Crocodiles are survivors that have been around for over 200 million years, outliving the dinosaurs and inhabiting the tropical waters of Africa.
One very large resident of the Serengeti River, the hippopotamus, might seem like a quiet animal, but in reality, it is considered dangerous and should be approached with caution.
The South African otter can live on land and water, feeding on fish, plankton, amphibians, birds, and other small mammals.
Giant tigerfish are found in the African Congo River, have large, sharp teeth and are very predatory.
Watch out for the Zambezi River’s bull shark which can swim in warm, shallow waters and is known to be aggressive.
Sometimes referred to as a seacow, the African manatee usually eats plants and is located in Western waters.
African fish eagles are seen as well as heard when they are screaming right before a dive into the Chobe River for their next meal.
Plenty of fish are sighted in African rivers and they include the snakeheads with long fins, a large mouth, gills for breathing, and shiny teeth.
Given the name, xenopus, which translates to “strange foot,” an African clawed frog has a flattened head and body with no tongue or ears.
The Nile monitor is an excellent swimmer with a muscular body, a set of sharp teeth, and quick legs for running on land when it is not swimming in a Central or South African river.