Wildlife of
Africa

Africa has several different types of habitats from jungles and forests to grasslands and deserts. The second-largest continent after Asia, it is home to many beautiful and dangerous animals of various sizes, both diurnal and nocturnal.

These include mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, with many being unique to Africa. Because of its biodiversity, it is a popular location for animal researchers as well as safari enthusiasts. It contains over 1,100 different mammal species, plus over 60 carnivore species, 100,000 insect species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, and over 2,600 bird species. Its populations of insects comprise 15-20% of all insects in the world.

The Official National Animals of Africa

Since Africa is made up of several countries containing their own culture and languages, as well as different types of habitats, there aren’t official African animals that represent the entire continent. Hence, each country has its own official national animal, with some countries having more than one national animal or sharing the same national animal as that of other countries.

National animals are often categorized according to type, especially if a country has more than one. For example, the Leopard is the official national animal (land mammal) of both Rwanda and Somalia, while the American Fish Eagle is the national bird of Namibia and Zambia, and the Oryx is the national animal of Namibia. South Africa’s official national animal is the Springbok, its national bird is the Blue Crane, and its national fish is the Galjoen.

The Top African Wildlife

The top wild African animals are those that people most often seek out in safaris, with many being animals native to Africa. These safari animals are housed in national parks, game reserves, and other sanctuaries for both human safety as well as to avoid their becoming part of extinct animals in Africa. Among the best-known African animals are the “Big Five” which are the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo.

What makes these five animals so popular is the fact they have historically been the most hunted African animals by professional hunters and poachers alike. All five are known to be dangerous and challenging to track. Black rhinos are one of the most elusive animals of the Big Five and are also the rarest. Poachers have hunted them to near extinction, believing their horns have medicinal properties. Only 5,000 of them remain in the wild, so it is a treat indeed to spot one. Cape buffalos are the most dangerous of the mix due to their unpredictability. Leopards are a rare sight because they are nocturnal, and also run away when they sense or see humans near them. Lions are camouflaged by the tall savannah grasses when they are hunting prey by day, so are challenging to spot by the untrained eye. And elephants have been hunted for their ivory tusks to the point of being critically endangered. They are also the largest land mammals on the planet, which lends to their popularity.

All of the Big Five animals can be seen in South Africa and are native animals:

• Lion: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park bordering South Africa, Namibia and Botswana; Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park during the wildebeest migration.
• Leopard: South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
• Elephant: Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
• Rhinoceros: White Rhinos in South Africa’s Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park and Kruger National Park; Black Rhinos in Namibia’s Etosha National Park and Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Buffalo: Tanzania’s Katavi National Park and Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Finding Top Wild African Animals

If you are planning a special trip to view Africa’s diverse variety of wildlife, the question of where to travel to view them is an important one to ask. There are particular areas of Africa that are very popular as African safari destinations. These countries/areas include:

• Botswana – It has a variety of national parks and a modern approach to wildlife conservation.
• Kenya – Probably the most popular country to visit for safaris with 25 national parks, 16 national reserves, 6 marine parks and reserves, and more.
• Malawai – Though a very small country, it houses Lake Malawi National Park, which covers about a third of the country. This biodiverse lake region features 200 mammal species (including big cats, elephants, hippos, monkeys, and more), 650 species of bird, and over 5,500 plants.
• Namibia – It’s one of the least populated countries in the world, but has 12 national parks, plus other reserves and protected areas one can explore.
• Rwanda – Besides offering many opportunities to view the Big 5, there are 10 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Tours allow groups of 8 to view these gorillas in their habitat, which is a life-changing experience.
• South Africa – It’s one of the most affordable destinations for safaris due to the development of major city hubs like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Tourists can find cheaper accommodations and touring packages.
• Tanzania – This country ranks only 2nd to Kenya in popularity due to its 16 national parks, 3 game reserves, and 2 marine reserves. One can also witness the famous wildebeest migration.
• Uganda – It’s home to 365 mammal species, 1100 bird species, and Africa’s tallest mountain range. Tourists can also view the largest free-standing volcano in the world, the second-largest freshwater lake, and the headwaters of the world’s longest river.
• Zambia – This country is increasing in popularity because of conservation efforts, improvement in its economy and infrastructure, and its beautiful 20 national parks.
• Zimbabwe – While its reputation was tarnished by the dictator Robert Mugabe since he was ousted in 2017, tourism has improved in this country. It’s home to Victoria Falls, as well as up to 100 species of mammals (including endangered Cape wild dogs) and 400 species of birds.

The Best Locations by Animal:

• Giraffe: Masai giraffes in the Serengeti region; Rothschild’s giraffe in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park.
• Cheetah: Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Namibia’s Okonjima Game Reserve.
• Hippopotamus: Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
• Crocodile: Nile crocodiles can be seen in the Mara River of East Africa during the annual migration of wildebeests and zebras.
• Zebra: The Serengeti region or the Masai Mara during migration season; Grévy’s Zebra in northern Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
• Wild Dog: Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

The Most Dangerous African Animals Today

Land animals in Africa are popular attractions for safari enthusiasts, although they are not always treated with caution and respect. Many dangerous African animals are among the most dangerous in the world after human beings, whether hostile or poisonous. It’s of the utmost importance to research the most reputable safaris so that your safety is relatively sure. In general, it’s rare to go get injured on an African safari, though possible–the chances are roughly 1 in 80,000. While elephants and hippos are considered the most dangerous, lions and leopards are also animals to be cautious of when touring.

The riskiest type of activity is the walking safari. You should only go out with a trained guide, who may or may not be armed. If he is not, it is typical for an armed park ranger to also be present. If the guide seems unprofessional, it is advisable to back out of the excursion.

Fortunately, the most dangerous African animals can be safely seen in national parks and game reserves. The top 10 most dangerous African animals and their estimated number of human deaths per year are:

• Mosquito: Causes diseases including Malaria, Yellow Fever, Zeka Virus, West Nile Virus, and Dengue Fever; 1,000,000 deaths.
• Hippopotamus: Territorial and weighs up to 1,500kg, making it the third-largest animal after the elephant and rhino; 3,000 deaths.
• African Elephant: Largest land animal; weighs up to 7,000kg and is unpredictable; tramples victims; 500 deaths.
• Nile Crocodile: Aggressive, fatal attacks; 300 deaths.
• Lion: Apex predator; kills locals during their daily lives or on the fringes of game reserves; 200 deaths.
• Cape Buffalo: Nicknamed “widowmaker” and “black death”; fearless, aggressive, and unpredictable; will stalk and kill humans if alone; tramples and gores victims to death; weighs up to 1,000kg; 200 deaths.
• Great White Shark: Most aggressive shark towards humans; charges at prey up to 40km an hour before taking a large bite; humans die from blood loss in 20 percent of cases; 2 deaths.
• Rhinoceros: Weighs up to 2,800kg and second largest animal after the elephant; irritable, and charges with long, sharp horns up to 64km an hour when threatened; unknown.
• Puff Adder: Not the most venomous snake but causes the most fatalities due to its wide habitat range, camouflage colors, and aggressiveness; 20 percent fatality rate from untreated bites; unknown.
• Black Mamba: Largest venomous snake in Africa, growing up to 2.5m; one of the world’s fastest snakes, moving at 20km an hour; highly aggressive; one of the most venomous snakes in the world with a 100% fatality for untreated bites; unknown.

Endangered Animals In Africa

Several species are endangered or vulnerable due to hunting and poaching, particularly large and dangerous animals which are prized as trophies. Endangered animals in Africa include the Black Rhino, White Rhino, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Grévy’s Zebra, (African) Wild Dog, Grey Crowned Crane, and Okapi. Additionally, the Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and African Forest elephants are vulnerable species.

Bringing these animals back from the point of extinction can be a very difficult process. For example, the Cross River gorilla, a subspecies of the Western gorilla which inhabits the border region in Cameroon and Nigeria, went down to a population 200-300. Female Cross River gorillas only breed 3-4 times in their lifespan and give birth an average of every 4-6 years. This makes their recovery long and tedious, and their protection from poachers and other factors is all-important.

Birds in Africa

There are many different types of birds in Africa. In fact, there are 2,341 species of native African birds, and 25 of those species are endemic, meaning you can’t find them anywhere else. Some of the most exotic African birds include the lilac breasted roller, brown snake eagle, Cape Glossy starling, marabou stork, and the African white backed vulture.

You can find birds all over the African continent. A few iconic species include:

• Shoebill: These massive birds are found in swamps and wetlands of Central and East Africa. Shoebills don’t migrate and spend their days hunting in papyrus swamps. You can find them in the Bangweulu Wetlands in northeastern Zambia.
• Guinea fowl: There are 6 species of guinea fowl in Africa. They are found across the continent in a variety of habitats.
• Secretary bird: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, these birds of prey prefer to hunt on the ground. It is common to see them in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
• Common Ostrich: Perhaps Africa’s most well-known bird species. Breeding season is the best time to see large flocks of Ostriches, from March to September. They are found in the savannas, woodlands, and deserts of Southern Africa and across Western Africa to the horn of Africa. They can be seen in many African parks and game reserves, including Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park.
• African Penguins: You can see African penguins along the southeastern coast of Africa and surrounding islands. The best time to see them is from November to August. They are most active at dusk and dawn. A popular viewing destination for African penguins is Boulders Beach in Simons Town, South Africa.
• Hornbills: There are 24 species of hornbill found in Africa. You can see arboreal and terrestrial species in African savannas, rainforests, and woodlands. Find Southern Ground Hornbills in Mapungubwe or Kruger National Park.

Types of African Fish

Africa is home to an abundance of freshwater and marine fish. There are hundreds of freshwater lakes and rivers in Africa. Some of the most notable are the African Great Lakes, a system of 7 lakes in East, South, and Central Africa. These lakes are known for their cichlid populations. One of the great lakes, Lake Malawi is an especially popular fishing destination, with over 1,000 species of fish. Fishing in Lake Malawi is best between September and April, but underwater viewing is best between May and October.

With Western Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and Eastern Africa the Indian Ocean, you will easily find thousands of marine fish species. Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are popular fishing destinations where you can catch several species of tuna, sharks, mackerel, marlin, barracuda, and more. The best time for deep-sea fishing off these coasts is between October and April. If you’re interested in viewing marine wildlife, Mozambique has a marine conservation area where you can enjoy manta rays, sharks, eels, and a variety of reef fish. October to March is the best time for snorkeling in Mozambique.

Snakes in Africa

A wide variety of snakes call Africa home. There are snakes in every type of habitat, from tropical, to desert, to aquatic. You’ll find both venomous and non-venomous snakes in Africa. Venomous snakes in Africa have three different types of venom- Cytotoxic, neurotoxic, and haemotoxic. Cytotoxins kill cells. They destroy the cells in soft tissue and internal organs. Neurotoxins affect neural pathways and can cause paralysis. Haemotixins destroy red blood cells and prevent blood from clotting.

Some of the deadliest snakes in Africa include:

• Black Mamba: Africa’s longest snake, and one of the fastest snakes in the world. Black mambas are found in Southern and Eastern Africa. They live in savannahs and rocky hills.
• Boomslang: One of the most venomous snakes in the world. Native to the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa.
• Bush Viper: Arboreal snakes found in the tropical rainforests of Western and Central Africa.
• Cape Cobra: Only found in Southern Africa. They live in a variety of habitats, like grasslands, savannahs, and deserts.
• West African Carpet Viper: Endemic to the dry savannahs of West Africa. It is the most dangerous snake in Africa.
• Eastern Green Mamba: Arboreal snakes native to the coastal regions of Southern and East Africa. They can be found in the dense vegetation of tropical rainforests.
• Puff Adder: Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, typically in open forests, grasslands, and rocky savannahs.

A few nonvenomous snakes native to Africa:

• Ball Python: Live north of the equator in Western and Central Africa. They are found near water in grasslands and forests.
• Brown House Snake: Distributed throughout Southern Africa. These snakes are popular as pets.
• Spotted Bush Snake: Found in a variety of habitats close to water sources. They have a large range, from Southern Africa northward into Central Africa, from east to west coasts.
• African Rock Python: The largest snake in Africa. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, in a range of habitats near permanent bodies of water.

The 6 Rarest African Animals

Aside from the Big 5, there are innumerable African animals that can be viewed in their natural habitats. But there are some animals that are very rare to witness, so any traveler who should happen upon one would be lucky. Here’s a look at 6 very rare African animals to see:

• Pangolin: This pre-historic-looking animal, which sports armor-like scales, is an elusive nocturnal creature whose main dietary staple is ants. Of the eight subspecies existent in the world, four inhabit Africa including the black-bellied pangolin, white-bellied pangolin, giant ground pangolin, and Temminck’s ground pangolin. All these types are listed as threatened.
• Black Rhino: With only 5,000 left in the wild, the critically endangered black rhinocerus would be a prized sight to behold. Kruger National Park in South Africa would be one of the best places to witness this rare African animal.
• Honey Badger: The star of the hilarious viral video “Honey Badger Don’t Care,” this skunk-like, tough-as-nails animal fearlessly takes on dangerous animals like cobras and lions. While the honey badger is not endangered, it’s still a rare animal to witness on a safari. It inhabits dry areas, and one popular spot to view them is Etosha National Park in Namibia.
• Ethiopian Wolf: This large canine is the most endangered carnivore in Africa, with fewer than 440 individuals remaining. It’s endemic to Ethiopia’s highlands, restricted to just seven isolated enclaves in the region. As Africa’s only wolf species, witnessing one would be marvelous. Bale Mountain National Park would be the best place to see one.
• Mountain Gorilla: Bwindi National Park in Uganda would be the place to see this rare, most endangered animal species in Africa. Also known as siverbacks, these animals are found in the forested regions of mountain habitats between 8,000 and 13,000 feet up. Given there are only 1,000 left in the world, it’s one of the rarest and most treasured animals to view in Africa.
• African Penguin: It’s the only penguin subspecies to inhabit Africa, and also one of the most endangered African animals. These adorable birds live on the south-western coast, living in 27 colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with the largest colony found on Dyer Island, near Kleinbaai.

The 5 Largest African Animals

Africa is home to some of the largest land animals on the planet including the world’s tallest and heaviest mammals. Here’s our list of the top 5 animals who impress with their enormous sizes:

• African Elephant: African elephants takes the top prize in several categories. Besides being the largest land animals on earth with an average weight of 4-8 tons and height of 10 feet tall, these giants are also among the strongest in the world, capable of lifting 7 tons of weight. Elephants are also incredibly smart.
• White Rhinoceros: The white rhino is considered the second largest land animal in the world, with a maximum weight of 4 tons! It can stand up to 6 feet tall, and is a highly dangerous animal to encounter in the wild.
• Hippopotamus: Hippos can grow up to 16 feet long, weigh up to 4.5 tons, and sport teeth measuring 20 inches long, which they use for fighting as well as eating. This third-largest African animal may appear docile, but should be feared, as it’s another very dangerous mammal.
• Giraffe: Weighing up to 3,000 lbs, giraffes measure the tallest of any land animal on earth at an average height of 18 feet. Their stand-out feature is their ultra-long necks, which allow them to eat foliage in trees as well as graze.
• African Buffalo: This species of buffalo, native to Africa, can weigh as much as 3,5000 lbs and its length can reach over 11 feet.

Rivers in Africa

There are numerous massive rivers in Africa that are home to a variety of wildlife and African animals. African rivers range from the Nile River, which stretches more than 4,000 miles in length and is a haven of wildlife in the harshness of the Sahara Desert to the Okavango River, which has an inland delta that covers 600,000 acres in swamps and floods during dry seasons to create a gathering ground for thousands of animals.

These rivers are rich habitats for diverse African wildlife. Many large herds of safari animals can be viewed near these rivers like elephants, giraffes, antelope, and hundreds of bird species. Other animals include gorillas, hippos, Nile crocodiles, hundreds of fish species, and even hyenas and African wild dogs.

Some notable African rivers include:

• Congo River: The second longest river in Africa with a length of 2,900 miles. At measured depths of 219.5 meters, it’s also the world’s deepest recorded river. Nearly 800 fish species have been recorded inhabiting the Congo River Basin, and its tropical forests are home to mammals like the bonobo, Allen’s swamp monkey, the aquatic genet, okapi, the dryas monkey, and Congo peafowl.
• Niger River: The main river of West Africa, it flows 2,590 miles from southeastern Guinea through Mali, Niger, and Benin, and empties in the massive Niger Delta into the Gulf of Guinea. This river’s course is unique, having the appearance of a boomerang in shape. Animals found along the Niger include hippopotamuses, several types of crocodiles including the Nile crocodile, and numerous species of lizards and birds.
• Orange River: Flows 1,300 miles across South Africa and forms the boundary with Namibia. The Orange River is home to a number of endemic fish including the Numaquab barb, Maluti redfin, and Orange River mudfish.
• Zambezi River: A massive 2,200 miles river that is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Zambezi is home to a wide variety of wildlife including bull sharks and many bird species.