Africa's Fives

The Big, the Small, the Shy, and the Beautiful

Beyond the Big 5

Expand Your South African Safari Checklist

Africa’s wildlife goes way beyond just the famous Big Five. While lions and elephants often steal the show, South Africa is teeming with fascinating creatures and rare sightings—some tiny, some terrifying, and others… well, let’s just say they have faces only their mothers could love. 

Sure, spotting the Big 5 is a bucket-list safari experience, but South Africa’s game reserves and safari parks are filled with so much more. So, next time you head out on safari, challenge yourself to go beyond the obvious big game sightings. After all, isn’t the joy of safari about the unexpected moments?

The Big 5

The Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—are the legends of the safari world. Initially given their title by hunters due to how dangerous they were to hunt on foot, they now represent the ultimate “Big Five” (also Big 5) animals to sight in the wild.

Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard—they’re often the hardest to spot (excuse the pun), but can typically be seen lounging in trees or hunting under the cover of night.

What are Africa's Big Five?

Traditionally, the Big Five includes:

  • African Elephant
  • African Lion
  • Black Rhinoceros
  • Southern African Leopard
  • Cape Buffalo

The Small "Little" 5

Africa’s “Small Five” (also called the “little 5” or “small 5”) are playful nod to the Big Five, and are miniature marvels of the bush. These five tiny creatures often go unnoticed by most safari-goers, but sighting them adds a delightful layer of discovery and appreciation to any wildlife adventure.

What are Africa's Small Five?

  • Ant Lion
  • Rhinoceros Beetle
  • Buffalo Weaver
  • Elephant Shrew
  • Leopard Tortoise

The Ugly 5

The Ugly Five may not win any safari beauty contests, but they’re essential members of Africa’s complex ecosystems. These five animals—hyena, vulture, wildebeest, marabou stork, and warthog—play an essential role in keeping the savannahs and grasslands in balance.

What are Africa's Ugly Five?

  • Spotted Hyena
  • Vulture
  • Marabou Stork
  • Blue Wildebeest
  • Warthog

The Beautiful 5

The Beautiful Five (beautiful 5) are considered some of Africa’s most vibrant and photogenic species, making them a favourite sighting amongst wildlife photographers and seasoned safari-goers. Known for their distinct markings, colours, and elegant movements, they add an extra layer of magic to the safari experience.

What are Africa's Beautiful Five?

  • Lilac-Breasted Roller
  • Cheetah
  • Greater Kudu
  • African Wild Dog
  • Giraffe

The Shy 5

The shy five (the shy 5) are named after their elusive and ‘skittish’ nature, making them some of Africa’s rarest sightings to see in the wild. These animals often  prefer to stay out of the limelight, blending into their surroundings or only appearing under specific conditions. Spotting them requires patience, stealth, and perhaps a little luck—but it’s a true safari achievement (worthy of bragging) when you do.

What are Africa's Shy Five?

  • Aardvark
  • Aardwolf
  • Porcupine
  • Bat-Eared Fox
  • Meerkat

A Quick Guide to South Africa's Fives

The Big Five: Lion, elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo, leopard

The Small Five: Ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise

The Ugly Five: Spotted hyena, vulture, marabou stork, wildebeest, warthog

The Shy Five: Aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, bat-eared fox, meerkat

The Beautiful Five: Lilac-breasted roller, cheetah, African wild dog, greater kudu, giraffe