When you think of South Africa, you automatically think of safari, big game animals and the Big 5. And you are rightfully so. One of the major contributor to this thought is the world famous Kruger National Park. But South Africa has many more parks and reserves that show its amazing variety of mammals.

But mammals do not only live in parks or reserves. For larger mammals that is usually the case, but medium-sized and smaller mammals are able to roam freely throughout the country. Even big predators like the Leopard do so. Today, there are over 310 different mammal species in South Africa and all the major groups – carnivores, bats, ungulates, primates, rodents, etc. – are represented.

One of the better known mammals are the Big 5. These are at the top of every safari list. The 5 mammals in question are the Lion, Leopard, Savanna Elephant, Rhino (White or Black) and the African Buffalo. This group name was given to them because these mammals were the most difficult and dangerous to hunt. Nowadays these five are honored by appearing on South Africa’s currency.

Another spectacular group of mammals are the carnivores. We are talking about cats, dogs, mongooses, hyaenas, otters, weasels, seals and genets. Over 40 different species inhabit this group. From the mighty Lions, fast Cheetahs and elusive Leopards, to the iconic Spotted Hyena and the most successful hunters: the colorful African Wild Dogs (85% hunting success) and the Black-footed Cat (60% hunting success).

Most likely you will see hooved mammals, ungulates. There are some 100 different species of hooved mammals (land based) in South Africa. Many of these species appear in large numbers and are therefore easily seen. The iconic Southern Giraffe, Common Warthog, Common Wildebeest, Rhino (Black and White), Plains Zebra and Impala are a few to name. Some of the ungulates come in beautiful colors, in large and small sizes and can have spectacular horns.

The land is not the only place to look for mammals. The surrounding oceans are full of whales, dolphins and seals. Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales are the main whale species you will find here. The Southern Right Whales are best sighted in the Western Cape, whereas the Humpback Whale is best observed on the Wild Coast. The winter months provide the best opportunity for whale watching.