We’ve made an A to Z list of African animals to look out for on your next trip to Africa.. Africa is home to some of the most well known, loved and feared animals in the world! Kruger National Park. Robert Mwinyihali is the Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Africa urban bushmeat coordinator, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorillas There are many examples of same species variation in the wilderness areas of Africa - even within the same areas. African Lion. Butterfly Having a wingspan of only ½", the smallest butterfly in the world is found in South Africa. They are are the top predator in any African ecosystem where they live. Many animal species adapt to specific habitats, e.g. There are over 1,100 different species of mammals in Africa and over 2,600 species of birds. The African bush elephant is herbivorous, eating a wide variety of plant matter. Africa is home to some of the most well known, loved and feared animals in the world!There are so many wonderful to see, but where to start? Current Population: Around 3,500 according … Wildlife in South Africa. Africa has in its wildlife 4 out of the 5 fastest animals in the world. Giraffes have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as humans, seven in total, but much larger. (Of course, there are a few other differences too.) Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. South Africa is a prime wildlife destination. Within the limits of law, your gift is 100% tax-deductible. It was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. As water is scarce they will sometimes not drink water for a whole season, instead getting their liquid needs from the foods they eat. Madagascar is the home of the worlds largest as well as the smallest chameleons! Status: Critically Endangered since 1996. Almost half of the worlds chameleon species live on the island of Madagascar. One of the most popular attractions in the African wildlife is the Big 5 which includes the African elephant, the Black Rhino, the Cape buffalo, the lion and the leopard. South Africa has a penguin colony, which thrives thanks to the cold Antarctic currents on the west coast near the Cape. Most people who safari in Africa hope to see the "BIG 5". The Large hippo is found to the south of the Sahara in East Africa, while the Pygmy species lives in West Africa. At daybreak, as the mist dissipates, you’ll see silhouettes of elephants, rhinoceros, lions and buffalos appearing before you. #1 of 31 Outdoor Activities in Kruger National Park. The only place where shoals of fresh water sardines are found is in Lake Tanganyika. If you would like more information or advice for your trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Lions and elephants are also found in most of the swamp areas of Africa where their behavior differs quite radically from the bahaviour of the individuals in the desert regions. The largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere is at Cape Cross in Namibia. The hunting habits of predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas may vary considerably in the choice of prey species. Lions The more characteristic African fauna is found in the Afrotropical realm. There are also black and white rhinoceroses, African elephant, African wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion and spotted hyena. The African savannahs are known for the zebras, giraffe and antelopes. Lions are unique in that they are the only cats to live in groups (prides). Elephants are among the largest terrestrial animals in the world. The tongue of a giraffe can be as long as 45cm. Wildlife Africa is a South Africa based tour operator specializing in tailor made safari tours and holidays. Some of the better known of Africa's large mammals such as lions, elephants and leopards are found in habitats ranging from very arid to marshes and swamps. Several Big Five reserves protect the more charismatic large mammals associated with the African savannah. Butterfly It’s real Africa, real conservation, and the experience of a lifetime. Mention Africa and many people will bring to mind one or two extraordinary wildlife photos. Best place to see wildlife in South Africa – Kruger National Park. The human population in Africa today is growing at a rapid rate and space is needed for this growing population - and the parks and reserves are being targeted. Impressive in stature and … It is know as the Dwarf Blue Butterfly. For a lot of people who decide to visit Africa their main interest is to view the Wildlife. It’s about 5 feet tall at the shoulders, according to the Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF). It could be the light, the setting, an expression, the pose, or a combination which makes us look twice. Giraffes Baby Elephant Steals the Show. Because poachers in Africa and Asia are often impoverished local people who make small profits in comparison to traders and kingpins, penalties for poaching wildlife … Watch wild animals in the beautiful African bush LIVE & Unscripted. The roar of a lion can be heard over 8 kilometers away. Frogs water, desert or mountains, but there are a number that are able to survive in a number of extremely varying habitats. These different species are found in plentiful abundance in the game reserves and national parks of the country, as well as in the wild and natural countryside, where they live free. The diverse regions of the African continent, from ancient deserts to pristine swamps and from rolling savannas to mist-shrouded mountains, provide for a vast array of wildlife. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL78E394AB4F777BA1&feature=plcp For more Wildlife Documentaries. Recent studies have shown that Africa’s elephant population consists of two different species: the African bush elephant and the smaller African forest elephant. These include exciting predators, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a huge variety of fascinating insects. These are the Large and the Pygmy hippo. Best wildlife videos: animals attack. [12] Elsewhere in the country there are gemsbok , alternatively known as oryx, nyala , bushbuck and springbok . To protect populations from further decline, our on-the-ground safeguards involve training rangers and using sniffer dogs to stop wildlife traffickers. We bring you the African safari, the Kruger National Park, the African lion safari, the African wildlife park and your luxury African safari and luxury train trips. Nile Crocodiles VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA. South Africa’s Wildlife – Did you know? Giraffes have dark blue tongues. Man-eating lions like the ones who famously killed over 100 men working on a railway … No other continent offers the same opportunities to see such diverse spectrum of wildlife often in very close proximity. Watch wildlife including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras and lions come for a drink and enjoy the sound and sights of the African wilderness. Protecting an astounding diversity of species. Individuals or groups will show differing behavior to other individuals or groups in neighbouring territories. Renowned for its unrivalled imagery and drama the African wildlife and wilderness will never fail to inspire those who embrace it. A country bursting with unspoiled beauty, Tanzania has some of Africa’s most coveted wildlife watching spots. Giraffes are 6ft tall when they are born. An elephant can weigh 6 - 7 tons and has no natural enemies. Having a wingspan of only ½", the smallest butterfly in the world is found in South Africa. Zambia’s South Luangwa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, with high densities of wildlife; Sightings of lion and leopard are particularly common on night drives. Penguins LIVE CAM ON THE OLIFANTS RIVER Location: Naledi Game Reserve, near Kruger National Park, South Africa Immortalised over time African wildlife is one of the top travel attractions in the world. The Gorilla is the largest of the living primates, male gorillas weigh up to 200kg, yet are shy and retiring vegetarians. Africa is home to many of the world's most famous fauna in human culture such as lions‚ rhinos‚ cheetahs‚ giraffes‚ hippos, leopards, zebras‚ African elephants among many others. An elephant drinks up to 160 liters of water per day. For tax purposes, our EIN is 52-0781390. Goliath Beetle Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari or a basic camping safari, a trip to the wildlife epicenter of Afri… South Africa Wildlife: Kruger National Park boasts the greatest African wildlife species diversity of any park in Africa - 146 mammals including the 'big five' (Lion, Leopeard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino). Elephant. There are many incredible wildlife experiences to be had around the world but it is the wildlife of Africa that continues to draw gasps of wonder from visitors. Serengeti National Park is Africa as you always imagined it, a … The fauna of Africa, in its broader sense, is all the animals living in Africa and its surrounding seas and islands. South Africa. Animals of the swamp areas adapt through physiological means. But in an African rehabilitation sanctuary, surrounded by some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife, it can be […] Kurt Safari. As already mentioned, this is intended as a snapshot of the best places to see wildlife in Africa. The landscapes of South Africa offer the full spectrum of habitat types (from dense green forests to arid deserts, and everything in-between), making them ideal for thousands of species. Photos of a crocodile attacked by hippos have amazed wildlife enthusiasts and thrilled lovers of the natural world. Range and species diversity The diverse regions of the African continent, from ancient deserts to pristine swamps and from rolling savannas to mist-shrouded mountains, provide for a vast array of wildlife. Black Rhino. The Big 5 is one of the main attractions to So… Namibia is home to an array of wildlife, from ostriches and zebras roaming the gravel plains to penguins and seals chilling in the Atlantic currents. The African elephant is the largest living land mammal. The feaceas of desert animals is very dry and carries a lot of salt. We’re fortunate to see hundreds of these stunning images, but how on earth to choose what makes one image better than another? Budget/Day Tour Option – Addo Elephant NP. Fish In many cases animals of the same species are found in all the various habitats - with only a differentiation in their habits. There are so many wonderful to see, but where to start? Lions of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, for example, are larger in the chest than in other wilderness areas in Africa. The world's biggest frog is found in the Cameroon. Amongst them, my personal favorite is Ngorongoro Crater. Learning a little about the animals you may see before you travel will enhance your wildlife viewing experience greatly. It's thought that the Giraffes neck has grown so long due to the males mating battles. These species have adapted to living under the extreme conditions where there is very little surface water available. Africa is home to some of the world's most endangered species, including the mountain gorilla, Grevy’s zebra, and Ethiopian wolf. An African elephant possesses such "manual" dexterity in his/her trunk tip that he/she can actually turn the pages of a book with it. The long drive through Serengeti National Park is an epic one, as you get to witness the massive wildebeest migration. Elephants (Humans included.) Interestingly lion are one of the most adaptable creatures, being found in swamps and desert where they adapt easily to the environment. Many people living on the peripheries of the reserves feel that the reserves are the preserve of the elite and that they are not benefitting from the reserves - and this is causing conflict. African Wild dog. Antelope hooves will be elongated for easier movement, for example the sitatunga, and other animals may have developed forequarters due to moving through water constantly. This is due to them spending a great deal of time in the water - a fact that undermines the idea that lions do not like water. The 'big five' occurs in Kruger NP and many private game reserves in South Africa with exceptional wildlife … There are over 1,100 different species of mammals in Africa and over 2,600 species of birds. The African elephant can be distinguished by the Asian elephants by its ears, which are in the shape of Africa. The world's largest and heaviest beetle, the Goliath Beetle is found in tropical Africa. It’s play time at Hluhluwe Umfolozi, as a joyful herd of elephants is … ; Crocodiles can go for months without a … Four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa - fastest is the cheetah at 70 mph, wildebeest, lion and Thomson's gazelle all about 50 mph. Join the only Fair Trade Tourism certified wildlife volunteer program in Africa supported by WWF and contribute to some of the most important and exciting endangered and priority species conservation work being done on the ground, by the professionals. Chameleons Move are afoot however to rectify the issues of conflict by bringing locals into the tourism setup. They are the largest member of the cat family and the largest of all the African carnivores. There are two species, and both are found in Africa. During battle they whip each other with their necks and heads, the winner and eventual mate usually being the one landing the harder blows, enhanced by a slightly longer neck. Four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa - fastest is the cheetah at 70 mph, wildebeest, lion and Thomson's gazelle all about 50 mph. Seals Lying almost entirely within the tropics, and equally to north and south of the equator creates favourable conditions for rich wildlife. The Big Five refers to five of Africa's greatest wild animals - Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. Some interesting facts about African Wildlife. Protect Africa’s ‘natural capital’ We are working with African countries to protect nature by identifying and protecting key natural habitats and wildlife critical for fresh water, food security, climate security, and economic and social prosperity; integrating the value of nature into decision making; and combating the illegal wildlife trade, which undermines economic growth and security. Larger prides of lions and packs of hyenas will take down larger prey - more members of a group allow for greater strength in numbers but also a need for more food to feed the group. Creatures of the drier reaches adapt by restricting water loss in a number of ways. Named the goliath frog, their body can be one-foot long. The Namib Desert in Namibia is seemingly one of the most hostile places on earth and yet it is home to numerous species including elephants and lions. “Both safaris … Animal Care & Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteering in Africa Help save Africa’s wildlife and care for animals in a nature sanctuary Caring for an injured, sick or abandoned animal is a powerful experience, no matter where you are. Best known are the mammals and the best known of these are the famous Big Five: Elephant Lion Rhino Leopard and Buffalo. All main safari animals are easily seen. The African Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. This is not your typical dog, but rather an impressive hunter that is sadly listed as … It can reach a length of 5 inches and weigh up to ¼ lb. 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. The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest living reptile - growing to an average length of 5m. The greatest threat to the wildlife of Africa has come from human interference in the form of clearing animal habitats for agriculture, mass hunting and poaching for animal products such as skins, ivory and rhino horn.