further, you can even try it yourself!

Again, no joke!

Best Place to Spot Hyenas: Harar, Ethiopia

The beautiful zebra is absolutely one of the most amazing safari animals and no matter how many I’ve seen, I never tire of watching groups of these beautifully stripped creatures against a backdrop of the African plains.

Easy to see, but no less spectacular for it, zebras are plentiful and there are many countries and parks in which you are guaranteed a sighting.

Perhaps, my most memorable experience however was in Kenya’s Hells Gate , where the lack of predators in this park, means there were more zebras here than I’d ever seen before… AND, even better than that, you can enjoy a cycling safari in this park and get close to zebra on 2 wheels without the noise and barrier of a vehicle between you and them.

Check out this great day trip from Nairobi to Hell’s Gate if this sounds like something you’d love to experience.

Best Place to Spot Zebra: Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya

#9 Giraffes

Like zebras, giraffes are also common and easy to spot when it comes to safari animals, but no less incredible as a result.

Inexplicably graceful, seeing these long-necked giants striding across the plains is something you’ll never forget.

I’ve seen giraffes in almost every game park I’ve visited in Africa, but some of my best sightings and shots (including this snap) came from my time in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park .

Best Place to Spot Giraffes: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

#10 Cheetahs

Oh now we start to turn up the dial, because enter another of the more elusive safari animals, those incredible cats, the cheetahs!

The thing with spotting cheetahs is that when you see one, you tend to see a few, because these guys travel and hunt and hang in groups.

This makes seeing them even more rewarding.

And the places where I’ve witnessed groups of cheetahs include both Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Masai Mara in Kenya , with the latter just grabbing the top spot because we got to see a coalition of cheetahs (yes that is the collective noun) in mid-hunting flow!

Best Place to Spot Cheetahs: Masai Mara, Kenya

#11 Wildebeest

The famous migration of wildebeest is one of the greatest spectacles of safari animals there is and an absolute must-see during your time in East Africa if possible.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a single event that only occurs at a certain time of year.

Instead, it is an ongoing process in which the wildebeest are actually continually on the move, following the rains, and therefore the lush grass, through the Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves.

Essentially part of the same wildlife corridor, divided only by a land border, the Tanzanian Serengeti and Kenya Masai Mara are the best places to spot wildebeest and it’s easy to visit both parks as part of one trip.

Best Place to Spot Wildebeest: Masai Mara, Kenya & Serengeti, Tanzania

#12 African Wild Dogs

These are one of the rarest safari animals around, but if you do get to see them, the wait is well worth it!

I’ve seen just one pack of African Wild Dogs throughout my whole time in Africa, but spotting them with cubs too was absolutely incredible and certainly made my trip to Kruger National Park even more memorable.

Once on the brink of extinction, the numbers of these incredible animals are thankfully now swelling and Kruger has one of the healthiest population levels.

If you don’t get to spot them here however, then there is a sanctuary in Zimbabwe where you can see those who have been injured or abandoned being reared by hand.

Obviously in the wild is better, but the Painted Dog Sanctuary just outside Hwange National Park is a good second option.

Best Place to Spot African Wild Dogs: Kruger National Park, South Africa

The prettiest of all the antelope species in my opinion, I was totally mesmerised by the Oryx.

Their bold stripes and distinctive horn / antler shapes really do set them apart and amazingly help them blend into the landscape around too.

That said, once you do spot one, you’ll start to see a lot because, as with most antelope species, these guys travel in herds of large numbers, largely for protection purposes.

Less common in East Africa, it’s best to head to Southern Africa to see Oryx and top of the list for me was Namibia and the mighty Etosha National Park, where I saw heaps.

Best Place to Spot Oryx: Etosha National Park, Namibia

#14 Caracals

And now we get onto the real rare spots when it comes to safari animals and again, we’re back with the cats.

Yes the serval is definitely one of the hardest safari animals to spot… probably hence why I’ve never seen one!

But hot on the heels of the serval, is the caracal, another wild cat that is as rare as it is magnificent.

Small, sleek, svelte and stunning, the quick-footed caracal is certainly not easy to spot, given its super level of camouflage.

But I was lucky enough to see one in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, where the bowl-like geography of this landscape literally collects wildlife!

As such, I’d definitely recommend heading here if the caracal is one of the safari animals you want to see.

Best Place to Spot Caracal: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

#15 Honey Badgers

And at number 15, it’s another rare gem… the African honey badger.

I have seen one of these amazing creatures as part of a morning safari walk in Botswana’s Okavango Delta , but it was far away and so quick I couldn’t get a snap.

However, rest assured, if you see one of these elusive, nocturnal guys, you won’t feel like you need a photograph to prove it either!

Best Place to Spot Honey Badgers: Okavango Delta, Botswana

BONUS NUMBER #16! Flamingos

And last but not least, the bonus item on this list of the most amazing safari animals and where you can spot them, has to go to the flamingo.

I thought I’d neglected the birds a bit in this article, which is why I put in a bonus entry.

And although it was a toss-up between the ostrich and the flamingo, the latter made the cut thanks to its glorious colours which never fail to amaze me!

Yes, the iridescent pink feathers of these wonderful creatures are distinguishable from a mile off, which means the excitement that you’ve seen them tends to kick in even before you’ve got close!

And where did I get closest?

Well that prize has to go to Kenya’s Nakuru National Park – it’s stunning lake setting is the perfect place to spot and snap these incredible birds.

Best Place to Spot Flamingos: Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Other Top Safari Animals:

And you can learn more about how much your safari will cost in this post I wrote, which details many expense variables, as well as some top money-saving tips.

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Mini African Safari Travel Guide

As a huge continent, it’s impossible to give an overall best time to visit Africa, so I’ve split this question down in sub-regions.

When it comes to North Africa, I highly recommend visiting during the spring and autumn months, ie. April to May and September to October, so that the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing.

In West Africa, the high season runs from December through February, when the region generally experiences its lowest rainfall and humidity – definitely a good idea to visit at this time!

In East Africa, visiting during the long dry season is a great idea. In general, this runs between the months of July and September and also conveniently aligns with the Great Migration too. the short rainy season in November and December can be another good time to visit this part of the continent.

And finally, we come to Southern Africa.

If you’re heading to Cape Town, I’d visit between November and February, but for Namibia and Botswana, the best months are May through October when it’s cooler and less humid.

Best African Safari Tours

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour across Africa, with guides you can trust, or a self-drive trip organised by a great company, then email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours , meaning you can now travel even more in the amazing regions of southern and east Africa for even less! Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to [email protected] , quoting the discount code BWSP , and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Otherwise, if it’s strictly safari tours you’re looking for, check out these top picks .

Safari Travel Insurance

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

5 Key Safari Packing Items

#1 Headlamp – Required for those all too often power cuts, my Black Diamond Storm hasn’t failed me in Africa yet!

#2 Insect Repellent – Malaria is a big risk in a lot of Africa, so cover up at night and pack at least 30% DEET spray as well as some antimalarials. Always consult a travel doctor well in advance of your safari trip.

#3 Good Camera – An absolute must if you’re looking to capture the incredible sights of this continent. I love my mirrorless Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and robust – ideal for Africa travel.

#4 Sarong – Whether it’s covering yourself from the dust on safari, using as a pillow on long bus journeys or making into a beach dress, this is a great multi-purpose travel item for Africa. 1 World Sarongs have a great collection if you’re looking for some inspiration.

#5 Walking Shoes – Incredibly useful for cities, safaris, sightseeing and hiking, a good pair of waterproof walking shoes is a must covering the versatile nature of Africa travel.avel anywhere now without my trusty pair of Arizona Birkenstocks !

Safari Travel Money

When it comes to paying for things across this continent, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!

And there it is, my list of the 16 most amazing safari animals and where you spot them.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and, fingers crossed, now you can start planning your amazing Africa trip with a bit more knowledge on your side!

Let me know if you’re planning on going to any of the parks I’ve mentioned… or some I haven’t!

I would love to know more!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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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.

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46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

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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.

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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?

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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...

A Visit to Kibale National Park, Uganda

Climbing The 8 Days Lemosho Route On Kilimanjaro

Gorilla Trekking In Uganda – The Real Inside Story

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.

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Arguably, the most popular destination for enthusiasts to go on a safari is Africa, notably Kenya and East Africa, due to the fauna the continent is home to. For instance, the “Big 5” was a designation given to five animals by hunters due to the difficulty involved in hunting them. However, nowadays, these animals are the species everyone wishes to see the most on a safari. They are the African elephant, the African lion, the black rhino, the Cape buffalo, and the leopard.

List of Safari Animals

• African Brush-tailed Porcupine
• African Elephant
• African Lion
• African Wild Dog
• Bat-eared Fox
• Black Rhino
• Black Wildebeest
• Black-backed Jackal
• Blue Wildebeest
• Brown Hyena
• Cape Buffalo
• Cape Mountain Leopard
• Common Warthog
• Desert Warthog
• Elephant Shrew
• Ethiopian Wolf
• Giant Pangolin
• Grévy’s Zebra
• Ground Pangolin
• Hippopotamus
• Honey Badger
• Long-tailed Pangolin
• Mountain Gorilla
• Mountain Zebra
• Northern Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Riverine Rabbit
• Rothschild’s Giraffe
• Side-striped Jackal
• Spotted Hyena
• Striped Hyena
• Thomson’s Gazelle
• Tree Pangolin
• White Rhino
• African Grey Hornbill
• African Penguin
• Cape Glossy Starling
• Cape Vulture
• Egyptian Vulture
• Grey Crown Crane
• Helmeted Guinea-fowl
• Kori Bustard
• Lesser Flamingo
• Lilac-Breasted Roller
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Marabou Stork
• Masai Ostrich
• Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
• Rüppell’s Vulture
• Saddle Billed Stork
• Secretary Bird
• Southern Masked Weaver Bird
• White-backed Vulture
• White-billed Buffalo Weaver
• White-headed Vulture
• Agama Lizard
• Leopard Tortoise
• Nile Crocodile

Some of the best countries that offer safaris are Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

While the animals are wild and, therefore, can exhibit unpredictable behavior, a guide will be present to provide protection and keep them safe.

Not at all. In fact, they prevent poaching by incentivizing locals to protect endangered species due to the money provided by these safaris.

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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.

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African Savanna Animals

18 iconic animals of the savanna to spot on safari.

What sort of savanna animals can you expect to see on a safari game drive ? Read on below for our take on most iconic animals of the savanna.

Africa is home to many different habitats – wetlands, deserts, mountains, jungles and many more – but it is on Africa’s savannas that the most impressive numbers and selections of wildlife can be found.

What is a savanna?

Savanna is defined as dry regions receiving less than 30 centimeters of precipitation annually, and are formed when regional climate changes result in long-lasting drought conditions.

Savannas have year-round warm temperatures and two distinct seasons. These are:

• A very long dry season (winter) that typically starts with a series of violent thunderstorms followed by strong dry winds.
• A very wet season (summer) where a significant amount of rainfall occurs for just a few months each year. In the Southern Hemisphere this rainy season is typically October to March, and in the Northern Hemisphere April to September.

In particular, East Africa’s grasslands making up the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem is considered the largest savanna on Earth, and home to literally millions of grazers ( wildebeest , zebra , and gazelle ), and the many thousands of predators that hunt them. To go on safari in East Africa’s savanna is about as authentic it gets for a traditional safari experience with multiple regular wildlife sightings guaranteed.

With this in mind, let’s look at 15 of the most iconic savanna animals in Africa:

Juvenile aardvark

Aardvarks live throughout Africa, south of the Sahara. Their name comes from South Africa’s Afrikaans language and means ‘earth pig’. Being nocturnal, they spend the hot African afternoons resting in their cool underground burrows, and nighttimes foraging in grasslands and forests for termites.

African bush elephant

Elephant close up

The African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) is the largest and heaviest land animal in the world, weighing up to 6 tonnes. Their distinguishing features include the unique and dexterous elephant trunk , large ears that cool the body when flapped, and elongated incisors in the form of tusks. There are actually two species of African elephant – the African bush elephant and the smaller African forest elephant. Both are herbivores that live in large groups, whilst the African bush elephant is the larger of the two species, and typically the species referred to as a member of the big five animals.

A bull elephant can be dangerous, as can herds or mothers with young elephants. Keep your distance from them, and if in a vehicle ensure that you have the means to drive away forwards – elephants can run faster than a car can reverse. An elephant flapping its ears, kicking up dust and/or trumpeting is probably about to charge.

Group name:  Herd

Size:  Up to 3.3 meters tall, weighing 6,000kg.

Speed:  Up to 40 km per hour.

Diet:  Elephants are vegetarians, eating up to 160kg per day, made up of savannah grasses, bushes, small plants, fruit, twigs, tree bark, and roots.

Range & Habitat:  African Elephants are found across sub-Saharan Africa – from Mali in the north, through the central and west African forests, down to South Africa. They are adaptable animals, capable of surviving in many habitats, from lush wetlands to arid deserts.

Best places to see African Elephant:  Addo Elephant Park, South Africa,   Chobe National Park ,  Botswana ,  Etosha National Park, Namibia , Hwange National Park,  Zimbabwe , South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Caracal stalking

Caracal (meaning ‘black ears’ in Turkish) are common across Africa, and also native to the Middle East, and parts of Asia and India. They are characterized by their stocky body on long legs, tufted ears, and uniform sandy colour. At 0.5 meters tall they weigh in at just 12 kg, and spectacular acrobats, able to leap 3 m into the air.

Cheetah walking in the sunset

Group name:  Coalition.

Size:  0.9 metres, weighing up to 72kg.

Speed:  With a maximum speed of 92 kilometers per hour, the cheetah is  the fastest land animal in the world .

Diet:  Cheetahs hunt small and medium-sized mammals such as hares, impalas, wildebeest calves, and gazelles , either on their own or in small family groups.

Range & Habitat:  Cheetahs are found in Eastern and Southern Africa (though are also found in Iran and Afghanistan), generally confined to very small, fragmented habitats of savanna, dry and scrub forests and grasslands.

Best places to see cheetahs:  Etosha National Park ,  Namibia ,  Kruger National Park, South Africa ,  Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya .

The eland is one of the African savanna’s most enduring savanna animals. The largest of the antelope family, the animal is remarkable for its striking coat and impressive, ox-like build. Elands make a peculiar clicking sound that can be heard from a  mile away, the source of which is a subject of some debate. Some believe it’s produced by the eland’s legs, with others believing it’s the eland’s spiral hooves that make the sound.

Where to see eland: The eland thrives in the  game parks  of  Kenya ,  Tanzania , Zambia,  Botswana , Zimbabwe, and  South Africa .

Giraffe mother with two young on the savanna

Perhaps the ultimate icon of the African savanna, the giraffe is an unmistakable land mammal known for its long neck and spotted coat. They were known by Arab prophets as the ‘queen of the beasts’ because of their delicate features and graceful poise.

With nine subspecies sharing its distinctive characteristics, this safari animal is the tallest in the world by some way. The giraffe’s coat is characterised by dark blotches on lighter hair. With age, male giraffes may become darker, and while calves inherit spot patterns from their mothers, each giraffe has a unique coat pattern that sets it apart. It has a sharp sense of hearing and smell, another defense against predators, while it can close its nostrils during sandstorms and against ants.

Best places to see giraffe:   Etosha National Park in Namibia , Kruger National Park in South Africa ,  Serengeti National Park in Tanzania ,  Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya .

Grant’s zebra

Zebras drinking on the savanna

Zebras are perhaps the most stylish of Africa’s stars, with their characteristically stunning coats of black and white stripes. These distant relatives of the horse are a frequent sight on any African safari and consist of three different species.

There are many theories about why zebras are striped , and it seems that perhaps the most likely answer is that the stripes function as a way to deter biting insects like tsetse flies and mosquitos.

Plains zebras play a particularly interesting role in the ecosystem, as they are pioneer gazers, nibbling and feeding on the top-most layer of grass, thereby opening up the grassland for more specialized grazers looking for the short grasses tucked below.

Best places to see zebra:  Etosha National Park, Namibia, Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, Masai Mara in Kenya, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Samara Game Reserve in South Africa, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

The hartebeest, is a large African antelope, also known as a kongoni. With a camouflaged fawn-colour,  their most distinctive characteristics are an elongated snout and steeply sloping back. Despite their strange looks, the hartebeest is one of the fastest animals on the savanna, reaching speeds of close to 70 kilometers per hour.

Impala jumping in lush green bushes

The impala is an animal that you shouldn’t have too much trouble spotting during your safari. The impala has a lovely red coat matched against a white underbelly, which might seem reminiscent of the springbuck, except not as dramatic a contrast between the two.

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 means the horns become interlocked during a skirmish, potentially saving the male impala from skull damage or serious wounds.

Golden jackal standing in green grass

The jackal is a relatively small canid that is found predominantly in Africa, with some species residing in Southeastern Europe and Asia. The African jackal is known as “Mbweha” in Swahili.

At first glance, the jackal looks like a cross between a fox and a German shepherd dog. This is because it has a small face, delicate legs, fluffy tail, and ears that resemble those of a German shepherd.

Leopard lying on a tree branch

Group name:  Leap.

Size:  1 meter high, weighing up to 100 kg.

Speed:  56 km per hour.

Diet:  Leopards are opportunistic carnivores and hunt a wide range of prey such as  jackals , antelopes, gazelles, African monkeys , duiker, eland, impala ,  wildebeest  and more.

Range & Habitat:  Leopards live in more places than any other big cat, and are comfortable in almost any habitat, including deserts, rainforests, woodlands, grassland savannas, mountain, scrub, and swamps. Leopards are one of the few big game species found outside national parks.

Best places to see leopards:  Londolozi Game Reserve,  South Africa ,  Moremi Game Reserve ,  Botswana , Samburu National Reserve,  Kenya , South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Lioness scouts for prey on the savanna

Group name:  Pride.

Size:  1.2 meters, weighing up to 225kg.

Speed:  At a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the lion is the second fastest land animal in Africa.

Diet:   Lions are apex predators and generally hunt the larger animals in their surroundings – buffaloes, rhinos, zebras,  giraffes , and antelopes.

Range & Habitat:  Lions tend to prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland. They are found across sub-Saharan Africa, and also in a small part of north-east India.

Best places to see Lion:  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park,  South Africa ,  Kruger National Park, South Africa , Maasai Mara National Reserve,  Kenya , Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania ,  Okavango Delta, Botswana .

World’s largest bird, the ostrich

The common ostrich is the tallest and heaviest bird in the world, with an average height of over 2 meters (sometimes as tall as 2.7 meters) and a weight of up to 160 kg. At this size, the ostrich is, of course, a flightless bird , but can outrun plenty of animals with its top speed of 69 km per hour. Their long, powerful legs double up as defensive weapons which pack a powerful kick to would-be predators. Fun ostrich fact – they are able to survive without water for days, generating water internally and extracting water from vegetation.

Two southern white rhinos

Rhinos are something you just need to see to understand how impressive they really are. A rhino sighting is always special and as you look in awe your heart will definitely skip a beat.

Once widespread through sub-Saharan Africa, the rhino has been hunted to the brink of extinction and is probably the hardest of the big five to spot in the wild. There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa – the black rhino ( Diceros bicornis ) and the white rhino ( Ceratotherium simum ).

Whilst white rhinos have made a comeback through conservation efforts across the continent, black rhinos are still very much one of  Africa’s endangered animals , and the hardest safari animal to spot. The fundamental differences between the white and black rhino are not color, but rather size, temperament, food preference, and mouth shape.

Best places to see Rhinoceros:  Etosha National Park ,  Namibia ,Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park,  South Africa , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy,  Kenya , Mkomazi National Park,  Tanzania.

Spotted hyena

A hyena cub close up

Hyenas are unique and vital components of most African ecosystems, both taking advantage of other animals’ kills for easy meals and hunting themselves. The size of a hyena kill or scavenge is generally determined by the size of the hyena’s clan, which can run to dozens. They often hide extra food in watering holes, since nothing is wasted. Hyenas will eat every part of an animal, including bones and hooves.

Hyenas can adapt to almost any habitat and are found in grasslands, woodlands, savannas, forest edges, sub-deserts, and mountains.

Warthog walking in long savanna grass

Warthogs are normally found in family groups, where they spend most of their time either looking for food or wallowing in the mud at waterholes. At night they shelter in burrows, entering tail first.

Warthogs have a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with a preference for open woodland and savannahs, and are not endangered.

Wild dog with a bloody face

African wild dogs live in packs of around 6-20 and are highly intelligent and sociable. One of the most fascinating sights is the bond they display before a hunt; the group begins mingling within the group, vocalising and touching each other, working each other up into a frenzy of excitement. Sadly, these animals are highly endangered

Best places to see wild dogs:  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique, Kwando, Selinda & Linyanti in Botswana, Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.

Huge herd of wildebeest meandering through the long yellow grass plains in Tanzania’s Serengeti

Wildebeest are primarily grazers, enjoying the grass, and the occasional shrub and herbs, living in herds of between ten and many thousands. They’re characterized by a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck, along with their short curved horns, with males weighing up to 250kg.

Their preferred habitat is open grasslands, with their renowned seasonal migration being an optimized survival strategy giving them access to and use of resources over huge areas, minimizing over-grazing during both wet and dry seasons.

African savanna animals list

Above we’ve looked at the most iconic African animals found on the savanna, but there are plenty more we didn’t cover. So here’s a complete list of savanna animals found in Africa:

Savanna birds

African hoopoe African masked weaver Flamingo Lilac breasted roller Marabou stork Ostrich Red and yellow barbet Red-billed oxpecker Secretary bird Southern ground hornbill White-backed vulture

Savana canids

African wild dog Hyena Jackal

Savanna cats

Caracal Cheetah Leopard Lion

Savanna reptiles

Adder African helmeted turtle African rock python Black mamba Common egg-eater Flap-necked chameleon Gecko Leopard tortoise Meller’s chameleon Natal midlands dwarf chameleon Nile crocodile Rock monitor lizard Skink Southern brown snake

Savanna ungulates

Blesbok Bontebok Common duiker Eland Gazelle Giraffe Grant’s Zebra Hartebeest Impala Roan antelope Springbok Stenbok Wildebeest

Other savanna mammals

Aardvark African elephant Chacma baboon Honey badger Meerkat Mongoose Rhinocerous Warthog

That’s our round-up of African animals of the savanna. What did you think – have you seen any of these animals in the wild, or perhaps there’s an iconic savanna animal you feel we’ve left off this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Thank you. I used this information to make an animal play scene for my students.

Top countries for safaris

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Safari basics

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• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
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• Wildlife spotting tips

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African Safari Animals Ultimate Photography Guide: 33 Photos, Tips & Facts

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.

Looking to immerse your friends and family in the fascinating interactions you will witness while on safari? Use my African safari animals photography tips from six safaris in five countries to create captivating imagery . By understanding wildlife behaviors and experimenting, you’ll come away with touching photographs that tell the story of your amazing experiences.

Maneuvering along sandy, unpaved tracks, keep your eyes peeled and listen for warning calls. Your skin will tingle as you search for elusive African wildlife. Your astute and eagle-eyed guides will optimally position you for unforgettable experiences . Relish locating stealthy, well-camouflaged cheetahs  skulking through the grass. And, marvel at elephant herds tossing mud on themselves at watering holes.

Embrace backlighting with African safari animals

Setting out early in the morning and late in the afternoon for safari coincides with wildlife’s most active times and soft golden light. While dust bombards your cameras and infiltrates every crevice in your open-air vehicle, it also leads to intoxicating sunsets . The light in Africa lends an ethereal quality to your photography.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Embrace backlighting and shoot into the sun to capture rim light around African safari animals’ silhouettes. While I previously avoided this approach, it’s now led to some of my favorite images.

Shoot high speed continuous to capture action packed safari pictures

Whether you embark on safari in East Africa (Kenya,Tanzania, Rwanda ) or Southern Africa ( Botswana , South Africa, Zimbabwe), heart-stopping interactions  await in these national parks.

Encountering Cindy, a female cheetah, devouring an impala as her cub diligently chased away brazen jackals made for a quintessential National Geographic scene . Sneaking up behind her, the bold risk takers would race forward to snatch the coveted delicacy. Outnumbering Cindy three to one, they strategically distracted her cub, which feverishly pursued them, banking around corners with incredible precision.

Resting after the chase, the inexperienced cub found itself in the path of wildebeests, a vulnerable position. Worried about a potential stampede, mum stopped savoring her hard-won kill and relocated next to the cub. This provided the perfect opportunity for the defiant interlopers  to move in. Shortly after, eagles and vultures surrounded the kill from above. Once Cindy moved the cub out of harm’s way, they snuggled and groomed one another.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS : To make sure you don’t miss pivotal, frenzied moments, set your camera to high speed continuous.

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action.

To be prepared for a chase, shoot manual or aperture priority and expose for the scene in advance. Catching the action is key to transporting your viewers .

An odd number of subjects – one, three, or five adds more visual interest .

Seek out alternative perspectives for African safari animals pictures

After seeing a picture isolating an elephant trunk with falling water droplets framed by elephant toenails, I wondered aloud to my Zimbabwe tour leader, Lauren Bath , where I could photograph a similar scene. Grinning ear to ear, she excitedly whispered to me, “It’s one of the surprises I have in store for you!”

Although I’d seen this perspective from a few famous wildlife photographers, I never thought it accessible to anyone other than National Geographic.

Staying at Imvelo Safari’s Camelthorn Lodge   in Hwange National Park provides private access to a unique vantage point. They’ve constructed an  underground elephant hide from an old shipping container and camouflaged it beneath dead trees.

Attracted by the watering hole, massive bull elephants quench their thirst right in front of you! Imagine examining their toenails as the largest land mammals daintily cross their feet. Gleefully suctioning water, they cool themselves by flapping their enormous ears.

FUN AFRICAN SAFARI ANIMALS FACTS : Did you know elephants’ dexterous trunks have 40,000 muscles  as compared to only 650 in the human body?

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS : Shoot low speed continuous to capture them slurping water.

To vary your point of view, bring two camera set ups – a wide angle (16-35) + zoom (200-500) .

Get creative and shoot tight shots to capture the details – water droplets, the trunk finger, and elephant eyelashes.

Elephants’ textures are perfect for black and white treatment too.

Don’t be afraid to “ break the rules ” and isolate the aspects you find most compelling. Although I purposefully cut off the tusks and trunk, the image above still tells the story of the elephant drinking.

Since you typically spend a couple of hours stationary in the hide, it’s ideal for iPhone or GoPro time-lapse videos .  Just don’t accidentally knock yours out of the hide like I did (oopsie).

Light and interactions enliven African safari photos

With only 7,500 cheetahs remaining in the wild , they are one of the rarest African safari animals.

Not only are their coats gorgeous, but they also allow them to easily camouflage and surprise potential prey. Imagine encountering a mum and 12 month-old cub lounging in soft, early morning light as the long grass whispers in the wind.

Keenly attuned to sounds around them, their ears twitch as they listen for animals in the vicinity. Between yawning and stretching, they chase one another through the grass. Leaping onto a tree provides an elevated vantage point for mum to scan the horizon, scouting their next meal. Whenever the cub moves out of her line of sight, she chirps, signaling it to return.

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS: Did you know the dark teardrops under cheetahs’ eyes decrease glare like eye black used by football and baseball players? And, the white at the end of their tails helps cubs follow mum in tall grass.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS : Wait for the light to illuminate their eyes , facial markings, and whiskers . Doing this will separate them from the background.

Also, if your subject is sitting amongst grass, use manual focus to ensure crisp images. Otherwise, your sensor’s auto focus will be tricked by the blowing grass and constantly searching for its target.

Watch African wild dogs’ extraordinary teamwork

While watching predators stalk their prey is riveting, witnessing an actual kill can be heart wrenching. After receiving a call that wild dogs were in the area, our Botswana guide turned to us with a huge smile. Given that fewer than 7000 of this stunning species remain in Africa, guides are giddy to see them too.

Maneuvering at break-neck speed, he encouraged us to duck as he plowed through branches in pursuit. Shortly after arriving, the dogs repositioned into a fighter jet formation  and began aggressively chasing a steenbok (small antelope).

Literally eating it alive as it ran, the poor steenbok was nothing but dust in fewer than two minutes. While evading these precision hunters is daunting for prey, the thrilling chase  highlights the admirable teamwork these clever safari animals exhibit as they expertly conspire  and flank  their target as it races through the tall grass.

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS : Alpha females lead these formidable packs. To learn more about them, check out Painted Dog Conservation .

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS : Since their legs have exquisite patterns , make sure to photograph those details.

I also enjoyed making portraits of them when their huge ears pivoted forward to listen for prey.

I recently learned you can photograph wild dogs from a ground level perspective in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.  So, this location has now moved to the top of my bucket list!

Cherish sentient elephants

Elephants are incredibly tactile , constantly caressing and comforting one another with their trunks. Experienced and enormous matriarchs lead the herds. Aunties protect from behind, assisting the little ones if they stumble.

Upon detecting a threat, the herd forms a protective barricade around the calves. Flaring their ears, raising their trunks and bellowing signals a potential charge towards a predator. Matriarchs don’t tolerate vehicles getting too close to babies.

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS : Did you know that baby elephants are small enough to fit beneath their mothers’ bellies until they are six months old? This provides protection from the sun and potential predators

PRO TIP : To learn more about their social structures and intelligence, read Love Life and Elephants , The Elephant Whisperer or its sequel, the Elephant in My Kitchen .

To see how two organizations nurse orphaned elephants back to health, visit Wild is Life in Harare, Zimbabwe, or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read more about my touching experiences at Wild is Life. I cherished witnessing the love the handlers had for the elephants in their care.

A hippo out of water is a rare African safari moment

Did you know that hippos are considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals ? 500 people die from hippos each year in Africa . Despite appearing slow and lumbering, they can be lightning quick, especially if protecting calves.

Since they spend most of the time wallowing and submerged in water to stay cool, they usually only emerge at dusk to forage. While in Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe, we were fortunate to witness one running back into the lake after munching on grass.

The setting sun reflecting on the water provided an idyllic backdrop.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS : To convey motion, photograph wildlife with one leg forward .

If a hippo is yawning or running, setting your camera to high speed continuous will provide a great series from which to choose.

Accentuate giraffe’s beauty against the clouds

Giraffes are most vulnerable when bending down for a drink. Therefore, they check their surroundings carefully before satiating their thirst.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Use fluffy marshmallow cloud to accentuate their beauty, height and majestic necks.

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS : Giraffes’ blue/purple tongues are due to high concentrations of melanin, which people believe protects them from getting sunburned.

Kudus’ elegant horns are a work of art

Watching light and shadows interplay on kudu horns is mesmerizing. Acutely aware of potential predators, their ears are sensitized to the slightest sounds.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Since herds tend to turn their heads in a synchronized fashion, wait for them to pivot to capture the delicate pink inside their towering rabbit-like ears.

Pay respects to Cecil the Lion

Although I had never traveled to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and seen Cecil the Lion  prior to him being heartlessly hunted, learning of his death impacted me greatly.

Hearing that this beloved, radio-collared lion was lured from the game reserve, shot with a bow and arrow by a trophy hunter US dentist in July 2015, and left to suffer overnight infuriated me. Having the opportunity to pay respect to him at his tree on the Elephant Express enroute to Hwange meant a lot.

PRO TIP : To learn more about Cecil, read Lion Hearted: The Life and Death of Cecil & the Future of Africa’s Iconic Cats .

Since I’d never seen a radio-collared lion before, I found it fascinating and fortuitous that I encountered one on my second day in Hwange. Watching him and his brother lounging in the late afternoon light, startling a young elephant and then snuggling and yawning was the perfect way to end our first full Zimbabwe safari day. Appearing lethargic and well fed the next morning, we assumed they killed a young buffalo from the herd they’d been tailing the night before.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Since lions yawn frequently, wait for them to yawn to photograph their impressive canines.

Leopards are one of the most elusive African safari animals

Spotting the shy and elusive leopard is a rare treat. While in the Okavango Delta in Botswana , one sashayed past our vehicle. She then leapt on to a dead tree to survey the landscape, providing the perfect angle for this photogenic beauty.

During a night drive in Zimbabwe, our guide spotted a leopard’s eyes as he panned across the horizon with his red spotlight. Elated at this coveted discovery , he hushed us. Having last seen one six months before, his excitement mirrored ours.

Despite watching it skulk through gulleys in pursuit of impala for 45 minutes, we didn’t see it make a kill, which secretly pleased me.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Make sure to scan high tree branches as you are driving as leopards are often found lounging in them. If you are lucky, they might have a kill in the tree with them to protect it from other predators.

Admire lilac breasted rollers’ striking colors

Vibrant  and iridescent  colors make the lilac breasted roller one of the most popular safari birds in Africa. Constantly pruning their feathers and flitting from tree to tree can make them challenging to photograph.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : After you get your “safety shots” of it perched, crank up your shutter speed to 1/2500 and wait for it to fly.  Although capturing them in flight is challenging, it’s a fun way to experiment. Shooting high speed continuous and AI Servo to track them maximizes the chances you might get a few shots in focus.

Beware of buffalos

We’ve had more than one guide indicate they find buffalos the most fearsome of the Big Five .

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS : Did you know the Big Five classification originally denoted the most dangerous animals for hunters to pursue on foot ?

Stampeding buffalo are dangerous for young safari animals, proving fatal for cubs lurking in the grass. Therefore, female lions tend to steer clear of provoking them, especially if they don’t have others in the pride to help them with a kill. While buffalos often give no warning and just begin charging, snorting can indicate displeasure.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Since buffalo have a symbiotic relationship with oxpeckers, wait for them to land on their horns to photograph them.

Seek out crocodile reflections

During the Great Migration from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, wildebeest and zebra must navigate across rivers, teeming with crocodiles. Witnessing crocodiles erupting from the water as the wildebeests hopscotch across tops many people’s bucket lists.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:  To add more visual interest, wait for them to run into the water or open their mouths.

If they are lounging next to calm water, seek out reflections.

Zebra stripes make for interesting abstract shots

Zebra’s striped patterns are as unique as a human fingerprint . Experts theorize their stripes also deter pesky biting flies, prevalent throughout the African savannah.

FUN AFRICAN ANIMALS FACTS : Did you know that their skin provides cooling benefits since the black and white stripes absorb and reflect light differently? And, a group of them is referred to as a dazzle.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Experiment with converting your zebra images to black and white during post processing.

And, zoom in for some tight abstract shots to accentuate their stunning lines.

Hyena pups are endearing

While many safari goers are not huge fans of hyena adults, the pups are endearing. The strongest female in the group leads these matriarchal clans. Unlike the team-oriented wild dogs, the older hyenas are very possessive about kills, snarling and squealing to chase younger ones away until they have their fill.

PRO TIP : Check out Serengeti on Discovery for some great stories about a hyena clan.

Immerse in mountain gorillas’ human similarities

Observing one of the 1000 mountain gorillas  remaining in Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo will remind you how much human DNA they share. Watching Silverbacks beating their chests to assert their dominance, babies cuddling with mums or rambunctious juveniles swinging amongst the branches will entrance you. While an hour will fly by, it will be one of the most memorable and heartwarming experiences of your life. Use my detailed guide to help you plan your Rwanda trip .

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP : Since it’s dark in the rainforest and no flash is allowed, make sure you bring a fast telephoto lens . I captured most of my images with a 70-200 2.8 Canon lens.

Epic 7 Travel is a for-profit blog. The post contains Affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only feature products that I own or would recommend regardless of an affiliate relationship. Read more in our Terms of Use . Thank you for your support of Epic 7 Travel!

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Marielena Smith

Marielena founded Epic 7 Travel to inspire you to Live the Unforgettable by sharing stories and photography from around the world. She aims to transport you to extraordinary places on, above and beneath all 7 continents and drive you to start your own adventures.

If you are looking for more inspiration to Live the Unforgettable , join the Epic 7 Travel Community

Reader Interactions

September 12, 2019 at 9:38 pm

Wonderful photos!! I had seen many of these on your Instagram feed and was already in love with all these majestic animals, but seeing them on my computer screen is even more impressive! Ooh and I could *feel* the warmth of the sun coming from behind your backlit elephant family! Africa would be amazing to see one day…

September 19, 2019 at 4:51 pm

That makes me so happy to hear, Deb. The backlight in Africa adds more drama to an already magical scene. I hope you make it there one day. Perhaps on one of my future tours 🙂

September 27, 2019 at 7:49 pm

Loved this blog post! The pictures and storytelling were perfect to share with my kids. They loved the stories and factoids you shared throughout the blog. Their favorite parts were the action-packed moments like the cheetah chase and the wild dogs! Reading this post was the next best thing to experiencing a safari firsthand. Thank you for sharing.

October 12, 2019 at 10:09 am

Kavita, I’m delighted that you and your kids enjoyed the facts and stories. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for future posts that the chase scenes resonate. Safari is a special and unforgettable experience – seeing the animals interact in their element is an incredible privilege. I’m happy I could transport you all!

November 22, 2020 at 12:43 am

Fabulous photographs – the African wild dogs remind me of hyena.

November 24, 2020 at 2:18 pm

Cherryl, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the photographs I captured in Africa. I absolutely agree that the African wild dogs coloring looks similar to hyenas. It’s such a privilege to see the wild dogs. To see them hunting is truly unforgettable. Their teamwork and efficiency is unparalleled. I hope you have a lovely holiday season.

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

13 of the Cutest Baby Animals to See on Safari

By Jennifer Dombrowski 44 Comments

The Serengeti is a safari destination that is a magnificent experience any time of the year, but it’s in February when nearly all of the animals have babies. Between the Great Migration on the Serengeti Plains and all the adorable babies, a luxury safari in Tanzania with SkySafari by Elewana is a bucket list trip that will definitely top the list of best trips you’ve ever been on. We’ve seen things on safari that put the circle of life into perspective like hyenas hunting wildebeest, lions feasting on their morning kill and an elephant that died from a wound likely inflicted by poachers. While those things are a sad reality, we’ve also seen the cutest baby animals that just absolutely melt your heart. There are 13 of the cutest baby animals to see on safari:

1. Lion cubs

Lionesses will give birth to a litter of one – four cubs and we were lucky to find this litter of four (though you can only spot three in the photo).

2. Elephant calf

Elephants only get pregnant once about every five years and the gestation period is 22 months. Elephant calves are quite small! Our guides estimated this cutie was around eight or nine months old.

3. Giraffe calf

Giraffe calves are born already around six feet tall! Though after seeing full grown giraffes, it’s pretty easy to spot a youngster even when they’re on their own. Sadly, we learned that giraffes aren’t very good parents and will leave their babies own their own while traveling several kilometers away.

4. Baboon infant

Baboon infants hang on to their mother’s stomach for the first month and then at five or six weeks old, start riding on their mother’s back. This cute little fella (boy parts definitely indicated he was a fella) was less than a month old! We were lucky to spot him playing very close to the road, though he scampered over to hold on to mom as soon as we stopped.

5. Wildebeest calf

Wildebeest calves can stand within just a few minutes of being born and can run with the herd within an hour after birth. We saw a few young calves as the Great Migration moved from the Serengeti Plains south to Ngorongoro Crater, where the wildebeest will birth their calves in the short grass plains.

6. Cape buffalo calf

Cape buffalo calves are completely dependent on their mothers for their first year. The females will stay with and join the natural herd. We saw mostly male herds, but did spot some calves in a female herd we came across.

7. Hippo calf

Hippo calves are born in the water and can hold their breath for nearly three times as long as an adult hippo. Hippos spend around 16 hours each day in the water, so babies are a little hard to spot. We got lucky to spot a baby out of the water at Ngorongoro Crater.

8. Warthog piglet

Warthog moms only have four teats and piglets each suckle from their “own”. No sharing! When warthogs run, their tail sticks straight up and the piglets run in a line behind mom. Though I hope they weren’t running from a predator, they are too cute in running mode.

9. Zebra foal

Zebra foals are actually born brown and white and with a thicker coat. They look fuzzy, which makes them all the more adorable. Like wildebeest, zebras have their babies just before the long rains begin in February. We saw quite a few baby zebras at Ngorongoro Crater.

10. Thompson gazelle fawn

Thompson gazelles are really small with an adult standing at only around 2 – 3 feet tall. Females move away from the herd to birth a single fawn and the fawn will spend most of its time resting and hiding in the grass. It’s not very common to spot a fawn, so we were particularly lucky to see this little fawn with its mom on the short grass plains at Ngorongoro Crater during the Great Migration.

Hyrax live in families of up to 50 and are sort of look like a rabbit without long ears and cotton tails that can climb. The babies all snuggle up with mom when they nap and we were quite amused watching the resident hyrax families at Serengeti Migration Camp.

12. Crocodile hatchling

Crocodiles lay around 50 eggs and bury them in the sand on the riverbank. Of the 50 eggs, only one or two hatchlings actually survive. This little guy was sunning himself right next to mom in the Serengeti.

13. Monkey infant

Like baboons, monkey infants clutch their arms around mom and hitch a ride on their belly. Because the mom and dad are so protective of their youngsters, baby monkeys can be hard to spot. Like all kids, they like to play and you might spot them chasing each other around. As soon as the parents spot you watching though, they grab up their babies and hold on to them protectively.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

February 25, 2014 at 1:38 PM

Wow, amazing photos! Sounds like you both got lucky in catching sight of some of those li’l guys and gals. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for your next few posts 😉

Jennifer Dombrowski says

February 27, 2014 at 11:19 AM

Though it was going into the long rains when we were there, we had pretty good weather and it was the perfect time of the year to see the babies. So cute to watch!

Lauren Bassart says

February 25, 2014 at 3:22 PM

This was just about the cutest post ever!!! Love all the babies. So jealous of you guys 🙂

February 27, 2014 at 11:20 AM

Thanks Lauren! At first we were just shooting the babies, but then we specifically started trying to capture a mom and wee one. Just so much cuteness!

February 25, 2014 at 3:57 PM

After getting hit with one Polar Vortex after another in the U.S, it’s nice to see signs of Spring with all the young animals being born. Nice photos.

February 27, 2014 at 11:21 AM

Even though we were just a few degrees below the Equator, it was definitely a different season there in Tanzania! Kind of disappointing to come back home to the winter rain in Italy after getting a taste of “Spring”.

Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says

February 25, 2014 at 4:42 PM

When I went on safari in Selous Tanzania for honeymoon, the lion cubs were playing hide and seek so I’d love to try and catch them next time – I absolutely loved baby hippos though – so cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:23 AM

What a fantastic place to go on honeymoon Shikha! Lions don’t have a specific time of the year that they breed, so you have a pretty good chance of seeing lion cubs any time of the year. Hope you spot some on your next safari!

February 25, 2014 at 4:45 PM

Even the baby croc is cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:25 AM

I still wouldn’t mess with even the baby croc. We’ve got a close up and it already has some lethal looking teeth.

Adam Evans says

February 25, 2014 at 5:34 PM

I love the zebra and foal. Interesting to see the foal has a kind of ginger hue!

February 27, 2014 at 11:27 AM

We were surprised that baby zebras are so brown too. Very cute. The coat almost looks like a thick fuzz or velvet.

Katherine Belarmino says

February 25, 2014 at 7:22 PM

That giraffe baby is ridiculous!!

February 27, 2014 at 11:29 AM

Isn’t it so cute? It’s parents were no where around. I can only hope it survives on its own.

February 26, 2014 at 12:24 AM

Wow, that’s impressive you did get all the big ones and small ones to…what a fun trip, must have taken lots of great images to share!

We averaged anywhere from 600 – 1000 photos each day. I think I could post a safari photo a day for the next year!

Kate Blake says

February 26, 2014 at 1:20 AM

Amazing pics! I love the baby hippo

February 27, 2014 at 11:32 AM

The hippos were so funny! They make the best noises that just make you smile.

Lauren says

February 26, 2014 at 1:29 AM

Those are so cute! The babies look like miniature versions of the adult ones. I really like the zebra and the lion cubs, although they are all very adorable 🙂 Your photos are very impressive!

February 27, 2014 at 11:35 AM

Thanks Lauren! The babies are just so adorable to see and I loved watching them interact with their moms.

Alouise says

February 26, 2014 at 1:35 AM

This post if full of some serious awww. I love the one of the baby elephant.

February 27, 2014 at 11:38 AM

That baby elephant had to be the happiest elephant I’ve ever seen! Elephants were definitely a favorite to watch, especially when they play in water holes. We’ll have a post coming on a herd having some serious fun in a water hole.

jenny@atasteoftravel says

February 26, 2014 at 2:30 AM

So cute! You were definitely there at the right time for the babies. Can’t wait to read about your adventures!

February 27, 2014 at 11:39 AM

Yes Jenny! I was a little disappointed that we never got the a blazing fiery African sunset, but it’s hard to be too disappointed when we got to see all these wee ones.

Heather says

February 26, 2014 at 4:15 AM

What a treat! Even the baby crocodile is cute!

February 27, 2014 at 11:42 AM

The babies are just too cute to watch! Even the baboon baby melted my heart. I had a bad experience with baboons at the zoo when I was a kid, so don’t really like them.

February 26, 2014 at 8:43 PM

ohhhh yes, they’re really cute 🙂 I’m happy you had such a great time!

February 27, 2014 at 11:43 AM

Definitely one of our favorite trips we’ve been on Stef!

Angela Travels says

February 27, 2014 at 12:00 AM

Love the photos. I really want to go on an African Safari photo tour!

February 27, 2014 at 10:40 PM

You will love going on safari Angela! We’re barely home from this safari and now I am absolutely dying to go to Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia!

Samantha @mytanfeet says

February 27, 2014 at 3:51 AM

the baby zebra is adorable!! I had no idea they were born fuzzy and born, every animal is so cute when miniature size, even the crocodile. Great pics!

February 27, 2014 at 10:45 PM

Thanks Samantha! Yes the wee ones are just too adorable. I think even a baby hyena might be cute.

February 27, 2014 at 4:40 AM

Oh Mahh gahhd. All of them. Yes please. Can’t wait to do a safari. Not on this RTW trip but the next for sure. Thanks for sharing.

You will love it when you do go on safari, Shaun! This was one of our all time favorite trips.

February 27, 2014 at 3:50 PM

Awwwwm this post is the perfect thing for a Thursday afternoon… or for any afternoon 🙂

February 27, 2014 at 10:46 PM

Hard to feel blue with so much cuteness to look at here!

February 28, 2014 at 9:57 AM

The Zebra, the giraffe! I had to come back and have a look this morning!

February 27, 2014 at 5:51 PM

Nice pics – never heard of a Hyrax! Interesting looking animal. Frank (bbqboy)

February 27, 2014 at 10:48 PM

We’d never heard of one until about two weeks ago either, Frank. They’re pretty cute!

Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says

February 28, 2014 at 8:43 PM

Those Hyrax are deviously cute, they just look like they’re up to no good, hatching some plan to steal your treats.

March 1, 2014 at 2:59 PM

LOL! We had a family of them that just loved to sun themselves on the wooden platform surrounding our tent.

Cheryl Howard says

March 3, 2014 at 12:14 AM

Awww, each and every photo is so so cute! 🙂

March 5, 2014 at 8:04 AM

Oh how I would love to go on safari! It would be even better to get to see all these baby animals. They’re all so cute, especially the Hyrax!

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Safari or African Savanna Animals

Free printable African savanna animals to color and use for crafts and other learning activities. The animal sets include a giraffe, a lion, a zebra, an elephant, a hyena, an impala, a cheetah, a baboon, and a rhinoceros.

Safari Animals - Set 1

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Colored Safari Animals - Set 1

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Bases and Stands

* Print out together with the safari animal sets to make Standing Paper Animals .

• Bases & Stands - Safari Animals Set 1
• Bases & Stands - Safari Animals Set 2

Instructions

Choose any of the printable files above by clicking the image or the link below the image. You will need a PDF reader to view these files.

Print out the file on A4 or Letter size cardstock.

Print out the bases and stands in addition to any of the animals sets if you want to make Standing Paper Animals .

Use the black & white printables as coloring pages.

Check out the crafts you can make with these printables in the section below.

These printables are for personal and non-commercial use only . Do not republish, upload, or alter the PDF files. To feature or share these printables, please provide a link to the webpage containing the PDF.

Crafts You Can Make

African Savanna Diorama

Animal Train

Forest Collage

Standing Paper Animals

Zoo Animal Stick Puppets

• Animal Crafts
• Animal Printables
• Circus Crafts
• Circus Printables
• Printable Crafts

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THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Gear Rentals
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• Meshchanskiy
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• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

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