Staff stories: All the animals we saw on safari with Rovos Rail

Last month, team member Olivia was given the unmissable opportunity to travel to Africa with Wendy Wu Tours and Rovos Rail. As part of the 4-night Rovos Rail itinerary, she visited two national parks, Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park, where she got to see a plethora of animals in their natural habitat. Here, she shares the details of the fifteen animals she saw on safari: 

Read first: Staff stories: An African adventure with Wendy Wu Tours and Rovos Rail

Common Name: Black Eagle

Scientific Name: Ictinaetus Malaiensis 

Type: Bird of Prey

Diet: Carnivore

Size: Up to 6.7 feet

Weight: Up to 4.4 pounds 

The black eagle, a majestic and powerful raptor reigning over Africa’s rugged landscapes, epitomises both the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the vital role these apex predators play in shaping the continent’s ecosystems. With their distinctive appearance and regal presence, these magnificent eagles offer a captivating glimpse into Africa’s avian royalty. 

Black eagles are named for their dark plumage, which includes a glossy black body and wings, contrasted by striking white bands on their wings and tail. Their piercing yellow eyes and sharp, hooked beaks are formidable tools of predation and their strong talons make them efficient hunters. Primarily carnivorous, black eagles are skilled predators, often preying on a variety of mammals and birds. Their diet includes small to medium-sized mammals such as monkeys, hyraxes and duikers, as well as birds, reptiles and occasionally carrion. Their sharp vision allows them to spot potential prey from great heights and their powerful flights enable them to swoop down with incredible precision to capture their quarry. 

Common Name: Klipspringer

Scientific Name: Oreotragus Oreotragus 

Type: Antelope

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 20 inches tall 

Weight: Up to 40 pounds

The klipspringer, a diminutive but remarkable antelope, thrives in the rugged landscapes of eastern and southern Africa. In a world dominated by giants, this small herbivore showcases nature’s ability to adapt and preserve. With its unique characteristics and habitat preferences, the klipspringer is a testament to the diversity of life on the African continent.

True to its name, which means “rock jumper” in Afrikaans, the klipspringer has evolved to conquer the rocky terrain of its home. Its dainty hooves are specially adapted to trip and leap from boulder to boulder with extraordinary agility. This ability not only provides the klipspringer with safety from predators but also grants access to otherwise inaccessible vegetation on steep cliffs. Resembling a pint-sized deer, the klipspringer boasts a distinctive appearance with a dense, coarse coat that varies in colouration, often matching the rocky environment to provide effective camouflage. Its small, straight horns are a testament to its resilience and resourcefulness. 

Common Name: African Elephants 

Scientific Name: Loxodonta

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 13 feet tall

Weight:  Up to 14,000 pounds 

The African elephant, the largest land animal on earth, reigns as a symbol of Africa’s grandeur and natural splendour. Comprising two distinct species, the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant, these majestic creatures play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s diverse ecosystems and captivating the hearts of people worldwide. 

Elephants are consummate herbivores, their diet consisting of a wide array of vegetation, from grasses and leaves to fruits and bark. In the process of foraging and dispersing seeds, they profoundly influence the composition and structure of their habitats, making them essential ecosystem engineers. Despite their iconic status, African elephants face numerous threats, primarily driven by poaching for their ivory, habitat loss due to human encroachment and conflicts with local communities. Conservation efforts are dedicated to safeguarding their existence, with initiatives ranging from anti-poaching measures to habitat protection and community-based conservation programs. 

Common Name: Giraffe 

Scientific Name: Giraffa

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 18 feet tall

Weight:  Up to 3,000 pounds 

The giraffe, with its towering grace and distinctive, elongated neck, stands as one of Africa’s most iconic and enchanting creatures. Often referred to as the “gentle giant of the savanna,” this remarkable mammal embodies the essence of Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes. 

With their extraordinarily long necks and unique spotted coat patterns, giraffes are immediately recognisable. Their towering stature, often reaching heights of up to 18 feet, allows them to access a specialised niche in the savanna, where they can feed on leaves and foliage located high in the tree canopy. Their prehensile tongues, reaching up to 18 inches in length, are perfectly adapted to plucking leaves from thorn acacia trees. These herbivores are known for their peaceful and gentle nature. Living in loose social groups known as towers, they often exhibit intricate social behaviours, including mutual grooming and playful interactions. Their spotted coats, which vary in colouration across different giraffe subspecies, serve as unique identification markers in the wild. 

Common Name: Impala 

Scientific Name: Aepyceros Melampus 

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore 

Size: Up to 36 inches tall 

Weight: Up to 160 pounds

The impala, a graceful and resilient inhabitant of the African savannas, embodies the spirit of adaptability and vitality in the heart of the continent. This medium-sized antelope, known for its agility and iconic leaping behaviour, is an integral part of Africa’s diverse and dynamic ecosystems.

Distinguished by its reddish-brown coat, white underbelly and distinctive black markings on the ears, nose and tail, the impala’s appearance is a quintessential representation of African wildlife. Their striking feature not only serves as a form of natural camouflage but also makes them a recognisable and captivating sight on the open plains. Impalas are true herbivores, expertly grazing on a variety of grasses and browsing on shrubs and leaves to sustain themselves. Their ability to adapt their diet to seasonal changes and resource availability underscores their resilience in the often challenging African wilderness. 

Common Name: Kudu

Scientific Name: Tragelaphus Strepsiceros 

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 5.6 feet tall

Weight:  Up to 750 pounds 

The kudu, an elegant and enigmatic inhabitant of Africa’s woodlands and savannas, stands as a symbol of grace and wilderness on the continent. With its impressive spiralled horns, intricate markings and distinctive presence, the kudu is a testament to the beauty and mystique of African wildlife. 

Kudus are instantly recognisable by their large, corkscrew-shaped horns, which can reach remarkable lengths and have multiple twists. These ornate horns are not only a symbol of maturity and social status but also a formidable defence against predators. Their greyish-brown coat, adorned with white stripes and spots, provides excellent camouflage amidst the dappled light of the African bush, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This remarkable adaptation helps them evade the watchful eyes of predators like lions and leopards. 

Common Name: Lion 

Scientific Name: Panthera Leo

Type: Mammal

Diet: Carnivore

Size: Up to 6.3 feet tall

Weight: Up to 420 pounds 

The lion, Africa’s iconic and majestic big cat, reigns as the undisputed king of the savanna, symbolising the raw power and untamed beauty of the continent’s wilderness. With its golden mane, powerful physique and commanding presence, the lion embodies the spirit of Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes.

Lions are renowned for their social structure, living in prides led by a dominant male lion known as the king. These prides, consisting of related females and their young, forge bonds through cooperation, mutual grooming and shared responsibilities. Recosnigsable by their tawny coats and impressive manes (in the case of males), lions are apex predators, playing a vital role in regulating prey populations and shaping ecosystems. Their hunting prowess, often executed with coordinated strategies, underscores their position at the top of the food chain. 

Common Name: Rhino

Scientific Name: Diceros

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 6.6 feet

Weight: Up to 5,000 pounds

The rhino, a prehistoric giant and guardian of Africa’s grasslands and woodlands, stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. These magnificent herbivores, represented by two distinct species, the white rhino and the black rhino, are crucial to the continent’s ecosystems and represent a testament to nature’s enduring spirit. 

Rhinos, with their thick skin and formidable horns, command respect and admiration. The white rhino, named not for its colour but for the mistranslation of the Afrikaans word “wijde,” refers to its broad mouth, adapted for grazing on grasses. Their massive size and square-shaped mouths allow them to thrive on a diet of herbaceous vegetation, making them one of Africa’s largest land mammals. In contrast, the black rhino is characterised by its more compact size and pointed upper lip, ideal for browsing on leaves and shrubs. Their agility in navigating dense vegetation and woodlands makes them an integral part of the ecosystems in which they reside. 

Common Name: Sable Antelope

Scientific Name: Hippotragus Niger

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 5.2 feet tall

Weight:  Up to 700 pounds

The sable antelope, a symbol of elegance and grandeur in Africa’s grasslands and woodlands, stands as a testament to the continent’s rich biodiversity and the captivating beauty of its wildlife. With its striking appearance and formidable horns, this remarkable antelope embodies the spirit of Africa’s untamed wilderness. 

Sable antelopes are known for their striking black or dark brown coats, adorned with contrasting white facial markings and impressive, backward-curving horns. These magnificent horns can reach remarkable lengths and have led to the sable antelope being nicknamed “the prince of the antelope.” Their robust physique and powerful legs allow them to navigate a variety of terrains, from savannas to woodlands. Their adaptability to different habitats makes them a vital part of Africa’s ecosystems. 

Common Name: Springbok

Scientific Name: Antidorcas Marsupialis 

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 2.8 feet

Weight: Up to 100 pounds

The springbok, an agile and captivating resident of Africa’s open plains and deserts, embodies the spirit of resilience and freedom in the continent’s vast and diverse landscapes. With its striking appearance and remarkable adaptations, this small antelope holds a unique place in Africa’s wildlife tapestry. 

Springboks are easily recognised by their distinctive white faces and bellies, contrasted by a reddish-brown coat adorned with a prominent dark stripe running along each side. However, what truly sets them apart is their extraordinary ability to perform gravity-defying leaps into the air. These iconic “pronking” displays are a testament to their boundless energy and vitality, often used as both a means of communication and a display of strength. As herbivores, springboks feed primarily on grasses and low-lying vegetation, showcasing their adaptability to arid environments. Their efficient digestive systems allow them to extract moisture from the plants they consume, a valuable survival strategy in the harsh African deserts. 

Common Name: Steenbok

Scientific Name: Raphicerus Campestris

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 2.1 feet tall

Weight: Up to 26 pounds

The steenbok, a small and understated resident of Africa’s grasslands and savannas, represents the quiet beauty and resilience of the continent’s wildlife. With its unassuming appearance and remarkable adaptations, this diminutive antelope holds a special place in Africa’s intricate natural tapestry. 

Steenboks are characterised by their petite stature, with short, slender legs and a light reddish-brown coat, often adorned with subtle white markings on the face and ears. Their name is derived from the Dutch word for “stone buck,” a reference to their preference for rocky terrain. As herbivores, steenboks feed on a variety of plants, predominantly grazing on grasses and browsing on leaves and shrubs. Their selective feeding habits help shape the composition of vegetation in their habitats, influencing the distribution of other plant and animal species.  

Common Name: Warthog 

Scientific Name: Phacochoerus 

Type: Mammal

Diet: Omnivore

Size: Up to 3 feet tall

Weight: Up to 330 pounds

The warthog, an unassuming yet fascinating denizen of Africa’s savannas and grasslands, embodies the spirit of adaptability and resourcefulness in the continent’s diverse ecosystems. With its distinctive appearance and unique behaviours, this remarkable creature holds a special place in Africa’s wildlife tapestry. 

Warthogs are immediately recognisable by their stocky bodies, bristly manes and prominent facial warts, which are actually protective pads. These facial warts, along with their curving tusks, are key features that set them apart from other African mammals. Despite their somewhat comical appearance, warthogs are well-adapted to their environment. Their ability to kneel and graze on grasses and low-lying vegetation, coupled with their keen sense of smell and hearing, makes them resourceful herbivores. They also have an omnivorous diet, occasionally feeding on roots, tubers and even insects, showcasing their adaptability. 

Common Name: Wildebeest

Scientific Name: Connochaetes

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 5.5 feet tall

Weight: Up to 700 pounds

The wildebeest, an iconic and nomadic wanderer of Africa’s vast savannas and grasslands, epitomises the spirit of migration, endurance and interconnectedness in the continent’s diverse ecosystems. With their distinctive appearance and mass gatherings during the Great Migration, wildebeests hold a special place in Africa’s wildlife tapestry. 

Wildebeests are characterised by their robust bodies, humped shoulders and distinctive facial features, including long faces, curving horns and beard-like manes. They are found in two species: the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest, each with unique adaptations to their respective habitats. As herbivores, wildebeests play a pivotal role in shaping the grasslands by grazing on an array of grasses and other vegetation. Their migratory lifestyle not only benefits their survival but also influences the distribution and health of the plant species they feed on, affecting the entire ecosystem. 

Common Name: Yellow-Billed Kite

Scientific Name: Milvus Aegyptius  

Type: Bird of Prey

Diet: Carnivore 

Size: Up to 24 inches in length

Weight: Up to 1.6 pounds 

The yellow-billed kite, an agile and acrobatic raptor soaring over the African skies, symbolises both the resilience of nature and the intricate role these birds play in the ecosystems of the continent. With their distinctive appearance and unique behaviours, these magnificent birds offer a captivating glimpse into Africa’s diverse avian world. 

Yellow-billed kites are easily recognisable by their striking black and white plumage, characterised by a deep forked tail and a vivid yellow bill. Their keen eyesight and graceful flight make them formidable predators and scavengers of the African skies. Primarily carnivorous, yellow-billed kites are opportunistic feeders and their diet includes a wide range of prey items. They are renowned scavengers, often seen circling over savannas, woodlands and urban areas in search of carrion and discarded food scraps. This scavenging behaviour not only benefits the birds but also plays a vital role in keeping ecosystems clean by reducing the presence of decaying organic matter. 

Common Name: Zebra

Scientific Name: Equus Zebra, Equus Grevyi or Equus Zebra 

Type: Mammal

Diet: Herbivore

Size: Up to 5 feet tall

Weight: Up to 990 pounds

The zebra, Africa’s enigmatic and striped equine, embodies the beauty and mystique of the continent’s grasslands and woodlands. With their striking black and white coats and captivating behaviours, these remarkable creatures hold a unique place in Africa’s rich tapestry of wildlife 

Zebras are instantly recognisable by their distinctive black and white striped patterns, which vary in intensity and arrangement among the three different species: plains zebras, grevy’s zebras and mountain zebras. These patterns serve multiple purposes, including camouflage, thermoregulation and as a deterrent to biting flies. As herbivores, zebras are essential to the ecosystems they inhabit. They graze on grasses and other vegetation, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of plant communities and supporting a wide array of wildlife through their foraging habits.