Top African wildlife species
We are passionate about Africa's wildlife.
Click below to maximise your chances of seeing them - using real data from our travellers.
![Lion](/images/animal/3be5dddd39f54519924bd6464b9aa290.jpg)
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,130 sightings from 3,868 observations
![Leopard](/images/animal/1856a32702c448b99fc306cf98f12d4f.jpg)
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,008 sightings from 4,295 observations
![Cheetah](/images/animal/d21539afba3b41758f9445a3487a851a.jpg)
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,075 sightings from 3,287 observations
![Wild dog](/images/animal/11f40419f6324d8997924abe9949a151.jpg)
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
908 sightings from 2,868 observations
![Mountain Gorilla](/images/animal/864aba09f70d4851971d781df863abff.jpg)
Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla beringei
The world’s most impressive primate, the mountain gorilla inhabits a handful of locations in Africa’s equatorial cloud forests, where guided treks offer an intense wildlife experience.
100% SUCCESS
45 sightings from 45 observations
![Chimpanzee](/images/animal/1f4c5b7fb30540b7a7df1765190fe7e8.jpg)
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
![Aardvark](/images/animal/999537b2d2434bb19cea235502d13ffb.jpg)
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
73 sightings from 3,435 observations
![Black Rhino](/images/animal/af8f6d5dedcf4d6d949587ef2de2bf10.jpg)
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
637 sightings from 2,110 observations
![Brown Hyena](/images/animal/e599554fd77d4f65bc162860c6450928.jpg)
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
252 sightings from 1,587 observations
![Buffalo](/images/animal/bf15712ef3fb4785a9e85cfe9c83bd8a.jpg)
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,649 sightings from 3,200 observations
![Eland](/images/animal/5142aeb73cc7443b9eb2e9fec06b6297.jpg)
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,496 sightings from 3,071 observations
![Elephant](/images/animal/2bce9b9aaaaa4c9ea1719c1744132cb9.jpg)
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,760 sightings from 4,141 observations
![Gerenuk](/images/animal/546222c4d03d4c328c97fdd91924a9b3.jpg)
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
75% SUCCESS
89 sightings from 118 observations
![Giraffe](/images/animal/d4d65e53c00a4ff2a71946681c70bb5a.jpg)
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,622 sightings from 4,218 observations
![Hippo](/images/animal/f79d438006d34a65bf799ef84a8861d6.jpg)
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,749 sightings from 3,077 observations
![Oryx](/images/animal/548893903b074147b07998bc27726a62.jpg)
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,374 sightings from 1,976 observations
![Meerkat](/images/animal/a7eb94c7aec54c70a51804687c8df517.jpg)
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
91 sightings from 432 observations
![Pangolin](/images/animal/476cc6ca24a44fe99aa3ab04efaae13b.jpg)
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
57 sightings from 3,448 observations
![Roan antelope](/images/animal/88981fb367b44200b1c38409355de14c.jpg)
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
497 sightings from 2,114 observations
![Sable antelope](/images/animal/86cc1b74b89b459394c0ec3df06e7bad.jpg)
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
479 sightings from 2,115 observations
![Sitatunga](/images/animal/b0f4d993d122487ca8e0bf7448cf426b.jpg)
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 347 observations
![Spotted Hyena](/images/animal/1204c5262b8045ecb217ede6f289b410.jpg)
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,236 sightings from 4,089 observations
![Striped Hyena](/images/animal/7c663665b3054b3f9bf0ddc4c8d61a12.jpg)
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
126 sightings from 916 observations
![White Rhino](/images/animal/3d3435b0899e4eddbe3fdad972969b8b.jpg)
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
511 sightings from 1,178 observations
![Wildebeest](/images/animal/c4b750701097425e878c20c2f0211255.jpg)
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,566 sightings from 3,801 observations
![Zebra](/images/animal/6bac41d636e94a75bc7d938dad41a62d.jpg)
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,960 sightings from 4,713 observations
![Inspire me](/images/static-content/98cbe0d622a54f21be54e218d0ed0e18-2000.jpg)