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Writer's pictureWakuwaku Safaris

The Magic of African Wildlife: Fascinating Animals You’ll See on Safari



Imagine gazing out over the savanna, with lions lounging under acacia trees and herds of elephants slowly marching by. A safari is a dream brought to life, where animals you’ve only seen on screen are suddenly right in front of you. Ready to meet Africa’s most captivating creatures? Let’s dive into the wild and discover who’s waiting for you on your family safari!


Top Animals to Spot on Safari

Africa is home to some of the most iconic animals, each with a story that makes them even more unforgettable. Here’s a lineup of Africa’s “celebrities” of the wild and why each one will leave you in awe:


1. Lions: The Kings and Queens of the Jungle

Lions are more than just big cats—they’re the rulers of the African plains. Watching a pride of lions laze about or play with their cubs is like witnessing royalty in action. And nothing compares to hearing their roars echo across the savanna at sunset.

  • Where to See Them: The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania (link: Serengeti), Maasai Mara in Kenya (Maasai Mara), and Kruger National Park in South Africa (Kruger).

  • Fun Fact: Lions are social cats! They’re the only big cats to live in family groups called prides, with roles split between hunting and protecting.


2. Elephants: Gentle Giants of the Savannah

Elephants are the guardians of the wild—gentle yet incredibly powerful. Watching them bathe in mud pools, use their trunks to grab branches, or nudge each other in play is mesmerizing. Their family bonds are tight, and they never leave anyone behind.

  • Where to See Them: Chobe National Park in Botswana (Chobe), Amboseli National Park in Kenya (Amboseli), and Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa (Addo).

  • Fun Fact: Elephants can communicate across miles using low-frequency sounds called infrasound that humans can’t hear.


3. Giraffes: The Graceful Browsers

Giraffes, with their long necks and gentle, gliding walk, are a safari favorite. Kids adore them for their unique looks, but watching them in action—stripping leaves from treetops or simply strolling the savanna—is a mesmerizing sight.

  • Where to See Them: Etosha National Park in Namibia (Etosha), Tarangire National Park in Tanzania (Tarangire), and the Okavango Delta in Botswana (Okavango).

  • Fun Fact: Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern, much like human fingerprints! Their long tongues (up to 20 inches) are dark-colored to avoid sunburn as they munch leaves.


4. Rhinos: Ancient and Rare

Rhinos are truly a sight to behold. Though they’re massive, spotting one in the wild feels like a rare treat. Black rhinos are critically endangered, and white rhinos are vulnerable, making every encounter with these “prehistoric” animals unforgettable.

  • Where to See Them: Etosha National Park for black rhinos, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi), and the Lewa Conservancy in Kenya (Lewa Conservancy).

  • Fun Fact: Rhinos have thick skin but are surprisingly sensitive to sunburn and insect bites, so they often roll in mud to protect their skin.


5. Zebras: Striped Wonders

Zebras add a touch of beauty to the savanna with their striking black and white stripes. Watching herds graze or trot across the plains is calming and fascinating, especially as each zebra has its own unique pattern.

  • Where to See Them: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Maasai Mara in Kenya, and Etosha National Park.

  • Fun Fact: Zebras’ stripes serve as natural camouflage, but they’re also thought to keep biting flies away and help regulate body temperature!


Best Places to Go for a Family-Friendly Safari

Not all parks offer the same experience, so here are some of Africa’s top parks to explore with kids. Each has a unique charm and specialty that brings a different magic to your safari.


  • Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaKnown for the Great Migration, Serengeti is where millions of wildebeest and zebras journey across the plains. It’s a true wonder of the natural world and a must-see if you’re visiting East Africa. The park is also home to a wealth of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

    • Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Migration, December to March for calving season.

    • More Info: Serengeti Tourism


  • Chobe National Park, BotswanaIf elephants are on your wish list, Chobe is your place. You can even take a boat cruise on the Chobe River, where you’ll see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from the water.

    • Best Time to Visit: May to October, when elephants gather near the river.

    • More Info: Chobe Tourism


  • Etosha National Park, NamibiaFamous for its desert-adapted animals and seasonal salt pans, Etosha offers fantastic views of wildlife gathered around waterholes. The park is especially known for black rhinos, making it ideal for those interested in seeing endangered species.

    • Best Time to Visit: June to October, as dry season draws animals to waterholes.

    • More Info: Etosha Tourism


Making It Fun for Kids: Wildlife Bingo!

Before your trip, create or print out wildlife bingo cards (find customizable templates online) or download apps like Wildlife bingo figma.


Each family member gets a bingo card with animals you’ll likely see. The first to spot five in a row wins a prize (maybe a cool safari-themed souvenir!). This game is a great way to keep kids engaged and entertained while waiting for the next big animal sighting.


Must-Have Apps for Safari

Make the experience interactive and educational with these handy apps, perfect for identifying animals and diving deeper into the safari experience.


  • Stuarts’ African Mammals (Download): This app lets you identify and learn about various mammals, complete with fascinating facts and info about conservation. Kids can play “safari expert” and guide the family through animal sightings!


  • Kingdon's Guide (Download): This interactive version of Jonathan Kingdon's Pocket Guide to African Mammals is an essential field guide for those visiting and living in Africa with an interest in its wildlife. It covers all African land mammals, with some of the smaller mammal groups portrayed generically, this app turns your kids into wildlife pros, helping them identify animals and impressing the whole family.


Pack your binoculars, download your apps, and prepare for moments that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re watching a lion doze in the shade, marveling at a baby elephant learning the ropes, or cheering on your child as they spot a rhino, a safari is full of magic, learning, and memories you’ll carry with you always.

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