Top 21 African Safari Animals and Where to See Them
Top 21 African safari animals
Embarking on top 21 African safari animals is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts. The continent is teeming with an incredible array of animals, each species offering unique sights and experiences. From the majestic lions of the Serengeti to the elusive leopards of the Kruger, Africa’s national parks are treasure troves of biodiversity. This blog will explore top 21 African safari animals must see and the best parks to witness them, with a special focus on East Africa. If you’re inspired to embark on this journey, World Blossom Safaris can help you plan an unforgettable adventure.
1. Lion
The lion, known as the “king of the jungle,” is one of the most iconic animals in Africa. These majestic predators are known for their powerful builds and distinctive manes in males.
Best Parks to See Lions
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
2. Elephant
Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. Known for their intelligence, social structure, and long trunks, they are a must-see on any safari.
Best Parks to See Elephants
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
3. Leopard
Leopards are elusive and solitary big cats, recognized by their striking spotted coats. They are incredibly adaptable, found in various habitats across Africa.
Best Parks to See Leopards
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
4. Rhinoceros
There are two species of rhinoceros in Africa: the black rhino and the white rhino. Both are critically endangered due to poaching.
Best Parks to See Rhinos
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, South Africa
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
5. Cape Buffalo
Cape buffaloes are large, powerful bovines found in herds across the African savannah. They are known for their unpredictable nature and formidable horns.
Best Parks to See Cape Buffalo
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
6. Giraffe
Giraffes are the tallest land animals, known for their long necks and legs, and unique spotted patterns. They are gentle giants of the savannah.
Best Parks to See Giraffes
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
7. Cheetah
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph. They are slender, with distinctive black tear stripes running from their eyes down to their mouths.
Best Parks to See Cheetahs
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa/Botswana
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
8. Hippo
Hippos are large, mostly herbivorous mammals that spend much of their time in water. Despite their size, they are highly aggressive and can be dangerous.
Best Parks to See Hippos
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
9. Zebra
Zebras are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped coats. These social animals are often found in large herds on the African plains.
Best Parks to See Zebras
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
10. Wildebeest
Wildebeests, also known as gnus, are large antelopes with distinctive curved horns. They are famous for their massive annual migration across East Africa.
Best Parks to See Wildebeests
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
11. Hyena
Hyenas are powerful predators known for their strong jaws and distinctive calls. They are often seen scavenging but are also effective hunters.
Best Parks to See Hyenas
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
12. Crocodile.
Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles found in Africa’s rivers and lakes. They are formidable predators with a powerful bite.
Best Parks to See Crocodiles
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
13. Wild Dog.
African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are highly social predators known for their unique mottled coats and pack behavior.
Best Parks to See Wild Dogs
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
14. Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest primates, found in the dense forests of Central and East Africa. They are known for their strong familial bonds and gentle demeanor.
Best Parks to See Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Virunga National Park, DRC
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
15. Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates closely related to humans. They are known for their complex social structures and use of tools.
Best Parks to See Chimpanzees
Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
16. Ostrich
The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, unable to fly but incredibly fast on land. They are commonly found in savannahs and desert regions.
Best Parks to See Ostriches
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
17. Flamingo
Flamingos are striking birds known for their pink feathers and long legs. They are often found in large flocks near lakes and lagoons.
Best Parks to See Flamingos
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
18. Vulture
Vultures are scavenging birds of prey essential for the ecosystem, cleaning up carcasses. They are often seen soaring high in search of food.
Best Parks to See Vultures
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
19. Antelope
There are many species of antelope in Africa, including impalas, gazelles, and kudus. They are agile and often prey for larger predators.
Best Parks to See Antelopes
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
20. Baboon
Baboons are large primates with strong social structures. They are often seen in troops and are highly adaptable to various environments.
Best Parks to See Baboons
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
21. Warthog
Warthogs are wild members of the pig family, easily recognized by their tusks and wart-like growths on their faces. They are common across savannahs and grasslands.
Best Parks to See Warthogs
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Africa’s national parks offer unparalleled opportunities to witness some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. From the savannahs of the Serengeti to the jungles.
