In early pre-history Cape Town was once home to species such as the African bear and Sabre-tooth tiger.

Due to increasing populations and the climate conditions however, these species died out, and the Cape is now home to smaller wildlife species which have adapted to the environment.

Smaller mammals such as dassies, porcupine, Wild hare, Field mice, mongoose, Vervet monkey, squirrel, baboon and a range of zebra, klip springer, Mountain goat and other species are commonly found across the national parks, mountain and forest areas.

In some parts of the Cape, it is rumoured that leopards can still be found – especially in the areas just outside of Cape Town, such as Du Toits Pass. As leopards are notoriously shy and hard to spot, it is hard to know if they really do still roam these areas.

Reptiles in the Cape include a wide diversity of snakes, including Puff adder, Cape cobra, Mole snake and boomslang. Some of these species are highly poisonous, especially the Cape cobra, and should never be disturbed if they are seen.

Aside from snakes, the Cape is home to a number of lizard species, as well as tortoises (including the gigantic Mountain tortoise) frogs and insects including a spectacular array of butterflies.

There are a number of parks, zoos and wildlife centres around the Cape region including Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain National Park and other places which offer visitors the chance to see the region’s animal species up close during their Southern African holiday experience.