While the Big Five are known for their size and power, Africa’s Beautiful Five stand out for their elegance, bright colours or distinct markings, and fascinating behaviours. The beautiful 5 includes the lilac-breasted roller, cheetah, African wild dog, greater kudu, and giraffe, each bringing a special photo opportunity and a different charm to the safari experience.
Although these animals are only known informally as the “Beautiful Five”, these five species are a testament to conservation efforts, highlighting the need to conserve wildlife and embodying Africa’s softer, more photogenic side. Here’s a look at the wildlife beauty-pageant winners that made the list:
1. Lilac-Breasted Roller
Arguably Africa’s most eye-catching bird, the lilac-breasted roller is a beloved sighting in South Africa with its vibrant mix of blue, green, and lilac feathers. Known for its acrobatic flight patterns, it often perches high on branches, making it a favourite for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
These bursts of colour are a beautiful sight against Africa’s landscapes, but the lilac-breasted roller’s bright feathers aren’t just for show—their colours act as camouflage among the flowers, helping them avoid predators and catch insects.
Interesting Fact: The lilac-breasted roller performs courtship dives and loops, adding an extra touch of drama to its already stunning display.
3. African Wild Dog
These endangered canines, also known as “painted wolves”, stand out as one of Africa’s most beautiful animals for their bold, patchy coats and large, rounded ears.
African wild dogs are highly social and live in tight-knit packs, with cooperative hunting strategies that make them some of the most effective hunters on the continent. Their loyalty and teamwork are key to their survival, making them one of Africa’s most social animals.
- Interesting Fact: African Wild dogs have one of the highest hunting success rates in the animal kingdom, catching pursued prey more than 80% of the time.
2. Cheetah
The cheetah’s slender build, spotted coat, distinctive black “tear marks,” and breathtaking speed make it an unforgettable sight. As the world’s fastest land animal, they can also sprint up to 120 km/h (70 mph), though only for short bursts.
Though built for short bursts of speed, cheetahs spend much of their day lounging in the shade to avoid the heat and conserve energy. So, sighting a cheetah on safari is always a special occasion.
Interesting Fact: Cheetahs’ non-retractable claws provide better grip during high-speed chases, acting like cleats to keep them steady.
4. Greater Kudu
With spiralling horns and sleek, striped coats, the greater kudu is considered one of the most elegant and beautiful antelopes to see on safari. Male kudus, in particular, stand out with their majestic horns, which twist as they age.
Though they’re sometimes mistaken for the smaller, more common nyala antelope, kudus have long been a favourite on South African safaris and even serve as the official symbol of South Africa’s National Parks. Despite their size—growing up to 1.5 metres tall—kudus rely on their excellent camouflage and keen sense of hearing to avoid predators.
Interesting Fact: A male kudu’s age can be estimated by the number of spirals on his horns, with an additional twist forming approximately every two years.
5. Giraffe
The giraffe’s long neck and distinctive spotted coat make it one of the world’s most recognisable animals. Moving with a languid grace, these gentle antelope play an essential role in shaping their environment by browsing on treetop leaves and thorny branches. This unique feeding habit encourages new growth, helping to create food sources and habitats for smaller animals below.
As the tallest land animal, giraffes reach impressive heights—males can grow up to 5.5 metres (18 feet), while females reach up to 4.5 metres (14 feet). Did you know that there are 7 different species of giraffe in Africa, each with distinct patterns and markings? Interestingly, male giraffes also develop darker coats as they age, adding even more character to their unique appearance.
- Interesting Fact: Giraffes have the highest blood pressure of any land animal, allowing them to pump blood up their long necks to their brains.
A Different Kind of Safari Checklist
The Beautiful Five offer a different safari experience for those looking to expand their wildlife checklist, focusing on elegance, beauty, and fascinating behaviour. From the lilac-breasted roller’s vivid colours to the incredible social lives of African wild dogs, these five animals remind us that Africa’s wilderness isn’t just about size and strength—it’s also about the immersive and intricate ecosystem that elevates the traditional safari experience.
So, keep your camera ready and prepare for moments that will take your breath away. After all, the most beautiful encounters in nature are often the most unexpected.
Safari Cheat Sheet: Africa’s Fives
- The Big Five: Lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and buffalo.
- The Little Five: Ant lion, elephant shrew, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise and buffalo weaver.
- The Ugly Five: Spotted hyena, vulture, blue wildebeest, marabou stork and warthog.
- The Beautiful Five: Cheetah, giraffe, African wild dog, greater kudu and and lilac-breasted roller.
- The Shy Five: Aardvark, bat-eared fox, porcupine, meerkat and aardwolf.
