Two species of hard ticks, Amblyoma variegatum and Amblyomma hebraeum are the most common vectors of R. africae.[10] Typically, Amblyoma variegatum transmits the bacteria in South Africa while Amblyomma hebraeum carries R. africae throughout West, Central and East Africa and through the French West Indies.[10] Other species of Amblyomma in sub-Saharan Africa can also transmit R. africae and it may be that up to 100% of Amblyomma ticks in sub-Saharan Africa carry R. africae.[8] Amblyomma ticks are most active from November to April.[1] These tick species frequently feed on cattle and other livestock, but can also be found feeding on wild animals in areas where farm animals are not found.[7] Unlike other hard tick species, which passively seek hosts by clinging to plants and waiting for a potential host to brush by in passing, the Amblyomma hard ticks actively seek out hosts.