South Africa Wildlife Holidays

South Africa Wildlife Holidays, Safaris and Honeymoons

The vegetation in South Africa ranges from coastal forests to deserts and so the wildlife that can be found in South Africa varies according to the habitats in the area. The western and north western part of the country is extremely dry and so the wildlife found there is very different to that found in the east of the country. Springbok, gemsbok, brown hyenas, meerkats are all specialities in the drier areas. Cheetah, leopard and lion all do well in the Kalahari area of northern South Africa.

It is in the private reserves that border the world famous Kruger National Park that most of the South African Wildlife Holidays would take place. Reserves like Sabi Sand Private Game reserve, MalaMala, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve and Shamwari Game Reserve all offer a range of great lodges and some fantastic game viewing with the “Big Five” seen on a regular basis. These are the ultimate private concessions to maximise your wildlife viewing on your wildlife holiday.

The Big Five of South Africa consists of Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhinoceros. In Kruger National Park alone there are about 20,000 buffalo and 10,000 elephants, a massive improvement to the 120 there were thought to be surviving back in 1920. After nearing the brink of extinction, the white rhino in now flourishing too!

When it comes to the Big Cats, lions roam conservation areas as the top predator and there are large numbers of leopard in the Southern Cape, as well as the far north. The population of cheetah is mainly confined to the far north, and is comparatively small in numbers; however an encounter with this wonderful big cat isn’t one you’ll forget in a hurry…

There are over 200 species of mammal in South Africa, from the large hippo, giraffe, kudu and wildebeest to intriguing primates such as vervet and samango monkeys. It is also possible to see wild dog, one of Africa’s most endangered mammals, as well as more common canine carnivores such as hyenas and jackals.

The lodges on the private reserves can offer night drives which are an exciting opportunity to see some of the weird and wonderful creatures that come out after dark. Things like springhares, bush babies, aardvark, hyenas and leopard are often seen on these night drives as you traverse the wild environment with a spotlight.

With over 850 bird species recorded in South Africa, you will find a great variety and people come from all over the world to witness, not just the residents, but the intra-African migrants. Cranes are great to spot in the wetlands, the wonderful blue crane being South Africa’s national bird, the wattled crane a rarity and the fascinating crowned crane with its outstanding crest. There are many eagles and vultures, as well as more colourful species of kingfisher, bee-eaters, sunbirds and the stunning lilac-breasted roller.

South Africa is also able to offer great wildlife viewing along the coast with the southern right whales inhabiting the Cape coast from May – December. These imposing creatures come into coastal bays during calving season, meaning you can have fantastic marine-life views direct from the land. Great white sharks offer a spectacular experience for any adventurous visitor to South Africa and you may also find the largest mammal of all, the blue whale, on occasion. Cape fur seals can be seen playing in the harbour in Cape Town and jackass penguins live on the beach near Simon’s Town. There are some world class dive sites along the north coast of South Africa with the annual sardine run a highlight for any dive enthusiast.