WILDLIFE PARKS

The most incredible national parks in South Africa for wildlife

From snow-capped mountains and the Bushveld to sub-tropical beaches and the Kalahari, South Africa is a mind-bogglingly diverse country. Showcasing an astonishing array of landscapes, the country's national parks and game reserves are great places to experience true wilderness and get close to Africa's famous wildlife.

If you include private reserves, South Africa has hundreds of national parks and game areas. In some reserves, the focus is on wildlife encounters, while others are primarily wilderness sanctuaries or hiking areas. Here are the best national parks to add some natural wonder to your South Africa itinerary.

Kruger National Park

Best national park for wildlife watching

Kruger National Park is one of the world's greatest wildlife-watching destinations. Some of Africa's most iconic species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra – share the bushveld with a supporting cast of 136 other mammals and more than 500 bird species. Beautiful granite kopjes (hills) pepper the south, while the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savanna in the east, and tropical forests cover northern parts of this 7520 sq mile park.

Yes, we concede that Kruger can sometimes become crowded with safari groups. And yes, you may have to wait in line to see those lions around a kill. On the flip side, Kruger's vast network of roads makes this one of Africa's most accessible parks, and it's well suited for families. You can explore with your own vehicle or join a huge range of guided wildlife safaris, and accommodation is plentiful and great value.

Leopard close encounters are just one of the thrills that may be waiting in Kruger National Park .

Royal Natal National Park

Best national park for mountains

Fanning out from some of the loftiest summits in the Drakensberg mountains, 30 sq mile Royal Natal National Park has a presence that far outstrips its modest size. With some of the Drakensberg’s most dramatic and accessible scenery, the park is crowned by the sublime Amphitheater, a 5km (3 mile) wall of cliffs and canyons that’s spectacular from below and even more dramatic when viewed from above.

Here, the Tugela Falls drop 945m (3100ft) in five stages; the highest level often freezes in winter. Looming behind is Mont-aux-Sources at 3282m (10,768ft), the source – hence the name – of the Tugela, Elands and Western Khubedu Rivers. This last river eventually becomes the Senqu (Orange) River and flows all the way to the Atlantic. The park is renowned for its excellent day walks and more ambitious multiday hiking opportunities.

The lush, green landscapes of Tugela Gorge draw hikers to the Drakensberg mountains.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Best national park for sunsets

Just before the darkness erases the remaining flecks of color from the sky, something magical happens in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The jagged sandstone outcrops fronting the foothills of the wild, maroon-hued Maluti Mountains glow golden in the dying light. The lemon-yellow rays may silhouette a lone kudu standing still in a sea of mint-green grasses before the sky explodes in a fiery collision of purple and red. Golden Gate Highlands National Park might not boast any of the Big Five, but it does feature some fantastic sunsets.

There are plenty of animals in the park, however, including grey rheboks, blesboks, elands, oribi antelope, Burchell’s zebras, jackals, baboons and numerous bird species, including the rare bearded and Cape vultures and the critically endangered bald ibis. The park is popular with hikers on long treks, but there are also shorter walking trails.

The tumbling hills of Golden Gate Highlands National Park are prime hiking country.

Table Mountain National Park

Best national park for activities

Stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park is a natural wonder, and the most recognizable natural feature in South Africa. The surrounding national park covers granite and sandstone mountains, giant-boulder-strewn beaches and shady forests. For the vast majority of visitors, the main attraction is the 1085m-high, table-flat plateau, the top of which can easily be accessed by cableway from the outskirts of Cape Town. The park is the setting for an impressive range of adventure activities including hiking, abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, bird and wildlife watching, snorkeling and diving.

Head to the top of Table Mountain on the cableway for South Africa's most famous views.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Best national park for desert landscapes

A long, scorched highway leads between crimson dunes from Upington to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the world’s last great, unspoiled ecosystems. As soon as you enter this magical park, tucked away alongside Namibia in the Northern Cape and spilling into southwest Botswana, you’ll see why the journey was well worth the effort.

The Kgalagadi is a wild land of harsh extremes and frequent droughts, where shifting red and white sands meet clusters of spiky thorn trees and bone-dry riverbeds. Yet despite the desolate landscape, the park teems with wildlife. From prides of black-maned lions to packs of howling spotted hyenas, there are some 1,775 predators here. It’s one of the best places in the world to spot big cats, especially cheetahs. Add in giant, orange-ball sunsets and black-velvet night skies studded with twinkling stars, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered the Africa of storybooks.

The Cape fox is just one of many less familiar predators that can be found in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park .

Cederberg Wilderness Area

Best national park for hiking

Some of the Western Cape's finest scenery can be found in the desolate Cederberg Wilderness Area. Here, craggy peaks climb to around 2000m (6560ft), harboring weird rock formations, well-preserved rock art produced by the San people, and clear mountain streams. It's excellent terrain for hiking and rock climbing.

Cederberg isn't known for its wildlife, though you might glimpse a baboon, a bat-eared fox or one of the small antelopes that hop amongst the rocks. Elusive leopards roam the crags at night, but you'd be extremely lucky to see one.

The region is better known for its plant life – mountain fynbos (shrubby vegetation with fine leaves) abounds, and wildflowers erupt in spring. Vegetation varies with altitude, with the eponymous cedar stands growing between 1000m (3280ft) and 1500m (4920ft). This is also the only place in the world where rooibos (red bush) grows and is processed into tea.

Climb through caves and rock formations in Cederberg Wilderness Area .

Mapungubwe National Park

Best national park for history

Stunningly stark, rocky landscapes reverberate with cultural intrigue and throng with wandering wildlife at Mapungubwe National Park. A Unesco World Heritage site, Mapungubwe contains South Africa’s most significant Iron Age site, plus animals ranging from black and white rhinos to meerkats and the rare Pel’s fishing owl.

The wildlife-watching is excellent, as is the birdwatching, and lions, leopards and elephants are commonly spotted. But the park is as much about history as wildlife – archeological finds uncovered in the 1930s are displayed at the excellent Interpretation Center, and the site itself can be visited on a tour.

Mapungubwe National Park offers big landscapes, ancient sites, wildlife and more .

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Best national park for rock formations

The stunning Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is centered on the 26km (16 mile) Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above forested slopes, and birds' eye views abound at the dramatic meeting of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Lowveld. It's one of the world's largest canyons and one of South Africa’s most impressive natural sights.

Most visitors drive along the canyon’s edge, where the Panorama Route (mostly Route 532) offers plenty of viewpoints where you can stop and gaze in awe, including the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. If you have enough time, however, the canyon is even better explored on foot, with numerous walking trails.

Gaze down on the world's third largest canyon at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve .

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Best national park for coastline

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, another Unesco World Heritage site, incorporates a broad range of landscapes from the Mozambique border to Maphelane, at the southern end of Lake St Lucia. With the Indian Ocean on one side and a string of lakes on the other, this park protects five distinct ecosystems, covering everything from offshore reefs and beaches to lakes, wetlands, woodlands and coastal forests.

Loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the park’s shores, and whales and dolphins appear regularly offshore. On land, the park is occupied by numerous mammals, including antelopes and zebras, but the showstoppers are the reserve's 800 hippos and 1200 Nile crocodiles. During the holiday season, big crowds gather on the ocean beaches for everything from diving to fishing.

Addo Elephant National Park

Best national park for elephant watching

The jewel in Eastern Cape's crown is Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa's third-largest national park. It protects what remains of the once-huge elephant herds that used to roam the Eastern Cape. When Addo was proclaimed a national park in 1931, there were only 11 elephants left; today there are more than 600 in the park, and you’d be very unlucky not to see some.

A day or two at Addo is a highlight of any visit to this part of the Eastern Cape, not only for the elephants but also for chances to spot lions, zebras, black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas and myriad birds. This is also one of the few parks in Africa to boast the "Big Seven," thanks to sightings of great white sharks and southern right whales (in season) off the coastal section of the park.

Elephants drinking at a water hole in Addo Elephant National Park .

Namaqua National Park

Best national park for wildflowers

Flower-seekers flock to the small, remote Namaqua National Park each spring, when the shrubland and old wheat fields are transformed into vivid color by the annual wildflower bloom. There are short nature trails and drives with viewpoints, and plenty of spots where you can stop to photograph the flowers. For the rest of the year, the national park is largely forgotten, although that does make it a peaceful place for a hike. It's also a good destination for birdwatching, home to many small, colorful bird species.

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Most Dangerous Animals In South Africa That Are Deadly

With a wide range of unique ecosystems and animals, South Africa is one of the most diversified nations in the world.

There are many unusual animal species that most people are unfamiliar with that can be found in South Africa.

Hippos, black mambas, African buffalos, and, shockingly, mosquitoes are only a few of the most dangerous animals in South Africa.

This article lists the top 15 dangerous wildlife in South Africa along with some practical safety advice in case you ever find yourself in their habitat.

Contents show

What are the Most Dangerous Animals In South Africa?

Here are 15 dangerous animals that you should know about before going to this beautiful country:

1. Hippopotamus

Habitat: Water bodies; rivers, lakes, mangrove swamps, freshwater habitats, and estuarine waters.

The biggest hippos concentration may be in South Africa, particularly in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

They are the most dangerous animal you will encounter in the nation because of their extreme aggression toward people.

Their territorial nature prevents them from tolerating humans approaching them or their habitat.

In Africa, hippopotamuses are thought to claim the lives of 500 humans annually.

This borderline deadly animal frequently makes headlines for the wrong reasons, such as when it viciously mauls defenseless people or snaps a boat in half with its strong jaw.

A hippo is alleged to have murdered three adults and badly injured a kid in South Africa in 2015.

2. Cape Buffalo (also African Buffalo)

Habitat: Coastal savannas, mountains, woodlands, swamps, lowland floodplains, meadows, wetlands, etc.

The Cape buffalo is the largest bovine native to South and East Africa, often known as the “Inyati.”

Because they are so harmful to people and animals, they are frequently referred to as the “Black Death.” Each year, 200 individuals are said to die as a result of their attack.

The Cape buffalo spread some epidemic diseases, including rift valley fever and bovine tuberculosis.

Avoid strolling beside a Cape buffalo since it is nearly hard to stop one once it starts charging at you.

3. Black Mamba

Habitat: Rocky hills, lowland forests, semi-arid savannas, light and open woodlands, scrub, mountain peaks, etc.

Fun fact: A black mamba’s skin can be gray, brown, or olive. They are so named because when they feel threatened, the inside of their mouths turns blue-black.

The black mamba is a poisonous snake that is indigenous to Southern Africa and is regarded as the deadliest snake in the world.

Naturally shy animals, black mambas almost always try to flee when approached. However, if cornered, these snakes will become aggressive and strike repeatedly.

You may want to avoid conflict with them because they are extremely quick snakes that can move at rates of up to 12.5 miles per hour.

4. Mosquito

Habitat: Water, forests, plants, trees, tall grasses, artificial structures, ponds, swamps, marshes

Probably the most harmful animal in Africa is the little mosquito. Each year, they infect more than 70 million people with various potentially fatal diseases like Yellow, dengue, West Nile, Zika, and malaria.

The number of malaria cases worldwide increased from 229 million in 2019 to 241 million in 2020, according to the most recent World malaria report. The expected number of malaria-related deaths was 627,000 in 2020.

There is a risk of contracting malaria, a potentially fatal illness, from these insects in various parts of South Africa.

The far north of Kwa Zulu-natal Province, which borders Mozambique, White River, and the northeastern Province of Limpopo, are among the nation’s high-risk locations.

5. Lion

Habitat: Open plains, thick bush, savanna, shrublands, grasslands, dense scrub, dry thorn forest.

Throughout history, people have revered the beautiful South African lion as representing strength, courage, and power.

They are the largest and friendliest of all African cats (they once roamed Europe, Asia, and much of Africa.)

The lion subspecies in South Africa are called the Southern African lions, Panthera leo melanochaita.

They are the remaining lions in South Africa that can still be seen in the wild in some parts of the country after the Cape lion was essentially driven to extinction in the 1860s.

There are over 13,000 lions in South Africa, but only about 2,300 are wild; the rest are in game reserves and captivity.

The 19,623 square kilometer Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and is situated in the northeast of the country, near the borders of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and is home to the majority of wild lions in South Africa.

Smaller populations can be found in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape (about 25), the border region with Botswana (about 40), and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal (about 120).

Despite their reputation for being extremely violent, lions usually avoid hunting people when they encounter them. Nevertheless, lions have been killing people in the wild, particularly when starving.

The lion may also strike if it feels threatened and aggravated by the human. The sad event when an American woman was killed by a lioness that came at her through the car window while trying to capture some shots while on safari in South Africa in June 2015 serves as a warning that lions are apex predators that prey on people.

6. Nile Crocodile

Habitat: Brackish streams, dams, freshwater, flowing rivers, mangrove swamps, tidal lakes.

The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous creatures in South Africa. It naturally occurs in the nation and is a fearsome freshwater predator, maybe the second-largest living reptile in the world after saltwater crocodiles.

They can attack and kill practically any animal that comes into touch with this violent kind of crocodile.

The Nile crocodile has a ferocious bite that is unmatched by any other animal and may kill or seriously injure large prey.

The Nile crocodile is a dangerous crocodilian species that kills hundreds of people yearly.

They are among the largest reptiles on Earth, and their size makes them extremely dangerous when provoked, even though they are not hostile toward humans unless provoked first.

It is better to avoid provoking them because they can eat and swallow people whole if given a chance.

7. Transvaal thick/fat-tailed scorpion

Habitat: Sand, shrubs under rocks and logs.

One of the largest scorpions in South Africa is the Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion, which is found in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Gauteng. It can reach a maximum length of 90 to 140 millimeters and have a thick, prolonged tail.

The thick-tailed scorpion has lighter pincers and is often dark brown to black. It lives in a bushveld habitat, typically found under rocks, logs, and other debris.

The South African thick tail and enormous deathstalker are other names for this big species of scorpion.

Although the kurtoxin venom of the Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion is extremely dangerous, it also has significant medical use. It is one of the deadliest in Southern Africa and has a neurotoxic venom that, if left untreated, can kill.

8. Sac spider

Habitat: Forest, under vegetation, bark, debris, etc.

Because they consume flies and mosquitoes, spiders may appear harmless to people, yet some species can bite you painfully. There are certain venomous spiders in South Africa.

Their bites can aggravate existing medical conditions in some persons, especially the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems and allergies.

According to legend, sac spiders are the most dangerous spiders in South Africa. They are extremely toxic and aggressive spiders that can seriously hurt people.

Their venom can also have harmful effects on cells and nerves. Although sac spiders are to blame for 70–80% of all reported spider bites in South Africa, they have not been connected to any significant cases of spider envenomation there.

Keep your environment clean and regularly to prevent the sac spiders from spotting a place to hide. Please ensure a booster tetanus shot if you are ever bitten by one.

9. Puff Adder

Habitat: Savannas, grasslands

Due to its widespread distribution, frequent appearance in densely populated areas, and aggressive nature, the clever Puff Adder is considered the deadliest snake in Africa and is to blame for most snakebite fatalities in the continent. It is widely accessible in South Africa.

The average length of a puff adder is around 1.0 m, while larger species can grow up to 190 cm in total length. Male puff adders are often larger and longer than females.

The average length of a puff adder is around 1.0 m, while larger species can grow up to 190 cm in total length.

The color pattern of a puff adder differs depending on where it is found, but you can identify one by the two distinct dark bands on its head—one on the crown and the other between the eyes. It is a slow-moving snake species that hides via camouflaging, yet it may move at a startlingly fast rate when irritated.

Despite having less toxicity than a black mamba, puff adders bite more people and result in over 32,000 fatalities yearly.

Because it will puff out its body to appear larger than it is when directly threatened by a predator or a person, this gigantic snake earned its moniker.

The puff adder was given the scientific name arietans, which means “striking violently,” by the German naturalist Blasius Merrem in 1820 because, during a strike, the puff adder moves so quickly and strikes its prey with such a powerful force with its long fangs penetrating deeply, that preys are frequently killed by the physical trauma alone.

This species’ bites can cause serious local and systemic symptoms in humans. Bite symptoms can be categorized into two groups, those with little to no surface extravasation and those with hemorrhages visible as ecchymosis, bleeding, and swelling, depending on the severity and type of local effect.

Both situations involve excruciating pain and tenderness, but the latter also features compartment syndrome and widespread superficial or deep necrosis.

Serious bites result in substantial bleeding or coagulation in the afflicted muscles, which causes limbs to become immovably flexed.

Humans may also experience shock, edema, watery blood seeping from puncture wounds, nausea, vomiting, subcutaneous bruising, blood blisters that may form quickly, and painful swelling of the local lymph nodes in response to bites.

In most cases, swelling goes down within a few days, except for the region next to the bite site. Additionally, reported symptoms include hypotension, weakness, wooziness, and moments of semi-consciousness or unconsciousness.

Necrosis spreads if it is not carefully managed, causing muscle, skin, and subcutaneous tissue to become detached from healthy tissue and slough with serous effusion.

10. Chacma Baboon

Habitat: Trees, savannas, sub-desert, steppes, high, rocky outcrops, woodlands.

One of the biggest monkey species, the Chacma baboon, is found mostly in Southern Africa, with substantial populations in Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana.

These baboons are so violent and deadly that they don’t get along well with people. They would aggressively retaliate against their predators if threatened.

A single glance reveals all you need to know about a Chacma baboon. It can spread some infections to people and is large and frightening. These baboons pose several possible health dangers for people.

Even though killings by Chacma baboons of people are sporadic, it is nonetheless possible.

11. Red Lionfish

Habitat: Shallow and artificial coral reefs, holes and crevices, tropical waters, and all marine habitats.

The red lionfish is a natural component of the coastal ecology of South Africa – It is one of the most invasive creatures on Earth that behaves violently.

The fish is easily identified by its venomous spiky fins, which are unusual among reef-dwelling fishes along the American East coast and the Caribbean. This feature serves as a form of protection for the fish, making it challenging for predators to eat it.

The highly strong venom from a lionfish’s spiky fins can induce serious allergic reactions in people, including chest pain, a drop in blood pressure, tongue swelling, shivering, nasal congestion, or lightheadedness.

Other symptoms include extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing problems, convulsions, dizziness, redness in the affected area, headache, numbness, paresthesia (pins and needles), heartburn, diarrhea, and sweating systemic effects that it may potentially produce.

Very young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and people who are allergic to the venom of red lionfish are more likely to die.

Even though their venom seldom kills healthy adults, some species contain enough venom to cause excruciating pain for several days.

The lionfish is quite dangerous, despite being stunning with a body color that acts more as a warning than a plea for human friendship.

12. Black Rhinoceros

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, bushlands, mountains, moorlands, dry forests, deserts, and xeric shrublands

Nearly 98% of the black rhino population, popular in South Africa, is concentrated in just four nations: Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Currently, it is thought that the Black Rhino species faces a major threat. Actually, only three of the four subspecies of black rhinoceros remain on the planet, with the West African black rhinoceros being officially declared extinct in 2011.

Although black rhinos are smaller than white rhinos, adults can still grow to a height of 1.5 meters and weigh 1.4 tonnes.

The black rhino is different from the white rhino, also known as the “square-lipped” rhino, by having trumpet-shaped and more rounded ears, a smaller head that is typically held high, and a prehensile upper lip (hence the alternate name of “hook-lipped” rhino), which it uses to feed on various herbaceous plants and twigs of woody plants (they have a particular liking for acacias.)

Rhinos can defend their territory. However, they are rarely violent until provoked. They may protect themselves by charging if they feel threatened.

Both black and white rhinos will retaliate by attacking anyone they see as a threat, but black rhinos are far more aggressive than white rhinos.

13. Black Widow Spider

Habitat: Dark areas; crevices and woodpiles, hollow logs, loose barks, trees, bushes.

In South Africa, black widow spiders are prevalent, especially in the Western Cape. They are not particularly aggressive spiders, but if threatened or mistreated, they may bite as a last resort.

In contrast to the male widows, which have too-small mouthparts, the female black widow has long, sharp fangs that may puncture human flesh.

A black widow bite may not hurt right away, but with time, the pain will spread up your limbs to your lymph glands.

The bite will significantly impact blood pressure, resulting in weakness, leg pain, cramps, stiffness of the abdominal muscles, and profuse sweating.

Make sure you go to the hospital to get treated if the dreadful black widow spider bites you.

Even though black widow bites can be fatal, no deaths have been recorded in South Africa in the past 50 years due to the rarity of these attacks.

14. African Elephant

Habitat: Tropical forests, grasslands, wetlands, shrublands, savannas

The largest terrestrial animal at the moment is the African elephant, which may weigh up to 7000 kg. It can crush a person to death with its weight.

They can hurt you even though they are primarily herbivores and won’t attack people for food. However, there are man-eating elephants in India, so this isn’t always the case.

Human attacks by elephants are becoming more frequent. Elephant assaults on people have occurred 412 times in the last 15 years (2000–2020), resulting in 274 fatalities and 138 injuries.

African elephants are typically non-aggressive creatures, although they may attack if they feel frightened, helpless, tormented, or provoked. It is best to stay away from an enraged elephant.

15. Great White Shark

Habitat: Temperate coastal and offshore waters.

Great white sharks are very dangerous marine mammals that have killed more people than any other shark species. They represent the most significant danger to human surfers in the nation.

Reports show that the great white shark murdered six people in 2020.10 Although the reason these sharks attack people is still unknown, a study concluded that this is because great white sharks confuse people for their prey.

Due to the presence of seals, which are a white shark’s preferred meal. Dyer island is one of South Africa’s locations with the densest known Great white shark populations.

Capetown, Sodwana Bay, and Protea Banks are places where you can find these great white sharks and other large pelagic sharks, so be careful when you are in these areas.

South Africa Wildlife Safety Tips

In South Africa, many dangerous animals are borderline deadly, so it is vital to follow safety rules while traveling in nature. Some of these tips include:

Never approach any wild animal, including predators: Dangerous animals may be unpredictable and aggressive; they can bite, attack, and kill if provoked or threatened. Some of these animals may carry diseases transmitted through bites or scratches from their teeth or claws (such as rabies).
Do not run if you encounter a predator: If you have time to think, identify the animal and determine whether it is dangerous or not. If so, do not approach but instead find cover where you can wait until help arrives.
Always stay in your car when driving through game reserve areas: If you are driving through a game reserve area, keep your windows up and doors locked. Please do not leave your car to take photos of animals or take selfies with them. If you’re not sure what to do, ask someone who works at the park for advice before heading out onto the road.
Do not attempt to feed a wild animal: Do not feed wild animals like spotted hyenas, jackals, etc., as this can make them addicted to human food, which makes them more likely to attack humans. Wild animals are not pets and should not be treated as such. Keep your distance!
Avoid swimming in crocodile-infested rivers or lakes: The Crocs are very aggressive and will attack you if they feel threatened by your presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dangerous animals found in South Africa?

South Africa is renowned for its naturally stunning landscapes and for having a sizable area of wildlife-rich protected land. South Africa is home to a wide variety of animals and insects, some of which are fairly harmful. The African buffalo, great white shark, brown widow spider, boomslang, Gaboon viper, common ostrich, bearded vulture, and others are examples of these hazardous animals.

The Big five are quite significant. This phrase, which is synonymous with safaris, exudes a strong sense of adventure and excitement. What are the big 5 then? This is a reference to some of the most hazardous animals in Africa, such as Cape buffalo, African lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses.

Big Five safaris in South Africa

What Are The Big 5 Animals?

The Big Five animals of Africa: the African Elephant, Cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, African lion, and African leopard.

The term Big Five was initially used to refer to the five most difficult and dangerous African animals to hunt on foot. The term was coined by ‘gentlemen hunters’ who moved to Africa in search of the wildlife trophies. The animals included the African elephant, Cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, African lion, and African leopard. The hunting of these magnificent beasts has often led to the serious injuries and death of the hunters. Following the independence of African states, the term was increasingly used by the tour companies and governments to promote tourism in their respective countries. They are also the target of conservation efforts due to declining populations and habitat destruction.

5. African Elephant

The elephant is the largest land mammal and is known for its brute strength. The animal’s characteristic features include a long trunk, large head, tusks, and wide and flat ears. They are found across a wide variety of habitats including savannah, grasslands, swamps, highlands, and forests. A seasoned hunter will typically be on the lookout for recently fallen trees while tracking these beasts. Today, about 450,000-700,000 elephants roam the African continent up from an estimated 100,000 that were recorded at the turn of the century. The increase in population has been as a result of serious conservation measures such as the ban of poaching and fencing of habitats. While hunting elephants is generally frowned upon, officials from countries such as Zimbabwe have argued that capital raised from hunting licenses are critical to the funding of conservation projects.

4. Cape Buffalo

The Cape buffalo, also known as the ‘black death’ among hunters, is a wild herbivore with similar characteristics as the domestic cow. This magnificent animal measures between 8 feet and 11 feet from head to tail and has a greyish-black hide that is often riddled with scars from previous fights and encounters with predators. They are mainly found along river beds and plains. The animals usually move in herds and congregate to fend off predators. Cape buffalos are not considered endangered as there are 900,000, most of which are in protected areas. Hunting of buffalos has caused little stir in the conservation world due to their stable population with experts only advocating for sustainable hunting practices.

3. Black Rhinoceros

The black rhinoceros is a large herbivore with two horns on its naval bridge. It is smaller compared to the white rhino which has a square lip. The rhino is a favorite among game hunters and tends to charge aggressively at their attacker. Obtaining a hunting license is extremely difficult because black rhinos are classified as critically endangered species. There are around 5,000 rhinos which can be found in the wooded grasslands and acacia savannahs of Africa. Most of them are found in refuge areas where there are protected from poachers who threaten to drive them to extinction due to the high price of the rhino horn in the black market. Hunting rhinos is a subject to controversy with those in support arguing that the practice raises the capital needed to undertake conservation projects.

2. African Lion

The lion is a large muscular carnivore in the cat family and is the most feared predator on the African savannah. A male lion has a mane on its head, neck, shoulders, throat, and chest area. A mature lion is 6-7 feet long excluding the tail. Lions are found in grasslands and dense scrubland. Hunting a lion can be extremely dangerous as they are known for their cunning predatory skills and unpredictability. Today, lions are considered endangered with a population of just 20,000 representing a 43% decline in their population in the last two decades. Fencing and the banning of poaching are the primary methods used to protect lions from external threats. Hunting captive lions in countries such as South African has led to controversy with some members of the Professional Hunting Association deeming it unethical for defying the rules of fair chase and endangering the species.

1. African Leopard

The leopard is a large carnivore in the cat family that is closely related to the lion. It is around 84 inches long and weighs between 110 to 200 pounds. It is distinguishable by its white and yellowish coat riddled with black spots. Leopards can be found in open grassland and woodland. They are difficult to track and hunt due to their ability to camouflage and stark their aggressor and prey. Leopards can get extremely aggressive when confronted. Leopards are classified as vulnerable due to their decreasing population now set at 700,000. Human-wildlife conflict is the main threat to these animals hence fencing and banning poaching are the preferred methods of conservation. South Africa recently included a 7-year rule to guide the hunting of leopards. The rule has however come under fire with conservationists arguing the rule does little to conserve the species and encourages the unethical vice.

Conclusion

South Africa is one of the most fascinating places in the world to visit. It has numerous exotic species that live in various habitats all around the nation.

It is crucial to abide by the safety precautions recommended in this article if you encounter any of these most dangerous animals in South Africa.

Protecting the Big Five in South Africa

The Big Five are a big deal. Synonymous with safaris, this term carries with it a distinct whiff of excitement and adventure. It wasn’t always about merely spotting animals, however – the phrase goes back to the Colonial Era and was once a hit list rather than a safari checklist.

So, what are the Big Five and how did these animals come to be revered above the rest?

Introducing the Big Five

Big Five refers to African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo.

The phrase today is usually used to market safaris, but was first coined by big-game hunters more than 100 years ago. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, everyone from European royalty to American presidents wanted to bag an African hunting trophy. The larger and more unpredictable the beast, the better – which is how the Big Five became famous.

The Big Five may be dangerous, but they aren’t invincible. African lions, leopards, and elephants are all classed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The black rhinoceros is Critically Endangered and the Southern white rhino is Near Threatened, while the Northern white rhino is on the verge of extinction. The Cape buffalo is of the least concern in terms of conservation, but this also makes it the most popular animal to hunt. Hunting, poaching, and habitat loss combined mean the Cape buffalo’s population is also on the decline.

Where can you find the Big Five?

South Africa is a premier destination for viewing the Big Five.

Around 80 percent of Africa’s remaining wild rhino population live in South Africa, according to CITES, along with an elephant population of approximately 12,000 – a major recovery from a mere 120 in 1920. There are roughly 20,000 lions left in South Africa (down from 200,000 at the turn of the twentieth century), while leopard numbers are estimated at around 4,500.

Tourists have a good chance of seeing the Big Five in many of South Africa’s national parks and private reserves. To get a closer look and better understanding of the Big Five, a volunteer program is a great alternative to a safari. Volunteering in a wildlife reserve in the Kruger Area will give you plenty of opportunities to observe the animals in their natural habitat. No safari tour can compare to monitoring the behavior of elephants and rhinos alongside an expert conservation team!

The Big Five then and now: How has game hunting changed since colonial times?

There is still an active trade in legal hunting in Africa. South Africa is the biggest game hunting destination in the world. This practice however has undergone significant changes in implementation and public perception over the last century.

Four of the Big Five can be hunted in South Africa – the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) banned leopard hunting in 2016. A lioness is typically the cheapest of the ‘set’ to bag, costing around $9,000 to hunt, while a white rhino can cost more than $125,000, says a report by the Natural Resources Committee.

Back in colonial times, big game hunting had connotations of aristocracy and glamour. Today, game hunting still belongs to the elite and privileged, thanks to the hefty price tags, but for the most part associations of prestige and sportsmanship have been stripped away. Outside of hunting cliques, public opinion leans towards disgust over the killing of the Big Five.

Given the widespread disapproval and population perils facing the Big Five, game hunters have shifted the way they present the practice. Supporters insist that hunting is helping to protect, rather than destroy, the animals.

The Influence of Big Five game hunting on South Africa’s economy and conservation

Remember Cecil the lion? This big cat’s death and subsequent photo of a dentist gloating over his body triggered outrage around the world and deeper examination of big game hunting in Africa. Arguments surrounding modern game hunting are heavily polarized.

Defenders of game hunting say it can aid conservation efforts by generating revenue necessary to protect animals and their habitat – in many areas, land would be used for agriculture if it wasn’t for commercial hunting. Hunters also argue that they are helping to control animal populations and support local communities by providing jobs and income. This in turn could motivate people to protect animals from poaching.

Critics argue that minimal profits reach local communities, and that whether or not hunting supports conservation relies on the appropriate management of funds raised and sustainable allocation of animal quotas. Inadequate monitoring makes these factors difficult to control.

Either way, trophy hunting is big business in South Africa. According to Africa Check, around 8,500 trophy hunters visit South Africa each year, compared to 9.5 million tourists. These hunters spend more than the average tourist, averaging around $10,000 per hunting trip. Trophy hunting generates an estimated $100 million a year, says South Africa’s DEA.

Game hunting might help conservation when managed appropriately, but there are ways to help the Big Five that are much more appealing to animal lovers.

What can you do to help preserve the Big Five?

Wildlife lovers can assist in conservation efforts, either as tourists or volunteers. Tourists who come to shoot the Big Five with a camera lens rather than a weapon play an important role in conservation. The safari industry generates income to protect parks and reserves, provides jobs for locals, and incentivizes wildlife conservation.

Volunteering with animals in South Africa is an even more direct way for you to help in thier conservation.

Wildlife conservation centers and safari reserves act as hubs for education, provide refuge for orphaned and injured creatures and facilitate breeding programs to ensure the future of the Big Five. Volunteer program fees at these centers contribute toward running costs, and volunteers themselves return home as ambassadors for animal conservation.

Sound good? We might have just the ticket for you.

GoEco’s Big Five Volunteer Programs

GoEco offers several options for animal lovers keen to enounter the Big Five in an ethical and sustainable way. You can choose to carry out research on elephants, contribute to wildlife conservation efforts by adding your own snaps to a photographic database, or geo-track elusive species. Each project is structured around learning more about and protecting Africa’s unique and beautiful animals. Volunteering in South Africa is a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. You’ll develop practical skills and gain comprehensive wildlife knowledge, all while living in some of the continent’s most stunning wilderness areas.

If you’re feeling the call of the wildlife and want to get directly involved in Big Five conservation, reach out to us today to find out more about volunteering with South African animals.

Sources:
http://www.cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/11/prop/20.pdf
http://www.panthera.org/cat/lion
http://africacheck.org/factsheets/factsheet-how-much-does-hunting-contribute-to-african-economies/
http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa854b/pdf
http://www.savetherhino.org/rhino_info/rhino_population_figures
http://conservationaction.co.za/resources/reports/effects-trophy-hunting-five-africas-iconic-wild-animal-populations-six-countries-analysis/
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/08/10/world/africa/africa-big-game-hunting.html
http://conservationaction.co.za/resources/reports/effects-trophy-hunting-five-africas-iconic-wild-animal-populations-six-countries-analysis/
http://www.thedodo.com/does-hunting-help-conservation-1389284014.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_five_game
http://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/127055/how-much-it-costs-to-hunt-the-big-five-in-south-africa/
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-leopards/big-5-off-the-cards-as-south-africa-closes-2016-leopard-hunting-season-idUSKCN0WF07C