The Panthera Leo is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa and India. It is a social species that form and live in groups called prides.
These felines are at the top of this list owing to the fact that they are the animal responsible for the most human attacks and fatalities in Zimbabwe!
The massive cats have an almost militant strategy of hunting which is conducted by groups of female lions(lionesses) from a pride.
Hwange National Park
While lions can be found across the entire country, Hwange National Park might be the best place to safely spot one in the wild.
The Caracal Caracal (A. K. A. African Lynx) is a medium sized wildcat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and arid Pakistan and India.
It is a territorial feline and lives manly alone or in pairs.
These cats made it onto this list due to their difficult to match stealth skills.
They are typically nocturnal and are infamously elusive so sightings of them are few and far between, consequently their prey hardly ever see them coming.
So Where Can You See One?
Caracal hunting is a popular activity in areas of Zimbabwe which allow night time hunting, but a sighting is not guaranteed as they are such secretive creatures.
The Lycaon Pictus (A.K. A. the painted dog) is the largest wild canine which is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. They are a very sociable species who live in matriarchal packs but have unfortunately been endangered since 1990.
These predators are commonly known as the most efficient and successful predators in Africa! They successfully hunt up to an extraordinary 80% of their prey and even have the courage to steal meals from feeling lions.
The dogs have strength in numbers and typically overwhelm their prey with their extreme endurance.
Where Can You See This Endangered Canine?
The Painted Dog Conservation in Dete, Zimbabwe is home to roughly 700 African Wild Dogs. There you can visit these fascinating animals and also donate to the important cause of conserving Zimbabwean wildlife.
Crocodiles (A. K. A. True Crocodiles) are large semiaquatic reptiles that can be found throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
Crocodiles are on this list mostly because of how absolutely terrifying they are!
They are widespread throughout waterbodies around Zimbabwe and are extremely efficient aquatic hunters. As apex predators with the strongest bite on the planet, the thought of them should make you think twice before taking a dip in any body of water in Zimbabwe!
Still Curious to See This Life Ender?
For thrill seekers, cage diving in Victoria Falls offers a safe way to closely observe them.
Terathopius Ecaudatus is a medium sized eagle in the Accipitridae family. This specific species is native to broad areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and scarcely up into Arabia.
This regal predator is the only bird of prey to make it onto our list mostly thanks to nepotism as it is Zimbabwe’s national bird and it even features on our countries flag.
The species feeds on a wide range of small prey, from other birds to small reptiles and medium sized mammals.
Where Can I See this National Treasure?
Hwange National Park is a hotspot when it comes to bird watching of any type. This eagle is reasonably common so a sighting in this National Park is likely.
The Panthera Pardus Pardus (A. K. A. the African Leopard) is a large native to many African countries but more widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are a very solitary species and send most of their time in solitude.
Leopards are strategic hunters with the ability to quickly adapt their diet to the environment. Their known range of prey ranges from dung beetles to adult elands, giving them plenty of options for a meal, which they then haul up to their perches up tall trees. This allows them to hunt only once every seven to fourteen weeks, giving them a unique advantage in comparison to other predators.
Want to Spot One of These Graceful Introverts?
Matobo National Park is home to a relatively large number of leopards which can occasionally be spotted or tracked throughout the Park.
If you’re a wildlife connoisseur, a trip to Matobo Hills Lodge would be perfect for you!
With a wide variety of plant and animal life for you to view at your leisure and an assortment of entertaining activities for you to choose from, the lodge is a wild paradise!
Click the link below to discover more.
Things To DO | Matobo Hills Lodge