When you think of an African safari, the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—probably steal the show. But have you ever heard of their miniature counterparts? Meet the Little Five of Africa—tiny creatures named in playful contrast to their larger namesakes. While they may not be as famous, they’re just as fascinating once you get to know them.
Spotting the Little Five takes patience, sharp eyes, and a bit of luck. But that’s what makes the experience even more rewarding. So, let’s dive into the world of Africa’s small wonders!
Rhinoceros Beetle
Looking like a mini rhino in armor, this beetle sports a horn on its head and is incredibly strong for its size. In fact, rhinoceros beetles can carry up to 850 times their own weight! They’re usually harmless to humans and can be spotted on tree trunks or under logs.
Size: Around 2–6 cm
Where to find: Forests, savannahs, and near decomposing wood
Fun fact: They’re among the strongest animals on Earth by body weight.
Elephant Shrew
Don’t let the name fool you—elephant shrews aren’t elephants or shrews. These pint-sized insectivores have long, flexible noses (hence the name), and they zip through the underbrush like little bullets. Weighing less than a bar of soap, they can cover ground surprisingly fast and are incredibly hard to spot in the wild.
Size: Around 10–30 cm
Where to find: Rocky outcrops, scrublands, and dry savannahs
Fun fact: Despite their size, they’re genetically closer to elephants than rodents!
Buffalo Weaver
This small bird definitely channels the energy of its larger namesake. Buffalo weavers are known for their noisy chatter and the giant, messy communal nests they build in trees. These nests often have multiple chambers, kind of like a bird apartment complex.
Size: About 20–23 cm
Where to find: Trees in savannah or woodland areas
Fun fact: Their nests can house several generations of birds at once.
Leopard Tortoise
This beautiful tortoise gets its name from the black and yellow spots on its shell, which resemble leopard markings. Leopard tortoises are the largest of the Little Five and surprisingly good swimmers. They graze on grasses and can live for decades in the wild.
Size: Can reach up to 70 cm in length
Where to find: Grasslands and semi-arid regions
Fun fact: They’re one of the few tortoise species that can swim.
Antlion
You probably won’t see the antlion itself, but its trap gives it away. These small insects dig cone-shaped pits in the sand to catch ants and other bugs. Once something falls in, it’s game over. The antlion flicks sand to keep its prey from escaping—pure genius!
Size: About 1–3 cm (larva stage)
Where to find: Dry, sandy areas
Fun fact: Adult antlions look like delicate dragonflies, but their larvae are the true hunters.
How to Spot the Little Five on Safari
Finding the Little Five requires a different kind of safari mindset. Here are a few tips:
- Go with an expert guide who knows what to look for
- Join a walking safari—you’re more likely to notice the little creatures on foot
- Bring binoculars and a macro lens for close-up shots
- Stay curious and observant—you’ll be amazed at what shows up
With the right guide, gear, and a sharp eye, spotting the Little Five can be just as thrilling as seeing the Big Five—if not more rewarding.
Seeing lions roar or elephants march across the plains is breathtaking. But watching a buffalo weaver fuss over its nest or spotting an antlion’s trap in the sand? That’s next-level safari magic.
So, when you plan your African adventure with Big Cats Safari, don’t just chase the big guys—take a moment to look closer. You might just fall in love with the Little Five.
