The Big, Small, and Ugly Five: A Safari Guide for the Curious

When people think of a safari, their minds usually go straight to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. And yes, spotting these iconic animals is breathtaking — but the bush has a lot more to offer. From tiny wonders underfoot to quirky creatures that make you do a double take, there’s a whole world to discover. Let’s talk about the Big Five, Small Five, and Ugly Five — and where to find them.

The Big Five: safari legends

You know the ones — the animals everyone pictures when they think of Africa. Lions lounging in the grass, elephants wandering majestically, rhinos quietly making their way across the plains. Spotting the Big Five is the kind of moment that makes your safari feel truly unforgettable.

Lion

Lions are the ultimate symbol of the African savannah. Early morning or late afternoon game drives give you the best chance to see prides lounging, hunting, or caring for cubs. You’ll spot them across the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, often resting under acacia trees or patrolling open grasslands. Going to the southern parts of Tanzania? Then don’t skip Ruaha National Park either!

Leopard

These elusive cats are masters of camouflage. Leopards love to rest in trees, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. They’re everywhere but in some parks more tricky to find. The best place to spot them is in the southern Serengeti, especially near rocky outcrops or woodland edges.

Elephant

Gentle giants with intricate social lives, elephants are unforgettable to watch. They can be seen in almost all parks, but the big herds can be spotted wandering the savannah in Tarangire National Park, feeding along the banks of rivers in Selous, gathering around the waterholes in Mkomazi National Park or moving across the plains of the Serengeti.

Buffalo

Buffalo are strong, formidable, and surprisingly unpredictable. They graze in large herds, often in open plains where you can observe their interactions and social structure. You’ll definitely spot them, just pray it won’t be on your walking safari.

Rhinoceros

Rhinos are rare, but spotting one is a magical moment. Black and white rhinos are mostly found in Ngorongoro Crater, the rhino sanctuary in Mkomazi National Park (only black rhinos) and a few protected reserves like Ndutu and the Serengeti’s western and northern sectors. Keep your eyes peeled for these solitary, shy creatures.

The Small Five: tiny marvels

Now here’s where things get fun — the Small Five. Tiny, tricky, and easy to miss, these little guys are full of surprises. From the clever ant lion hiding in the sand to the speedy elephant shrew darting through the underbrush, they make you slow down and really pay attention to the bush.

Ant lion

A master of disguise, the ant lion digs funnel-shaped traps in sandy areas to catch unsuspecting insects. You can often spot these near sandy patches, but you’ll need a keen eye and a patient guide to really notice them.

Rhinoceros beetle

Known for its impressive horn, the rhino beetle is often found on trees, fallen logs, or amidst leaf litter in woodland and forested areas, particularly around forests and woodlands.

Leopard tortoise

These beautiful, slow-moving reptiles are easy to miss unless you’re watching the ground closely. They are commonly seen crossing dirt tracks or grazing near shrubs in most parks.

Buffalo weaver

A striking bird famous for building large, tangled nests in thorny trees. Listen for its cheerful chirping in the woodlands and savannah edges.

Elephant shrew

Tiny, darting, and fast, elephant shrews are found in dry woodlands and underbrush. Spotting one is a treat — keep your eyes on the leaf litter and be ready for quick movements, particularly in drier areas.

The Ugly Five: charm in unexpected places

And then there’s the Ugly Five. Sure, they might not win any beauty contests, but honestly, that’s part of their charm. Warthogs, hyenas, marabou storks — they’ve all got personality in spades, and watching them in action is a reminder that the wild is full of surprises, quirks, and character.

Spotted hyena 

Hyenas are highly underrated. They’re clever, resourceful, endlessly entertaining and some might even argue about their beauty. Fun fact: the leader of the pack is always a female! Their haunting calls echo at night, and they are common across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Watching them interact with the environment and each other is endlessly fascinating.

Marabou stork

Often overlooked, this stork has a striking appearance and is essential in the ecosystem as a scavenger. With a wingspan of up to 3 meters (about 10 feet), it’s an impressive sight in the sky! They gather near waterholes and open plains.

Vulture

Nature’s clean-up crew, vultures soar gracefully in search of food. Keep an eye out for them around waterholes, carcasses, and open skies across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Blue wildebeest

They might not win any beauty contests (though we beg to differ!), but blue wildebeest are endlessly fascinating. And there’s no better time to see them than during the Great Migration, when thousands of these animals move across the Serengeti plains in a breathtaking, synchronized spectacle. 

Warthog

These quirky creatures are full of personality, with their distinctive faces and tusks. Warthogs are often seen grazing on open plains or darting back to burrows.

Why you’ll love this variety

The beauty of a safari isn’t just ticking off the Big Five. It’s about noticing the little details, celebrating the unusual, and appreciating every layer of life in the bush. The Small Five teach patience, the Ugly Five teach perspective, and the Big Five? Well, they’ll take your breath away every time.

Next time you go on safari, keep your eyes wide open — and remember, the magic of Tanzania lies in both the giants and the tiny, the elegant and the awkward.

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Dreaming of discovering Tanzania’s wild surprises?

From majestic lions and elephants to tiny marvels underfoot and quirky, unforgettable creatures, the bush is full of moments that make every safari unique.

At ReWild Away, we love helping travelers explore all these layers, the grand and the overlooked, in a way that’s personal and immersive. Your journey isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s about feeling the rhythm of the wild, noticing its quirks, and letting every sighting spark wonder.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of Tanzania, just reach out. We’d love to craft your adventure together and help you bring it to life.