#1 LION

Africa's top carnivore and known as the king of the beasts. Female lions do most hunting, and each Lion's pride will have one or two males for security and procreation. Lions typically hunt at dust and dawn when temperatures are more bearable.

#2 ANT LION

Ant lions whirl conical sand traps to catch ants and termites. Their predator-like behavior helps these lion-like larvae develop into a winged insect resembling a dragonfly. 

#3 LEOPARD

Leopards are solitary cats and are primarily nocturnal hunters. They are very territorial and only get together to mate. The rest lie in tall trees for security and a vantage point to view the terrain around them. Leopards are also fond of mountainous regions, caves, and rocky outcrops. 

#4 LEOPARD TORTOISE

The markings of the leopard tortoise shell resemble the spotted leopard pattern of these big cats.   

#5 CAPE BUFFALO

The Cape buffalo is considered the most dangerous of the big five due to its unpredictable temper and enormous strength. A large herd of buffalo is a sight to behold. Buffalo is fearless and very protective. Interestingly, the herd only moves as fast as the slowest buffalo. 

Image: Tim Tee

#6 BUFFALO WEAVER

A dark little bird with a bright red beak. They are poor at nest making and art, among other weaver species. These sloppy housekeepers congregate in flocks of up to 30 birds. 

#7 ELEPHANT

A single elephant in the bush or a herd of elephants at a water hole remains an incredible sighting. These gentle giants are intelligent and express emotions much like humans do, making them truly majestic. Elephants move very quietly through the bush and communicate in low rumbling sounds. 

Image: Joey-Makalintal-from-Pennsylvania, USA

#8 ELEPHANT SHREW

A single elephant in the bush or a herd of elephants at a water hole remains an incredible sighting. These gentle giants are intelligent and express emotions much like humans do, making them truly majestic. Elephants move very quietly through the bush and communicate in low rumbling sounds. 

#9 RHINO

The black rhino is a highly endangered species due to poaching, while the white rhino is more common. To see a rhino in the wild, you will need time or will have to visit a rhino sanctuary with 24/7 active anti-poaching units. 

#9 RHINO

The black rhino is a highly endangered species due to poaching, while the white rhino is more common. To see a rhino in the wild, you will need time or will have to visit a rhino sanctuary with 24/7 active anti-poaching units. 

Image: Len Worthington Trichogomphus-mongol 60 mm Rhinoceros Beetle male

#10 RHINO BEETLE

The black rhino is a highly endangered species due to poaching, while the white rhino is more common. To see a rhino in the wild, you will need time or will have to visit a rhino sanctuary with 24/7 active anti-poaching units. 

Photo - Yathin-S-Krishnappa

#1 Bat Eared Fox

The Bat-eared fox is found in the African savanna, the bat-eared fox uses its ears to thermoregulate, so overheating is hardly ever a problem.

Photo - David Brossard ground pangolin

#2 Pangolin 

These scaly anteaters live in sub-Saharan Africa and are sadly the most trafficked safari animals globally because of mythical beliefs that the

Photo: Hans-Hillewaert shoe billed stork

#3 Shoebill Stork 

The Shoebill stork is A large grey bird with an unusually large beak resembling the shape of a shoe. They have large eyes and can stand between 3 and 5 feet tall with a wingspan of 7 feet.

#4 Okapi Forest Giraffe 

Known as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or Zebra Giraffe, is native to the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It looks like a zebra but is more closely related to a giraffe.

#5 The Greater Kudu

The Kudu is one of the larger antelope species found in the woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Numbers are in decline due to deforestation. 

Photo: a galago or bushbaby near the Kruger National park Ph - Wegmann

#6 The Bushbaby

Also known as Galagos or nagapies, these cute nocturnal primates are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The name bushbaby comes from the sound of their cries. 

Photo: Николай Усик / http://paradoxusik.livejournal.com/

#7 African Civit

Similar to a raccoon and is nocturnal. It looks like a cat and is a carnivore but also feeds on toxic termites and millipedes.  

Photo: Sarah H. Olson ,   Gerard Bounga,   Alain Ondzie,   Trent Bushmaker,   Stephanie N. Seifert,   Eeva Kuisma,   Dylan W. Taylor,   Vincent J. Munster,    Chris Walzer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

#8 Hammer Headed Fruit Bat

Native to West and Central Africa, this bat is massive with a three-foot wingspan and feeds mainly on fruit.  

Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

#9 Pygmy Hippopotamus:  

These little hippos are nocturnal forest creatures of West Africa, and there are only about 3 000 that still exist in the wild.

#10 The Gerenuk  

The Gerenuk is Known as the giraffe gazelle for its long thin neck and is found in the horn of Africa and drier parts of east Africa.

#1 Cheetah

Part of the cat family, the cheetah is the fastest land safari animal, capable of up to 120km/h in short 500-meter bursts. The cheetah accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds but overheats relatively fast. They love sitting on anthills to watch for prey and predators alike. Lions avoid cheetah cubs because their coat markings resemble the dreaded and fearless badger. Superfast athletes are often associated with the cheetah. 

#2 Giraffe

Widespread over sub-Saharan Africa, these gentle giants feed off the succulent leaves of tall trees and spread their legs awkwardly when drinking water. The giraffe is considered a gracious and docile safari animal, yet they fight viciously with their long necks. What makes the giraffe so unique is the print of its hind, which in the wild are like human fingerprints. We have used Giraffe print to create unique garments in our fashion houses. 

#3 Hippo

Found in many of Africa's rivers, dams, and lakeshores, these large animals mostly emerge from the water at night to graze. The hippo needs to surface to breathe, so they tend to avoid deep water. They are territorial and can be very aggressive. Hippos are responsible for the highest number of human attacks of all the safari animals. Oddly enough, the hippo is used in many ads with size and how wide hippos can open their mouth.

#4 Zebra

These are the black and white striped horses of the wild. Zebra graze on the top grass and leave the lower grass for other grass grazers. Their stripes fend off tsetse flies and mosquitoes and cause a visual illusion when running in a herd that confuses predators. The zebra pattern is used in fashion and is one of Thula Tula's safari animal print blanket print designs. 

#5 Meerkat

Meerkats are sociable safari animals who work together to burrow dens and protect each other from predators by posting sentries at lookout points. They live in communities of up to 50 and are part of the mongoose family. They are omnivores and feed on eggs, insects, and small reptiles. The Meercat also has excellent eyesight and can spot predators up to 300m away. Their sentry posting ability and taking care of your neighbor are part of military training. 

#6 Honey Badger

These black and white creatures are relatively small with short legs but are the most ferocious safari animals in Africa. They have been known to attack buffalo, lions, and even humans when threatened. They feed on almost anything, but their favorite treat is honey. The badger is primarily nocturnal and somewhat difficult to spot on daytime game viewing safaris. Many companies use the badger as a company crest that signifies determination.

#7 Springboks

The springbok belongs to the antelope family and is known for agility and gracious pronk. They inhabit open plains, grasslands, and semi-desert regions. The South African national rugby team is the Springboks. 

#8 Fish Eagle

There are seven species of Fish Eagle, and the African fish eagle is the national symbol of 4 African countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Sudan. The most significant populations can be found in Eastern and Southern Africa. Fish eagles mate for life and sing with hippos, mainly in the late afternoon, which personified the sound of Africa 

#9 Wildebeest

The great migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya and back again is an unbelievable spectacle that must be seen to be appreciated. Companies use this great migration to emphasize strength in numbers 

#10 Nile Crocodile

One of Africa's deadliest predators, the Nile crocodile can grow up to 6 meters long and is responsible for about 200 human deaths annually. From the time of ancient Egypt, the Nile crocodile has been a part of human mythology, and today the crocodile is an example of stealth and cunning victories. 

#1 Silver back Gorilla

Only a very few people get to see these majestic creatures on safari as their habitat has been constantly under threat for a long time. There are currently fewer than 1000 mountain gorillas left, and they all share the same small habitat on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Like humans, gorillas communicate with gestures and vocalizations, including barks, roars, and hoots. Their primary diet is leaves, but they also insects on occasion. 

#2 Chimpanzee

Limited to Central, East, and West Africa. The best place to see chimpanzees is in selected national parks in Uganda and Tanzania due to their efficiently functional tourism industry. These primates are a treat to see in the wild and will leave you questioning humanity. 

#3 Hyena

There are three species of hyena, spotted, striped, and brown hyena. The spotted hyena is the most common and can be seen across sub-Saharan Africa. The females are larger than the males, and contrary to public belief, hyenas hunt in packs for their food but will not let up on the opportunity to scavenge food from other predators. Hyenas are intelligent and adaptable, which has kept their numbers up. They will eat everything from a kill, including bones and skin. Their tackle is haunting and may give you restless nights while on safari. 

#4 Jackal

The jackal is a distant relative of the wolf and is most active at dust and dawn. The Jackal can be spotted around waterholes looking for an opportunity to feed. Their evening call adds to the choir sounds of the African bush. 

Photo: Charles James Sharp

#4 Sabel Antelope

Sable can grow to 140 cm, and their horns can grow to about 110 cm. They typically drop to their knees and use their horns to fight. This is like old-style fencing, nature's way. They inhabit parts of East Africa from Kenya right down to Southern Africa, including a separate species in Angola. 

#4 African Wild Dog

Known as one of the most successful hunters on the plains of Africa. They are highly intelligent animals and coordinate their hunts to run down their prey for many miles. African Wild Dogs are also very sociable and have the most beautiful painted coats. They can be found in sub-Saharan Africa but are on the endangered species list. 

#4 Lechwe Antelope

There are two species, the Kafue lechwe and the Black lechwe, and both are vulnerable due to poaching. Both species are only found in specific parts of Zambia. They thrive in swamplands and are good swimmers making them more agile in the water than other antelope. 

Photo : Charles J. Sharp

#4 Roan Antelope

The Roan antelope is another rare and stunning gem of Africa. Roan Antelope are large in structure with a light brown coat and ringed horns. They are common in the Luangwa valley but rare elsewhere in Zambia. 

#4 Black Panther

The Black Panther is very elusive and only found in the forests of Mount Kenya, situated in this east corner of Africa.  

#4 Orynx

Sadly, Oryx are hunted for their meat, hides, and horns. The horns are used as charms, and back in medieval England, oryx horns were marketed as unicorn horns which are magnificent straight horns. They thrive well in desert regions and make for a picturesque sighting.