Procavia capensis
Table Mountain's beloved resident — and astonishingly, the elephant's closest living relative
Habitat
Rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and boulder fields across sub-Saharan Africa
Diet
Grasses, leaves, bark, and succulent plants
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
2–5 kg
The rock hyrax — known as the "dassie" in South Africa — is one of the most surprising animals you'll encounter on Table Mountain. These small, furry creatures weighing 2–5 kg are, astonishingly, the closest living relative of the African elephant. Dassies bask on sun-warmed rocks near the cable car station, seemingly unfazed by thousands of tourists who photograph them daily. They have rubber-like pads on their feet for extraordinary grip and specialised eyes with a built-in "sun visor" to watch for their main predator — the Verreaux's (black) eagle.
Habitat
Rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and boulder fields across sub-Saharan Africa
Diet
Grasses, leaves, bark, and succulent plants
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
2–5 kg
The dassie's closest living relative is the elephant — they share a common ancestor from 60 million years ago
Their foot pads work like suction cups, allowing them to climb vertical rock faces
They cannot regulate their own body temperature and must sunbathe each morning
They have tiny tusks (modified incisors) — a vestige of their elephant ancestry
Dassie urine crystallises into "hyraceum" — historically used in perfumery and traditional medicine
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best dassie (rock hyrax) viewing destinations.
Cape Town, Hermanus
From $3,890
Cape Town, Garden Route
From $11,990
Cape Town, Franschhoek
From $7,490
Cape Town, Franschhoek
From $4,997
Our expert safari consultants will craft your perfect dassie (rock hyrax) encounter — from choosing the ideal reserve to selecting the best season and lodge.
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How your safari protects African wildlife
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The Tallest Animal on Earth
