7 Fantastic Animals To See On Safari And The Best Places To Find Them Jan.1.2021 For me, there is nothing more magical and thrilling than a safari driving, walking, or even paddling through my favorite continent. With over 1,100 mammal species, 2,600 different birds (who spend all or part of their lives here), and 3,000 species of fish calling the continent home, Africa is where to come when you want a close-up encounter with wildlife. Most of the species you will see on a safari are unique to Africa and are instantly recognizable, from the renowned "Big Five" to the stripes, spots, and colors of the other animals of the African landscape.