What Are the Small Five on Safari?

You’ve heard of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. But did you know there’s a “Small Five” too? These smaller creatures are just as fascinating!

When you’re on a safari in South Africa, look out for these pint-sized wonders.

Elephant Shrew

Firstly, don’t let the name fool you. The elephant shrew isn’t related to elephants! This tiny mammal, about the size of a mouse, gets its name from its long, trunk-like nose. Found in rocky or forested areas, they’re lightning-fast and super shy. Secondly, the elephant shrew, also known as the sengi, is a small, mouse-like mammal found in Africa. Despite its modest size—usually between 10 to 30 centimeters in length—it’s one of the most fascinating creatures you can encounter on a safari in South Africa.

The name comes from its distinctive long, flexible snout that resembles an elephant’s trunk. This trunk-like nose is highly sensitive and is used to sniff out insects, their primary food source.

Lastly, the elephant shrews have large, round eyes, which provide excellent vision—important for spotting predators. Their fur is short and sleek, often in shades of brown, grey, or reddish tones, helping them blend into their environment. Their hind legs are disproportionately long, giving them a kangaroo-like ability to leap away from danger at incredible speeds.

Best Characteristics: Their incredible speed. They can dart away in the blink of an eye!

Tip: Look for them in quiet, undisturbed areas during your safari.

Buffalo Weaver

Buffalo Weaver This bird may not seem remarkable at first, but its intricate nests are hard to miss. These weavers create large, messy structures high up in thorny trees. They are social creatures and often travel in groups.T he buffalo weaver is a social and industrious bird found in sub-Saharan Africa, commonly seen on a safari in South Africa. Known for its black or rusty-red feathers and strong beaks, this bird is famous for building large, untidy nests from sticks and grass. These nests are often found high in thorny trees, protecting from predators. Buffalo weavers are cooperative, living in colonies and sharing nest space. They feed on seeds, insects, and small fruits, often foraging on the ground. Their teamwork and resilience make them a fascinating part of Africa’s avian diversity, perfect for spotting during a safari.

Best Characteristic: Their teamwork in building nests that can house multiple families.

Tip: Scan treetops during your game drive to spot their nests.

Leopard Tortoise

The leopard tortoise is the flashy fashionista of the African savannah! With a striking shell patterned like a leopard’s spot, it’s a showstopper on any safari in South Africa. But don’t let its slow pace fool you—this tortoise is built to last, living up to 100 years! A herbivore, it munches on grass, succulents, and even bones for extra calcium. When threatened, it pulls into its “mobile fortress” of a shell. You’ll often spot them lumbering across dusty paths or basking in the sun. They’re gentle, resilient, and undeniably photogenic—perfect for your safari photo collection!

Best Characteristic: Their resilience and beautifully patterned shells.

Tip: Be patient; these creatures love to take their time!

Ant Lion 

The ant lion is a clever predator disguised as a harmless insect. Its larvae, known as “doodlebugs,” dig funnel-shaped traps in sandy soil to capture unsuspecting ants. The pits are engineering marvels—perfectly sloped so prey slides straight into the waiting jaws of the ant lion. These tiny hunters are strategic, flicking sand to disorient escaping ants. Once caught, the prey is quickly devoured. As adults, ant lions transform into delicate, dragonfly-like creatures, trading their hunting skills for pollination duties. Their ability to construct traps and ambush prey highlights their remarkable intelligence and survival instincts, making them a fascinating safari find!

Best Characteristic: Their clever hunting technique and ingenuity.

Tip: Look for their traps in loose, sandy soil.

Rhino Beetle