Africa’s Big 5 is synonymous with thrilling safari adventures. These iconic animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—were originally named for the challenge they posed to hunters, but today, they’re the stars of eco-friendly safaris.
On the flip side, Africa’s "Ugly 5" may not have the same glamour as the Big 5, but they are equally fascinating for travelers with a sense of humor and a love for the unusual.
Let's take a closer look at each of these incredible creatures, along with the best spots and seasons to see them, plus some unexpected adventure options.
I'm also sharing some photos from my own safari trip.
The Big 5
1. Lion: The King of the Jungle
Interesting Facts:
Lions are the only big cats that live in social groups, called prides.
A lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away.
Where to See Them:
Lions are widespread across southern and eastern Africa, with prime spots in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Best Time to Visit:
During the dry season (June-October), when prey gathers around waterholes and visibility is better.
Adventure Options:
Game drives at dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities to catch lions in action.
For the truly adventurous, try a walking safari with expert guides who safely bring you closer to these majestic predators.
2. Leopard: The Elusive Ghost of the Trees
Interesting Facts:
Leopards are master climbers and often haul their prey into trees to keep it safe from scavengers.
They are also known for their incredible stealth.
Where to See Them:
You can spot leopards in the Sabi Sands of South Africa or Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. They're more elusive than other Big 5 members, so patience is key!
Best Time to Visit:
Winter months (May-September) offer the best sightings, as leopards tend to hunt more openly.
Adventure Options:
Night game drives with spotlights give you the chance to see this nocturnal predator at its most active.
3. Elephant: The Gentle Giant
Interesting Facts:
Elephants are highly intelligent, with strong family bonds.
They can communicate over long distances through low-frequency sounds.
Where to See Them:
Botswana’s Chobe National Park is home to the largest concentration of elephants, while Amboseli in Kenya offers the iconic backdrop of elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro.
Best Time to Visit:
Dry season (July-October) is perfect for viewing large herds around watering holes.
Adventure Options:
River safaris along the Chobe River give you a unique vantage point to watch elephants swim and drink, an experience that’s unlike any traditional game drive.
4. Cape Buffalo: The Underrated Powerhouse
Interesting Facts:
Often overlooked, the Cape buffalo is known for its unpredictable nature and strength.
Despite their grumpy reputation, they are highly social animals, living in large herds.
Where to See Them:
South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are prime buffalo spots.
Best Time to Visit:
May to September, when herds can be found grazing in large numbers.
Adventure Options:
Combine your buffalo viewing with a canoe safari on the Zambezi River for a mix of serene landscapes and heart-pounding wildlife encounters.
5. Rhinoceros: The Endangered Heavyweight
Interesting Facts:
Rhinos are ancient animals, dating back millions of years. There are two species in Africa—black and white rhinos—with black rhinos being critically endangered.
Where to See Them:
Rhino conservation is thriving in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Namibia’s Etosha National Park.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter (May-September), when rhinos are easier to spot in the dry bush.
Adventure Options:
Tracking rhinos on foot with an expert guide is one of the most intimate and exhilarating safari experiences available.
The Ugly 5
1. Warthog:
Famous for their peculiar faces and animated running style, warthogs can be found in savannas and grasslands.
2. Hyena:
Known for their eerie laughter, hyenas are much more than scavengers—they are skilled hunters in their own right.
3. Marabou Stork:
This ungainly bird is nature’s cleaner, feasting on carrion, yet it plays an important ecological role.
4. Vulture:
While not conventionally pretty, vultures are essential to keeping ecosystems healthy by cleaning up after predators.
5. Wildebeest:
Known for their annual migration, these gangly antelope are a critical food source for many Big 5 predators.
Spotting Africa’s Ugly 5 adds a layer of fun to your safari experience. These creatures may not have the majestic beauty of the Big 5, but they are every bit as important to the balance of the wild. And you’ll come away with stories and pictures guaranteed to raise eyebrows!
How to Get There: Safari Options and Beyond
Classic game drives remain the most popular way to experience Africa: the ultimate wildlife adventure.
There are several ways to make your wildlife experience even more unique:
River cruises in Botswana along the Chobe or Zambezi Rivers allow you to see elephants, hippos, and even big cats from the water.
Walking Safaris: Available in places like Zambia, this option lets you engage with nature on foot, a thrilling and more immersive way to track wildlife.
Luxury Tented Camps: For those seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, staying in luxury tented camps offers an intimate, up-close experience of the wild without sacrificing creature comforts.
While cruises don't bring you directly into the heart of Big 5 territory, certain ocean and expedition cruises visiting Africa offer land-based extensions to prime game reserves.
Adventurous Extras for Your African Safari
For active travelers, beyond the wildlife, Africa offers plenty of exhilarating activities to spice up your safari experience:
Hot Air Balloon Rides over the Maasai Mara or Serengeti give you a bird’s eye view of the migration and predator-prey interactions.
Helicopter Tours above Victoria Falls or Namibia’s Skeleton Coast offer a jaw-dropping perspective on Africa’s vast landscapes.
Bush Walks & Tracking Expeditions, with expert trackers, bring you face-to-face with the thrill of tracking wildlife, from lions to rhinos, on foot.
Africa: the Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
Whether you want to immerse yourself in the savanna or witness wildlife from the deck of a boat, Africa’s Big 5, Ugly 5, and countless other species offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild. The possibilities for exploring Africa are as vast as the continent itself, with experiences tailored to your adventurous spirit—think adrenaline-packed days chasing wildlife or serene, reflective evenings under the stars.
With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where a travel advisor steps in. I help you navigate the options and find the perfect safari experience that matches your style, whether you want luxury lodges or more off-the-beaten-path encounters. When your trip is expertly planned and booked, you can leave the logistics to me. All you need to do is focus on the thrill of seeing these animals in their natural habitat. Imagine the thrill of every animal encounter and the adventures waiting for you – it's that easy!
Your African adventure awaits!
Escape the crowds and dive deeper into your destination with Milestones & Mondays Travel.
I turn wanderlust into extraordinary adventures, specializing in expedition cruises, intimate small ship journeys, active small group vacations, and solo escapes—perfect for active travelers who crave experiences far beyond the ordinary.
When clients turn their travel planning over to me, they receive a custom itinerary for their trip based on their travel style, desires and budget as well as a trusted advocate in their corner. I help them navigate the vast options and challenges in planning trips that are off the beaten track, with unique and immersive experiences, and I am there to provide support as needed before, during and after travel.
Along with my premium travel planning services, many of my clients receive additional amenities and benefits when booking with me and my preferred premium and luxury travel suppliers.
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Milestones & Mondays, LLC is an independent affiliate of Pickles Travel Network, a Virtuoso® Member.
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