The Kruger National Park in South Africa remains an iconic Safari destination for both locals and international visitors alike.
I have spent many years photographing the safari animals to be found in the Kruger Park and this gallery of 51 animals has been compiled to help you know what to look for when visiting the Kruger.
51 Iconic safari animals to spot on a drive in the Kruger
This list of iconic safari animals is in alphabetical order and you can also use the Table of Contents to navigate your way to any particular animal that interests you.
Note also the sighting probability scale which illustrates how likely you are to see any particular animal during a short visit to the Kruger National Park (from 1 star being very rare sighting to 5 stars being a common sighting).
48 of the 51 animals in this gallery were photographed by me.
Aardvark
The aardvark (earth pig) is a nocturnal mammal with a long snout and large ears. This strange looking animal feeds on termites and insects and digs burrows to rear its young.
I have yet to get a decent photograph of this animal as it is rarely seen in the park. You may be fortunate enough to see one when on a night drive safari but even then reported sightings are few and far between.
Preferring sandy soil that it can dig in, the aardvark is sometimes reported in the far northern areas of the Kruger Park around Pafuri and Punda Maria.
African Wild Cat
Apart from having black foot pads, the African Wild Cat looks very similar to a domestic cat in size and appearance. They thrive in the Kruger Park and are present throughout, but are difficult to spot due to their small size and secretive nature.
As they usually hunt at night your best chance of seeing one are in the very early morning or the hour or two before night falls.
Read also Is the Kruger Park worth Visiting?
Bat-eared Fox
This animal is seldom seen on safari and there are conflicting reports as to whether the bat-eared fox can be found in the Kruger Park or not.
Previously inhabiting the very far northern areas of the park, the bat-eared fox is a more regular sighting in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The bat-eared fox is less than a meter long and weighs only 4 kg. They feed almost exclusively on harvester termites and other insects.
This animal is mainly nocturnal and spends the heat of the day in burrows.
Baboon
The chacma baboon is very common and they range in large troops throughout the Kruger Park.
As they have become very accustomed to humans they can be a pest around camps and campsites and are often aggressive.
Large dominant male baboons rule their troop with an iron hand and can weigh up to 35 kg. Baboons are omnivorous and will kill small antelope if they can catch them.
Black Mamba
As it is one of the worlds most poisonous snakes, the black mamba is perhaps one animal that you do not wish to encounter in the Kruger Park.
The inside of this snakes’ mouth is pitch black – hence the name. It’s body is long and thin, grey in colour with a greenish belly. The black mamba can grow to over 2 m long and is incredibly fast across the ground.
It preys on small birds and rodents and often takes up residence in old termite mounds. The black mamba is present in all but the most arid areas of the Kruger Park however you are unlikely to see this deadly animal when on safari.
Black Rhinoceros
Seldom seen in the Kruger, the critically endangered black rhino is slightly smaller than the white rhino and it has a hooked lip which it uses to browse vegetation from bushes.
The black rhino grows to 1.8 m at the shoulder and weighs abut 1 000 kg.
If you are fortunate enough to spot this iconic animal on safari one it will probably be in the southern areas of the Park.
It is estimated that as at 2022 only 250 black rhinos exist in the Kruger Park.
Read my article on poaching – Wildlife Conservation – Poaching in Africa
Black-backed Jackal
This small canine preys on whatever it can find and is also a very effective scavenger. The black-backed jackal can often be seen near lion kill sites.
Very commonly seen on safari and it prefers the open grassland and savanna areas of the Kruger.
The black-backed jackal mates for life, grows to about 40 cm in height and weighs 10 kg. You will find the black-backed Jackal across the length and breadth of the Kruger Park.
Brown Hyena
The brown hyena population is classified as vulnerable and it is seldom seen in the Kruger National Park.
You may find them in the far north of the Kruger and to learn more about this area of the park read African Safari destination – Kruger far Northern Region.
The brown hyena is a fierce scavenger and grows to about 1 m tall at the shoulder and an adult male can weigh up to 45 kg.
You best chance of seeing this animal is if your safari destination is further north or north west of the Kruger Park.
Buffalo
A member of Africa’s Big 5, the cape Buffalo is considered to be one of the most dangerous animals to encounter on Safari.
The bulls can be short tempered and solitary males, known as dagga boys, are to be avoided when on foot.
Buffalo move around the Kruger Park in large herds and are relatively easy to find when on a self drive visit to the Park.
Bush baby
The lesser bush baby is a tiny nocturnal animal that has an incredible ability to leap long distances from tree to tree.
They feed on insects that they find in tree bark and the also eat the sap of certain trees – as this one pictured is doing.
You will usually only see bush babies when out on safari at night and their eyes shine red in the spotlight.
They make a sound like a crying baby so you may hear this animal before you see it.
Bushbuck
The bush buck is a small antelope that you will usually find anywhere that there are riverine forests in the Kruger Park.
Distinguishable by the white spots on their sides and rump, the bush buck grows to 80 cm at the shoulder and a full grown male weighs 45 kg.
The male has very sharp horns which he uses in territorial battles with other males.
The bush buck prefers dense undergrowth however, you should spot one when driving alongside rivers that have large trees and lots of vegetation on the banks.
Read also Best Binoculars for Birding and Wildlife
Caracal
The Caracal, also known as the Rooikat, is seldom seen on safari in the Kruger.
This solitary cat prefers open or rocky areas and it preys on small mammals, rodents and birds.
Distinguishable by its plain tan coat, tufted erect ears and short stubby tail, the caracal grows to 1 m at the shoulder and weighs 15 kg.
Cheetah
The fastest mammal on earth, the cheetah can reach speeds of 115 km/h.
This slender cat is often robbed of its prey by larger predators and the males sometimes operate in coalitions.
Preferring open grassland and savanna areas, you have the best chance of seeing cheetah when on safari in the central areas of the Kruger Park.
Civet
The African Civet is a nocturnal carnivore that grows to 1.2 m long and weighs about 10 kg.
It has facial markings reminiscent of a badger and the civet eats small mammals, reptiles, frogs and fruit.
It is likely you will only see this animal in the Kruger Park if you are out on a night drive or if you are fortunate enough to come across one in the very early morning – probably crossing the road.
Read also How to Photograph Wildlife at Night
Crocodile
The nile crocodie has a life expectancy of up to 50 years in the Kruger Park.
This semi aquatic reptile is present in the park in large numbers where it preys on mammals venturing down to the waters edge to drink.
Nile crocodiles can reach a length of 4.5 m and weigh 750 kg.
You will find them easily when on safari in the southern regions of the park – particularly in the aptly named Crocodile River, which forms the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park.
Duiker
The grey duiker is present in large numbers in the Kruger Park.
It has a uniform grey coat and grows to about 50 cm at the shoulder and weighs 20 kg.
The duiker is extremely skittish and will run at the slightest sense of danger.
They usually live in areas with thick bush and dense vegetation where they browse on the leaves.
Dwarf Mongoose
The common dwarf mongoose is the smallest member of the mongoose family.
It is about 25 cm long (without the tail) and weighs 300 g. You will usually see them in the vicinity of termite mounds as they often inhabit these.
Dark reddish brown in colour, you will spot them sunning themselves by the side of the road in short grass, or peeping at you from the safety of a termite mound.
Found everywhere in the Kruger Park, you should easily be able to see them when on safari.
Eland
The eland is the worlds largest antelope.
Weighing in at nearly a ton and standing 2 m tall at the shoulder, the eland is not often seen in the Kruger Park.
You will usually need to travel up to the north central and northern areas of the Kruger Park to spot an eland however there have also been sporadic sightings reported in the south east.
Elephant
The largest of the Big 5, the African elephant is present in large numbers in the Kruger Park.
Although still a prime target for poachers, the elephants of the Kruger are a regular and welcome site throughout the park.
Growing to nearly 4 m tall and weighing 6 tons, there is no more majestic a sight than a bull elephant moving through the African bush.
Read also The Big 5 – Photographing the Elephant
Genet
The large-spotted genet is one of 14 different types of genet species and it is commonly seen in the Kruger National Park.
The genet is a lean, cat like carnivore that hunts nocturnally for rodents, birds and bird eggs. In fact, the genet is an omnivore and will eat almost anything smaller than itself.
Identifiable by its spotted coat and long furry tail, the genet grows to about 50 cm and the tail is usually at least that long also.
You will often see this animal around the safari camps at night as they have learnt to scavenge for food around humans.
Giraffe
At a height of 5 m, the giraffe is the tallest iconic safari animal roaming the Kruger Park.
They have seven neck vertebrae which is the same as humans. The males have bald patches on top of their horns that are otherwise covered with black bristles.
Seen quite widely in the park, the largest concentration of giraffe is to be found in the southern region.
Their natural predators are lions however it is rare for a pride to take on a full grown giraffe.
Golden Orb Spider
The Golden orb spider has many different names around the world and it is sometimes known as the golden orb weaver spider or the banana spider.
They string incredibly large webs and you will often see them strung right across the roads in the Kruger Park.
Their venom is not dangerous to humans.
Hippopotamus
Armed with 30 cm long canines, the hippo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Standing 1.5 m at the shoulder and weighing 1.5 tons the hippo can run faster than a man and has killed more humans in Africa than the lion.
The sound of the hippo is one of the iconic safari soundtracks of the African wilderness and they can be found in all areas of the Kruger Park.
Honey Badger
The honey badger packs plenty of attitude into his stocky frame.
Famous for its ferocity and boldness, the honey badger has been known to face down hyenas and even lions when cornered.
The honey badger will eat almost anything and is an omnivore who is equally comfortable digging for roots as it is hunting for rodents.
This amazing animal is widespread throughout the park although seldom seen when on safari.
Read also Top Safari Game Drive Tips
Impala
Impalas are browsers who eat foliage from plants although they will also eat grass.
They inhabit the Kruger Park in their thousands and are usually gathered in large groups for protection.
The males spend most of their time in competition for females and you will usually see dominant impala rams in the company of at least a dozen females.
Klipspringer
The Klipspringer can be found wherever there are rocky outcrops in the Kruger Park.
This unusual antelope gets the water it needs from plants and can therefore be found thriving in even the most arid of habitats.
You will spot the Klipspringer if you look up at the rocky outcrops and ‘koppies’ that are dotted around the central region of the Kruger Park.
Read also 13 Safari Activities
Kudu
The regal looking Kudu are large antelopes that grow to 1.5 m at the shoulder and weigh 250 kg.
Incredible jumpers, the kudu can leap a 2.5 m fence in one bound. You will find the Kudu in all areas of the Kruger Park.
The males have extremely long spiraled horns and it is said that each spiral signifies a year in age.
This antelope prefers areas that provide cover and you can often see them standing motionless in thick bush as they watch you drive by.
Leopard
The elusive and enigmatic leopard is the one member of the Big Five that is on every safari must see list.
Leopards range extensively through the Kruger National Park although you need to be fortunate indeed to spot one if you are driving yourself.
The highest concentrations of leopard in the Kruger Park are to be found in the southern areas of the park.
Your best chance at a leopard sighting is if you are visiting a concession within the park that allows the lodge vehicles to traverse off road.
Do not be despondent though as I have found that leopards appear at the unlikeliest moments and in the unlikeliest places!
Read also The Big 5 – Photographing the Leopard
Leopard Tortoise
The leopard tortoise is usually seen crossing the road in the southern and central areas of the Kruger Park.
This reptile gets its name from the spots on its shell and the leopard tortoise is a proud member of what is known as The Little 5.
Leopard tortoises are herbivorous although they have been known to chew on hyena droppings in order to boost their calcium intake.
Leopard tortoises grow to about 40 cm and can weigh 10 kg.
Lion
There are several large prides of lion in the Kruger Park and their total number is estimated to be 1 500.
Lions are the only truly social big cat and you may be lucky enough to see a pride of them while driving through the park.
Lions can sleep up to 20 hours a day and they are usually only active just after dawn and at night.
You can improve your chances of seeing lions in action by getting going as soon as the park gates open.
Read also The Big 5 – Photographing the Lion
Nyala
The Nyala is a tall and slender antelope with white side stripes that is widespread throughout the Kruger Park.
A native of Southern Africa, the nyala is often seen browsing around the camps of the Kruger, particularly wooded areas which it prefers.
The male has almost comically orange ‘socks’ and long tassels of hair that hang from the underside of his body and from the length of his spine.
Pangolin
The pangolin (aso known as the scaly ant eater) is critically endangered and is currently the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world.
It is prized in Asia where its claws and scales are used in traditional medicine, and in Africa where it is sold as bush meat on the black market.
I have never got a decent photograph of a pangolin so the image above is licensed from Shutterstock.
They are sometimes seen in the northern regions of the park where they emerge at night to feed on termites.
Sadly this is one animal that is rarely seen when on safari and may go extinct during our lifetime.
Plated Lizard
The giant plated lizard is about 250 cm long when fully grown and is usually dark brown in colour.
They feed on fruits and flowers but are omnivores that will eat other small reptiles if the opportunity arises.
Look for these animals sunning on the rocks on the side of the roads in the Kruger Park.
Porcupine
The porcupine is actually a rodent – in fact it is the largest rodent to be found in Africa.
They are sometimes seen at night in close proximity to the camps as they have learned to forage for food in dustbins.
You may also see discarded quills on the road while driving through the Kruger Park, which may be an indication that the porcupine had an altercation with a leopard or a lion during the night!
Puff Adder
Most puff adder bites occur when a puff adder is stepped on.
This snake is responsible for the most snake bites in Africa as it is very sluggish and slow to move out of the way.
The puff adder can be found in all areas of the Kruger Park and is often seen on guided safari bush walks. Their venom can be fatal to humans.
Read also Wildlife Images that Work
Rock Monitor
The rock monitor is the second largest lizard to be found on the African continent.
An African native, it can grow to 2 m long and weighs up to 10 kg.
The animal above was photographed in a hollow tree trunk in the southern area of the Kruger Park.
Rock monitors eat insects, snails and tortoises (which they swallow whole). This lizard will also scavenge from carcasses of dead animals.
Scorpion
The Shiny burrowing scorpion pictured above is one of several types of scorpion to be found in the Kruger National Park.
The specimen above is not particularly dangerous to humans as its venom isn’t very strong. It will however give you a nasty nip with its large pincers!
As its name suggests, this scorpion lives in burrows and is seldom seen above ground.
Scorpions eat any kind of insect it can find as well as spiders and other scorpions.
Serval
The serval is a small, spotted carnivore that grows to about 1 m and weighs 10 kg.
It has ears that appear too big for its head and it prefers the savanna and grassland areas of the Kruger Park.
It hunts for rodents and ground birds in long grass and has a characteristic hunting method of pouncing by leaping high in the air.
This animal is seldom seen on safari and it was years before I saw one.
Slender Mongoose
The slender mongoose is a very common sight in the Kruger Park.
It will eat practically anything and lives in crevices of rocks or in hollowed out trees.
A native of sub-Saharan Africa, the slender mongoose is often seen running across the road and sometimes around the camps, as it has become very accustomed to existing alongside humans.
Southern African Rock Python
The largest python in Africa, the southern African rock python preys on small antelope and birds.
It can grow to over 5 m in length and kills by constriction and swallows its victims whole.
Look for python trials in the dust across the roads of the Kruger Park and you may be lucky enough to see one.
Read also Best Wildlife Photography Destinations
Spotted Hyena
The spotted hyena can be seen in all areas of the park as they like using the roads as the most efficient means of travelling from A to B.
They often make their dens in culverts underneath the roads in the park so look for the telltale sign of white dung or ‘scat’ next to the road when on safari.
Hyena’s are known primarily as scavengers but they are also very efficient hunters, particularly when working in a group.
They are a matriarchal society with the alpha female passing dominance down to her female cubs.
Males leave the clan upon reaching puberty and move off to join other clans.
Steenbok
The steenbok is a very small antelope that grows to only 50 cm high.
Steenbok mate for life and where you see a male you will almost always see the female nearby.
Steenbok sometimes bury their dung in much the same way as a cat does and this is believed to be territorial behaviour.
This animal is found throughout the Kruger Park and will usually take off running as soon as they see a safari vehicle or human.
Tree Squirrel
This animal is seen everywhere in the park, either perched in trees or foraging for food on the ground.
Tree squirrels are only 30 cm long and they weigh less than 300 g.
You will often see them in the park camps and they will run into your rondavel or tent in search of food if given half the chance.
Vervet Monkey
The vervet monkey is always entertaining to watch and you will see large family groups in most areas of the park.
They have become emboldened around human habitation and are adept burglars so keep your doors and windows locked.
They are particularity fond of riverine forest areas where they forage for fruits and seeds.
Although most of their diet is plant based they will also eat bugs and insects.
Read also How Much does an African Safari Cost?
Warthog
Warthogs spend most of their day on their knees foraging for roots and bulbs with their snouts.
Male warthogs can grow enormous tusks which they use in territorial battles.
This animal is found throughout the Kruger Park and it often takes over other animals’ old burrows to sleep in.
Males are usually solitary and only join up with family units during mating season.
Waterbuck
This antelope has an unmistakable white ring around its’ rump.
You will find small groups of waterbuck around water sources and therefore the availability of water dictates where you will find them in the Kruger Park.
Legend has it that lions will not prey on waterbuck due to their oily coat and pungent secretion that comes from a gland under their skin that is used to help waterproof their hide.
This is not strictly true however it does mean that lions would rather dine on alternative prey species than this one.
Water Monitor
The water monitor, also known as the Nile monitor, can grow to over 2 m in length.
They are distinguishable from the rock monitor as they have bright yellow markings on their bodies.
Water monitors are semi aquatic and spend a lot of time in the water where they hunt for frogs, fish and the eggs of other reptiles – which they dig out of their nests.
White Rhinoceros
The numbers of rhino in the park is now estimated at only 3 500 and poaching continues to be a major risk to them.
The population of white rhinos in the Kruger Park has dropped 60% since 2013*
*Rhino numbers plunge in Kruger National Park
Much larger than the black rhino, the white rhino has a wide, shovel shaped snout which it uses to graze.
Spotting one of these prehistoric animals when on safari is going to become increasingly difficult.
Read also The Big 5 – Photographing the Rhino
Wild Dog
Also known as the painted wolf, wild dogs are now considered to be one of the most endangered species in Africa.
You can read more about efforts to conserve them at Painted Dog Conservation
Wild dogs roam freely across borders and in and out of the park so their presence is unpredictable, unless they are discovered denning in a particular location.
Africa’s most efficient land predator, the wild dog is successful in over 80% of its hunts – compared to a lions’ success rate of around 30%.
Wildebeest
The blue wildebeest is one of the larger antelopes to be found in the Kruger Park.
It stands over a meter tall at the shoulder and can weigh 250 kg.
It is also one of the fastest antelopes and wildebeest can usually outrun most predators if given sufficient warning of their presence.
Males stake out a territory for themselves (usually near a lone thorn tree) and wait for females to come to them.
Watch out for this lonely fellow when you are next driving on safari through the Kruger Park.
Zebra
The variant of zebra found in the Kruger Park is the Burchell’s or Plains Zebra.
Stallions stay with the family unit which usually consists of several females and their young.
Each Zebra’s stripe pattern is unique to that particular individual and their young imprint the pattern of their mother almost as soon as they are born.
You will find the zebra in non arid areas of the park due to their reliance on a steady supply of water.
Conclusion
The Kruger National Park is without doubt one of the best places in the world to see and experience safari animals.
Home to many hundreds of animal species, the Kruger Park will keep you enthralled long after you have left.
If you enjoyed this gallery of safari animals to be found in the Kruger Park then please read 51 African Birds to Photograph on Safari.
