A tour of the animal kingdom of South Africa

South African safaris and seeing the rarest animals in their own territory are undoubtedly one of the most exciting natural attractions in the world. South African wildlife offers tourists an exceptional opportunity to see these precious creatures. More than 1100 species of mammals, 2600 species of birds and about 3000 species of fish live in Africa. Africa is the continent where you can see the biggest, most dangerous, fastest and strongest animals. Here we get to know the most famous animals of South Africa.

The African elephant is one of the largest animals in South Africa

Elephants are known as the largest land animals. There are currently three known living species of elephants living on earth, including the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. In fact, these three groups are the only surviving members of the Elephantidae family and the Proboscidea order. These rescued elephants are extinct relatives of mammoths and mastodons.

Among the animals of South Africa, none will surprise and dazzle you as much as elephants! Undoubtedly, it will be an exceptional experience to see the largest creature that walks on earth from a very close distance.

Elephants are huge and very intelligent. Of course, the popularity of South African elephants is not only due to their size, but these lovely animals have proven to be very emotional as well. In many cases, it has been seen that elephants have high empathy and even mourn their dead. Helping similar species and holding greeting ceremonies are also other strange things that elephants do.

It is not without reason that South African wildlife experts consider elephants to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. Of course, all these features have caused elephants to be more hunted by humans and endangered. Currently, about 30,000 African elephants are killed by poachers every year. If this trend continues, elephants may disappear by 2050.

Fortunately, protected national parks in South Africa take good care of these animals. In African wildlife safaris, you can see elephants and their way of life up close in a safe environment. In fact, while protecting elephants, national parks give South African tour travelers the opportunity to be in the wild.

The best place to see African elephants

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa, Chobe National Park, Botswana, Etosha, Namibia, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

The African lion is one of the main animals in South Africa

Lion! (Panthera leo) a big cat of the panther genus, which is native to Africa and India. This majestic animal is the most well-known animal species in human culture and its image is seen in sculptures, paintings, on national flags and in films and contemporary literature. Lions were of special importance in ancient Egypt as well as in almost all medieval cultures and their image was used in all roles.

Lions are the main part of South Africa's wildlife. Although at first glance, the number of lions can be seen in large numbers in their territory, but their number in nature is decreasing significantly. Because lions, as one of the valuable animals, are the target of big predators, and this issue puts them at risk of extinction. Fortunately, in South Africa, every effort is made to preserve lions and ensure their future in protected parks.

Without a doubt, after seeing lions up close, you will be amazed by their strength and intelligence. Although you won't interact directly with lions on South African wildlife safaris due to conservation projects, you'll still get the closest you can get to these powerful animals.

The best places to see lions in the wild in South Africa

Kgalagadi International Park, South Africa, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, Okavango Delta, Botswana.

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Zero to hundred trip to South Africa with Vank star

The black rhinoceros is one of the most unique animals in South Africa

Rhinos are one of those South African wildlife animals that you have to see up close to realize how unique they are! These animals are so magnificent that they attract all eyes.

When the rhinoceros was wild in sub-Saharan Africa, it was hunted to the brink of extinction and is probably one of the five largest animals currently endangered in the wild. There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa: the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).

While white rhinos have been nearly wiped out by conservation efforts across the continent, black rhinos are still considered an endangered species. The main difference between white and black rhinoceros is not the color, but the size, temperament, food preference and the shape of the mouth that distinguish the two species.

The best places to see rhinoceros

Etosha National Park, Namibia, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, South Africa, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya, Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania.

African buffalo

Weighing not much more than a ton, the African buffalo has a reputation for being grumpy and dangerous. While the reaction of buffaloes can never be predicted, so they can be named among the 5 most dangerous wildlife animals in South Africa and even the world. Of course, buffaloes are calm and obedient animals as long as they are among their herd. Buffaloes look very scary when they feel scared or when they attack in a group.

Best places to see African Buffalo

Chobe National Park, Botswana, Katavi National Park, Tanzania, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

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Adventure and adventure sports in South Africa

African leopard

The leopard is one of the shyest and least sociable animals in South Africa. Therefore, it is less likely to be trapped by opportunistic hunters than other animals. Watching a leopard take its prey to the top of a tree is an extraordinary sight and one of the best moments of an African safari one can hope to experience.

Leopards (Panthera pardus), which are slightly smaller than lions as their relatives, are less visible than other animals. To see these big cats, it is better to go with night safaris.

Leopards are solitary and independent animals and are rarely seen together except during mating or a mother with cubs. As such, they are known to be completely self-reliant creatures and professional hunters to the point where they sometimes kill prey twice their size. During the day they often roam among the foliage of trees and come down to hunt after dark and take their prey into the tree to eat at the right time.

The best places to see leopards

Londoluzi Game Reserve, South Africa, Murmi Game Reserve, Botswana, Samburu National Park, Kenya, Luangwa South National Park, Zambia.

Cheetahs from The fastest animals in South Africa

Cheetah is known as the fastest animal on earth. The speed of Cheetahs reaches 120 kilometers per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 95 kilometers in just three seconds. These cats live on the ground and on top of trees. Seeing one of the cheetahs running at full speed will undoubtedly become one of the most extraordinary moments of the safari. Giving cheetahs the title of “perfect beauty” as the fastest animals in South Africa is undoubtedly a fitting title. It should be remembered that these animals are also at risk of extinction due to excessive hunting.

For an animal that hunts during the day, good vision, stealth, spotted cover, and high speed are critical to survival. Fortunately, cheetahs have all these features. If you are still confused about cheetah and leopard, remember this important point: tear marks are one of the most important distinguishing features used to distinguish between these two beautiful felines.

The best places to see cheetahs

Etosha National Park, Namibia, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Savoti, Botswana, Ruha, Tanzania.

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What you need to know before traveling to South Africa

striped hyena

The striped hyena is the largest and most widespread of the four species of hyena in the South African wildlife and is known for its rounded ears and spotted coat. Young hyenas are known for their boldness and speed. As tireless hunters, this species can catch a fleeing zebra and use its powerful jaws to tear the carcass to pieces.

Groups of spotted hyenas may number more than 50, but they usually disperse when foraging. Alpha females are larger than males and oversee social structures. Hyena cubs are not born in the wild but in a nest.

Hyenas live in the bush as animals of South Africa and attract attention with their famous group meows.

Hyenas are unique and of course vital species in most African ecosystems, both benefiting from killing other animals for food and hunting themselves. They often hide extra food in water holes. Hyenas eat every part of the animal, including bones and hooves.

The best place to see hyenas

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, Chobe National Park in Botswana.

okapi

Are okapis as South African animals of the giraffe species? These beautiful and unusual animals with their striped back (white and black) and front legs seem to be zebras! But by looking at the head of this animal, you will realize that okapis are relatives of giraffes. Like the giraffe, the okapi has very large, upright ears that can easily hear even soft sounds. The okapi also has a long, dark tongue that helps it separate buds and young leaves from other tree leaves.

It is difficult to find okapis in their native habitat because these animals are very cautious and with very strong hearing, they recognize the sound of human footsteps from a distance and run away quickly. A very interesting point is that scientists did not know about Ekapi until 1900! Due to the difficulty of observing these animals, it is estimated that there may be more than 35,000 okapi in their native habitat, but this statistic is not certain at all!

The best places to see okapi

Etosha National Park, Namibia, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Savoti, Botswana, Ruha, Tanzania.

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Introduction of South African attractions + photos

African giraffe

Giraffes are the undisputed symbol of the African savannah. These animals are known for their long necks and spotted skin, and of course, their incredibly strange tongues. Prophets have described them as “queens of beasts” because of their delicate features and patience.

Giraffes are among the tallest, heaviest and largest animals in the world as South African animals with 9 subspecies, each of which has its own distinctive characteristics. Male giraffes may darken as they age, and while cubs inherit spotting patterns from their mothers, each giraffe has a unique coat pattern that sets it apart.

Giraffes have a sharp sense of hearing and smell, which is considered as a defensive advantage against predators. These tall animals can close their nostrils during sandstorms and against ants.

The best place to see giraffes

Etosha National Park in Namibia, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Antlered deer

Antlered deer is one of the most spectacular animal species seen on a South African wildlife safari. This animal has been described as one of the most handsome species due to its large and unique horns.

Maned deer have a large and powerful body. With a height range of 1.3 to 1.5 meters, Nerder deer are among the largest and tallest species of mountain goats. Females are smaller and shorter, and their average height and weight are 1.2 meters and 170 kilograms, respectively.

Best places to see antlered deer

Throughout South Africa, but especially in South Africa's Kruger National Park, Namibia's Etosha National Park, and all of Zambia's major parks.

final word

South African wildlife has made it possible for tourists to see the rarest, largest, fastest and even most dangerous animal species living on earth. In fact, wildlife safaris are the most popular part of a South African tour. In these safaris, you can see lions, tigers, giraffes, etc. not in cages but in their living environment. All these areas are protected and established with the aim of preserving animals in their natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions