Most interactions with these species are confined to Africa's Game Reserves but a negative encounter with any of them almost always results in mortality.
It is imperative to beware of these animals that can actually kill you in Africa. If you follow basic safety guidelines, they pose little threat to your safety.
Most of the species on this list are confined to Africa's Game Reserves and safaris and it is unlikely that mundane daily activities would expose you to them. However, it is good to be aware of Africa's so-called dangerous species, so that you can avoid any negative interactions by treating them with the respect they deserve. It is a sad reality, but most of the species on this list have more reason to be wary of humans than we do of them.
1. Mosquito
Mosquitoes are probably Africa's single biggest killer. They are responsible for killing more Africans than any other through the spread of malaria, dengue and other diseases. Malaria is only spread by the female Anopheles mosquito though different genuses carry different diseases, including potentially fatal illnesses like yellow fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever and malaria. In 2016, 445,000 people were killed worldwide by malaria, 91% of them in Africa. If you're visiting a country in Africa, avoid areas with stagnant water, request for a mosquito net and come armed with your mosquito repellant.
2. African Lion
Under normal circumstances, lions do not usually target humans. However, It is thought that sick or elderly lions who are no longer able to hunt stronger prey may turn to humans as a source of easy food, killing an estimated 250 people per year in Africa. Man-eating lions like the ones who famously killed over 100 men working on a railway in Kenya's Tsavo region in 1896 have given the species a fearsome reputation. Opportunistic attacks may also occur in areas where the lions' natural prey has been depleted.
3. Black Rhino
The critically endangered black rhino is hot-tempered, short-sighted and considered more aggressive than the white rhino. However, both the white and black rhino will charge when threatened, and both have been responsible for a number of human deaths. The black rhino will charge readily at any perceived threat, has two sharp horns and can reach speeds of up to 55 km/ph. The largest male on record weighed in at over 6,380 lb/ 2,890 kg.
4. Black Mamba
The Black Mamba’s are not black at all, but brown/olive skinned. They are one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes and feared in East, Central and Southern Africa. They are aggressive when cornered and do not hesitate to strike. They live in savanna, scrub, tree hollows, and sometimes people’s homes. Each blow from a Black Mamba delivers enough neuro and cardio-toxic venom to kill a dozen men within one hour. Without anti-venom, the mortality rate is 100%.
5. Puff Adder
The Puff Adders are considered to be Africa’s deadliest snakes because they are responsible for the most human fatalities. The Puff Adder has large fangs and its venom is powerful enough to kill a grown man with a single bite. Puff Adders rely on camouflage for protection and lie still if approached. Because of this, people tend to step on them and get bitten.
6. African Elephant
It is quite unlikely that you'd bump into a 12,000 lb outside a wildlife reserve, but if you do, it would be wise to steer clear. Estimates suggest that elephants are responsible for the deaths of around 500 people every year while approximately 55 African elephants are killed every day by poachers. Most attacks are recorded to have happened during musth, a period of sexual activity during which their testosterone levels increase dramatically. At this time, male elephants are particularly aggressive, often attempting to trample any animal that comes too close.