Introducing The “Ugly 5”: Africa’s Least Attractive (but weirdly cute?) Species

The most exhilarating part about an African Safari is the unpredictability of Mother Nature and her species; you never know what animals, encounters, and interactions you’ll see. While the excitement of what creatures you may come across is half the fun, many safari goers like to go in with a desired bucket list of the “Big 5”: Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. However, not to be left out of the search party is a group of species known as the “Ugly 5”, affectionately known for being the least attractive of the African animal kingdom.

But don’t underestimate the Ugly 5 — beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so the line between “ugly” and “cute” is highly subjective, and beneath the surface each of these species exhibit their own special characteristics and skills and play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the circle of life.

Let’s take a closer look at the oh-so-endearing species that make up the Ugly 5.

Hyena

With its spotted coat, protruding teeth, and unnerving cackling laugh-like sounds, the hyena can be perceived as un-aesthetically pleasing, but there is so much to appreciate about them. Often perceived as sneaky scavengers, hyenas are truly intelligent and social animals that hunt for their food and exhibit shocking bravery against the most intimidating of predators. Never underestimate the tactics of a hungry hyena!

Warthog

The endearing animal that many tourists love to refer to as “Pumba” thanks to the influence of the Disney phenomenon Lion King, the warthog is always a treat to see trotting through the African savannah. With its disproportionately large head, large tusks, and bristly hair, the warthog’s appearance may not exactly be sleek and chic, but they are certainly entertaining and worthy of a photoshoot if you’re quick enough to capture them before they run away with their tail high in the air.

Marabou Stork

The marabou stork is perhaps the least known member of the Ugly 5, and finding its attractiveness will be a bit of a stretch except for the most dedicated of birders. With their bald blotchy reddish head, bristly hair, and wrinkled neck, these birds are unlikely to be winning any beauty contests. However, they serve an important ecological role as scavengers, consuming dead animals and cleaning up the environment.

Vulture

Vultures are another scavenging bird species that have a bit of a dreary appearance. With their bald heads and beady eyes, they may not be the prettiest creatures, but they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by eating dead animals and preventing the spread of disease. Plus, they're a great signal on safari: if there are vultures circling overhead, there's a good chance there was a recent kill made on the ground below.

Wildebeest

The wildebeest is often seen grazing on the grasslands amongst antelope and zebra. The wildebeest's lanky build, shaggy mane, and eccentric facial structure may give them a look only a mama could love, but they are extremely interesting animals, undertaking one of the largest migrations in the world, with millions of members of this species following the rains across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, making up one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Now we know not to judge a book by its cover, and to appreciate each of these “Ugly 5” members for their incredible skills, unique qualities, and contributions to the ecosystem. It’s exciting to spot any one of them in the African landscapes and you’re sure to see the beauty no matter what your safari sightings have to offer.