Africa’s Shy Five offer a different kind of safari experience—one that requires patience, a bit of luck, and an appreciation for the more elusive creatures of the wild. These five ‘shy’ animals — the aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, bat-eared fox and meerkat — prefer to stay out of sight and are naturally skittish in nature, making them tricky to spot but all the more rewarding when you do.
For safari-goers who enjoy seeking out rare animals sightings and brag-worthy encounters, spotting one of Africa’s five most secretive animals is a true highlight.
What are the Shy 5?
1. Aardvark
Aardvarks (Afrikaans for “earth pig”) are nocturnal, burrowing mammals that are rarely seen, despite their wide-spread habitat and destribution across much of Africa. The aardvark’s pig-like snout is perfect for sniffing out termites and ants, which it digs out with its powerful claws. While you might not see one on every safari, spotting an aardvark is a rare treat that few get to experience.
Some safari-goers even plan and venture out on night-time safaris or travel to remote wildlife areas with the hopes of seeing an aardvark in the wild.
Interesting Fact: Aardvarks have impressive claws on their front legs which they use to search for food (termites and ants) and break open hard-packed insect mounds. They can dig holes up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) in just 5 minutes, making them some of the best excavators in the animal kingdom.

2. Aardwolf
The aardwolf (“earth wolf” in Afrikaans) is a small and shy insectivore, preferring to feed on termites. Although closely related to hyenas, aardwolves are much smaller and less aggressive. These nocturnal animals are solitary and very rarely seen during the day.
Unlike most carnivores, the aardwolf has a highly specialised diet, feeding almost exclusively on termites. Their skittish nature and nighttime habits make them a rare but rewarding sight on safari, particularly in arid regions like the Karoo.
Interesting Fact: Unlike most carnivores, aardwolves have specialised diets consisting almost entirely of termites—up to 200,000 in a single night!
3. Porcupine
Porcupines are large, nocturnal rodents covered in sharp, hollow quills that they use for self-defence. When threatened, porcupines rattle their quills as a warning, but if the threat persists, they’ll charge backward, embedding their quills in attackers.
These animals are largely herbivorous, foraging at night for roots, fruits, and bark, making them valuable players in the ecosystem by spreading seeds and turning over soil.
Interesting Fact: While often hidden away during the day, porcupines are surprisingly common across Africa, but their secretive habits make them difficult to spot.
4. Bat-Eared Fox
The bat-eared fox gets its name from its large, rounded ears, which serve a dual purpose—helping the fox regulate body temperature and allowing it to detect insects moving underground. These small foxes are insect specialists, primarily eating termites, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Their shy, skittish nature means they often bolt at the first sign of disturbance, making them tricky to spot.
Bat-eared foxes are found in dry, open areas and are usually seen in family groups, where they use their large ears to stay alert to both prey and potential predators. Their large ears also help them regulate body temperature, making them specially suited to arid landscapes.
Interesting Fact: Bat-eared foxes are one of the few carnivores with specialised molars for grinding insects, a trait that supports their mostly insect-based diet and helps them survive in dry environments where food sources are limited.
5. Meerkat
Meerkats are highly social and are often seen in groups called “gangs” or “mobs”. They are constantly alert and cautious by nature, and can often be observed scanning the horizon (often from a vantage point) for predators and large birds of prey.
Known for their “sentry” behaviour, meerkats take turns acting as lookouts, standing on their hind legs to keep an eye out for potential threats. Their quick reflexes and underground burrows make meerkats well-equipped to avoid predators.
Interesting Fact: Meerkats are immune to certain venoms, which allows them to hunt small, venomous creatures like scorpions and centipedes without risk.
Why the Shy Five Matter
The Shy Five remind us that not all safari experiences are about the big and bold. These animals play a vital role in Africa’s ecosystems—whether it’s through pest control, aerating the soil, or keeping predator populations in check. Spotting them may require a little extra effort, but it’s a rewarding experience that showcases the quieter side of Africa’s wilderness.
So, on your next safari, keep an eye out for the Shy Five. It might take some patience, but the reward of spotting one is a true safari achievement.
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.