20 Must-See Animals on your Africa Adventure

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd offers a guide to 20 iconic African safari animals. From the majestic “Big Five” to elusive predators, primates, and smaller creatures, this guide will help you find and appreciate these incredible animals. Each one plays a vital role in Africa’s diverse ecosystems. We’ll give you tips on where to find them, how to increase your chances of spotting them, and provide stunning images to inspire your safari dreams.

African Lion

Lions are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. These big cats live in groups called prides, usually led by a single male. Lions are known for their majestic manes and powerful roars. They hunt at night and rest during the day, often under trees or in thick bushes. The best times to see them are at dawn and dusk.

Where to See Lions

• Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: These areas have large lion populations, especially near the Grumeti River and within the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Lions are common here, especially during the Great Migration.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: This park has many lions in its diverse habitats.
• Okavango Delta, Botswana: Known for large prides and unique hunting scenes.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: Famous for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Mountain Gorilla

Mountain gorillas are powerful yet gentle and are known for their strong family bonds. These endangered primates live in the mountainous forests of central Africa. To see them, you must go on a guided gorilla trekking safari, which involves a challenging hike through dense forests.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Virunga National Park.

Important Note: Gorilla trekking permits are required and should be booked in advance. These permits support conservation efforts.

African Elephant

African elephants are the largest land animals, known for their wisdom, strength, and social bonds. These gentle giants live in matriarchal herds and use their large tusks for various tasks. Elephants are easy to spot due to their size and distinctive features like flapping ears and long trunks.

Where to See African Elephants

• Chobe National Park, Botswana: Home to one of the largest elephant populations.
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Large herds often seen around waterholes.
• Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Stunning views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
• Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa: Established to protect elephants.
• Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: Offers sightings of both savanna and forest elephants.

African Leopard

Leopards are elusive and masters of camouflage. Their stunning coats help them blend into their surroundings, and they often stash their kills in trees. Leopards are solitary and usually active at dawn and dusk. They are one of the most challenging animals to spot.

Where to See African Leopards

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa: Known for high leopard density.
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Ideal leopard territory with diverse habitats.
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: Known for walking safaris and leopard tracking.
• Okavango Delta, Botswana: Great for spotting leopards in different habitats.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Offers good chances for sightings, especially in the southern region.

Cheetah

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph. They hunt during the day, using their speed to catch prey. Cheetahs are often found in open grasslands and savannas. They rest on elevated spots to watch for prey and have distinctive markings that make them easier to spot.

Where to See Cheetahs

• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Open plains ideal for cheetahs.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Vast grasslands, especially in the southern Seronera area.
• Okavango Delta, Botswana: Supports a healthy cheetah population.
• Namibian Cheetah Conservation Fund: Dedicated to cheetah conservation.
• Kalahari Desert, Botswana and Namibia: Home to desert-adapted cheetahs.
• Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda: Open savannas provide excellent habitat.

Rhinoceros

Rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns. These powerful herbivores are solitary and have thick hides and distinctive horns. They are mainly nocturnal, making them difficult to spot. Experienced guides can help you track them.

Where to See Rhinos

• Etosha National Park, Namibia: Significant black rhino population, often seen around waterholes.
• Damaraland, Namibia: Unique opportunities for rhino tracking on foot.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Has a substantial black rhino population.
• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya: Known for successful rhino conservation efforts.
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya: Home to the last two northern white rhinos and many black rhinos.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda: The only place in Uganda to watch rhinos.

Important Note: Rhino conservation is crucial. Visiting these parks helps support efforts to protect these magnificent creatures from poaching and habitat loss.

Hippopotamus

Despite being large and bulky, hippos are surprisingly quick on land and in water. These semi-aquatic mammals spend most of their day submerged in rivers and lakes, coming out at night to eat plants. Hippos have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. However, watching them interact with each other and their surroundings is fascinating.

How to Spot Hippos

You can easily spot hippos in or near water. Look for their large, barrel-shaped bodies and distinctive snouts sticking out of the water. You might also hear their loud grunts and snorts. Be careful when observing hippos because they can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened.

Where to See Hippopotamus

Hippos live in rivers, lakes, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa. Here are some of the best places to see them:

• Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Delta’s waterways are perfect for hippos, and boat safaris offer great views.
• Chobe National Park, Botswana: The Chobe River is home to many hippos, often seen basking in the sun or grazing on the riverbanks.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Kruger’s rivers and dams attract hippos, which are commonly seen during game drives.
• Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: The Kazinga Channel and the Nile River are full of hippos, and boat trips offer close-up views.
• Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania: Lake Manyara attracts various wildlife, including hippos, which can be seen in the shallows or grazing on the shore.

Giraffe

Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth, easily recognized by their long necks, legs, and distinctive spotted coats. These gentle giants are herbivores, using their height to reach the leaves of acacia trees that other animals cannot. Their calm demeanor and unique appearance make them a favorite among safari-goers, especially children. Giraffes are social animals, often seen in loose groups called towers, roaming the savannas.

How to Spot Giraffe

Giraffes are easy to spot because of their height, which allows them to see over tall grasses and shrubs. Look for their long necks and spotted patterns against the savanna backdrop, especially near acacia trees. They are most active during the cooler hours of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons are good times to see them. You may also see them with other animals like zebras and antelopes, which they often share grazing grounds with.

Where to See Giraffe

Giraffes live throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Here are some of the best places to see them:

• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The open plains are ideal for giraffes, and sightings are common.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The vast grasslands support large giraffe populations.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: The salt pans and savannas attract giraffes, especially around waterholes.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Kruger’s diverse habitats support several subspecies of giraffe.
• Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: Known for its large herds of elephants, Tarangire also has a healthy giraffe population.

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing about 98% of our DNA. These intelligent primates have complex social structures, use tools, and solve problems. Watching chimpanzees in their natural habitat is humbling as you see their playful interactions, grooming rituals, and even conflicts. Chimpanzees eat mainly fruits, leaves, and insects, but they also hunt small mammals.

How to Spot Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees live in dense rainforests and are often heard before they are seen. Listen for their calls, ranging from hoots and screams to pant-hoots used for long-distance communication. Look for nests built high in trees as a sign of their presence. Tracking chimps can be challenging, but experienced guides can lead you to them.

Where to See Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are found in several East and Central African countries. Here are some of the best places to see them:

• Kibale National Park, Uganda: Renowned for its large chimpanzee population, offering excellent tracking opportunities.
• Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania: Home to a thriving chimpanzee community known for their unique behaviors.
• Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania: Where Jane Goodall conducted her research, this park remains vital for chimpanzee conservation.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda: Offers chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks.
• Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda: Home to a habituated chimpanzee community, making sightings easier.

Important Note: Chimpanzee trekking permits are required and must be booked in advance due to limited availability. These permits help fund the protection of these endangered primates.

Zebra

Zebras are iconic African animals, easily recognized by their black and white stripes. Each zebra’s stripe pattern is unique. They roam the savannas in herds, often with other grazers like wildebeest. Zebras are herbivores, eating mainly grasses. Their stripes help with camouflage, thermoregulation, and identification.

How to Spot Zebras

Zebras are easy to spot because of their distinctive markings. Look for them in open grasslands and savannas, where they graze in herds. They are often near other herbivores like wildebeest and gazelles. Their stripes can blend together from a distance, creating an optical illusion. Listen for their barking calls and watch their social interactions, from playful foals to protective stallions.

Where to See Zebra

Zebras are found in various parts of Africa. Here are some of the best places to see them:

• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The vast plains are home to large herds of zebras, especially during the Great Migration.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The grasslands support substantial zebra populations.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: The salt pans and savannas attract zebras, particularly around waterholes.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Home to both plains zebras and the smaller mountain zebras.
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Large herds of zebras can be seen around waterholes.

Nile Crocodile

The Nile crocodile is an ancient predator, largely unchanged for millions of years. These massive reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over a ton. They ambush prey at the water’s edge with lightning-fast strikes. Despite being feared, Nile crocodiles are crucial for maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

How to Spot Nile Crocodiles

Nile crocodiles are most easily spotted basking in the sun on riverbanks or sandbars. Look for their armored bodies, long snouts, and powerful tails. Be very cautious near water bodies where crocodiles live, as they can attack without warning. Listen for their deep growls or the splashes they make when entering the water.

Where to See Nile Crocodile

Nile crocodiles are found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Here are some of the best places to see them:

• Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Delta’s waterways provide perfect habitat for crocodiles, and boat safaris offer safe viewing opportunities.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Kruger’s rivers and dams are home to many crocodiles.
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa: The estuary and lake system is home to numerous crocodiles.
• Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: The Nile River is teeming with crocodiles.
• Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe and Zambia: This massive lake is known for its large crocodile population.

Wildebeest

Wildebeest, also known as gnus, are big, sturdy antelopes with curved horns and shaggy manes. They are famous for their yearly migration across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, a natural wonder. Millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and other herbivores, travel the plains in search of fresh grass and water, facing many challenges and predators.

How to Spot Wildebeest:

Wildebeest are social animals usually found in large herds. Look for them in open grasslands and savannas, especially during migration season. They are often with zebras, creating a stunning view of stripes and solid brown bodies. Listen for their loud grunts and snorts. The best time to see the Great Migration depends on the location and stage of migration. Consult a safari expert or guide to plan your trip.

Where to See Wildebeest:

• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Starting point of the Great Migration, where wildebeest gather and give birth before their journey.
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Final destination of the migration, known for the dangerous Mara River crossing.
• Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: Home to a resident population of wildebeest, offering great viewing all year.
• Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: Attracts large numbers of wildebeest during the dry season around the Tarangire River.
• Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia: Home to the second largest wildebeest migration, offering a less crowded experience.

Impala

Impalas are graceful antelopes known for their leaping ability and black markings on their rumps. They live in savannas and woodlands in eastern and southern Africa. Impalas are herbivores, feeding on grass, leaves, and shoots. They live in herds led by a dominant male. Their alarm calls alert others to predators.

How to Spot Impalas:

Impalas are common in open areas. Look for their slender bodies, long legs, and lyre-shaped horns (in males). They have black “M” markings on their rumps. They often leap through the air, a behavior called “pronking.” Listen for their alarm calls, signaling predators.

Where to See Impala:

• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Large populations often seen grazing in open areas or near water.
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Grasslands provide ideal habitat for impalas.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Vast plains support large impala populations.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: Salt pans and savannas attract impalas, especially around waterholes.
• Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Savannas and woodlands are home to many impalas.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: Various habitats attract impalas.

Common Ostrich

The common ostrich is the world’s largest bird, known for its speed and strong legs. They live in Africa’s savannas, grasslands, and deserts. Ostriches are herbivores, eating grass, leaves, and small reptiles. They are social and often seen in groups called flocks. They can run up to 45 mph.

How to Spot Common Ostrich:

Ostriches are easy to spot due to their size and long necks. Look for them in open areas where they can run and spot predators. Their nests are simple ground depressions.

Where to See Common Ostrich:

• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Open plains are ideal for ostriches.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Grasslands support large ostrich populations.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia: Salt pans and savannas attract ostriches, especially around waterholes.
• Kalahari Desert, Botswana and Namibia: Home to desert-adapted ostriches.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Significant ostrich population often seen in open areas.

African Fish Eagle

The African fish eagle is a majestic bird of prey, known for its distinctive cry, often called the “voice of Africa.” With a wingspan up to 7.9 feet, they are recognizable by their white heads and chests, contrasting with brown bodies and black wings. Fish eagles hunt fish by swooping down from perches.

How to Spot African Fish Eagle:

Look for them near rivers, lakes, and coastlines. They perch on tall trees or rocks, scanning for fish. Listen for their loud, ringing call. You might see them soaring with white heads and chests against the sky.

Where to See African Fish Eagle:

• Okavango Delta, Botswana: Common during boat safaris.
• Kazinga Channel, Uganda: Popular for boat safaris.
• Lake Malawi, Malawi: Home to a thriving fish eagle population.
• Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe and Zambia: Great for fish eagle sightings.
• Zambezi River, Zambia and Zimbabwe: Excellent habitat for fish eagles.
• Lake Baringo, Kenya: Freshwater lake attracts fish eagles.

The Shoebill

The shoebill, also known as the whalehead or shoe-billed stork, is a unique bird found in East African swamps and wetlands. It has an enormous, shoe-shaped bill used to catch fish, frogs, and even young crocodiles. Shoebills are solitary and often stand still for long periods while hunting. Their appearance and habits make them fascinating to watch.

How to Spot The Shoebill:

Shoebills are large and easy to spot when out in the open. Look for their blue-gray feathers, big bills, and long legs. They often stand still in shallow water or on floating vegetation. Their nests are large platforms of vegetation in secluded wetland areas.

Where to See Shoebill:

• Mabamba Swamp, Uganda: Prime location with boat tours for shoebill sightings.
• Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia: Significant population seen during boat trips.
• Sudd Swamp, South Sudan: Stronghold for shoebills, though access is difficult.
• Akagera National Park, Rwanda: Wetlands and lakeshores attract shoebills.