Tracking Wildlife in South Africa: Game Drive Tips
A South Africa wildlife safari is all about the thrill of the chase – there’s nothing more exciting than tracking wildlife and actually finding the animal you’ve been searching for. Game drives are more than just leisurely rides through the bush; they’re immersive, strategic outings led by expert rangers and trackers who know how to read the land like an open book. With 907,914 wildlife tourists visiting South Africa in 2023 (66.5% of pre-pandemic numbers) this adventure remains one of the top travel experiences in the world.
Want to sharpen your skills and spot wildlife like an expert? Here’s how.
Safari Game Drive Techniques for Tracking Wildlife
You can’t rely on luck when tracking wildlife. It’s a finely honed skill that takes years to master. Armed with traditional knowledge, bushcraft, and modern technology, rangers rely on several techniques to locate animals on a safari game drive.
Reading Tracks Spoor – The ability to identify footprints, dung, and territorial markings helps them determine which animals have passed through an area and how recently.
Listening to Bush Noises – The African bush always speaks – birds, baboons, and antelope often give off alarm calls when predators like leopards or lions are nearby.
Watching Vultures Scavengers – Circling vultures in the sky often indicate a fresh carcass, which could mean a predator is nearby.
Using Wind Scent Awareness – Animals rely heavily on scent, and rangers factor in the wind direction to avoid startling them prematurely.
Nighttime Spotlighting – On evening drives, rangers use red-filtered spotlights to locate nocturnal creatures while causing minimal disruption.
Wildlife in South Africa and How Rangers Track Animals
While the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) draw the biggest crowds, the country is also home to thousands of lesser-known but equally fascinating species. Rangers and trackers use a mix of experience and instinct to locate these elusive creatures:
Lions – Mountainous areas or thick bush make lions harder to detect, but rangers often listen for warning calls from prey species such as impalas or wildebeest.
Leopards – Amongst the most challenging animals to track due to their solitary nature, leopards are often found by scanning tree branches, where they stash their kills.
Elephants – Rangers track elephants through broken vegetation and dung, which offers clues about the herd’s movements.
African Wild Dogs – Known for covering vast distances daily, these rare predators are often located by identifying fresh paw prints on dusty roads.
Game Drive in South Africa: Spotting Wildlife Like a Pro
Want to increase your chances of wildlife sightings when tracking wildlife on a game drive in South Africa? These simple techniques can help:
Be Patient – A slow, steady approach increases the likelihood of spotting camouflaged animals.
Stay Quiet – No sudden movements or loud voices; animals will disappear before you even know they were there.
Trust Your Ranger – They know this land intimately, from hidden waterholes to animal behaviour patterns.
Use Binoculars – Some of the most exciting sightings, like cheetahs, eagles, or bat-eared foxes, might be hiding just beyond the naked eye’s reach.
Don’t Just Focus on the Road – Many animals, particularly leopards and birds of prey, are found perched in trees.
South Africa Wildlife Safari: Tracking Big and Small Game
A true South Africa wildlife safari extends far beyond the expected. While many come for the Big Five, the true magic lies in appreciating everything and tracking wildlife – from the towering giraffe to the tiny elephant shrew.
Little Five Counterparts – Look out for the leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, rhino beetle, and antlion (smaller species named after their larger counterparts).
Rare Endangered Species – Few travellers get to witness the raw beauty of black-maned Kalahari lions, aardvarks, servals, and caracals.
Incredible Birds – South Africa is home to over 850 bird species, many of which are endemic. Keep an eye out for the martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and rare Pel’s fishing owl.
Experience the Best Wildlife Tracking with Next Adventure
Yes, a safari is about seeing animals. But it’s also about understanding them, their movements, and the delicate ecosystem they call home. At Next Adventure, we curate immersive safaris where guests can enjoy tracking wildlife alongside expert guides, admire beautiful landscapes, and gain a deeper connection to nature.
Join us in South Africa. Let’s go tracking! Contact Next Adventure today for more information about our South African custom safaris.
