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Serval

The African continent is home to the nature paradise of South Africa. Blessed with scintillating views and abundant wildlife, scores of eager travellers flock to these shores ready to enjoy their perfect African adventure.

With a favourable climate and warm hospitality, South Africa has much to offer those needing a well-earned vacation. The Kruger National Park is famous amongst the locals and foreigners alike and is an exhilarating experience for first-time visitors as well as those who cannot get enough of it. With its staggering complement of diverse animals and stunning veld terrain, the Kruger Park’s magnificence and reputation is unrivalled. Amongst the impressive Cat family that visitors can view at the park is the Serval.

Not as widely known as other more prominent members of its family, the Serval’s name originates from the Swahili language to mean ‘Wild Cat’. The Serval has a medium-sized body and features a yellowish fur coat with black stripes, spots, and bands. For those wanting to see the Serval in action, they will likely need to organize a special night time game drive as these creatures are largely nocturnal, as well as shy and elusive. Watching them hunt is a fascinating experience as the Serval uses its sight and hearing to great effect when stalking its prey. Their hearing is quite phenomenal and they are able to hear animals moving underground before approaching them quietly and then pouncing; a Serval often also plays with its food before he eats it. Servals are usually solitary animals, only teaming up in pairs during mating season. When viewing them, visitors are told about the possible noises the cats could make; these calls include purring, growling, and spitting, while they emit shrill yelps to call other servals and also growl ferociously when they’re cornered. The Serval's natural enemies include wild dogs, leopards, and hyenas.