Best Places to See Pangolins
Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
While four subspecies of pangolin can be found in Asia, the best chance you have of spotting them is on safari in Africa, but you'll need a lot of luck. That's due in no small part to their reclusive nature, but also because pangolins are estimated to be the single most poached and trafficked species on the planet. Emphasis on 'estimated', because we still know so little about them, which makes it all the more special if you do come across one, walking on its back feet and using its tail as a balancing pole.
Roll With It
The word pangolin comes from the Malay word 'pengguling' which means 'one who rolls up'. Pangolins roll up into a tight ball so their overlapping armoured scales protect them from predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals.
Grounded
The formal (technically: binomial) name for the ground pangolin, the only one of the eight pangolin species found in southern and eastern Africa, is Manis temminckii.
Geography Field Trip
Pangolins practice geophagy - the swallowing of small stones and gravel - while foraging, in order to aid their digestion.
Night Owls
One of the reasons they are so difficult to spot is that pangolins are nocturnal or crepuscular (mostly active at dawn and dusk), though in cooler and drier periods they will sometimes be active during the day, such as during the winter in Tswalu Game Reserve in South Africa.
Where To See Them
While sightings are never guaranteed, you may be lucky enough to spot a pangolin in Tswalu Game Reserve in the Kalahari in South Africa, and we know the best guides and research specialists in Tswalu to ensure you have the highest chance of seeing one. For keen photographers, we can also organise a pangolin photography safari, to ensure you capture the unforgettable moment perfectly.
Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide
This rare species is at the top of my safari bucket list. Next time I'm in the Kalahari in winter I'm going to spend all week looking for one!
In Numbers
- 20% - Of their weight is made up by scales
- 15 inches - Average length of a pangolin's tongue
- 70 million - Ants and termites they eat per year
You might also like
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Our Guide to the Okavango Delta Flood Season
Flooding might conjure thoughts of chaos and suspended travel, but in the Okavango Delta, floods are a celebrated part of nature's cycle. And in 2026, that cycle is in full swing, with high rainfall and strong flooding making for a truly promising season. But why is flooding so beneficial to the Delta, and how exactly does this effect travel in 2026? Read on for the answers to all these questions and more.
5th October 2026 - Botswana Safari & Wildlife
Our Favourite States for an American Safari
Casinos in Vegas, movie stars in LA and New York’s yellow taxis all rank among the USA’s most recognisable icons but look beyond the bright lights and you’ll find the wild and wonderful world of American safaris. From Alaska’s grizzly bears to Florida’s alligators, America’s animal kingdom boasts an A-list impressive enough to rival Hollywood’s. So, ready to wield your binoculars, pull on your cowboy boots and take a walk on the wild side?
7th September 2026 - USA Safari & Wildlife
Kenya vs South Africa: Safari Favourites
Picture the scene: a hidden lion suddenly rises just a few feet away – in an instant, every sense sharpens. That’s the magic of safari. When it comes to Kenya vs South Africa, both deliver unforgettable wildlife moments, but in very different ways. What they do share, however, is expert guides narrating the scene, goosebump-inducing encounters and plenty of comfort in between – from luxurious lodges to star beds beneath African night skies.
11th May 2026 - Safari & Wildlife