What Animals Might You See on an African Safari?

WHAT ANIMALS MIGHT YOU SEE ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI?

A Safari was once considered a trip only for the most intrepid travellers. Now it is completely accessible for anyone who takes an interest in African safari animals. We are able to offer a more varied safari experience than ever before where in addition to the traditional 4×4 game viewer, you can enjoy a safari experience by boat, on foot, in a traditional dug-out canoe and even in a hot air balloon.

For the first time safari goer and when travelling with children the so called Big 5 (Lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) can be seen as star prize. Although this is special if you spot them, spare a thought for the many other species of plains game and smaller African safari animals as well as colourful birdlife that can be equally as rare and magical.

We do understand the appeal of the big cats and prehistoric looking rhino as well the impressive elephant though, so If you’re interested in seeing a particular animal – such as the regal lion or the magnificent, elusive leopard – read on to see where they can be seen, and when. Whilst there are never any guarantees, these are the places you have the best chance of getting a glimpse of these majestic animals.

Lions

The impressive lion is without a doubt the king of African safari animals. They can be seen in many safari destinations across Southern and East Africa. But because this predator hunts only at dawn or dusk and rests during the heat of the day, they can be hard to spot. If you see the females on the move in search of food or shepherding their playful cubs whilst trying to keep them safe it is a special and rare sight. Most likely you will catch sight of lions resting under the shade of trees, often with full bellies as they sleep off their last meal.

Botswana

Lions are in abundance In Botswana but we would recommend the Savute/Chobe and Linyanti areas as being particularly good for sightings of Lion and indeed of predators in general. Although you may assume the Okavango Delta is less popular for lion due to the abundance of water, this is not necessarily the case and there are a number of established prides that have adapated to the natural environment in the region.

Tanzania & Kenya

If you want a guaranteed lion sighting, don’t miss the Great Migration which can be witnessed as it crosses between the Serengeti National Park, In Northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara, Kenya between the months of July and September. In addition there is a healthy year round animal population in both parks so if you choose your location well it is possible to see Lion year round. We offer accommodation in both regions including Serengeti Safari Camp, Lamai Serengeti, Kleins Camp, Governors and Little Governors.

Zambia

Sightings of lions can be seen in all the main parks in Zambia including South Luangwa, Kafue National Park and also the Lower Zambezi. Kafue is the biggest at almost twice the size of South Luangwa but lions territories can be quite broad and they can stay in the remote parts for long periods at a time. South Luangwa could be a better choice if Lion’s are at the top of your wish list. In the southern part of South Luangwa the territories are quite small and the numbers in the groups quite large, some over twenty.

Leopards

Unlike the lion which live mostly in prides, leopards are far more solitary animals and therefore harder to spot. They are skilled in nocturnal hunting and can sneak up on their unsuspecting prey relatively undetected. As they don’t have the stamina for long, drawn out chases, they work with stealth and artfulness instead.

Being nocturnal creatures by nature, the leopard is somewhat shy and retiring in the day. Their favourite places to hide are tucked amongst the branches of large trees and often the first thing you may spot or indeed smell! is the remains of their last kill, which often gets dragged up with them for safety from scavengers.

Botswana

It’s been repeatedly named the “best safari in Africa” by various travel books and with the Okavango Delta, it’s easy to see why Botswana is such a popular place to seek out African safari animals. It’s thriving in wildlife of every kind and leopards are no different here. As well as the Delta you can find great leopard sightings in the Savute and Linyanti Regions in northern Botswana.

South Africa

The Kruger National Park and in particular the Sabi Sands concession is famous for its prolific leopard population. You may not get the same sense of wilderness or true bush feel of a safari elsewhere in Africa but if you want more of a mix of safari and other experiences on your trip, plus very high likelhood of a leopard sighting then South Africa would be the number one option.

Zambia

Having been lucky enough to experience many safari’s and very rarely seen leopard my trip to South Luangwa in Zambia was a revelation. Leopards are the most abundant here, more so than other parts of Africa . Leopards were sighted at every game drive we went on, so though of course never guaranteed, for the best chances of spotting this elusive animal I would certainly recommend a safari here.

Cheetahs

Much like the elusive leopard, the cheetah has some similar traits in the sense that it’s very shy. Fearing other predators, the cheetah likes to hunt and live alone. But as the fastest land animal, there is little for them to fear for they can outrun any threats. The secretive nature of cheetahs makes them pretty hard to spot, but just one glimpse of them in their natural habitat is a magnificent sight.

Namibia

Within Etosha National Park, it’s possible to see cheetahs in the many waterholes dotted around the reserve. But remember – whilst you may catch lions, rhinos and elephants all drinking casually from the same waterhole, cheetahs don’t like to mingle, so you’ll have to look for the more remote locations.

If you want to experience a conservation project in action then Okonjima remains popular. Located between Etosha and Windhoek it’s AfriCat foundation gives visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal and learn more about these shy creatures and how they can be protected.

Botswana

Cheetahs can be found in the Okavango Delta, Linyati Reserve and the Kwando Reserves. They are also found within the Central Kalahari reserve as they don’t mind the dry and dusty conditions. Within the Okavango Delta, the Chitabe area is most abundant in cheetahs.

Kenya & Tanzania

As with Lions, cheetahs are of course attracted by large numbers of plains game, giving them plentiful opportunities for an easy kill. As a result both the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania provide opportunities to see cheetah. If you are exceptionally lucky a female with her cubs is one of the most enchanting experiences you will find on safari.

Rhinos

Rhinos are fascinating animals and they were once abundant in Africa. In recent years however the rhino population has suffered greatly due to poaching. The incorrect assumption that rhino horn has medicinal properties means it is in great demand and as a result rhino have sadly become an endangered species and one of the hardest African safari animals to see. To see a rhino now would be considered to be rather rare.

There are two main types of rhino found in Africa; the Black and White rhino. Contrary to what the name suggests they are both grey! The main differences between the two are white rhino are generally larger, with larger ears. Their teeth are different as they are grazers and are often easier to spot as they tend to graze out in the open.

Black rhino have the reputation for being the more aggressive but this can simply be down to their living environment. As they are browsers so eat from short trees and bushes, so it is not as easy for them to see potential threats. Black rhino can stay more easily hidden as they browse for food amongst the bushes so are often harder to see on safari than it’s grazing cousin.

Namibia

Namibia has a relatively healthy population of rhino, especially the endangered Black Rhino species which has suffered the most from poachers. In and around the Etosha National Park if you find a waterhole and you may be lucky enough to spot a rhino.

South Africa

Although South Africa has had a real problem with poaching in recent years, there are a number of areas where both black and white Rhino are still prevalent. From the large National parks to the small private reserves, we can advise on the best lodge and camp locations if you want to see rhino.

Kenya

Kenya has been at the forefront of rhino conservation efforts and Kenya is still a great place to visit if seeing rhino will be a highlight for you. Lewa Conservancy and Lake Nakuru are well doucmented for rhino but they are still in other parts of Kenya although few and far between

Elephants

Not only are elephants a favourite with safari goers but they are also easy to spot due to their size, their large herds, and also their friendly nature. They are the most sociable creatures you will encounter on an African safari and because of their ability to adapt to all natural environments, there are plenty of places you might be able to see them. Not so dissimilar to the rhino though, the elephant is also in danger from illegal poaching and this continues to be a problem. However, the African Elephant can still be spotted in large herds and we have a number of camps that are perfect for watching elephants roam free in their natural world.

Botswana

There are over 120,000 elephants in Botswana, so for the best chance of elephant spotting, we would highly recommend the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park for your next safari trip. Here you will find the highest concentration of elephants by far; they can be seen in woody forests, marshland, or deserts.

Tanzania

Elephants were first seen in Serengeti National Park in the 1930s. By the 60s, it was believed that the new elephants had colonised but later research showed that they had actually inhabited the park since before 1900. So this has always been their home. Today, they are in danger from illegal hunting but they are still prominent in Tanzania.

Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is the perfect place to meet the magnificent elephant. These sociable creatures travel in their hundreds together at the pristine and beautifully preserved Lower Zambezi, and they can often be spotted wandering around near the edge of the park.

Kenya

Elephants are also abundant in Kenya, throughout the Masai Mara, Samburu and in particular the Amboseli where the region is renowned for it’s large herds often led by huge matriarchs, it really is an impressive sight.

Hippos

The rotund and friendly-looking hippopotamus is named after it’s ancient greek name that translates as river horse. Despite it’s calm demeanour hippo’s can be aggressive and not many people realise that they can reach a land speed of up to 30kms an hour!

Hippos can often be spotted bathing in the lakes, rivers or swamps. However at dawn and dusk and certainly overnight they leave the water for grazing. If you are lucky enough to be staying at a camp near water, often in the night you can hear the splashing and calling of the hippo as they leave the safety of the water and take time to feed under cover of darkness.

Malawi

By the Shire River is the fantastic Mvuu Camp, a family-orientated safari camp which provides some of the most outstanding sightings of the hungry hippo. With a stunning panorama of the Shire River and surrounding lawns, you’ll have unobstructed views of the resident hippos. If you’re feeling brave, take a boat ride out on the river and get a little closer to these notoriously cantankerous creatures.

Botswana

The annual flooding of the Okavango Delta in what is largely an arid country is seen as a phenomenon in itself. But with the flood comes rising water levels and this means a prime location for hippos to hang out. The wetland makes it an ideal environment for pods of hippos and there are plenty of swamps, rivers and watering holes for guaranteed sightings. Hippo’s also are also plentiful in the Chobe river as they bask alongside the crocodiles.

Zambia

As hippos love to be in water, you will likely find them to be splashing around in the Zambezi River but beware not to get too close as hippos are extremely territorial especially when it comes to the land surrounding waterways. The banks of the Zambezi River are considered to be their territory and they can be found in groups of 60 strong.

Wildebeest

Although not overly aggressive by nature, the wildebeest can be extremely dangerous especially if you get caught up in their line of charge. A wildebeest is extremely vulnerable to predatory attacks so they are prone to stampedes when they become nervous – and it’s definitely in their nature to panic. Although jittery and anxious much of the time, in their large numbers they can be rather terrifying to an onlooker. But despite their size, these animals are herbivores and they spend much of their time grazing on the plains of Africa and are mostly harmless. And because they spend so much time grazing, they can be easily spotted out on open plains and grassland.

Kenya & Tanzania

Home to the Great Migration, there really is no better place to see wildebeest than the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Serengeti and Mara see vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles pass through each year as the animals repeat their annual move in search of fresh grazing spots. In April, the wildebeest start to move north and by May, areas such as Moru Kopjes and Seronera see hectic movement of thousands of animals. By September, the herds are spread out across the northern parts of the Serengeti crossing the border into Kenya. Then by October, the herds move back down south.

Botswana

Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s best game parks and covers over 6,600 square miles. Being even more diverse than the spectacular Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park is the ideal place to spot a whole range of different large animals, including the notoriously nervous wildebeest. Places to sight them in the park include the Savuti Marsh and the Linyanti swamp region.

Gorillas

Gorillas are not only fascinating to watch for all their human traits and features, but unlike the aforementioned hippo or wildebeest, they are neither aggressive nor dangerous. In fact, gorillas are amongst the most gentle of animals in Africa and these primates are known for their kind, affectionate nature. That said, they are also extremely shy and may not be very forthcoming if they feel they are under threat in anyway. There are only 900 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild today so sightings can be rare.

Republic of the Congo

This former French colony is situated in western central Africa and is recognised for its beautiful, untouched forests. The tropical environment makes it ideal for gorillas, and the Western Lowland Gorilla can be seen right in the heart of the Congo Basin. The Ngaga Camp and Lango Camp in the remote rain forest of Odzala Kokoua National Park make great bases for a gorilla spotting adventure.

Uganda and Rwanda

Both these regions of East Africa are well known for being fantastic destinations for Gorilla trekking. This is a unique bucket list experience and the limited number of available trekking permits and prohibitive costs can be a challenge. But people who have experienced time with the gorillas have described it as life-changing.

What Animals Might You See on an African Safari?