The impossible five to spot in the Kruger National Park
If you want to make your visit to the Kruger National Park more of a challenge than just spotting the big five, try the impossible to spot.
Here are the top five practically impossible to spot for your list:
The Aardvark
This very unique looking animal is nearly impossible to see in the wild:
The name comes from the Afrikaans language and means ‘earth pig’ or ‘ground pig’.
The reason that they are so hard to spot is because aadvarks are nocturnal.
Pangolin
Pangolins are one of the most threatened animals in the world, and they are so rare that many tour guides will retire without ever having seen one. So if you spot one, be sure to tick it off your bucket list.
Also read: What to do when your property gets land-grabbed
Aardwolf
The name means “earth wolf” in Afrikaans or civet hyena, based on its habit of secreting substances from its anal gland, a characteristic shared with the civet. The aardwolf is in the same family as the hyena.
Also read: SANParks gives free access to the Kruger National Park and other parks
Springhare
This little nocturnal animal is very rare. They live in small colonies and have an unmistakable bouncing gait that will leave you baffled should you see their eyes reflecting in your torchlight! This one was near Olifants Camp: Photo by Dietmar Petrausch.
Pel’s fishing owl
A recent survey in the far north of the Kruger National Park for the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, has had disappointing results. Only four birds were found during a three-day survey. So if you are able to put this bird on your list, consider yourself blessed.
