By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
WWhile well known for its big cats – lion, leopard and cheetah – South Africa is also home to several small wild cat species. The caracal, the closest southern African equivalent to the Northern Hemisphere’s lynx, is the paradoxically the largest of the small cats found in South Africa.
Caracals, recognisable by their black, tasselled ears, short tail, red fur and big feet, are almost never seen by day: they generally come out at dusk to hunt. They are fearless, with well-developed hindquarters aiding their jumping and climbing abilities to make them athletic hunters. These cats think nothing of bringing down prey far larger than themselves.
The caracal is also one of the most beautiful small cats, with dark marks around its eyes and white highlights. The tufted ears are diagnostic – no other cat in Africa has them.
Unfortunately, livestock farmers generally overlook its good looks because the caracal (also called the rooikat, or ‘red cat’) kills goats and sheep without a qualm. Yet experts have noted that it prefers not to eat too much fatty mutton or lamb if there is other, leaner fare available.
All agree, though, that it’s a cat that punches way above its weight. Its high hindquarters give it a huge advantage when jumping and climbing, and it is the scourge of dassie (hyrax) populations. It will also bat birds from the air with lightning-fast blows, and it has even been known to knock a martial eagle from its perch, kill it and eat it. What other small cat would dare?
A caracal won’t hesitate to down a far larger adult impala, a kudu calf or even an ostrich. Mostly, though, it will go for springbok, steenbok, monkeys, springhares, rodents and mongooses.
It’s a nocturnal prowler generally, although it is sometimes seen in the early morning or late afternoon. One of South Africa’s most adaptable animals, it occurs almost everywhere in the country – the only area it avoids is the Richtersveld in the north-western corner of Northern Cape.
The mountains of Eastern Cape are a good bet if you’re keen to spot caracal – try the Mountain Zebra National Park. However, you could be lucky enough to see caracal in any of South Africa’s national parks and nature reserves, or while on a farm stay.
If your luck fails, and you’re still determined to see this beautiful feline, visit the Cat Conservation Trust 20 minutes out of the Karoo town of Cradock (not far from the Mountain Zebra National Park).
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Cat Conservation Trust
Email: info@karoocats.org
Mountain Zebra National Park
Tel: +27 (0)48 801 5700
Email: mountainzebra@sanparks.org
Best time to visit
In game reserves, the best way to see nocturnal animals (apart from with a spotlight at night) is to look out for them very early on winter mornings (from May to August), when they may still be out foraging.
Tours to do
The Mountain Zebra National Park, like most national parks, offers excellent night drives.
What to pack
Warm gear, especially between May and September – you’ll be out in the wilds at night, if you’re looking for caracal, and it can get bitterly cold after sunset in the mountains and on the escarpment.
Related links
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
