African Elephant
2.3× youElephant
As tall as the ceiling of a classroom
Photo: Luca Galuzzi (Lucag) (CC BY-SA 2.5)
3 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of South Africa
South Africa is full of amazing animals, big and small! From majestic elephants to playful meerkats, they live in many different places, like grassy savannas, leafy forests, and sandy beaches. These incredible creatures make South Africa a special home for wildlife. Let's discover more about them!
Featured Species
Habitat Zones
Savanna
Grassy plains with scattered trees, where many animals like elephants and lions roam.
Elephant, Lion, Zebra
Kalahari Desert
A sandy, dry area where animals have to be clever to find food and water.
Meerkat, Gemsbok, Ground Pangolin
Coastal Waters
Ocean waters teeming with marine life, perfect for penguins and dolphins.
Great White Shark, African Penguin, Dolphin
How Big Are They?
Each animal shown next to a 10-year-old (🧒) at true scale.
African Penguin
20% of youPenguin
About the height of a soccer ball
African Lion
85% of youLion
As tall as a bicycle at the shoulder
Where to Spot Them
African Elephant
Look in: Kruger National Park
Watch for: Elephants live in complex social structures led by a matriarch.
African Penguin
Look in: Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Watch for: They swim up to 20 km/h and can dive for more than 2 minutes.
African Lion
Look in: Kruger National Park
Watch for: Lions live in groups called prides, which are mostly made up of female lions.
Cultural Connection
The animals of South Africa are closely connected to local culture and are often featured in traditional tales and stories, symbolizing strength and wisdom.
Vocabulary
How does the big, gray African Elephant living on the warm savanna compare to the white, fluffy polar bear in the icy Arctic?