Strangest Animals in Africa Part II

The world is full of interesting and surprising things. When you go an African safari, you can sometimes find yourself treated to some of the most incredible and strange animal species anywhere in the world. We covered all sorts of interesting creatures, but we aren’t done yet! Go far beyond rhinos, hippos and giraffes, and take a look at some of these amazing, unique and interesting creatures.

Lemur

One of the most adorable and unusual looking animals there are, the lemur originates from Madagascar. They were the source of many ghost stories in ancient times. They are nocturnal and their eyes shine brightly in the darkness. These animals feed mostly on fruits, flowers and foliage and use their strong musk for communication, territory marking and attraction. Lemurs can be found across Africa but largely live in forests where there is plenty of food.

Porcupine

Porcupines are the largest rodents in Africa. They are both attractive and intimidating at the same time, with their bristling coat of barbed quills. However, they are strict herbivores who feed on leaves and cabbage. Their quills do not shed or shoot out for defense, despite popular myth, but fall off when they shake their coat. Porcupines can be found all over the drier parts of Africa.

Aye Aye

This is a truly bizarre looking nocturnal creature. The aye aye have big eyes, huge ears and a bristly coat. They are found in Madagascar and are considered a bad omen by the natives. This means they are unfortunately often killed on sight. They live in woods and bushes and have long claws which are used to burrow through woods and to dig for the insect larvae upon which they feed.

Dugongs

Found in the Pacific Ocean off the East African coast, these animals look kind of like marine-adapted hippos. They use paddling forelimbs and a whale-like tail to move through the water and are related to the elephant. Dugongs are often called sea cows as they graze on undersea grasses. They can live up to 73 years, but are unfortunately approaching extinction, threatened by hunting for their meat, skin and oils.

Pangolin

These creatures look like dinosaurs but are actually mammals. Unfortunately, they are right on the brink of extinction. Only a few are left in the wild. They have a scaly body with armor made of the same substance as human hair and fingernails. When they are in danger, they roll up into a football-like shape. Pangolins feed on insects and use a long, sticky tongue to reach and gather them. They are nocturnal and dig holes not only for food, but for nesting and sleeping as well.

Africa is home to some of the most incredible, unusual and bizarre animals in the entire world. Nothing makes a safari trip like catching sight of a creature that you never dreamed even in your wildest fantasies. It is unfortunate that so many of these critters have been hunted to near extinction, but that means now is the time to take a trip to see them! Check out our safari trips page, and book your trip to this exotic continent today.

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa

Strangest Animals in Africa Part I

When people go on a safari trip, of course they’re looking to catch a sight of a pride of lions, a rhino or a hippo. But what most folks on such trips really want is a look at something truly bizarre and unusual. There are many animals in Africa that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and catching sight of one of these can be a life-changing experience that can never truly be relived. Here are some of Africa’s strangest animals, and where they can be seen.

The African Civet

These amazing creatures look like a cross between a fox, a leopard and a ferret. They are the largest animal in their family currently existing in Africa. These unique animals can be seen in the central and southern African forests and the savannas of Niger, Chad and Mali. They prefer to congregate near water as they are excellent swimmers. Because they are nocturnal and have short legs, a pointed nose and spotted coat, they are sometimes mistaken for a hyena.

Aardvark

The famed anteater, or aardvark, is an animal that everyone has seen in drawings and possibly in photos, but which few outside of its native environment get to see in person. Nocturnal in nature, these creatures look like a cross between a pig, a rabbit and a tiny elephant. They are amazing burrowers with a long, sticky tongue that enables them to feast on termites and ants. Their large, kangaroo-like ears allow them to remain constantly vigilant for predators. They are usually found in sub-Saharan regions of Africa.

Galagos

Also called the bushbaby, this animal is an adorable creature that lives in trees and is known for its ability to cry like a child when it senses danger. Their gigantic eyes allow them to possess exceptional night vision, and their long tail provides balance as they leap from tree to tree. Their wide ears allow them to listen for the insects upon which they feed. Oddly, use their own urine to grease their paws for movements and mark their territory. They can be found in woodlands and bush lands in both East and West Africa where they live in trees and abandoned nests.

Elephant Shrew

This amazing creature almost looks like a cross between a mouse and a bird! They have a long trunk-like nose like that of an elephant and have long legs when compared to the rest of their body. They also have a long tail that aids in balance and movement. They are able to hop like a rabbit and are incredibly fast runners. Very adaptable animals, the elephant shrew can be found all over the African continent. They live in burrows and feed on insects, worms and millipedes.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is related to the antelope and gazelle but has a very long neck and small head, with very large eyes and ears. They use scent markers produced in the eye and are found in African woodlands and deserts. They can survive without water for a long time by eating leaves, flowers and buds and processing the water from these plants.

These are just a few of the incredible animals you can see on safari in Africa. Part II of this blog will cover even more unique creatures on this continent. If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience, check out our Safari Tours page and get in touch to book yours today!

Jill Liphart for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa