Wildlife & Birds

The reserve is home to the Big 5, including both Black and White rhino, with previously extirpated species including lion, elephant, rhino, hippo, cheetah, hyena and disease-free buffalo, being reintroduced. Leopard, brown hyena and the smaller mammal species as well as the endangered ground hornbill and the many threatened and endangered vulture and raptor species are present on the reserve.

THE BIG FIVE:

The Big Five includes elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and the black rhino (white rhino are also prsesent), although some of which can be highly elusive and shy in nature, we have them in great numbers, and this makes for spectacular sightings.

General Game Species at Toro River Lodges

Equally beautiful, we also boast with various other species: • African Wildcat • Burchell’s Zebra • Limpopo bushbuck • Black-backed jackal • Blue Wildebeest • Cachuma Baboons • Caracals • Cheetah • Genet • Grey duiker • Giraffe • Hippopotamus • Impala • Klipspringer • Greater Southern kudu • Mongoose, variety of sub-species • Nyala • Servals • Spotted hyena • Side-striped jackal • Warthog • Waterbuck • Vervet Monkey and many more.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing in the Kruger Area is during the dry months of June to September when the vegetation is less thick. August to September is a recommended time as temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and the animals are concentrated around water sources making for excellent wildlife watching.

June to July is also recommended for those families traveling with kids due to the school holidays.