People from all corners of the globe come to safari in South Africa to view the Big Five: Elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo.

The biggest and most well-known Game Park In the country is the Kruger National Park , home to 20 000 buffalo and over 10 000 elephants quite remarkable considering that at a head count of 120, they were on the brink of extinction almost a century ago. The white rhino has been brought back from the brink of extinction and now thrives in the Kruger National Park and the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park. However, the black rhino is not as fortunate and measures are being taken to protect it from extinction. The majestic lion, while being the top predator is sadly still, prey to man, its greatest enemy, resulting in lions only roaming in areas of conservation. The beautiful, solitary leopard roams the southern Cape and the northernmost part of South Africa.

The fastest land animal, cheetah is able to reach a speed of almost 100 kilometres an hour, thus making it another favourite amongst visitors. Other big animals such as the hippo, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest and zebra, are all spotted in South Africa's conservation areas. Primates rate highly in the appeals stakes of the over 200 indigenous mammal species. Dassies and meerkats are charming creatures as well the shy nocturnal aardvark which can be spotted anywhere in the country.

Of the eight whale species found in South African waters, the most frequently spotted is the southern right whale, a conservation success story, coming into coastal bays to calve, and thus allowing for wonderful land-based viewing. Hermanus in the Western Cape offers the best land-based viewing. The most awe-inspiring of South African marine life is possibly the great white shark. People from all over the world come to test their braveness and indulge in shark-cage diving. Another fearsome creature is the crocodile. Still lurking in stretches of rivers and lakes, this ancient animal is a symbol of Africa.

South Africa is also a haven for birdwatchers. Besides eagles, vultures, colourful kingfishers, louries, the country is also are home to the world’s biggest bird, the funny-looking Ostrich as well as the spectacular blue crane, being the national bird.

So whatever your interest is, be it big five, marine life or birds, South Africa has just about everything you’re looking for in your wildlife travels. Not much can beat the up-close experience with the wild while the African sun sets all around you.