The best of the bushveld: 10 animals you might find on a safari with us
If thrilling wildlife encounters are at the top of your travel wish-list, read on to learn more about the world's most impressive species and where to find them.
Whether it’s your first time visiting them or your fiftieth, it’s no secret that some of the best spots for wildlife-spotting can be found amongst Africa’s sprawling bushveld and Asia’s tropical forests. Most wildlife enthusiasts will agree, there are few place quite like them, but don’t take our word for it – the only way to fully get to grips with the sheer wonder of the natural world is to experience it in person.
Our team has been thinking about their favourite animals to spot in the wild and the wide range of impressive creatures our customers can see on our award-winning safari tours. To help you get to know the creatures you might encounter in the bush, they've put together a one-stop guide to our top 10 animal species to keep an eye out for on your next safari adventure.
African leopard
Agile, elusive and masters of the treetops, these big cats are some of toughest to find in the wild – but that’s just because they’re so good at hiding. Leopards, often found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, are some of the most enigmatic species you’ll find in the African bush and even experienced guides can struggle to spot them amongst the foliage. It’s for that reason that a rare sighting ranks amongst one of the most exhilarating experiences available on safari.
Our recommended tour: Kenya Grand Safari
Pygmy elephant
Though smaller than their better-known cousins in Africa and India, pygmy elephants are no less memorable. Given their cooler temperament, these delightful animals are much more comfortable with human interaction and often allow safari goers to get closer than the more territorial elephant species. These gentle giants are only found on Malaysia and Indonesia’s island rainforests, making Borneo an ideal spot from which to catch a glimpse of them in the wild.
Our recommended tour: Indonesia – Bali & Beyond
Southern ground hornbill
Amongst the savannah plains of South Africa’s award-winning Mabula Game Reserve, birdwatchers can spot one of the world’s most elusive bird species – albeit, on the ground! The southern ground hornbill, true to its name, is entirely flightless and is one of Africa’s most recognisable unique birds with its striking red face. Often connected to local superstition, these incredible creatures are vital parts of various African cultures and are being protected by a number of conservation initiatives after a decline in global numbers.
Our recommended tour: On Safari in South Africa – Mabula Lodge
Southern giraffe
Perhaps one of the more recognisable species on our list, the giraffe still remains one of our team’s favourite animals to spot on game drives. With towering necks, intricate patterned fur and a curious nature, giraffes are a staple of any African safari escape and, though they may not be part of the ‘Big Five’, are every part as iconic as the larger game you’ll find in the savannah. Whether you’re watching them emerge from the forest, enjoy up-close from a watering hole hide, or marvelling at these impressive creatures at full gallop, giraffe certainly earn their spot at the top of any safari wish-list.
Our recommended tour: On Safari in South Africa – Elephant Lodge
Painted dog
Our first safari highlight is the humble painted dog, an endangered species which is being slowly reintroduced into Zimbabwe’s wild spaces by essential conservation efforts. These playful creatures are as inquisitive as they are elusive and are a treat to witness in their natural habitat. While the dogs can be found in pockets across the continent, there are only 7,000 remaining in the whole of Africa, making sightings a rare treat. If these curious creatures are at the top of your safari wish-list, Hwange’s Painted Dog Conservation, which monitors and protects the species’ largest single population in Zimbabwe, is a must-see.
Our recommended tour: Ultimate Safari – Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe
African Lion
Saving one of the most memorable species for last, lions are as famous for their roar, which can be heard across miles of savannah plains, as they are for their extraordinary appearance. Though they’re often known as the ‘king of the jungle’, it’s the lionesses that do most of the heavy lifting, from hunting to raising the cubs. The males, on the other hand, can more often be found basking in the sun are mainly responsible for defending the pride’s territory, making them the more likely candidates for a few unmissable moments’ viewing.
Our recommended tour: Kruger Safari & the Garden Route
Black rhino
More common than the endangered white rhino, these horned wonders number amongst sub-Saharan Africa’s most impressive herbivores and are a must-see for any safari experience. These imposing creatures are generally found amongst the leafy forest undergrowth but are also known to wonder between semi-arid desert areas and cooler banks of nearby wetlands. As a ‘Big Five’ species, rhinos are considered essential viewing while in the bush.
Our recommended tour: Great Safaris of Tanzania & Zanzibar Beach
Bengal tiger
If lions are the kings of the jungle, then our next animal must then be the king of the rainforest. The Bengal tiger, which can often be found prowling temperate rainforests and mangrove swamps, is often considered the apex predator of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Such is its stature that the species is revered in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, and once you’ve seen it in the flesh, it’s no surprise why. These majestic creatures, easily recognisable with their iconic striped fur, embody grace, power and strength, making them one of the most sought-after sights in India.
Our recommended tour: Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Safari & the Taj Mahal
Orangutan
Another resident of Borneo’s tropical rainforest areas is also one of the most striking primates on the planet. Orangutans, often found swinging between tree branches and building nests high up in the woodland canopy, are masters of the treetops and deservedly rank amongst the most impressive animals to see on safari. With much of their natural habitats having been deforested in recent decades, orangutans are now legally protected and are slowly but surely being rehabilitated amongst Borneo’s northern reserves.
Our recommended tour: Borneo’s Orangutans and Rainforest Adventure
African buffalo
From the reclusive to the commonplace, buffalo may not be as tricky to find as tree-climbing leopards, but that’s not to say they aren’t just as impressive. Often found grazing in large herds, these horned bovines can weigh up to 900 kilograms and are the largest of the savannah buffaloes. Though they are herbivorous, these robust animals are fiercely defensive and can often be found going toe-to-toe with the native predators. One of the best parts about spotting buffalo, though, is that you’ll likely spot a number of oxpeckers, too, which enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship.
Our recommended tour: On Safari in Botswana - Chobe National Park
Tick sights off your safari wish-list with Newmarket Holidays
If you’re eager to go beyond the screen and witness these marvellous creatures in the wild, or have questions about your dream safari adventure, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call. What's more, if you book before Saturday, 31 January, you can enjoy up to 15% off our entire range of wildlife and safari holidays.
For more travel inspiration, check out our dedicated safari page, or browse our destinations for full details on every itinerary.
