Jambo, rafiki.
If you’re anything like me, African wildlife has always held a special place in your heart. While the web cannot replace real interaction with the wilderness, some of the content out there is top notch and deserves extra credit.
The following lists 5 of the best YouTube channels dedicated to African wildlife I have come across over the years.
Enjoy, and if you haven’t already, I hope it inspires you to explore the African continent in the near future. 🙂
PS: Think of additional channels worth mentioning? Share them in a comment below, “asante sana”.
1. Kruger Sightings
What started out as a basic app to share wildlife sightings from the Kruger went viral almost overnight. Today, Nadav Ossendryver’s mission is to ‘connect people to wildlife’ in real time.
Kruger Sightings uploads “all the latest, exciting and authentic wildlife videos coming from around Africa. We share amazing footage that has never been seen, so come and see them!”
View their latest uploads or visit LatestSightings.com.
2. The Lion Whisperer
With over +440 000 subscribers, Kevin Richardson is one of the most popular wildlife YouTubers on the web. He runs a wildlife sanctuary just outside of Johannesburg, and is world-renowned for his special bond with lions.
“The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation through education, awareness and funding, especially pertaining to the rapid decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, unscrupulous hunting, disease and their illegal trade.”
Sounds familiar?
The above video is highly popular. Chances are you were first introduced to Kevin’s work through this short documentary. In 2013, the GoPro crew journeyed to Africa to feature his story. Images speak for themselves.
“The Lion Whisperer captures the majority of his footage on GoPro cameras, allowing the viewer to get as close as possible to the lions. By watching these videos, you will be directly contributing to the conservation of these majestic creatures.”
“By doing this, Kevin Richardson hopes to give people an insight into the lives of these beautiful creatures and to let them see just what they can do to help. It really is up close and personal.”
Follow Kevin’s wild adventures on YouTube.
Or visit LionWhisperer.co.za.
3. Rob The Ranger
Rob is a full time safari guide in Idube Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. He captures wildlife video footage during game drives with guests.
“The latest wildlife sightings feature animals seen on safari such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, cheetah, wild dogs, hyena and many more African animals.”
“Following the safari highlights enables you to keep up to date with the latest wildlife sightings and to follow the lives of the African wildlife that is seen in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin in the Greater Kruger Park, South Africa.”
Subscribe to Rob’s channel for his latest wildlife videos.
Or like his Facebook page.
4. Londolozi Game Reserve
Action-packed wildlife videos from the Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa. Londolozi is one of the country’s original private game reserves, especially famous for its leopards. The word Londolozi comes from Zulu and literally means ‘protector of all living things’.
“The videos focus on the Leopard and Lion viewing frequently seen by rangers and guests as well as stories of the people and place at Londolozi.”
Want to learn more? Visit Londolozi TV or browse their official website.
5. Africa Geographic
Africa Geographic is an award-winning publisher all about Africa travel, wildlife and people.
Ready to see some warthogs do their “magic trick”? Get a sneak peek of what to expect with the following video.
#Bonus Channel: Best of Africa
Chad’s uploads are unique and deserve special credit as well. You’ll love them, I’m sure.
Best of Africa on YouTube.
Website: BestOfAfrica.Photography
#Bonus 2: Best Wildlife Videos
Enjoy some of Africa’s best animal videos out there, updated in near real-time.
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Go The Extra Mile
If you enjoyed the above, you’ll certainly like my Top 10 African Wildlife Videos compilation.
Also feel free to watch these LIVE cams for real-time coverage from the African bush. 😉
I think the best of the best is WildEarth’s safariLIVE. Both are great, WildEarth for clips of previous drives tidbits, while on safariLIVE there are 2 live safaris almost every day (weather & internet providing). They broadcast form the Sabi Sand (Djuma & Chitwa Chitwa for now), and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, with more areas to come. If you miss all or part of a drive, the recordings go up shortly after drive ends. These live safaris show the big and small creatures in their natural goings-about, and even on slow days there are stories, local legends, the small flora & fauna to appreciate and learn about. Best 6 hours of your day, promise. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV6HJBZD_hZcIX9JVJ3dCXQ
Thanks Vicky, very true. WildEarth provides LIVE African wildlife footage and is therefore in a category of its own. You’re welcome to view their LIVE cams here: https://africafreak.com/live-african-wildlife-webcams
Africam is another wonderful initiative, though their YouTube channel is rarely updated. https://www.youtube.com/user/Africamvideos
Cheers,
Michael