South Africa occupies the southern-most tip of the African continent and as such supports a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Once named as the sixth most important biodiversity hotspot in the world, it is home to over 850 birds species and 9% of the world’s plant species. But it’s high density and diversity of large mammal species is what most people recognise this area for. A combination of national park and privately-owned reserves have protected and nurtured these species, and now tourists from all over the world flock to catch a glimpse of the notorious Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.