Wildlife in South Africa

There are 230 species of terrestrial animals and 43 species of marine mammals recorded in South Africa. The wildlife has suffered under the colonial period, but thanks to the nature conservation efforts there has been a spectacular recovery.

Highlights

Safari in one of the national parks or private reserves

Whale watching on the South Coast or East Coast

Great white shark cage diving

Scuba diving at Sodwana Bay

Safari

Seeing the big five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo) is usually top priority for the majority of the visitors. The big five is a term that was used by hunters and refers to the five most dangerous (and most wanted) animals to hunt. Try not to be obsessed with the big five, since there is so much more to see.

If you have never been on a safari before, a small warning might be in place. Some people expect to see all species of animals in one day, or at least see animals hunting, like in the documentaries shown on Animal Planet. It is possible though that you stay in a reserve for a couple of days and not see any of the animals you wanted to see. This is nature, and animals will not always grace us with their presence (or visibility).

Take your time for a safari, not only does this increase your chance of seeing more animals, but you will also notice that your senses will get accustomed to the bush after a while, which makes it easer to spot animals.

Safari tips & tricks

The best time to look for animals is when it is (relatively) cool; early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

It’s better to park near a waterhole then to drive around all day.

When you are driving, drive slowly and scan the area from the corner of your eye, this makes it easier to spot movement. Look out for a flick of a tail or a twitching ear in the tall grass.

Invest in books about the area you are visiting, this will certainly be helpful in your search for those elusive creatures.

Try to learn a little bit about the different types of vegetation and the habitat of the different animals species (different kind of soil = different vegetation = different grazer/browzer)

Bring your snacks and drinks with you, so you don’t have to interrupt your trip because you are hungry or thirsty.

Safari etiquette

Animals ALWAYS have the right of way.

Never interrupt/disturb a predator on the hunt (give the animal some room, don’t chase away its prey etc)

Never feed wild animals

When enjoying a sighting, give other people a chance to see it too

Don’t litter