Africa is known across the world for two things - its diamonds and wildlife. When a person is not there for diamonds, it is certainly for wildlife. A large number of land animals, birds, mammals, reptiles, predators and freshwater fishes roam Africa, especially East and South. Every year, wildlife lovers flock to this fauna-rich and second largest continent in the world for wildlife watching or safari where they get to observe these life forms in their natural habitats.
Let’s now see what you can expect to see in the South African wild that most South Africa tour packages are offering to take travelers to these days.
World’s Largest Herds of Elephant
Botswana is gifted with diverse ecosystems, and a large number of protected areas in this country encourages flourishing wildlife. The Chobe National Park is one such unmissable place. It is home to the world’s largest herds of elephant, the face of African wilderness since ages. The African elephants are classified into two species - the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant. Besides Chobe, the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth and Kruger National Park in northeastern SA are famous wildlife reserves. These forested areas boast of the Big 5: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos, which are found in largest numbers here. But visitors also get to see other animals such as giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bat-eared foxes, and antelopes.
More Than 200 Species of Mammals
There are 299 mammal species in South Africa. Some of them fall in the endangered or vulnerable categories, according to IUCN. The black-backed jackal belongs to a candid or dog family. Their high adaptability skills and non-reliance on just one food source or habitat ensure their survival since thousands of years. Another species of mammals, impalas are agile, graceful and medium-built antelope that are plains game animals. They can be sighted in abundance. Watching these mammals gives travelers one of the best wildlife experiences in South Africa.
Rich Marine Species
Nature has also endowed South Africa with a rich variety of marine lives. The largest of them, the blue whales, are found off the west coast of this country. They grow up to 33 meters in length. So far, eight whale species have been identified in South African waters, and the most frequently seen are the southern right whales. One can get a land-based view of this imposing and lovely sea creature when they arrive in coastal bays to calve. South Africa’s fish species are another attraction for nature lovers. One of the most awe-inspiring of them is the great white shark, which is just one of the 2,000 species comprising 16 percent of the world’s total. Other interesting marine organisms include rock lobsters, line fish, abalones, pilchards, and sardines.
In Conclusion
More and more people from India are traveling to South Africa for an annual retreat. If you’ve to travel from Ahmedabad to Johannesburg, flight connectivity is available at reasonable rates. Travel packages from India to South Africa usually include a full-day tour to prominent wildlife spots. It is one of the few places on earth where one can enjoy unalloyed nature at its best. South Africa is a global leader in wildlife conservation. Of late, there is a growing realization of the importance of sustainable tourism in South Africa given the extent of human damages done to environment and wildlife.
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