Beyond the Big Five: Lesser-Known African Safari Animals

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While the allure of the Big Five draws many to Africa, the continent’s wild beauty extends far beyond these renowned creatures.

Join us as we journey deep into the heart of the African wild to explore the fascinating world of its lesser-known safari animals.

1. Giraffe (Giraffa spp.)

The giraffe is the tallest mammal on the planet, growing to 19 feet (5.8 meters) and is one of the biggest highlights of the African safari. They are herbivores, and their enormous height allows them to graze even the tallest trees for the best leaves. What’s more, they have long necks (up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length) and a prehensile tongue which allows them to pull the leaves from the trees. Giraffes have a distinct blotched coat with patches that can range in color from tan to almost black, and no two individuals have the same pattern. 

Giraffes are generally docile animals but they’re not afraid to stand their ground. Males can often be seen fighting, using their long necks to hit each other in a phenomenon known as necking. However, this is just one form of interaction and communication and giraffes may also be heard making a series of sounds, such as hissing or snorting when they’re threatened. 

There are several subspecies of giraffes, so while populations of some types are healthy, others are critical. This means it’s important that safaris are done mindfully with respect for the giraffe habitat and to cause them as little disturbance as possible.

These amazing creatures can be seen mainly in open grasslands and on the savanna but there are some that also frequent woodland habitats. In any case, they’re easy to spot when on safari, if not only because of their height!

When & Where to See Giraffes

When you head off on safari in search of giraffes, you’d do well to look for them in the early morning or late afternoon as this is when they’ll be feeding. The temperature is much cooler at this time of day, making mealtimes more comfortable for these animals.

However, they’re also commonly spotted during the calving season between November and April if you’re keen to spot some babies. That said, it’s also worth noting that this is also the rainy season so be prepared for adverse weather. In the dry season, between June and October, the giraffes will be out more in search of water which is a great opportunity to spot them.

Check out the following areas for the best giraffe sightings:

• The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• Tsavo National Park in Kenya
• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• The Tarangire National Park in Tanzania
• The Kruger National Park in South Africa
• The Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
• Etosha National Park in Namibia (the salt pans are also an incredible sight)

Giraffe Species & Where to See Them

There are five species of giraffe, with several subspecies in each family. Where you go in Africa will determine the type of giraffe you might spot.

Southern Giraffe

The southern giraffe is found across the southern part of the African continent and can be seen on grasslands and savannas as well as in wooded habitats.

Subspecies include the South African, Angolan, and Namibian giraffes and these individuals have a much more rounded face and an irregular pattern on their coats.

Masai Giraffe

There is only one subspecies within this family, and it is sometimes called the Kilimanjaro giraffe, owing to its presence around the base of the mountain of the same name. Masia giraffes are found mainly in Tanzania and Kenya but some other locations in eastern Africa.

These are important players in maintaining vegetation balance in the environment and can be identified by their irregular coat pattern and a sharper, jagged edge to the face.

Reticulated Giraffe

Again, there is only one subspecies of the reticulated giraffe and it can be identified by its reticulated pattern. This is used primarily for camouflage in the semi-arid regions and woodlands that these animals inhabit. You’ll mainly find them in countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya.

Nubian Giraffe

Just one subspecies exists within the family and it is sometimes referred to as the northern giraffe. This species can be found in Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan where they inhabit savannas, shrublands, and wooded areas.

Nubian giraffes have much lighter coloration than other species but do feature an irregular coat pattern.

West African Giraffe

Sadly, the West African giraffe is incredibly endangered and can now only be found in very limited regions of Chad and Niger. It’s thought that there are as few as 600 individuals in the wild.

2. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

If there’s one thing that cheetahs are well known for, it’s their speed. These big cats can run up to 81 mph (130 km/h), and they’re equipped with slender bodies and long tails that help to keep them balanced during these short bursts of activity. 

The coat of the cheetah is one of its most obvious defining features, with a spotted pattern. While many people associate a similar pattern with the African leopard, cheetahs are easy to differentiate because of their smaller bodies and small, rounded heads.

The fastest animal on land, cheetahs usually inhabit savannas and grasslands where the vegetation is long enough to conceal them during their hunts. What’s more, with their spotted pattern, these animals are easily able to camouflage. They prey mainly on ungulates and other animals that typically weigh around 50 lbs (22.7 kg).

The cheetah is a largely solitary animal apart from during breeding when they come together to mate. After this, the mother will raise her cubs for around 18 months, until they’re ready to face the world and hunt alone.

Cheetahs are much more docile than other wild big cats and are not known to be a threat to humans. As such, they’re a popular animal on safaris, especially for photographers who are keen to capture a shot of one running across the savanna.

Sadly, the cheetah is now listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with a suspected 6000 left in the wild. Even more disheartening is that numbers continue to decline due to human activity like poaching as well as factors such as habitat loss. 

When & Where to See Cheetahs

When going in search of cheetahs, you’re best to head out when they’re hunting. This usually occurs when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late afternoon. During the dry season, like many animals, cheetahs will gather around waterholes, so look here if your safari takes place between June and October.

However, during the calving season between November and April, cheetahs have greater access to vulnerable prey, so they are more frequently spotted.

In any case, some of the best cheetah hotspots are as follows:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Etosha National Park in Namibia

3. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

While they might not look it, hippopotamuses are among some of the most dangerous animals in Africa. This is not only because of their enormous size (up to 9,920 lbs (4,500 kg)) but also because of their aggressive nature. That said, they only attack if they feel threatened and are herbivores, so don’t actively hunt humans or other animals. When they do need to defend themselves, they have long, sharp teeth, which they use to clamp down and hole punch their attackers. They’ll also show their teeth as a warning.

In fact, hippos are very social animals that form groups of up 30 individuals, known as a bloat. They communicate using sounds that include honks that can be as loud as 115 decibels!

Hippos are semi-aquatic and are therefore found around water sources like lakes, rivers, and even swamps. Mothers give birth to a single calf every other year in the water, where mating also takes place.

While a boat safari is an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of hippopotamuses in their natural habitat, caution is always advised. Travel with an experienced guide, and always be sure to maintain a safe distance. These animals are known to cause more human deaths in Africa than any other safari beast.

When & Where to See Hippopotamuses

Seeing a hippo in the wild is truly one of life’s most amazing treats, but if you want to be sure to catch a glimpse, you’ll need to head out in the late afternoon or evening. There are many boat safaris available during these times of day, and heading out during the breeding season between November and April provides the best chance of seeing these amazing animals.

The dry season is also a good time to spot hippos as they will be more concentrated around water sources. In any case, the following locations are known to provide some of the best opportunities:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• Lake Naivasha in Kenya
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
• Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• The St Lucia wetlands in South Africa

4. Zebra (Equus spp.)

There are three main species of zebra and while they may look similar, there are some subtle differences. For example, the mountain zebra is much smaller than other species and is found in mountainous regions of Namibia and South Africa. On the other hand, the Grevy’s zebra is much larger, and the stripes are a lot thinner.

The plains zebra is unfortunately listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with less than 250,000 individuals left in the wild, and numbers continue to decrease. This species is found in several areas of Africa and can be characterized by its bolder, wider stripes.

A group of zebras is called a dazzle which is pretty fitting for these magical-looking creatures, and groups can number tens of thousands. The benefit of this is that a larger group provides better protection against predators like lions while the zebras graze on grasses and other vegetation. However, the striped pattern of the zebra also acts as a form of confusing camouflage, affording them further protection.

While related to horses, zebras have a much more aggressive and temperamental nature, which is surprising to a lot of people. Still, they’re interesting animals and are known to take long migrations, which can cover a whopping 1,800 miles (2,897 km)!

When & Where to See Zebras

Zebras are often seen on the savanna and are active at most times of the day, so are one of the easier animals to spot. Although, if you’re looking to take great photos, the light first thing in the morning or the early evening is optimal. During the breeding season between November and April, it’s a great chance to see the foals.

As is the case with a lot of African animals, zebras can often be seen gathered around a water source during the dry season between June and September. For the best chance of spotting zebras, check out the following locations:

• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is great for seeing plains zebra
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is also ideal for spotting plains zebra
• Plains zebra can also be seen in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
• The Grevy’s zebra can be seen in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya as well as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya
• For mountain zebra, head to the Mountain Zebra National Park in South Africa
• Mountain zebra are also common in the Gondwana Canyon Park in Namibia

5. Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)

The sable antelope is a beautiful species with a dark coat and white markings to the face. However, it’s the horns that are the most impressive feature and they curve back from the head, growing up to 65 inches (165 cm) in length in males. While the females do possess horns, they are slightly smaller.

Horns are used to establish dominance and for self-defense and along with their impressive size (growing up to 1,300 lbs (590 kg)), they’re very well able to look after themselves. Despite this, some subspecies, such as the giant sable antelope are listed as being Critically Endangered.

Sable antelope are found in both woodlands and open areas, where they feed on leaves, grass, and other vegetation. They usually stay close to a water source and during the rainy season, large numbers will come together for breeding.

When & Where to See Sable Antelopes

For great photo opportunities, it’s best to look for sable antelope during the early morning or early evening. However, being diurnal, these animals are active throughout the day. Between May and October, during the dry season, it’s easy to spot them gathered around a water source.

Rainy season is the breeding season and occurs between November and April, so this is a good opportunity to see mothers with their young.

• Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
• Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe
• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
• Kafue National Park in Zambia
• Chobe National Park in Botswana
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Kruger National Park in South Africa

6. Black-Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas)

Found all over the eastern, northern, and southern parts of Africa, the black-backed jackal is a common sight and sound. It has a haunting call which is often heard at night, and these creatures are the stuff of legend. In fact, there is a traditional African story involving the black-backed jackal and the lion in which the latter outsmarts the former, proving its intelligence. 

These small to medium sized mammals are carnivorous by nature and prey on small mammals, birds and insects. Despite being mainly carnivorous, they are known to show omnivorous tendencies and may feed on fruits. It’s also not uncommon for them to display scavenger behaviors.

You can identify the black-backed jackal by the dark saddle-like marking on its back which, according to folklore, comes from the animal offering to carry the sun on its back. They are moderately social animals, forming bonded pairs that remain together to raise their pups.

However, spotting the black-backed jackal can be a challenge as they’re largely active at night, spending much of the day in their dens trying to escape the heat of the sun.

When & Where to See Black-Backed Jackals

The best places to spot black-backed jackals are as follows:

• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
• Chobe National Park in Botswana
• Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya

For the best chances of spotting these animals, you’ll want to take a night safari as black-backed jackals are primarily nocturnal. However, there may be some activity late in the afternoon, if you’re lucky.

During the dry season between May and October, black-backed jackals will scavenge so may be easier to spot. Between November and April, you can see mothers raising their young.

7. African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

The African wild dog is sometimes called the painted dog, and they’re easily distinguished by their patchy coats that come in a range of colors between black and white. They can be found in various habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, where they live in packs of around 40 individuals.

Within these packs, the dogs work closely together to hunt and have one of the best hunting success rates on the continent. The pack is led by an alpha breeding pair, and other members include males, females, and pups. Despite their hunting success and teamwork, they’re now listed as critically endangered and numbers are thought to continue to decrease.

When hunting, African wild dogs go for ungulates as their main prey and will chase their target for extended periods of time, eventually wearing it down and being able to kill it.

When & Where to See African Wild Dogs

African wild dogs are found in many countries in Africa, but it’s best to see them in the early morning or at dusk as they’ll be more active when the temperature is a little lower.

In the dry season between May and October, African wild dogs can be seen around water sources, but if you’re keen to spot the pups then try a safari in the breeding season between November and April.

The following locations are known to be some of the best for spotting these animals:

• Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
• Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe
• Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
• Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa

8. Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

The Nile crocodile is perhaps one of the most iconic African species outside of the Big Five, with a ferocious reputation as a killing machine. These enormous reptiles can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length and are the apex predators within their habitat. They’re not fussy about what they eat and may prey on birds, mammals, fish, other crocs and anything that comes into their territory. 

The crocodile spends a lot of its time lurking in the water where it waits for prey to pass by and, when it’s within reach, the crocodile will ambush it. With a bite force of 5000 psi, its grip is the most powerful in the animal kingdom.

Spending most of its time in the water, your best chance of seeing a Nile crocodile is around rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Here, you may see the females building mound nests where they lay their eggs and keep a close watch over them until they hatch. However, it’s advisable to watch from a distance as there are plenty of horror stories involving attacks on humans. Reports suggest there could be well in excess of 700 attacks each year, with 63% of these resulting in a fatality. 

When & Where to See Nile Crocodiles

If you want the chance to see the mighty Nile crocodile, then the following locations come highly recommended:

• Okavango Delta in Botswana
• The Chobe River in Botswana
• The Mara River in Kenya
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• The Nile River in Uganda
• Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
• The St Lucia Estuary in South Africa
• Kruger National Park in South Africa

The Nile crocodile is mainly active during the day, with the best chance of a sighting in the morning or early evening. When the dry season comes around between May and October, they’re often spotted basking in the sun. It’s worth noting that between November and April, crocodiles will be breeding and nesting, so it’s a good time to potentially see a young croc.

9. Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

The greater kudu is a large and impressive species of antelope that is easy to distinguish from similar animals. It’s one of the largest antelope species, with males growing as large as 695 lbs (315 kg). They have very muscular bodies and typically reaching a shoulder height of around 39 inches (100 cm).

Like many ungulates, male greater kudus have horns that form a spiral shape and can grow to almost the same size as the animal itself. The record for the longest horns was more than 71 inches (180 cm). Males use their horns to establish territory and will lock with those of another male during a fight. There are examples of males being so stubborn during a fight and not letting go that the horns become permanently locked, and both animals meet their demise.

Greater kudus are usually found in woodlands and bushlands as well as on the savanna, where they are mainly active at night and have a grayish-brown coat that allows them to camouflage. They have a very shy temperament and only form small groups that aren’t very tightly knit. Being so timid, the greater kudu is often one of the more difficult African animals to spot and when they feel threatened, they’ll make a sudden jump and dash off into the bush.

When & Where to See Greater Kudus

As with most other safari animals, the greater kudu can be seen gathered around a water source during the dry season between May and October. Between November and April, during the breeding season, you may have the opportunity to spot mating behaviors or young kudus.

This species is generally more active during the night, so it’s a good idea to take a night time safari. However, there may be some activity in the late afternoon or early evening. In any case, the following locations provide the best opportunities.

• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park in South Africa
• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

10. Grant’s Gazelle (Nanger granti)

Named after the British explorer, James Grant, the Grant’s gazelle is a large species of antelope found in eastern Africa. This species can grow up to 35 inches (90 cm) in height and is distinguished by the long, slender, curved horns of the males, which can grow to 26 inches (66 cm) in length.

This is a very distinct looking animal with a beige-orange coat and a white underbelly and is an herbivore that feeds on various vegetation. It can often be seen grazing with other species like wildebeest and zebra and prefers savanna or grassland habitat.

In some, but not all regions, the Grant’s gazelle will take a seasonal migration in search of food and water. However, since they are able to survive without much water, Grant’s gazelle will often remain in an area after other ungulates have left and make the most of the reduced competition for resources. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re not still a target for larger predators like cheetahs and hyenas.

When they are targeted by a predator, Grant’s gazelles have a unique getaway technique that involves running in a zig-zag pattern. What’s more, they’re incredibly agile. They live in herds that are led by a dominant male and these groups can contain as many as 200 individuals.

When & Where to See Grant’s Gazelles

The best places to spot Grant’s gazelles are as follows:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania
• Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda

In order to maximize your chances of spotting the Grant’s gazelle, you’ll need to make sure you take a daytime safari, as this is a diurnal species. What’s more, these animals are known for their lengthy migrations, which are often taken in the opposite direction to other animals as they’re not going in search of water. 

11. Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)

Found largely on the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, the banded mongoose has, as its name suggests, a banded pattern along its sturdy, muscular body. While they might look cute, these animals are very effective hunters, although they mainly prey on insects, beetles, and eggs. That said, they will sometimes eat fruits.

Banded mongoose are not large animals and typically grow to around 12 – 18 inches (30 – 46 cm) in length. Still they are highly sociable and this allows them to cooperate when defending themselves against predators. They form very close-knit groups known as troops that usually contain up to 50 individuals.

Each member of the group plays an important role in cooperative hunting and foraging, and communication is done through the use of scent-marking and various vocalizations such as grunts. Interbreeding within these social groups is not unheard of but studies have shown that it may not be as common as we once believed. 

Banded mongoose play an important role to local wildlife as they are known to approach other animals like warthogs in order to remove ticks from them.

When & Where to See Banded Mongooses

If you’re keen to spot the banded mongoose then your best chances are during the day. In the breeding season, which coincides with the rainy season, you’re more likely to see mothers and their pups.

Check out the following locations for the best chance to spot these adorable creatures:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa

12. Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis)

The rock hyrax is sometimes called a dassie and these are small, incredibly cute animals with a stout build. As their name suggests, rock hyrax are found in rocky habitats and can be seen all over sub-Saharan Africa. Their distribution is also known to spread as far as parts of the Middle East.

Looking at the rock hyrax, you might mistake it for a type of rodent, but it may surprise you to learn that its closest relatives are actually manatees and elephants. However, unlike their much larger cousins, rock hyraxes are prey for a wide range of creatures, including birds of prey and snakes. They themselves are herbivores, primarily consuming leaves, fruits, and flowers.

The rock hyrax, again as suggested by its name, can often be seen lazing around on the rocks in the sun. They’re usually spotted in groups called bands, which are usually made up of around 20 individuals, one dominant male and the rest females with their young. Males are very territorial and have scent glands to mark out their territory.

When & Where to See Rock Hyraxes

The rock hyrax is mostly active during the day, so taking a daytime safari gives you the best chance of spotting this species. Living in rock habitats means that these animals are active at all times of the year. The following locations are well known for rock hyrax populations:

• Nairobi National Park in Kenya
• Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Table Mountain National Park in South Africa

13. Common Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

A species of large antelope, the common waterbuck is easy to identify thanks to its dark shaggy coat. These animals also have a ring of white fur around the rump, which is used as a signal for the young when following their parents.

Common waterbucks, as their name suggests, prefer an aquatic habitat which is why they’re almost always found around water sources since they cannot tolerate dehydration. That said, they’re a common sight on the savanna as well as in grasslands and wooded areas across sub-Saharan Africa. It’s here that they’ll graze on grasses.

These animals form medium sized groups that typically number between 6 and 30 and contain members of both sexes, with the males usually being very young. That said, the males are highly territorial and aren’t afraid to fight for dominance from around the age of five years.

When & Where to See Common Waterbucks

The common waterbuck is a diurnal animal, so a daytime safari will give you the best opportunity to spot them. While they are active throughout the year, you’re more likely to spot them during the dry season as they go in search of water.

To optimize your chances of seeing the common waterbuck, consider some of the following locations:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

14. Impala (Aepyceros melampus)

Impalas are one of many antelope species, and they’re probably one of the most easy to recognize. They have a slender body with elegant movements, and their coats are typically reddish brown in color. The females do not possess horns, but those of the male are lyre-shaped and usually black with white markings.

Like many similar species, the impala will perform pronking which is a jumping behavior that allows the animals to express its emotions. They also use this as a way of escaping predators such as hyenas and lions.

Impalas form large groups known as herds which usually number up to 100 individuals. These groups contain both males and females and, during mating season, the males will compete with one another to gain territory and breed with the females. You’ll see these groups in grasslands and savannas as well as in some open wooded areas. This habitat provides excellent grazing opportunities for impala, but they’re not fussy eaters and will often adapt their diet according to the season.

When & Where to See Impalas

You’ll spot the impala in several locations around Africa, but the following are most well known for their healthy populations:

• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

The impala is a diurnal animal, meaning it is more active during the day time. In mating season, it’s a great time to observe these animals as they have some impressive mating rituals and displays.

15. African Civet (Civettictis civetta)

African civets are part of the Verridae family, which contains a number of feline-like creatures found across sub-Saharan Africa. This species has a spotted coat with dark coloration and a sleek body. But what’s most notable about the African civet is its ability to produce a strong scent from glands near the anus. This scent has often been used in perfumes but is now usually synthetically created to save cruelty. 

The African civet is a common sight in its habitat and is listed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, if you want to spot one, then you’ll have to head out at night as they are largely nocturnal when they’ll go on the hunt for small mammals and insects as well as looking for fruits and carrion.

When & Where to See African Civets

To catch a glimpse of the African civet, you’ll need to make sure that you book a night time safari as these are primarily nocturnal animals. The best locations to spot these creatures are:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
• Kruger National Park in South Africa

16. Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

The springbok is a species of antelope that is most well-known for its unusual jumping behavior, known as pronking. They exhibit this behavior to show their emotions, and this could be anything from excitement to fear and everything in between. When they jump, they can get as high as 9.8 feet (3 meters)!

Growing up to 34 inches (86 cm) in height, the springbok can be characterized by its reddish coloration with a white underbelly. On either side of the animal runs a darker colored stripe, and they’re often found in grasslands and savannas during the day when they’re most active and feed on the vegetation here.

What’s really interesting about springboks is that they are equipped with a scent gland under the tail that allows them to emit a sweaty smelling secretion, which they usually do alongside pronking. It’s thought that the main reason for this scent is to mark territory.

Another amazing thing about the springbok is its migration habits. Migrating much further than any other mammal, these animals can travel hundreds of miles looking for food and water.

When & Where to See Springboks

The distribution of the springbok is considerably less than some of the animals on this list, but there are still a good number of locations where you can spot them, including:

• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa
• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia

Being a diurnal species, it’s best to choose a daytime safari. If you have the chance to head out during the dry season then this gives an excellent opportunity to observe these animals during their migration.

17. Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)

While hartebeest numbers were once healthy in Africa, their populations have sadly declined due to factors such as habitat loss. That said, they are listed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated 360,000 remaining in the wild. However, there are several different species, including the red hartebeest, the Coke’s hartebeest, and the Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, and some of these populations are dwindling. 

It also doesn’t help that these animals are often preyed upon by carnivores like lions although the males are equipped with curved horns which they use for self-defense as well as for fighting other males to establish territory and to attract females. Hartebeest also gather in large groups because, as they say, there’s strength in numbers.

Hartebeest are grazing herbivores that feed primarily on grasses, so are usually found in grasslands and savannas as well as open woodlands. They have a very unique appearance with a long face and sloping back but are relatively small, usually standing no taller than 3.3 feet (1 meter).

When & Where to See Hartebeests

Hartebeests are primarily active during the day, making this the best time to spot them. The good news is that they remain active throughout the year, so they’re always available to observe. But you’ll need to choose the right location, which could include:

• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania