Herbivores in southern Africa

South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana are absolute top destinations for anyone who wants to see and photograph wildlife, especially large mammals, in their natural habitat. The Kruger National Park in South Africa and Etosha National Park in Namibia, and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, are world-renowned for their wildlife. Large herds of herbivores roam in these protected areas in southern Africa and are relatively easy to photograph.

South of East Africa?

When you talk about nature photography in Africa, the question often arises as to what the best destination is: Southern or Eastern Africa? Personally I have a strong preference for Southern Africa. Countries such as Namibia and Botswana are much safer for solo travel these days than Eastern Africa. The landscape in Southern Africa, with its diverse desert- and mountainlandscapes, is also more varied than the savannas in, for example, Kenya. Perhaps my assessment is a bit unfair, as I’ve only been to Kenya once, long ago, back in the era of analog slides. I’ve visited Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa many times, however, so I know these countries like the back of my hand.

Zebra’s; the clown of the herbivores in Africa

Personally, I find zebras one of the most enjoyable animals to photograph. With all those stripes, they look clownish. They’re also herd animals with a wide range of interactions. Finally, they often do completely unexpected things, like suddenly starting fights with each other for no apparent reason. All of this makes zebras attractive to photograph and film.

Giraffes; long necks and legs

With its extremely long neck and legs and spotted skin, the giraffe is also a rewarding subject for photography. You’ll find them practically everywhere in southern Africa, even outside the well-known game reserves. They look quite clumsy, and it’s always a highlight when they drink. It’s quite an operation, with their legs spread wide so the head can dip down between them. The fighting of bull Giraffes is also fascinating. They slam their necks and heads together vigorously. However, this is difficult to capture well in a photo and is typically an action better captured on video.

The Gemsbok; a desert adapted herbivore

The Gemsbok is probably the best-adapted of all antelopes to the dry desert climate of large parts of Southern Africa. They can go for days without water. You’ll find them in the driest areas of Namibia, such as large parts of the Namib Desert. For this reason, the Gemsbok features prominently in the Namibian coat of arms. Gemsbok are somewhat grumpy animals, often arguing with each other. With their long horns, they look fearsome, and they are! They are not to be trifled with. Although they often fall prey to lions, the tables are sometimes turned. Various photos and videos of lions gored by the horns of a Gemsbok circulate online.