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More than just a big 5 safari
South Africa's wildlife attractions
Rhinos wallowing in mud - Londolozi.
© South African Tourism
South Africa is one of only 17 countries in the world that is considered to be mega-diverse. Between them, these countries are home to two thirds of the earth's species, so if it’s animals you’re looking for, South Africa’s wildlife will not disappoint.
South Africa’s astonishing array of wildlife is protected in a range of private game reserves, national parks, transfrontier parks and animal sanctuaries, located in the most diverse and beautiful landscapes imaginable. Nearly 20% of South Africa's landscapes are preserved, either by the State or by private ownership
From lunar-like deserts, to mountains, estuaries, beaches and bushveld, there are a number of places to view animals interacting in their natural habitats. Whether it's penguins at Boulders Beach or crocodiles at iSimangaliso, or perhaps the big cats that roam our private game reserves, you won’t be disappointed by South Africa’s wildlife.
Common bushveld mammals include lion, leopard, white rhino, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, hyena, hippopotamus and giraffe, not to mention smaller nocturnal mammals like the fruit bat and the bush baby. There are also thousands of amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, bugs and beetles that form part of South Africa’s animal kingdom.
There are also more than 850 bird species recorded in South Africa and 50 of these are endemic or near endemic and can only be seen in this country. South Africa also teems with more than 23 000 plant species, which form nearly 10% of all the known species of plants in the world.
You can enjoy South Africa's biodiversity in a number of ways – on foot with specially trained guides, on guided game drives, from a hot air balloon or river raft while enjoying a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget.