Where to see wildlife in South Africa

Undoubtedly one of the biggest pulls, aside from the sandy coastlines and warm weather, is South Africa’s staggering array of wildlife.

Experience the adventure of seeing animals that you’ve only previously heard about in books or seen on the television or behind bars in the zoo; from the land to the sea and skies, South Africa is teeming with wildlife and if you have a bucket list, then a trip to this beautiful country for a safari should be on it.

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Meet South Africa's big animals…

The Big Five was a phrase originally used by hunters to indicate the big game animals – lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant and leopard – and most people try to tick these mammals off their must-see list. 

However, the catalogue of fantastic species you can see is frankly exhaustive. Prepare to be awed by wildlife such as zebra, crocodile, giraffe, hippopotamus, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, aardvark, wild dog, otter, leatherback turtle and baboon. 

You never know what you might witness just around the corner on safari in South Africa. The Lakeside Lodge, set in Entabeni wildlife reserve, is a great place to see these majestic animals.

Spot the Big 5 on an all-inclusive safari holiday at an authentic game lodge in South Africa

South Africa, often described as a whole world in one country, is blessed with the lion's share of sights and experiences. Find out more about our holidays to South Africa here

…and the small ones

For the ambitious, there is another South African wildlife spotting challenge: the Little Five. This list involves life in miniature, with the elephant shrew, the ant lion, the buffalo weaver, the rhinoceros beetle and the leopard tortoise making the cut. 

Keep your wits sharp and your eyes sharper by trying to tick these tiny creatures off your list of animals to see in South Africa. Small and large animals of all kinds can be found at the Karongwe Private Game Reserve or Kruger National Park out by Pretoria.

Why you should visit Kruger National Park in South Africa

Look to the South African sky

Keen ornithologists will be lost to their binoculars as they try and identify the striking hornbill, the kingfisher and the colourful lilac-breasted roller. 

For those with less bird watching expertise, there will be large birds like the roaming ostrich and exciting species including various types of eagle and vulture. Majestic cranes, such as the blue crane – South Africa’s national bird—are handsome and sightings are common.

If you head out to sea, you might just spot the famed albatross, the bird with the longest wingspan in the world and the fabled good luck charm of sailors. 

The best place to see pelagic birds would be to head for the cape, or if you do venture north towards Kruger National park keep your eyes peeled for inland birdlife.

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Explore the sea life

When people visit the wilds of South Africa it is often to see the land animals, but frequently forgotten is that the South African coastline is rich with sea life. Encounter the ancient and enigmatic great white shark, unchanged over millions of years of evolution. 

There is also a good chance you will catch a glimpse of whales off the South African coast, since the country provides a detour for many migrating species.

The most commonly spotted whale in the area is the southern right, but you’re in with a chance of witnessing Bryde’s whale, and the gentle giant of the sea – the humpback whale – too. 

If you are very lucky, you may even spot the distinctive black and white features of an Orca pod. Famously curious, dolphins are frequently spotted off the South African coastline as well. 

If you head to the Rainbow Nation, don’t neglect its varied and awe-inspiring sea life. Take a boat trip out to sea, or tour the southern waters for your best chance of spotting these majestic animals.

South Africa, often described as a whole world in one country, is blessed with the lion's share of sights and experiences. Find out more about our holidays to South Africa here