Wildebeest are usually seen in the wide-open grasslands or savannahs, and so are among the easiest beasts to spot in a game reserve or national park. Also called gnus, these are sociable animals that occur in substantial herds. South Africa has 2 species of wildebeest, and both have quite eccentric habits. more

Kudu antelope are among the most beautiful animals of the bush. With their great cupped ears, fluffy tails and proud bearing, they’re most often seen in savannah and bushveld – in practically every national park. The males have spectacular spiral horns which they use more for breaking off tasty branches than aggression. more

The Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park boasts the highest concentrations of rock art south of the Sahara, spectacular mountain peaks, rich biodiversity and rare fossils, bringing together the best of South Africa and Lesotho to form a spectacular cross-border mountain paradise. more

Gemsbok antelope are the handsome icons of the Kalahari. Also known as oryx, gemsbok exude a feisty spirit. Thanks to their long, sharp horns, alertness and ability to speed away from danger, predators seldom have any luck catching them. They can also survive extreme heat. more

Marine volunteer projects in South Africa are clustered mainly around Great White Shark and dolphin research, although the whales that visit the country’s shore each year provide a fascinating dimension to marine conservation activities. Exposure to penguins, seals and prolific pelagic bird populations add to these exciting marine voluntourism programmes. more

Motswari Private Game Reserve, deep in the Timbavati bushveld, offers an authentic African bush experience in the land of rare white lions. This family-owned destination has been accredited by both Green Globe and Fair Trade in Tourism. It prioritises conservation and people above cigar bars and individual plunge pools. more

The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is a 37 500ha stretch of exceptionally beautiful scenery amid river ravines and mountains in the Waterberg. Set within it are 13 luxury bush lodges. It is malaria-free, has the Big Five and is only about 3-hours’ drive from Johannesburg. more

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve forms part of the greater Kruger National Park and wildlife traverse freely between the two. Guests can share in the joys of this unspoilt wilderness and walk away restored, revived and richer for the experience. more

The exciting new Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, only 4 hours by road from Johannesburg, is challenging some of the province's more established reserves with its lovely scenery, abundance of game, superb lodges and affordability. It’s also close to some of South Africa’s most famous battlefields. more

Zebras, with the cheeky way they trot and their mesmerising stripes, are great animals to watch and photograph. The most common is the plains, or Burchell’s zebras. Their distant cousins, the Cape mountain zebras, are not nearly as plentiful, and a few decades ago they nearly became extinct. more

A tour of Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is an ideal add-on to any safari or wildlife lover’s itinerary. This Garden Route wildlife sanctuary is unusual in that it rehabilitates terrestrial and marine creatures, and offers visitors an opportunity to be up-close to 6 of South Africa’s 7 indigenous wildcat species. more

SanWild Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, close to the northernmost gate of the Kruger National Park, is a wildlife rehab centre that cares for animals that are brought in injured or orphaned. Plans are afoot to enlarge this important conservation centre. more

Shark expeditions can be as varied and exciting as you'd like them to be. Whether you choose in-your-face cage diving or open-water diving, aquarium diving, viewing from a boat, or merely observing sharks through the glass of an aquarium window, the choice is yours. more

The Valley of Ancients Tour at the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn offers explorers the opportunity to view and interact with a wide range of wildlife, from crocodiles, snakes and hippos to tigers, cheetahs and lemurs. It's a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. more