Bird And Animal Sanctuaries

browse (1 / 7)

Tumbling streams fall down rocky stairways that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and fertile forests that spread like shadows across the valley. The mist shrouded summit of the grassy escarpment is a prominent landmark alongside the eastern boundary of South Africa, separating the Highveld's moderate grasslands from the Lowveld's sun-baked savannas. Rivers carve verdant corridors across this vast sweep of land sustaining an abundance of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants.

The northern territory of South Africa is a refuge to copious species of animals and birds, including the famous and celebrated "Big 5" - lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo. The reason they are so named is that the earlier safari hunters found these animals to be the most challenging to hunt.

The conceited sport of killing animals is extremely unpopular nowadays, especially with those who appreciate the dignity of animals and the right to life as important members of our beautiful home we call earth. Every single species of life has a significant role in our world’s fragile eco-system. The removal of any ultimately threatens the continued existence of others that rely upon it. Destruction of animals will eventually result in the obliteration of humans.

The Provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo have numerous rehabilitation centers, private and national game reserves and wildlife orphanages to protect and preserve our friends. Without a doubt, the best wildlife sanctuary is the South Africa's flagship national park, Kruger… here you can view game in their natural habitat either from the comfort of your own vehicle or guided with a professional ranger on a bushwalk or game drive in an open air safari vehicle. The Kruger National Park is spread over 20,000 square kilometers of unspoilt scrubland and is home to over 500 bird and 140 mammal species.

There are also other beautiful private wildlife sanctuaries in the area that one can visit such as Sabi Sands, Edeni, Kapama, Karongwe, Klaserie, Thornybush, Timbavati… to name but a few!

Wildlife that have been abandoned, injured or poisoned are cared for in animal orphanages and rehabilitation centers that have been setup in the region by a variety of different operators who have a love and passion for them. Animals are often brought to these centers from all corners of the country and nursed back to health and often re-introduced back into their natural habitat. Those that cannot be returned are greatly cared for at the various centers and serve to educate many humans who visit, how fragile and important they are. Some of these fantastic centers are Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre for Endangered Species, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, The Elephant Sanctuary, Daktari Wildlife Orphanage, Chimpanzee Eden and Elephant Whispers.