ARP Africa Travel Blog – The Ugly Five

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If you are planning an upcoming African safari, the magnificent array of animals you will encounter on your travels are surely at the forefront of your mind, and a key motivation for your trip. All the animals you are in with a chance of seeing whilst on an African safari are magnificent creatures, and anyone that has been fortunate enough to embark on a safari adventure will assure you that seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Many tourists, animal lovers, and adventurers list an African safari at the top of their bucket list, spending years longing to visit the continent with wishes of seeing the Great Migration, infamous endangered species before it’s too late, and of course, the Big Five: The African Bush Elephant, Lions, Leopards, Black Rhinoceros’ and African Buffalos.

Whilst The Big Five are more often than not on every safari-goers list, The Ugly Five are a real spectacle, too. But what animals have made the iconic Big Five, and which have been awarded the somewhat unglamorous status of The Ugly Five?

The Big Five

Famous the world over for their important roles in the African ecosystem, these five animals are the most popular, but elusive animals to see whilst on safari in Africa, with many visitors hoping to catch just a glimpse of any one of these animals whilst on their trip, due to their iconic status. It was this status that led to the coining of the name ‘The Big Five,’ with many describing these animals as the most elusive and difficult to spot on safari. Now, this is a term used across the globe, travel experts, and wildlife enthusiasts, and one that is recognised by many.

The big five are characterised by their large stature and reputation as some of Africa’s most well-known inhabitants. This group of animals include:

African Bush Elephants
Lions
Leopards
Black Rhinoceroses
African Buffaloes

The Ugly Five

While the Ugly Five may not be the most conventionally attractive animals, hence their categorisation, they are all important members of their ecosystems and play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of nature, just like their esteemed counterparts, The Big Five. The Ugly Five are also fascinating creatures to observe, and many visitors to Africa enjoy seeing them up close on safari.

Wildebeests

Wildebeests, also known as Gnu within Africa, are sociable, large, hoofed mammals with long faces. These large antelope animals are native to both Eastern and Southern Africa and are perhaps most well-known as the safari animals that are at the heart of The Great Migration, during which millions of these incredible animals travel vast distances across the plains to search for their next patch of fresh, grazeable land.

Warthogs

Warthogs are members of the pig family, which are often found in wild grasslands, savanna, and woodland in areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Recognised by their distinctive tusks, Warthogs are surprisingly social animals, often living in herds of around thirty animals. Fast runners and excellent diggers, Warthogs are integral to the African ecosystem, controlling insect and smaller prey populations, whilst also dispersing seeds and creating new habitats.

Spotted Hyenas

Best known for their distinctive spotted coat and ‘whooping laugh’ Spotted Hyenas are the most common species of Hyena. The animals are often thought of as scavengers, much like Vultures, however Spotted Hyenas are extremely skilled hunters. Found in sub-Saharan Africa, Spotted Hyenas are extremely skilled in controlling the population of herbivores, these hyenas live in large clans and are led by the dominant female.

Marabou Storks

Marabou Storks are native to sub-Saharan Africa, and are characterised by their large beaks, distinctive appearance, and bald heads. Similarly, to Vultures, Marabou Storks are often found grazing on animal carcasses with their diet mainly consisting of carrion, fish, and small mammals. These birds are integral to the African ecosystem and help out other safari animals by cleaning up carcasses that would otherwise spread disease.

Vultures

Similar to the above Marabou Storks, Vultures play an important role in Africa by cleaning up carcasses and mitigating the spread of disease. Vultures are large birds with bald heads and hooked beaks and are known for their somewhat sinister scavenging behaviour.

The Ugly Five Safari Animal-Spotting Tips

Aiming to spot both The Ugly Five and The Big Five safari animals is a great way to ensure you really make the most of your African safari trip. When you are next scouting the bush and African plains for your safari animals, make sure to make the most of our top tips:

Make sure to ask your guide for their advice. If there is a certain safari animal that you want to spot, your guide will know their behaviour and where they are often spotted, making sure you have the best possible chance to see them.
Always pack binoculars for your trip! You will really notice the difference on the game drives when you have binoculars at hand.
Make sure to take your time and always be patient.
If you are lucky enough to encounter the animals up close, ensure to follow all the instructions of your guide, and do not make any sudden movements to avoid startling them.

Booking Your Safari Trip

If you are interested in booking an upcoming safari trip to get a chance to spot The Ugly Five, The Big Five, or both, get in touch with our team. With our valued and experienced partners, years of experience and genuine passion for African safaris, we are sure to help you plan the safari experience of a lifetime.

Welcome to the five ugliest animals in Africa