| Safaris Wildlife | ||
| Game Viewing | ||
| The Big 5 | ||
| The Big 5 are undoubtedly the favourites to look out for on any safari. They have become synonymous with Africa and its wild areas. Many travellers regard a visit to South Africa as incomplete without having spotted, and perhaps photographed, the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. But alongside the Big 5 there are many other species both as fascinating and educating, like the cheetah, leopard, hippo, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, mountain zebra, springbok and wild dog – or the sheer variety of birdlife. Wildlife on the tip of the continent is simply spectacular. The country boasts 560 vertebrate species, including 142 reptile species of which 27 are endemic, and 11 000 marine animal species, 3500 of which are endemic. Especially South Africa's smaller parks and reserves are of undoubted interest, as many offer activities and attractions unique to their particular region. | ||
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| Flora | ||
| South Africa has the third-highest level of biodiversity in the world. The Table Mountain National Park alone has more plant species than all British Islands together or New Zealand. The Cape floral kingdom with its size of 0,05 of the earth´s land area contains roughly 3% of the world´s plant species. Of the 9 600 species of vascular plants (plants with vessels for bearing sap) found here, about 70% are endemic, ie occur nowhere else on earth. The areas's freshwater and marine environments are similarly unique, with plants and animals adapted to highly specialised environments. Several National Botanic Gardens are world renowned and well worth a visit. | ||
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| Birdlife | ||
| Birders from around the world come to South Africa to experience the country's great variety of typically African birds, migrants, and endemics (those birds found only in South Africa). Of the 850 or so species that have been recorded in South Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and about 50 of these are endemic or near-endemic. Among the most spectacular birds of South Africa are the cranes, most easily spotted in wetlands: The beautiful blue crane, which is South Africa's national bird and the flashy crowned crane with its unmistakable prominent crest. Among its larger bird species, South Africa also has several eagles and vultures. Among its most colourful are kingfishers, bee-eaters, sunbirds, the exquisite lilacbreasted roller, and the Knysna and purple-crested louries. | ||
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| Self-drive Tips | ||
| The chance of encountering abundant wildlife is best early in the morning and late in the afternoon when it is cooler and when most animals are most active. The greatest opportunity to see a Lion is usually just after sunrise. Other large African animals like Buffalo, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Elephant are more visible an hour before sunset, but you should definitely consider a guided night game drive, as only then can you also witness fascinating nocturnal animals, which you will not be able to see as a self-driver due to the strict gate closing rules. However, to ensure that you see all the animals you want during the day, get up very early and always check, if the reserve or park has a spotting board to be informed about the latest spotting of your preferred animals. Rivers and waterholes are always good spots in the mornings and evenings to watch animals from the car. | ||
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