Animals and plants
South Africa's national parks
South Africa has a vast system of natural reserves to protect indigenous plants, animals, landscapes and cultural heritage. They range from the vast flagship Kruger National Park – larger than some countries – to the tiny Bontebok National Park in the Western Cape.South Africa's wildlife wonders
There's more to South African wildlife than the celebrated "Big Five". From big to small, meat eater to ant eater, primate to reptile ... our animals (and birds) are wild, varied and abundant.South Africa's plant life
South Africa's large areas of semi-desert scrub and grassland might suggest a certain poverty of plant life. Aside from the fact that a tract of pristine grassland can hold up to 60 grass species, nothing could be further from the truth.iSimangaliso: South Africa's coastal jewel
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the jewels of South Africa's coastline, with a unique mosaic of ecosystems - swamps, lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands - supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life.South Africa's bird life
South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world, offering an unbeatable combination of variety of birds, well-developed transport networks, and a user-friendly and supportive birding tourism industry.From Big Five to Little Five
Visitors to South Africa are always keen to see the country's celebrated Big Five – neglecting a wealth of smaller wildlife. To remedy this, some clever people came up with another must-see list, the Little Five: elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise!The Cape Floral Region
The Cape Floral Region, one of South Africa's eight World Heritage sites, comprises eight protected areas stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape, cutting across spectacular mountain and ocean scenery and containing some of the richest plant biodiversity in the world.Wildlife experiences
Some of the ways you can experience South Africa's extraordinary wildlife and wilderness for yourself. >World heritage
We're home to eight World Heritage sites, places of "outstanding value to humanity". >Sustainable development
South African initiatives for "people, planet, prosperity". >South Africa photo galleries
Wildlife
The famous Big Five - elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo - and more. >
National parks
Kgalagadi's desert, Kruger's wildlife, Mapungubwe's ancient heritage, and more. >
Birdlife
Some of the more striking of the 850 or so bird species recorded in South Africa. >
Plant life
Five major habitat types, and some 10% of the world's flowering species. >