Wildlife is at the centre of every safari, but understanding animal behaviour and conservation challenges adds depth to the experience. This section explores Africa's wildlife beyond sightings, including species insights, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation realities.
The focus is on informed, experience-based perspectives that help you better understand what you're seeing and why it matters.
Buffalos often get overshadowed by Africa's more famous wildlife, but these resilient, intelligent, and powerful creatures deserve admiration. As one of the Big Five, Cape buffalo have a reputation for their formidable nature—but there's so much more to appreciate beyond their strength and survival instincts.
Wild Wings Safaris guide Simon Vegter travelled to Laikipia Wilderness Camp in May 2023, seeking the legendary black leopard, Giza Mrembo—Swahili for "the beautiful darkness." This rare melanistic leopard, moving like a shadow through Kenya's acacia-dotted landscape, has captivated wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
With their stunning rosette-patterned coats, leopards are among the most captivating predators in the wild and spotting one of these elusive felines with her cub in the vast expanse of South Africa's Kruger National Park is a rare and exhilarating experience.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest mass overland migration of wildlife on Earth and the sight of two million wildebeest, zebra and other species moving through Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you're unlikely to forget. But how does the migration work and when is the best time to go on a migration safari?
"I wouldn't call it a passion. It's way beyond that." South African wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, recently crowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 by the Natural History Museum, London, shares his lifelong journey into fine art wildlife photography, his artistic philosophy, and what it truly takes to capture the soul of the wild.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa went into lockdown. The result was devastating. Overnight, visits to national parks and game reserves stopped, safari lodges closed their doors and millions of people lost their livelihoods. One of those affected, wildlife guide Frank Watts, put pen to paper and documented his emotional experience of life in South Africa during the lockdown.
Not to be messed with: Given the chance, women in Africa are proving that they have the courage and resolve to change the nature of conservation.
This is the story of Duke, the anti-poaching tracking dog who went missing in the Kruger National Park.
Ever been lucky enough to see a herd of elephants on the move? Then you'll have noticed that the babies are snuck away safely between the adults. Sometimes, they hold onto the elephant's tail in front with their little trunks (more cuteness). But what is the story behind cuteness in animals - besides giving you some of the best once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photography shots?
Can I still see white rhinos in the wild? Following the sad news of the death of the last male northern white rhino in 2018, leaving only two females, the northern white rhino is now virtually extinct. Some tourists continue to express concern that they will no longer be able to see white rhinos in the wild.
One of Kruger National Park’s cleverest spotted felines seems to have perfected a way to keep herself and her young cub fed on a regular, almost fool-proof basis.
It's baby season for big cat and canine predators in southern Africa and, on any game drive in one of the bigger parks and reserves, you're very likely to come across some very cute additions to the pride or pack or solitary cats.
One of our guides managed to capture some incredible film and video footage recently on safari in the Kruger National Park - a leopard made a successful kill which was unceremoniously 'stolen' by lion, leaving the leopard hungry and frustrated - but lucky to escape with its life.
Buffalos don't just roam Africa's wild landscapes—they own them. Known for their imposing presence and fearless attitude, these powerful creatures have earned their spot among the Big Five. But are they really the most dangerous animals on safari, or is their reputation exaggerated? Dive into the world of the African buffalo and uncover six reasons why they might just be the snarkiest beasts on the planet.
Visitors to Kruger have been abuzz lately about the sightings of a rare white lion cub in the area surrounding Satara Restcamp. UPDATE: What the white lion looks like now.
Every now and again the roles are reversed in nature, and the hunters become the hunted. Or the ones fleeing the scene as fast as they can. This plucky little fellow is a prime example of when, sometimes in life, you're just so spitting mad that you can take on your mortal enemies - and live to see another day!
Time to be enthralled and entertained by the best amateur videos of close and remarkable African wildlife encounters, captured by safari-goers and rangers!
What are the best destinations to see rhinos in Africa? What about some of the more elusive predators, such as leopards, cheetahs or wild dogs? These animal species are not equally common everywhere, and it helps to know where you might be most likely to see them.
Avoid common mistakes and make the most of your photographic safari with these 12 practical wildlife photography tips. Perfect for beginners and keen enthusiasts, and updated with a fresh tip.
Wildlife photographer, Christy Strever, was on her way through the Timbavati Private Game Reserve when she spotted a troop of vervet monkeys playing in the road. Stopping to watch their cute, humanlike antics, she was totally awestruck to see a snow-white monkey shoot out from the bushes, chasing its playmate.
Why not chat to one of our safari experts who can answer all your questions and help you design your dream trip to Africa.
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