Animals That Live on Safari Routes in Africa

Africa is home to different species of cat, such as the lion, the cheetah, the caracal and the serval. Often sighted on safari is the regal lion. Although these large cats can be aggressive hunters with outrageous strength, the cats, and most animals you will encounter on a safari route, are ordinarily more docile, as they are accustomed to seeing humans.

The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the world and is found throughout Africa, where it grazes on leaves from treetops. Giraffes can grow to as tall as 20 feet. The giraffe is related to the deer, and the cow, but is part of its own genus. Giraffes are generally very docile creatures and fight only when it comes to food, survival or protection of young. Many people who travel on safari routes hand-feed these beautiful animals, and on frequently traveled routes it is very safe to do so.

Species of bird that can be seen on an African safari range from beautiful flamingos, to cranes and ostriches. One of the most interesting bird species is the jackass penguin. Also known as the black-footed African penguin, this adorable little bird was given its nickname because it brays like a donkey. This is the only species of penguin that occurs naturally in Africa.

The African elephant is the largest land mammal on earth, and they are very often spotted in tight-knit family herds along safari routes. These enormous creatures are quite docile and have no natural enemies in the wild due to their nonpredatory nature and large size. However, the species is being threatened because of human destruction of their habitats, as well as poaching.