Some must-see animals and the best places to spot them

A safari in the African wilderness offers travelers an opportunity to witness some of the world's most iconic creatures. From the vast plains of East Africa to the lush jungles at the centre of the continent and the spectacular landscapes of the south,  Africa is a treasure trove of incredible fauna. Join us on this thrilling journey as we highlight some of Africa's most iconic animals and reveal the best places to encounter them, ensuring your safari dreams come to life...

Lion - the majestic monarchs of the savanna

Africa's charismatic lion population may be declining, but these majestic creatures remain relatively easy to spot. Their fearless nature, lack of natural predators, and communal lifestyle make them a common sight in many national parks and game reserves.

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is home to 10% of Africa's lion population. South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park is also a hotspot for the "king" of beasts. Or try the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that spans South Africa and Botswana, offering excellent opportunities to observe iconic black-maned lions. For a more action-packed experience, plan your trip to coincide with the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or the Masai Mara.

Leopard: The elusive shadow hunter

Leopards, known for their elusive, nocturnal behavior, are perhaps the most beautiful of Africa's big cats and one of the most prized sightings on an African safari. To increase your chances of spotting them during the daylight hours, look up, as leopards often rest in the branches of tall trees during the day. 

South Africa's Greater Kruger is renowned for its relaxed leopard population, as is Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of leopards in Africa. Botswana is also known for its daylight leopard sightings. If you're keen on night drives to increase your chances of spotting leopards hunting or on a kill, choose privately owned reserves or concessions in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, or Zambia.

Cheetah: The sprinter of the plains

The fastest land animal on Earth, the cheetah is both elusive and solitary. While more challenging to spot due to their shy nature, you can increase your chances in parks with higher population numbers. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Botswana, the Serengeti, and Masai Mara during migration season are great choices. Alternatively, head to the Chitabe area in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Namibia is also known for its cheetahs, as is South Africa's Kruger National Park and its surrounding private game reserves.

The painted wolf (African wild dog): A blessing to behold

Painted wolves face the threat of extinction due to poaching, habitat loss, and diseases. Despite their scarcity, a few destinations still host stable populations. Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, and the Manyeleti, Timbavati and Klaserie game reserves in South Africa's Greater Kruger are renowned for their wild dog conservation efforts and excellent sightings. The painted wolf is Africa's most successful hunter in terms of kill rates and is especially engaging to spend time with, so when you do get the chance to observe them in the wild, feel truly blessed to do so!

Elephant: Africa's iconic gentle giants

More than any other animal, the African elephant is perhaps the most recognised across the world. While population numbers continue to decline, thanks largely to ivory poaching, there are still some places where you can see huge herds of these magnficient animals. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Kruger National Park in South Africa and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania are some of the best spots, along with Amboseli in Kenya, the home of big tusker bulls.

Rhino: species under threat

In spite of the scourge of poaching which has decimated populations of both white and black rhinos across Africa, it is still possible to see these incredible creatures in the wild, thanks to round the clock protection and conservation efforts. White rhinos are still more numerous than their black rhino counterparts. You can find them in Southern Africa and East Africa, particularly in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park and Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is also a haven for the black rhino.

The black rhino is sadly critically endangered. Most of what's left of this amazing species can be found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Kenya. Wherever you view rhino it is critical to respect their privacy and security by not sharing their precise locations on social media or posting images that may give clues to poachers.

Mountain gorilla: a jungle specialist

Mountain gorillas are iconic in their own right. These magnificent great apes are found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda and Uganda are renowned for their gorilla conservation efforts funded largely by tourism through gorilla trekking. This is a safe and wonderfully immersive experience as you get to observe these magnificent creatures at close quarters.

Help us to conserve them

Your safari with Luxury Focus Safaris is created ethically and with enormous respect for the wildlife you will encounter on your African adventure, using camps and lodges that contribute directly to respected conservation programs. With responsible tourism we can ensure that future generations will also have the privilege of encountering these remarkable animals in their natural habitats.