What Are the Most Popular Safari Animals Among British Travellers?

An increasing number of people are concerned about protecting the creatures that we share this planet with, from pollinating insects to wild beasts that roam the savannas. Many travellers are also forgoing sea and sand holidays to get closer to nature, whether that’s a treehouse in a beautiful UK forest or a once in a lifetime trip to find some of most popular safari animals in their natural environments.

Embarking on a safari is an exhilarating adventure, allowing travellers to witness the beauty and diversity of wildlife in their natural habitats. According to recent research from Audley Travel, certain safari animals have captured the fascination of British travellers more than others. This article delves into the most popular safari animals among British travellers and the best places to see them in their natural settings.

Insights from Audley Travel

Audley Travel, a leading provider of tailor-made journeys, conducted an analysis of UK Google search data to identify the top ten safari animals that pique the interest of British travellers. This research offers valuable insights into the animals that safari-goers are most eager to encounter.

Here, we explore these fascinating creatures and provide recommendations on where to experience them firsthand.

1. Lions: The Majestic Predators

Lions top the list as the most sought-after safari animals. Known as the kings and queens of the savannah, their majestic presence and powerful demeanour captivate those dreaming of seeing them in their natural habitat. David Katwiwa, a safari specialist at Audley Travel, recalls his unforgettable first sighting of a pride of lionesses with their cubs.

For the best lion sightings, David recommends South Africa’s Great Kruger Region, renowned for its big cat population. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers the unique opportunity to see lions during the Great Migration. For a luxurious experience, Botswana provides excellent lion-spotting opportunities.

2. Elephants: The Gentle Giants

Ranking second are elephants, the largest land animals, known for their strength, power, and deep emotional bonds. Dickie Ashcroft, another safari specialist, highlights the fascinating social structures and behaviours of elephants, from playful interactions to mourning rituals.

For an unforgettable elephant encounter, Dickie suggests Kenya, where he once observed a rare ‘super tusker’ bull. Namibia offers a unique experience with its desert-adapted elephants, showcasing their remarkable adaptations to harsh conditions.

3. Giraffes: Graceful and Unique

Giraffes, with their distinctive long necks and spot patterns, come in third. Their graceful movements and unique appearance make them a favourite among safari enthusiasts. Kirsty Downing, a safari expert, notes that each giraffe’s spot pattern is as unique as a human fingerprint.

For a memorable giraffe experience, Kirsty recommends Thamo Telele lodge near Maun in Botswana. Here, you can observe giraffes at a waterhole and learn to identify them by their spots, while supporting the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

4. Gorillas: The Gentle Apes

Gorillas offer a thrilling and intimate wildlife experience. Found in the dense forests of Rwanda and Uganda, these great apes captivate with their human-like behaviours. Guided treks in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provide rare opportunities to see gorilla families in their natural habitat.

5. Flamingos: The Pink Spectacle

Flamingos, with their vibrant pink plumage, are a mesmerising sight. These birds congregate in large flocks at saline lakes across Africa.

One of the most iconic spots to witness this spectacle is Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, where thousands of flamingos create a striking pink shoreline. Observing these birds, often standing on one leg and feeding with their heads submerged, is both calming and enchanting.

6. Crocodiles: The Stealthy Predators

Crocodiles are common residents of Africa’s rivers and lakes, known for their stealth and power. The Nile crocodile, one of the largest crocodile species, can be seen basking on riverbanks or lurking just below the water’s surface.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Mara River in Kenya are prime locations to observe these ancient reptiles, particularly during the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration.

7. Meerkats: The Social Sentinels

Meerkats charm visitors with their playful and social nature. These small mammals are known for their upright stance and cooperative behaviour. Watching a meerkat colony in action, especially during their vigilant lookout routines, is both entertaining and enlightening.

The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana offer excellent meerkat viewing opportunities, where you can observe these endearing creatures in their natural habitat.

8. Leopards: The Elusive Hunters

Leopards, often considered the most challenging of the Big Five to spot, are elusive and solitary predators. Their ability to blend into the environment and their nocturnal habits make sightings particularly special.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa is renowned for its high density of leopards, providing perhaps the best chance to see these stealthy hunters in action.

9. Buffalos: The Robust Grazers

Buffalos, a part of Africa’s Big Five, are a common sight on many safaris. These robust animals are known for their unpredictable nature and strong herd dynamics. Seeing a herd of buffalos grazing or wallowing in mud can be a powerful reminder of the untamed beauty of the African savannah. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is a notable location where large herds of buffalo can be easily observed.

10. Pangolins: The Armoured Enigmas

Pangolins, though rare, fascinate with their unique scales and shy behaviour. These nocturnal creatures are the only mammals wholly covered in scales, which they use as a defence mechanism. Due to their elusive nature and the threat of poaching, spotting a pangolin in the wild is a rare and treasured experience. Conservation areas such as Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa are dedicated to protecting these enigmatic animals and offer the best chances of a sighting.

We hope you enjoy our guide to the most popular safari animals. What would be the top of your list to see?

Photo by Magdalena Kula Manchee on Unsplash