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.

Found 20 Results
Giza the black leopard of laikipia in profile
A Rare Encounter with Africa's Most Elusive Big Cat
February 17, 2025 by Dianne Kokkonidis

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.

Feature A Rare and Precious Leopard Cub Encounter
A Rare and Precious Leopard Cub Encounter
April 29, 2024 by Dianne Kokkonidis

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.

Feature A complete guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration Maasai Mara National Reserve Harshil Gudka
The Great Wildebeest Migration: A Complete Guide
November 9, 2021 by Dianne Kokkonidis

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?

An african elephant in the water by wim van den heever
Fine Art Wildlife Photography: An Interview with Wim van den Heever — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025
August 29, 2020 by Dianne Kokkonidis

"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.

07 Happy isnt happy anymore
South Africa's Lockdown Through the Eyes of a Nature Guide
May 30, 2020 by Dianne Kokkonidis

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.

Wild Wings Safaris Shy Baby Leopard
Baby Animals - Is There A Quota On Cuteness?
July 19, 2018 by Briony Chisholm

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?

Are White Rhinos Extinct 3 Simon Vegter
Are White Rhinos Extinct?
March 24, 2018 by Onne

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.

Feature Baby predators in the making Lion cub and male lion
Bush Babies: Tomorrow's Predators in the Making ...
September 20, 2016 by Alison

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.

Leopard 01 8077
Lions Almost Scare the Spots Off a Leopard - and Steal its Kill!
August 17, 2016 by Alison

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.

Cape buffalo grazing in kruger national park
6 Reasons Buffalos May be the Snarkiest Beasts on the Planet
April 18, 2016 by Alison

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.

White Lion Cub Stalking - Kruger National Park - South Africa
The New White Lions of Kruger
February 17, 2015 by Alison

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.

Mongoose Vs Lions
Watch David take on Four Goliaths!
September 9, 2014 by Alison

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!

Best Places To See Cheetah 1
Best Places To See Rhinos, Leopards, Cheetahs or Wild Dogs
May 7, 2014 by Onne

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.

Two Colours Of A Kind - White monkey in the Kruger - South Africa
Is it all right to be white?
March 3, 2014 by Alison

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.