Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.
South Africa is a prime wildlife destination. All main safari animals are easily seen. Kruger National Park offers excellent general wildlife viewing, and the scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best to see rhino. In Sabi Sand, the main focus is on seeing the Big Five and it is famous for its habituated leopards.
Wildlife Highlights
Cape Mountain zebra is endemic to South Africa and can be seen in Mountain Zebra National Park. The rare black wildebeest, another endemic to the country, thrives in the Karoo reserves, and some dry-country specials can be seen in the Kalahari habitat. These include meerkat, gemsbok, springbok and bat-eared fox.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
South Africa can be visited any time of the year, but wildlife viewing is best in the Dry season (May-September). The end of the Dry season (August-September) is especially rewarding as water is scarce and animals can be found near waterholes. The middle of the Dry season (June-August) is mid-winter when early morning and afternoon drives in open vehicles can be very cold.
Wildlife Rating per Major Park
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR 4.5/5 98 Wildlife Ratings
- Kgalagadi TP 4.6/5 66 Wildlife Ratings
- Kruger NP 4.8/5 334 Wildlife Ratings
- MalaMala GR 5.0/5 37 Wildlife Ratings
- Phinda GR 4.8/5 32 Wildlife Ratings
- Sabi Sands 4.9/5 70 Wildlife Ratings
