South Africa Wildlife

South Africa Information

South African Wildlife

Our South African wildlife gallery represents a small sample of the hundreds of species of wildlife found in South Africa. (The term 'wildlife' refers to mammals, birds, fish and reptiles that can be found in the wild). There are 299 mammal species in South Africa, of which 2 are critically endangered, 11 are endangered, 15 are vulnerable, and 13 are near-threatened (conservation status as assessed by the IUCN).

To learn more about the individual wildlife species that can be enjoyed whilst visiting South Africa and enjoy the wildlife photos in the galleries please use the drop down list in the menu on the right or browse through the information provided below.

South Africa Wildlife

South Africa's "Big Five"

Buffalo

Buffalo are extremely large, ox-like animals. Standing approximately 65 inches at the shoulder, adult males have a mass of up to 1760 pounds and females weigh up to 1650 pounds. To support the large body, the legs are very heavy. Front hooves are larger than the hind because of the extra mass they ... buffalo

Elephant

The African Elephant is the largest living land mammal, one of the most impressive animals on earth. The Elephant's muscular trunk serves as a nose, hand, extra foot, signaling device and a tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting, digging and a variety of other functions. The long trunk permits ... elephant

Leopard

The most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, the leopard is also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the larger cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself. The coloring of the leopard varies from white to bright golden brown, spotted with black spots and rosettes. The ... leopard

Lion

Lions are the second largest members of the feline family in the world. Lion are tan in colour and have a slightly white under-body, with a tuft of black hair at the end of their tails. Most cat species live a fundamentally solitary existence, but the lion is an exception. It has developed a social system based on teamwork and ... lion

Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that in fact dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. In recent decades rhinos have been relentlessly hunted to the point of near extinction. Since 1970 the world rhino population has declined by 90 percent, with five species remaining in the world today, all of which are ... rhinoceros

South Africa Wildlife

Critically endanged species

De Winton's Golden Mole
Cryptochloris wintoni
Riverine Rabbit
Bunolagus monticularis

South Africa Wildlife

Endangered species

Giant Golden Mole
Chrysospalax trevelyani
Van Zyl's Golden Mole
Cryptochloris zyli
Marley's Golden Mole
Amblysomus marleyi
Gunning's Golden Mole
Neamblysomus gunningi
Juliana's Golden Mole
Neamblysomus julianae
White-tailed Rat
Mystromys albicaudatus
Sei Whale
Balaenoptera borealis
Blue Whale
Balaenoptera musculus
Fin Whale
Balaenoptera physalus
African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
Mountain Zebra
Equus zebra

Important links and related pages

South Africa Wildlife

Game Reserves & National Parks

South Africa boasts a huge collection of wildlife regions and game parks, including the wrorld famous Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Addo Elephant Park. Our game parks encompass every possible landscape from deserts to forests, mountains to coast, teeming with wildlife including ... south africa game reserves

Kruger National Park

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly it ranks with the ... kruger park

South Africa Safaris

South Africa is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world and proudly wears her deserved title of "A World In One Country". To assist you with making your experience a rewarding one, SA-Venues.com presents a varied selection of ways to experience South Africa. Inbound tour ... south africa safaris

Kruger Park Tours

Guided day trips to the Kruger National Park: The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 20 000 square kilometres, given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly it ranks with the best in Africa and is a flagship ... kruger safaris

Game Viewing in South Africa

Game Viewing South Africa - What’s so special? The roar of lions echoing across the endless savannah, the sound of crickets under a star studded sky - this is what you will experience when you visit one of the fine reserves teeming with wildlife in South Africa. Feel the thrill and adventure of a close encounter ... game viewing in south africa

South Africa Birdlife

Birders from around the world come to experience both the great variety of typically African birds, migrants, and Endemic Birds. These birders enjoy excellent birding, whether they are with an organised commercial birding tour or are touring independently. Of the +/- 850 bird species recorded in South Africa, about ... south africa birdlife

South Africa Malaria Risk Areas

Malaria is endemic in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and in Limpopo and in KwaZulu Natal malaria is endemic on the Maputaland coast. So if you are travelling to the far north of South Africa, please consult a heath-care professional for the latest advice on malaria prophylaxis as it changes regularly ... malaria risk areas

Accommodation in South Africa

Enhance your wildlife experience bby find the perfect accommodation in South Africa for your stay. SA-Venues.com brings you a fine selection of accommodation establishments to choose from, for your wildlife holiday. Whether you are planning a luxury vacation to South Africa or backpacking from ... accommodation in south africa

View Wildlife Menu
South African Lodges are located within private game reserves, national parks and nature reserves. Accommodation offered at a South African Game Lodges ranges from rustic to 5-star luxury; from self catering bush camps to fully catered lodges, with packages including daily game activities, day and night game drives, bush walks, horse-back safaris and other eco-activities.
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