Several organizations and tour operators offer safaris specifically focused on viewing endangered or rare animal species in Southern Africa. These safaris may visit protected areas and wildlife conservation projects that are dedicated to preserving endangered species such as rhinos, cheetahs, African wild dogs, gorillas and more. Some popular destinations for these types of safaris include South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. It is important to research and choose a reputable and ethical tour operator that prioritizes responsible tourism practices and wildlife conservation when planning Southern African Rare Animal Safaris.

Incredible Wildlife Experiences in Southern Africa
Ancient Sea Turtle Breeding Customs

Massive leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean each year to establish their breeding sites on the sand along the coast of East Africa. This custom – which dates back millions of years – offers visitors a unique chance to see the laying of eggs and the hatchlings (about two months later) of these extremely endangered sea turtles. Night drives and walks give visitors the chance to experience the breeding customs at Sodwana Bay in South Africa, as well as in Mozambique and Zanzibar.
Amazing Gorilla Trekking
Ranking among the top wildlife experiences are face-to-face encounters with the endangered great apes of Uganda, the Congo and Rwanda, following adventurous hiking through dense forests. A professional tracker will guide you through the forest to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Majestic Elephant Encounters

The Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya is a place where orphaned newborn elephants are cared for and eventually released back into the wild. You can learn about their breeding programme and help feeding them. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya rescues abandoned elephant calves to be released back into the wild. In Zimbabwe, The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary at The Elephant Camp is home to a small herd of elephants, where you can assist feeding them.
Evasive Dugongs In Mozambique
The world’s only group of vegetarian marine animals consists of dugongs and manatees. Dugongs are elusive and rare marine creatures, and can be found in the whole Indo-Pacific region. Off the coast of Mozambique, these endangered animals live in the protected waters of Bazaruto National Park and the nearby coastal regions. Dugongs, also known as “sea cows” are huge, grey-brown, bulb-shaped animals, thought to be the inspiration for the mermaid myth.
Intriguing Pangolins

As the only scaly mammals on the planet, pangolins are protected from predators by hard keratin scales, but are hunted by humans for their scales and meat. All eight pangolin species might go extinct, and are protected from international trade by CITES. Two species of pangolin live in Vietnam, and the other six can be found in Africa and Asia. Phinda Private Game Reserve in KZN, South Africa, in partnership with the African Pangolin Working Group, is leading the way in terms of comprehensive pangolin conservation experiences. Their goal is to bring Temminck’s ground pangolin back to the area. Make arrangements for an absolutely unique experience where you will be accompanied by a researcher from a trained conservation team and taken into the heart of the reserve. The money raised is utilised to maintain pangolins in their native environment.
Discover Rare & Elusive Species
Travelling to Tswalu Kalahari, a wildlife reserve situated in the malaria-free Northern Cape Province of South Africa, is one of the most favorable Southern African Rare Animal Safaris. Tswalu Kalahari offers an exclusive, tailor-made experience with conservation at its core. It’s South Africa’s largest privately owned wildlife reserve with an amazing and unusual diversity of wildlife. This include the desert black rhino, black-maned lion, cheetah, pangolin, the elusive aardvark. It is a vulture-safe zone, with year-round sightings of the critically endangered white-backed vultures. Make reservations for comfortable lodging in one of the three luxury safari camps, and benefit from a memorable private safari with skilled guides and trackers.