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
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Kruger NP
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Sabi Sands
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MalaMala GR
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Phinda GR
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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
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Kgalagadi TP
Recommended Wildlife Books
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Stuarts’ Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
Ideal for those whose travels are limited to southern Africa.
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Stuarts’ SA Mammals (app)
Travel light with this app based on ‘Stuarts’ Field Guide’.
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The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals (book and app)
The comprehensive favorite of many repeat visitors to Africa.
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KrugerExplorer (app)
Top Kruger companion illustrates every mammal recorded there.
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Tracker Manual: A Practical Guide to Animal Tracking in Southern Africa
Learn to track 160 species from their prints and other spoor.
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