Vulnerable
Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds over 110 km/h in just a few seconds. Unlike ...
Wildlife Guide
African Safari Animals
From the Big Five to the Great Migration. Discover Africa's incredible wildlife, where to find them, and how to photograph them.
The Big Five
Africa's most sought-after safari animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
African Cape Buffalo
Near ThreatenedSyncerus caffer
The African Cape buffalo is the most underrated member of the Big Five. While first-time safari visi...
Best parks: Masai Mara, Kruger
African Elephant
EndangeredLoxodonta africana
The African elephant is the world's largest land animal and one of the most intelligent creatures on...
Best parks: Amboseli, Chobe
African Leopard
VulnerablePanthera pardus pardus
The leopard is Africa's most elusive big cat and arguably the most beautiful. Masters of stealth, th...
Best parks: Sabi Sands, South Luangwa
African Lion
VulnerablePanthera leo
The African lion needs no introduction. It's the undisputed king of the safari and the animal most v...
Best parks: Masai Mara, Serengeti
Rhinoceros
Guide coming soon
Big Cats of Africa
Lions, leopards, and cheetahs—Africa's apex predators.
All Safari Animals
African Wild Dog
Medium-sized carnivore
EndangeredBlack Rhinoceros
Large herbivore
Critically EndangeredAfrican Cape Buffalo
Large herbivore
Near ThreatenedCheetah
Mammal
VulnerableCommon Chimpanzee
Great ape
EndangeredNile Crocodile
Large reptile
Least ConcernCommon Eland
Large antelope (largest in Africa)
Least ConcernAfrican Elephant
Mammal
EndangeredAfrican Flamingo
Wading bird (two species: Greater and Lesser Flamingo)
Near Threatened (Lesser) / Least Concern (Greater)Giraffe
Ungulate
VulnerableMountain Gorilla
Great ape
EndangeredHippopotamus
Semi-aquatic mammal
VulnerableSpotted Hyena
Large carnivore
Least ConcernImpala
Medium antelope
Least ConcernBlack-backed Jackal
Small canid
Least ConcernGreater Kudu
Large antelope
Least ConcernAfrican Leopard
Big cat
VulnerableAfrican Lion
Big cat
VulnerableCommon Ostrich
Flightless bird (ratite)
Least ConcernSecretary Bird
Terrestrial raptor
EndangeredTopi
Medium-large antelope
VulnerableCommon Warthog
Wild pig
Least ConcernWhite Rhinoceros
Large herbivore (megafauna)
Near ThreatenedBlue Wildebeest
Large herbivore (antelope)
Least ConcernPlains Zebra
Ungulate
Near ThreatenedWildlife Viewing Tips
Best Time of Day
Early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) are when predators are most active. Midday is often quiet as animals rest in shade.
Patience Pays
The best sightings come from waiting. Once you find an animal, stay put. Behavior—hunting, feeding, interactions—makes for memorable viewing.
Listen to Your Guide
Experienced guides know animal behavior and safety. Follow their instructions, especially around dangerous animals like elephants and buffalo.