Dassie (Rock Hyrax)
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
About the Dassie (Rock Hyrax)
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 & Diet
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
Best Viewing Locations
- Table Mountain summit
- Cape of Good Hope
- Hermanus cliffs
Fascinating Facts About Dassie (Rock Hyrax)
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
Safari Packages to See Dassie (Rock Hyrax)
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best dassie (rock hyrax) viewing destinations.
Garden Route & Big Five Eastern Cape Safari
Cape Town, Hermanus
From $3,890
Iconic Southern Africa Grand Tour — Cape Town to Chobe
Cape Town, Garden Route
From $11,990
Romantic Southern Africa Honeymoon — Bush, Beach & Wine
Cape Town, Franschhoek
From $7,490
Cape Town & Sabi Sands Luxury Honeymoon — Wine, City & Big Five
Cape Town, Franschhoek
From $4,997
Ready to See Dassie (Rock Hyrax) in the Wild?
Our expert safari consultants will craft your perfect dassie (rock hyrax) encounter — from choosing the ideal reserve to selecting the best season and lodge.
Plan Your Dassie (Rock Hyrax) Safari
Safari Experiences
Big Five game drives, walking safaris & more
Safari Lodges
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Destinations
Kruger, Sabi Sands, Masai Mara & beyond
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip around peak wildlife seasons
Safari Costs
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Conservation
How your safari protects African wildlife
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