Items17The creator’s order
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Plains zebraLook for broad stripes wrapping around the rump and a stout, horse-like build. Plains zebras are widespread across eastern and southern Africa. Where their range overlaps with Grevy’s zebras, the difference in stripe width helps tell them apart.0 - 2
Common WarthogA warthog can drop onto its front knees to graze, giving you a better look at its tusks, long snout, and the pads on its face. It’s easy to overlook while the vehicle is moving. Give it a few minutes in the open and you might see why it can feed so close to the ground.0 - 3
HippopotamusWatch for eyes and nostrils near the waterline before looking for the whole animal. The Shire River in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park is a good place to watch hippos in their element from a guided boat. Much of the animal can stay underwater while it looks and breathes above the surface.0 - 4
Masai giraffeA Masai giraffe can come into view above the shrubs before you see a leg. Look for the jagged edges of its dark patches. Kenya’s Amboseli and the Masai Mara both hold populations of this species, one of four now recognized by the IUCN.0 - 5
MeerkatKgalagadi’s mammal checklist includes meerkats. On open, arid ground, look for one standing upright while others nose around for food. The upright animal is often a lookout. Watching the group for a while lets you see how differently that individual behaves from the ones feeding around it.0 - 6
Common ostrichA male’s black body and white wing and tail feathers stand out in the open. Females are much browner. The common ostrich can look like two different birds at a distance until you see the same long neck, small head and long stride on both.0 - 7
Chacma baboonChacma baboons spend much of the day foraging on the ground. A heavy brow and a long, doglike muzzle are good clues when a troop comes into view. Slow down to look at what individual animals are doing. Some will be searching for food while others pay much closer attention to the group’s…0 - 8
CheetahCheetahs can be hard to pick out even on open ground. Look for a slim cat with single dark spots and black lines running down from the inner corners of the eyes. A clear view of the face will tell you more than a quick impression of a spotted coat.0 - 9
Spotted hyenaThe sloping back and rounded ears often show before you can make out any spots. Zambia’s Liuwa Plain is worth knowing about if hyenas are a priority. They’re a major predator there. A sighting is a chance to watch a hunter in its own right, especially if more than one animal is moving together.0 - 10
SecretarybirdSearch open grassland for a tall bird striding on the ground. The long legs and dark crest help give away a secretarybird, but the stop-and-start walk is often the easiest clue from a vehicle. It hunts by walking through grass and striking prey with its feet.0