Africa’s “Ugly Five” is a play on the world-famous Big Five safari list. The Ugly Five pays its respects to the ‘underdogs of the wild’ and includes the top five weird looking or ‘ugly’ animals one might see on safari: the spotted hyena, the vulture, the blue wildebeest, the marabou stork, and the warthog.
When it comes to African wildlife, most people think of beautiful sunsets, lions roaring, or giraffes towering over a safari vehicle. But there’s another side to the safari experience—the Ugly Five. These animals may not win beauty contests, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of Africa’s ecosystems. Plus, their quirky appearances and fascinating behaviours make them some of the most interesting creatures to encounter on a game drive.
What are the Ugly 5?
1. Spotted Hyena
Often ridiculed for their scavenging habits and strange, “laughing” vocalisations, spotted hyenas are actually incredible animals. They’re powerful hunters in their own right, taking down up to 95% of their own prey (making them one of the most successful hunters in Africa).
In fact, they’re second only to lions in terms of dominance within the savannah’s food chain. Hyenas have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, allowing them to crush bones and access the marrow for nutrients.
Interesting Fact: A hyena’s laugh is actually a form of communication, signalling excitement or frustration to other members of its clan.
Also read: Why are Hyenas, Cheetahs, Giraffes and Hippos not part of Africa’s Big Five?
2. Vulture
Vultures might not win any awards for good looks, with their bald heads and scruffy feathers, but these scavengers are vital for keeping the ecosystem clean. They play a crucial role as nature’s recyclers, consuming carcasses that would otherwise rot and spread disease.
The lack of feathers on their heads helps them stay clean when feeding on dead animals. Despite their importance, many species of vulture are endangered due to habitat loss and poisoning.
Interesting Fact: Vultures have incredibly strong stomach acid, allowing them to digest rotting meat and kill harmful bacteria.
3. Wildebeest (Blue Wildebeest)
The wildebeest, also called the gnu (pronounced “new”), is one of the most recognisable yet quirky-looking animals on the African plains. Often mistaken for a smaller, ganglier cousin of the buffalo—thanks to its similarly shaped horns—the wildebeest is actually a type of antelope.
Its high shoulders, sloping back, and long, skinny legs give it a somewhat awkward look, but this unique structure serves it well as one of Africa’s most resilient species. Africa is home to two wildebeest species: the blue wildebeest, common in Southern and East Africa, and the rarer black wildebeest, typically found in South Africa.
Interesting Fact: Despite their clumsy appearance, wildebeest can run at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) to escape predators.
4. Marabou Stork
The marabou stork is often cited as one of Africa’s least photogenic birds, yet it’s undeniably fascinating. Standing over 1.5 metres tall with a wingspan of up to 3 metres, this massive bird has a hunched posture, an oversized beak, and a bare, pinkish head that might look peculiar but serves an important purpose.
Like vultures, marabou storks are scavengers, and their bald heads are a clever adaptation, helping them stay clean while feeding on carcasses. But they don’t rely solely on carrion. Marabou storks are also opportunistic hunters, preying on fish, small birds, and even insects.
Interesting Fact: Marabou storks have hollow leg and toe bones, which act as a natural cooling system by allowing heat to escape, helping them regulate their body temperature in the hot African sun.
5. Warthog
While the warthog may not be the most photogenic of animals with its coarse hair, warty face, and large tusks, it’s one of the most entertaining to watch. Warthogs often trot through the bush with their tails held high, serving as a flag for their young to follow.
Named for the distinctive “warts” on its face, which are actually thick pads of skin that protect it during fights with other warthogs, this pig-like animal is surprisingly nimble for their bulky appearance. Despite their ungainly looks, warthogs are quick on their feet and are known to back into burrows to protect themselves from predators with their sharp tusks at the ready.
Interesting Fact: Warthogs kneel on their front legs when grazing, using special pads on their knees to support their weight.
Africa’s Fives: Why the Ugly Five Matter
Africa’s Ugly Five may not be beauty queens, but they’re stars in their own right—each with an important role in the wild and an under-appreciated charm all their own. While they may not have fame of the Big Five or the appeal of the Beautiful Five, the Ugly Five are essential to Africa’s ecosystems.
Hyenas, vultures and marabou storks prevent the spread of disease by cleaning up carcasses, while wildebeests are a keystone species, providing food for many predators. Warthogs, meanwhile, help in recycling nutrients back into the environment and leave behind dens, holes and freshly-turned soil which many animals rely on for food and shelter.
So, the next time you go on safari, don’t just look out for the Big Five—keep an eye out for Africa’s other fives — including the Ugly Five. These quirky creatures are just as fascinating and deserve a spot on your wildlife checklist!
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.
