Animals You Can See in South Africa: A Wildlife Guide
If you’re wondering what animals you can see in South Africa, you’re in for a treat. South Africa is a wildlife lover’s paradise with an incredible variety of animals and stunning landscapes. When I visited, I was blown away by the diversity and beauty of the animals I encountered, not to mention the scenery. From the majestic Big Five on safari to the unique creatures along the coast, South Africa has it all.
South Africa is a country brimming with wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town, driving along the picturesque Garden Route, or embarking on a safari in Greater Kruger National Park, you’ll encounter an array of fascinating animals. These were the three main areas that I visited on my trip and all provided amazing experiences and opportunities to see South African animals.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Wondering Where To See Animals in South Africa?
If you want me to help you decide what to do and plan your trip, then feel free to reach out to me to help you put together an amazing itinerary for your vacation!
If you are ready to book, here are my recommended options to most of the amazing wildlife:
Guided Safari in Klaserie at Africa on Foot
6-Day Garden Route Tour on the South Eastern Coast
One of the highlights of my trip, and the main reason I visited South Africa, was to go on a safari. The Greater Kruger National Park is renowned for their wildlife and the diverse savanna. The experience of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was unforgettable, especially for my first safari.
You also have the option of self guided safaris in Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa; or in Addo Elephant National Park, located in the Eastern Cape. We did a self drive in Addo Elephant National Park, as it is a smaller area, but I recommend doing a guided safari in Greater Kruger.
If you have ever been on a safari in Tanzania, you will understand that there are quite a few differences between safaris in these two countries. You definitely spend more time ‘looking’ for the animals in South Africa. Enjoy the thrill of the chase!
These animals you can see in South Africa may require a bit of work. With each species I included the best locations that you may see them. But remember, nothing is guaranteed when you are looking for animals in South Africa. Sometimes they can be found outside of these areas as well.
Big Five Animals in South Africa
Lions
Lions are iconic predators known for their strength, agility, and social structure. They live in prides led by dominant male lions, with females typically doing most of the hunting. Lions are found in various habitats from savannas to dense bushveld.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Elephants
The African elephant is the world’s largest land animal, distinguished by its tusks, large ears, and trunk. They live in family groups led by older females and are crucial to maintaining savanna and forest ecosystems through their browsing and seed dispersal.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Rhinoceros
Both the white and black rhinoceros are heavily poached for their horns, which are erroneously believed to have medicinal properties. Rhinos are large herbivores that play a critical role in shaping their habitats. Locations of rhinos are often not publicized to protect them.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Leopard
Leopards are solitary and secretive big cats known for their adaptability and strength. They are skilled climbers and are found in diverse habitats, from forests and mountains to savannas. Their rosette-patterned coats provide excellent camouflage.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Cape Buffalo
African buffalos, or Cape buffalos, are known for their unpredictable behavior and formidable horns. They live in herds led by older females and are known to be one of Africa’s most dangerous animals when threatened.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Other Wildlife
Cheetah
Known for their incredible speed and slender build, cheetahs inhabit open savannas and grasslands across South Africa. They are solitary hunters and rely on bursts of speed to chase down their prey, primarily small antelopes.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park (rare)
Hippopotamus
Despite their herbivorous diet, hippos are considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals due to their territorial behavior and formidable size. They inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands in South Africa, where they spend much of their time submerged in water to stay cool.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Giraffe
They are the world’s tallest land animals, known for their long necks and distinctively patterned coats, and can be found in savannas and open woodlands.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park (rare)
Burchell’s Zebra
Zebras in South Africa are primarily known for their striking black-and-white stripes, which serve as camouflage and social signaling. These animals are found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to mountainous regions.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park (rare)
Warthogs
Warthogs, native to South Africa, are recognizable for their distinct facial warts and tusks. They inhabit savannas and grasslands, where they forage for roots and vegetation, often seen kneeling to feed.
Where: Safari, most national parks and reserves
Wild Dogs (African Painted Dogs)
These highly social predators are known for their colorful coats and cooperative hunting strategies. They are found in packs across various habitats, including grasslands and woodlands, and are one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores due to habitat loss and human conflict. I did not see any in South Africa but I was lucky enough to find them in southern Tanzania.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park (rare)
Hyena
Hyenas play a crucial role as scavengers and hunters, known for their distinct cackling calls and complex social structures within their clans. They are often competing with lions for food and adapting to various habitats from savannas to coastal areas.
Where: Safari, Addo Elephant National Park
Vervet Monkeys
These agile primates are common in South Africa’s woodlands and forests. Known for their distinctive blue faces and tails, vervet monkeys live in troops and are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes small animals.
Where: Eastern half of country; most national parks, reserves and rural areas
Greater Kudu
The kudu is an antelope with spiral horns that roams the woodlands and savannas of South Africa, known for its agility and striking white stripes.
Where: Safari in Greater Kruger, most national parks and reserves
Impala
One of the most graceful and common antelope, thrives in both wooded and open habitats, renowned for its incredible leaping ability and characteristic lyre-shaped horns.
Where: Safari in Greater Kruger, most national parks and reserves
Meerkats
Found primarily in the arid regions of the Kalahari Desert, meerkats live in social groups called mobs or clans, led by an alpha pair. They are small carnivores known for their upright posture and keen foraging abilities. This was one of the best sightings of the animals you can see in South Africa!
Where Could You See Them: Kalahari Desert near Oudtshoorn
Honey Badger
Honey badgers are one of the most fierce and fearless animals in South Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, from savannas to forests, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.
Where: Safari, most national parks and reserves
Rock Hyrax (Dassie)
Often mistaken for rodents, rock hyraxes are small, herbivorous mammals found in rocky habitats across South Africa. They are adept climbers and can often be seen sunning themselves on rocks.
Where: Most national parks and reserves, especially Tsitsikamma National Park and Betty’s Bay
Marine Wildlife
Great White Sharks
Great white sharks, apex predators of the ocean, are commonly found in the waters around South Africa. They are known for their powerful jaws, speed, and ability to breach the water surface while hunting seals. These areas offer prime conditions for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The best way to see them is to do a shark diving experience.
Where: Off the coast of Cape Town or Gansbaai
Cape Fur Seals
Cape fur seals are abundant along the coast of South Africa, particularly around rocky shorelines and islands. These social and playful marine mammals are known for their agility both in water and on land and are known for their distinctive fur coats.
Where: along the Western Cape, Cape Town
Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales
These whales migrate along the South African coastline during winter, providing excellent opportunities for whale watching. They are known for breaching, lobtailing, and their hauntingly beautiful songs. They can be spotted from boat tours during the winter months when they migrate to warmer waters to breed and calve.
Where: Western Cape, from Hermanus or Cape Town
Birdlife
There are over 845 species of birds in South Africa, and 200 are endemic. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting to birdwatch, you can’t help but notice the amazing birds everywhere. Below are just two of the most common birds you must see.
African Penguins
Formerly known as Jackass Penguins due to their braying calls, African Penguins are found along the southern coastlines and islands of South Africa and are rarely afraid of humans. Though the general rule is to watch from a distance, you can’t help but be amazed by them. They are worth seeing! I recommend going to Betty’s Bay for the best experience.
Where: Betty’s Bay or Boulders Beach
Ostrich
The Ostrich is the world’s largest bird and is found in open savannas and semi-desert regions of South Africa. It is flightless but is incredibly fast, capable of running at speeds up to 70 km/h. Ostriches are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, and small animals.
Where: Oudtshoorn, Safari, some national parks & reserves
My journey through this beautiful country was filled with incredible sights and unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to return. The animals you can see in South Africa offer an unparalleled wildlife experience and opportunity. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to find the animals of South Africa.
If you enjoyed my post, follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter below, so you can stay connected on future posts, trips, tips and more.
