Aardvark, Bat-eared Fox and Aardwolf in South Africa.

While most naturalists hit Kruger NP for the Big Five, and the birders will end up in the Cape region for endemics and a pelagic on their first South Africa trip, eventually a few weird animals in the mammal field guide will raise the question that you sooner or later will ask your local guide:
“Can we see an Aardvark?”
“Can we see a Pangolin?”

In spite of their fairly large ranges, all over Africa, you will be met with a headshake… and  a … “very difficult” – reply.

There is however one area that is very good for Aardvark – the pig-like anteater with long upright rabbit ears.  It is close to Kimberley, half way between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and hence mostly missed by South Africa visitors as being out of the way. Also Pangolin is sometimes seen here.

Kimberley is served with regular flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, so it makes a perfect 7 Wonders Birding Tour for five days. Half that time will be spent in Mokala National Park and the other half at the Marrick private reserve with superb birding and wildlife watching.

Check out the detailed itinerary here.