Best South African safari destinations for viewing particular species of wildlife

South Africa is a wondrous place for a safari, where all kinds of wildlife is on offer. Among the best locations is Kruger National Park, where the famous Big 5 can be easily spotted. However, for visitors who have a particular liking for a species of African wildlife, the following are the best locations to see those species.

Best location for elephants

While Kruger National Park has many elephants, one of the best locations to spot whole families of the beautiful species is Addo Elephant National Park. This lovely park is available from the popular Garden Route of the Western and Eastern Cape.

As the name implies, the park has plenty of elephants, but what makes this location even better is that these are probably the most relaxed of the species in Africa. As you tour the park, they seem totally untroubled by all the excited human onlookers. The best place to see the elephants is at midday, when they gather at the manmade waterholes to drink and cool down.

Best location for lions and leopards

Londolozi Private Game Reserve forms part of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, nestled on the western border of Kruger National Park. While Londolozi specializes in leopards, they also offer great views of lions, including the iconic black-maned lions with the prides of females and cubs.

The bush in Londolozi tends to be thick, but the safari guides know exactly how to give you a first-class view of the wonderful big cats.

Best location for giraffes

When it comes to the lofty giraffe, Kruger National Park is, admittedly, the best place to spot them, towering over the bushes and trees. However, not only are there plenty of giraffes to be seen in the open woodlands, this is the best place to learn more about the animals. Expert rangers will show visitors how to identify their “browse line” and how to interpret the lofty creatures’ behavior, including “necking,” which is the way that males fight. They will also help visitors to distinguish the differences between male and female giraffes and how they manage to eat leaves from thorny trees.

On the subject of giraffes, however, other locations in Africa are also amazing when it comes to the species. Nairobi has its famous Giraffe Manor, where the animals regularly stick their heads through the windows to share your breakfast. Another fascinating location for giraffe spotting is in Uganda and Namibia, where it is possible to spot the famous dwarf giraffes. These smaller versions with their shorter legs are fascinating to see.

Best location for rhinos

When speaking of the best location to see black and white rhinos, we return to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As being a prime location for the Big Five, this beautiful game reserve also has plenty of rhinos, including both the black and white varieties. It is even possible to watch the rhino mating and later, seeing their cute young.

Take a safari vacation this year in South Africa and spot the best African wildlife on the continent!