Iconic African Wildlife

Endangered mountain gorillas, elusive leopards, huge lion prides, rare African wild dogs and enormous whale sharks, Africa is home to the world’s most iconic wildlife.

With 54 independent countries and a diverse topography including mountains, rain forests, arid deserts, vast savannas, rivers, the Great Lakes and a tropical coastline and ocean, there is little wonder Africa is a continent boasting tremendous biodiversity. Mammals have been recorded at over 1100 individual species, there are 2700 recorded bird species, 1600 reptile species and 969 recorded species of amphibians, of which an astonishing 954 are endemic to Africa. The continent is as much celebrated for its abundance of wildlife as its biodiversity. Famous for the world’s largest animal migrations including the 2 million strong herbivores that traverse the greater Serengeti ecosystem and the 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats that descend upon Kasanka National Park each year.

Ultimate Wildlife Adventures specialises in wildlife experiences and is driven by designing and delivering itineraries that offer guests as much biodiversity and abundance as a destination can support. Our wildlife section highlights the continent’s flagship and most celebrated species. We are passionate about all wildlife and study their behaviour and occurrence throughout the continent so if you wish to observe a particular species not included below please feel free to discuss with us and we will be more than able to accommodate your desires.

Click on each of the wildlife species icons below to learn more or contact us to discuss designing and delivering your perfect African safari.

Black Rhino

(Diceros Bicornis)

Estimated Population: 5,000- 5400

Conservation Status: Critically endangered

Population Trend: Increasing

Lifespan: 30-35 years

African Elephant

(Loxodonta Africana)

Estimated population: 415,000

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Population Trend: Increasing

Lifespan: 70 years

Lion

(Panthera Leo)

Estimated population: 23,000 – 39,000

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Population Trend: Decreasing

Lifespan: 15 years

Sharks

(500+ species)

Largest shark: Whale shark (12 metres)

Smallest shark: Dwarf lantern shark (17cm)

Conservation Threats: Fishing & ocean pollution

Conservation Fact: An estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year through fishing alone

Cheetah

(Acinonyx Jubatus)

Estimated population: 6700 (approximately)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Population Trend: Decreasing

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Mountain Gorilla

(Gorilla Beringei Beringei)

Estimated population: 1004

Conservation Status: Endangered

Population Trend: Increasing

Lifespan: 35 years

White Rhino

(Ceratotherium Simum)

Estimated population: 19,680 – 21,080

Conservation Status: Near threatened

Population Trend: Increasing

Lifespan: 40-50 years

Chimpanzee

(Pan Troglodytes)

Estimated population: 172,700 – 299,700

Conservation Status: Endangered

Population Trend: Decreasing

Lifespan: 50 years

African Leopard

(Panthera Pardus)

Estimated population: 100,000

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Population Trend: Decreasing

Lifespan: 12 years

Wild Dog

(Lycaon Pictus)

Estimated population: 6600

Conservation Status: Endangered

Population Trend: Decreasing

Lifespan: 10-12 years