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Giraffe 

(Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis)

Being the world’s tallest animal, one cannot misidentify a Giraffe(Giraffa giraffa). Standing at up to 6 meters tall, these long-legged beauties are able to reach leaves no other animal can reach. Recently, studies have shown that there are 4 species of Giraffe in Africa.

Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)

Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is the common name for the most well known and largest of the 3 oryx species. Their coat is a light brown/grey color and the top of their legs are black. They have a dark strip extending from their chin, down their neck and also along their shoulder joints. The face has black and white facial markings, which makes them easily identifiable.

Springbok

The Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) can reach a top speed of up to 88km/h, putting it on the list of the top ten fastest land animals. Its speed allows it to outrun (most of the time) any predator. However, the Springbok is not only known for its speed, but especially for its unique method of jumping up to 4 meters into the air.

Ostrich

The 2.7 meter tall flightless Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest bird in the world and are found naturally in savannah and desert environments of Africa. They can run at a speed of 50km/h and sprint up to 69km/h and their long legs allow them to cover distances of between 3m to 5m. When they need to turn tight corners, they often use their wings as “rudders”.

Aardvark

The rather unorthodox looking aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a mammal that lives in the ground and eats ants and termitesApart from catching insects, the aardvark uses its claws to dig its home and few can dig as fast! In a few minutes, it has excavated a deep hole and can escape from its enemies. The aardvark sleeps during the day, and comes out for food only after dark. It usually hunts alone.

Eland

The name eland (Taurotragus oryx) is borrowed from the Dutch and means elk. They are the largest African antelope and both sexes have distinctive heavy, spirally twisted horns of up to 1m in length. Eland herds are normally between 6 -12 animals and they can often be found near zebras or giraffes, possibly in the hope of warding off lions. One of the interesting characteristics of an eland herd is that it includes a nursery for the calves.

Gnu / Blue Wildebeest

The Blue Wildebeest or Gnu (Connochaetes taurinus) is one of two species of Wildebeest and stands tall at 1.4 meters at the shoulders and 2.4 meters long from head to tail. At 200kg, both male and female have curving horns. It has a grey coat, black mane and black beard.

Black-backed Jackal

The Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) is a medium sized and dog-looking, with black fur that is sprinkled with white fur on its back which is wider at the neck and shoulders and thins out towards the tail. Almost like a saddle. It has white fur around the lips and down the throat and chest.