Wildlife

Africa Wildlife
Africa Wildlife

Your trip to South Africa would be incomplete without a wildlife safari. The open plains, clear skies and grazing buck have always been an attraction for fascinated animal watchers. Most tourists go on safari hoping to spot one of the Big 5, lions, leopards, elephants, rhino and buffalo.

But just as many have discovered that the more modest of South Africa’s wildlife are equally enchanting.
There are buck, giraffes and zebras that roam the plains. Ostrich and meerkat live in the dryer Karoo. If you were to look down, perhaps you could spy a dung beetle hauling his load.

Sea, safari, trekking
Sea, safari, trekking
South Africa’s wildlife is not limited to the land. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit waterways and estuaries. Dolphins and sharks, including the Great White, are regular visitors to the coast. Whales make an appearance during the winter months from mid June to the end of October.

South Africa has twenty national parks and numerous private game reserves. Winter (July to October) is a better time to view game when the vegetation is shorter and you can view more. Safaris are best enjoyed in an open-vehicle with a guide who will tell you more about what you see.

Popular national parks for game viewing include:

  • Addo Elephant Park for elephants
  • St. Lucia Wetlands Park for hippos and crocodiles
  • Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Park for rhinos
  • Kruger Park – the oldest and biggest game reserve
  • Pilanesberg – closest game reserve to Johannesburg