Our Wildlife Directory introduces the extraordinary animals you may encounter on safari. Learn to recognize key species, understand their behavior, and appreciate the fleeting moments that make wildlife photography truly rewarding.
Rhinoceros (Black) The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a critically endangered and iconic species of Africa’s savannahs, woodlands, and arid bushlands. Although smaller than the white rhino, it remains an imposing animal. Adults typically stand about 1.4–1.7 m (4.6–5.6 ft) at the shoulder. They usually(…) Read More
Cheetah he cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land animal on Earth. It can reach speeds up to 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts. Adults typically measure 1.1–1.5 m (3.6–4.9 ft) in body length, with a tail adding another 60–80 cm (2–2.6 ft). Shoulder height ranges from 70–90 cm (28–35 in).(…) Read More
Elephant The African elephant belongs to the genus Loxodonta and has two recognized species: the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Savanna elephants are larger. Adult males stand 3–4 meters (10–13 ft) at the shoulder and weigh(…) Read More
Gerenuk he gerenuk, also known as the giraffe gazelle (Litocranius walleri), is a distinctive antelope found in the dry bushlands and semi-arid regions of East Africa. It is immediately recognizable by its elongated neck and slender body. A small head further enhances its unique, almost giraffe-like(…) Read More
Giant Forest Hog The giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) is the largest and most imposing member of the pig family and a rarely seen highlight of African forests and woodland ecosystems. Found in central and western Africa, as well as parts of East Africa, this powerful animal favors dense forests,(…) Read More
Giraffes The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the tallest land animal on Earth. It is known for its long neck, striking coat patterns, and graceful presence on the African savannah. Adult giraffes can reach 4.5 to 6 meters (15–20 feet) in height. Males are generally larger than females. They weigh(…) Read More
Grant’s Gazelle Grant’s Gazelle (Nanger granti) is one of East Africa’s most elegant and striking antelopes. It is easily recognizable by its long, slender legs and impressive curved horns. Adult males typically stand around 90–100 cm at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 75–90 cm. They(…) Read More
Hartebeest The hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is a tall, long-legged antelope found across Africa’s open savannahs, grasslands, and lightly wooded plains. It is instantly recognizable by its sloping back and elongated face. Its sharply angled horns further add to its distinctive appearance. The(…) Read More
Hartlaub’s turaco Hartlaub’s turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi) is a striking, medium-sized bird native to the montane forests of East Africa. In particular, it is most commonly found in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The species is easily recognized by its vivid green plumage. Additionally, a deep blue tail provides(…) Read More
Hippopotamus The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of Africa’s most iconic and formidable mammals, equally at home in water and on land. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands where they spend much of the day submerged to keep cool, emerging at(…) Read More
Impala The Impala (Aepyceros melampus) is one of Africa’s most iconic and abundant antelope species, commonly found across savannahs, woodlands, and grassy plains of East and Southern Africa. Adults stand approximately 75–95 cm at the shoulder and typically weigh between 40–75 kg, with males being(…) Read More
Dik-Dik (Kirk’s) Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) is one of Africa’s smallest and most charming antelopes. In particular, it is commonly found in dry savannahs, bushland, and thorn scrub across East Africa. Despite its small size, it stands just 35–45 centimeters (14–18 inches) at the shoulder and weighs(…) Read More
Klipspringer The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is a small, agile antelope. It is uniquely adapted to life among rocky outcrops and steep escarpments across eastern and southern Africa. Despite its size, it stands about 43–60 centimeters (17–24 inches) at the shoulder. In addition, it weighs between(…) Read More
Leopard The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of Africa’s most adaptable and elusive big cats. It is renowned for its strength, stealth, and striking rosette-patterned coat. Adults typically measure 1.9–2.4 m (6.2–7.9 ft) in total length, including the tail. Shoulder height averages about 60–70 cm(…) Read More
Lion The lion (Panthera leo) is Africa’s most iconic big cat. It is also the only truly social member of the cat family. Adult males typically measure 2.7–3.3 m (8.9–10.8 ft) in total length, including the tail. Females are slightly smaller in size. Shoulder height averages about 1.1–1.2 m(…) Read More
Ostrich The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the world’s largest and heaviest living bird, native to the open savannahs, grasslands, and semi-desert regions of Africa. Despite being flightless, it is exceptionally well adapted to life on the plains, with long, powerful legs built for speed and(…) Read More
Zebra (Plains) The Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), also known as the Common Zebra, is one of Africa’s most recognizable mammals. It is instantly identified by its bold black-and-white stripes. Adults typically stand about 120–140 cm at the shoulder. They weigh between 175–385 kg. Males and females are similar(…) Read More
Rhinoceros (Northern White) The northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is a rare and iconic subspecies of the white rhino. It is also one of the most endangered mammals on Earth. Historically, it inhabited the grasslands and savannahs of Central and East Africa. In terms of size and overall structure,(…) Read More- Rhinoceros White and Black Comparisons Rhinoceros White and Black Comparisons: Although often confused, the Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) and the White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) show several clear visual differences. The most noticeable distinction is the shape of the mouth: Black Rhinos have a pointed, prehensile upper lip(…) Read More
Serval The Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a slender and striking medium-sized wild cat. Notably, it is best known for its long legs, large ears, and beautifully spotted coat. In terms of size, adults stand about 54–62 cm at the shoulder. Furthermore, they measure 65–100 cm in body length, with(…) Read More
Speckled Mousebird The Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) is a distinctive and social bird found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest species of mousebird, recognizable by its long, slender tail, soft gray-brown plumage speckled with white, and a small crest on its head. This bird is often seen(…) Read More
Hyena (Spotted) Adults typically stand about 75–90 cm at the shoulder. They can measure up to 1.6 m in body length. Spotted Hyenas are robust animals and weigh between 45–85 kg. Females are generally larger and more dominant than males. They have extremely strong jaws capable of crushing bone. This allows(…) Read More
Streaky Seedeater The streaky seedeater (Crithagra striolata) is a small, subtly patterned finch found across eastern and southern Africa. It inhabits a wide range of environments, including forest edges, open woodland, gardens, and cultivated areas. As a result of its streaked brown and gray plumage, it(…) Read More
Thompson’s Gazelle Thompson’s Gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii) is one of the most iconic antelopes of the African savannah. Admired for its grace, speed, and striking markings, it captures the attention of photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Adult males typically stand about 60–80 cm at the shoulder and(…) Read More
Topi The topi (Damaliscus lunatus) is a striking and fast antelope of Africa’s open grasslands and floodplains. It is easily recognized by its rich reddish-brown coat. In addition, darker patches are visible on the upper legs and face. Overall, the species has a sleek, athletic build. Adults(…) Read More
Warthog The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is one of Africa’s most recognizable and charismatic mammals, easily identified by its large facial “warts,” curved tusks, and upright tail when running. Widely distributed across savannas, grasslands, and open woodland, warthogs are highly(…) Read More
Waterbuck The Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large and robust antelope. Notably, it is closely associated with rivers, lakes, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa. In terms of size, adults typically stand about 120–136 cm at the shoulder. On average, they weigh between 160–300 kg, with(…) Read More
White-bellied go-away-bird The White-bellied Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster) is a striking and vocal bird native to the savannas, woodlands, and dry forests of eastern and southern Africa. Recognizable by its distinctive long tail, gray plumage, and prominent crest, it gets its unusual name from the harsh,(…) Read More
Rhinoceros (White) The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is the largest of all rhino species. As a result, it is also one of Africa’s most iconic megafauna. White rhinos primarily inhabit open savannahs and grasslands. These environments, in turn, suit their massive size and grazing lifestyle. Adults(…) Read More
Wildebeest The wildebeest, also known as the gnu (Connochaetes taurinus), is one of Africa’s most iconic antelopes. It is a defining species of the open savannahs and grasslands of East and Southern Africa. Robust yet agile, adult wildebeest typically stand about 115–145 cm (45–57 in) at the shoulder.(…) Read More