The Ugly Five – Quick Links

• The Ugly Five South Africa – An Introduction
• Ugly Five – The Warthog
• Ugly Five – The Hyena
• Ugly Five – The Vulture
• Ugly Five – The Wildebeest
• Ugly Five – The Marabou Stork
• The Ugly Five South Africa – FAQS
• The Ugly Five – Gems Of The Bushveld

The Ugly Five South Africa – An Introduction

“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne – bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.”

And there it is. Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, bottled the exact feeling that an exhilarating bush drive offers. There is the awe-inspiring grace of the giraffe,  the sheer majesty of the lion. The elusive nature of the leopard and the impressive stature of the buffalo. All of these stunning animals contribute to an immensely satisfying, even soul-stirring wildlife experience.

But more lurks in the bush. There are animals that are equally mesmerising and unique. Animals that add wonderful interludes between spotting the famed “Big Five”. While time has been spent detailing the importance of “The Little Five”, Kapama would like to explore even more: The Ugly Five.

The creatures in this article may lack the arresting presence of an elephant, but they still result in memorable wildlife opportunities. Join Kapama as we explore the motley crew of the African bushveld.

Ugly Five – The Warthog

First up are the masters of burrow life, the warthog. The first member of The Ugly Five can often be found in burrows (usually dug by the aardvark). While they are certainly not the most attractive animal that you will spot at Kapama, they are one of the most remarkable.

For instance, their warts are not just simple warts. They are thick protective growths of skin that are useful defence shields during fights with rivals. They are also incredibly social, with an emphasis on family bonds. Nursery groups are known to be formed with several sows that take care of their piglets together.

Their survival skills are also commendable. A warthog can survive without water for months, often getting moisture from their food. As for spotting them on safari? Lucky guests may spot a tail dart passing them in the bush, raised straight up like a flag. It is a signal not only for other warthogs to follow and run away from danger, but also for keen safari-goers to wait ready for a stunning photo opportunity.

Ugly Five – The Hyena

If the conversation should ever steer towards who has the most interesting vocal range in the African bush, rest assured that the hyena will get an honorary mention. Through a wide range of grunts, calls, and whoops, this animal can signal anything from alarm, excitement, and even submission.

It is, unfortunately, a victim of several unfair misconceptions. With the help of African folklore and popular culture, this member of The Ugly Five has been painted as one of the villains of the bush. The truth is that they are the embodiment of intelligence and resilience and are critical to the environment. Wrongfully thought of as cowardly scavengers, this resourceful animal is a skilled predator in its own right. It has one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, known to take down wildebeest, zebras, and even buffalo calves with ease.

There is more. This animal is known to eat nearly every part of a carcass – bones, hooves, and all. And therein lies its importance: It is a part of nature’s clean-up crew. Consuming the entire carcass prevents the spread of disease, maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

Speak to your Kapama guide about spotting the hyena on safari.

Ugly Five – The Vulture

As a fellow member of nature’s clean-up crew, there are some interesting similarities between the recognisable vulture and the hyena. For starters, none of them is winning a single beauty contest. Secondly, they also have a unique manner of communicating.

These birds observe one another keenly. As soon as one bird spots food, it begins circling, and others quickly join. It is a worldwide recognisable signal that a feast has been found. Interestingly, vultures have a unique digestive system. They have extremely acidic stomach juices, with the ability to digest rotten meat and bone fragments that would kill most animals.

Despite an awful reputation, the vulture is actually revered in some cultures. In ancient Egypt, for instance, they were seen as symbols of protection and motherhood. This is especially interesting to consider, given the perception that so many have of this member of The Ugly Five.

Ugly Five – The Wildebeest

Resembling something between a cross of a horse, buffalo, and antelope, our awkward wildebeest is next up on the list. It’s almost comical appearance aside, this animal can run up to speeds of 80 km/h to evade predators. It is also known to travel in herds that can range from mere dozens to thousands. This habit makes it incredibly hard for its enemies to single out an individual.

They can also be dubbed as ecosystem engineers. By grazing in such huge numbers, wildebeest quite literally shape the savanna landscape. Moreover, the world knows them as one of the main characters in the phenomenon that is called The Great Migration.

This is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. It is here where 1.5 million wildebeest, alongside zebras and gazelles, trek across the Serengeti each year in search of fresh grazing. Their place on this list is richly deserved.

The Marabou Stork

A selective focus shot of marabou stork walking on a grassy field

While not as famous as others on this list, the marabou stork is nonetheless a fascinating addition. It is a giant that stands nearly 1.5 meters tall with a wingspan of nearly 3 meters. Its bald head is a clever adaptation for its messy lifestyle. Since it is primarily a scavenger, it allows this bird to feed on leftover scraps and carcasses with ease.

This bird, often found in the thousands, also has an interesting nickname: The Undertaker Bird. It owes this to its dark cloak-like wings and hunched posture. The overall effect is eerie and unforgettable.

Chat to your Kapama guide about where you can spot this extraordinary safari oddity.

The Ugly Five South Africa – FAQS

Why have the animals that make up the ugly five been given this name?

The Ugly Five have earned their name due to their strange appearances and interesting body builds. They are not the most aesthetically beautiful animals, which is why they have earned a position on this list.

Are there a group of animals known as The Shy Five in Africa?

Indeed, there are. The Shy Five comprises the following animals: The aardwolf, the aardvark, the porcupine, the meerkat, and the bat-eared fox. They have been called this because they are spotted less frequently than other animals.

Does the marabou stork have any natural predators that stalk it?

It does. While the marabou stork is intimidating, it can still fall prey to animals such as hyenas and lions.

The Ugly Five – Gems Of The Bushveld

A safari experience is known to comprise a fair amount of glamour. However, the allure of spotting the famed Big Five should not distract you from the full weight of the experience. There is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself even more, and The Ugly Five is proof of that.

What they lack in postcard-perfect appeal, they make up for in their quirks, resilience, and essential place in the ecosystem. Watching a swirling flock of vultures descend on the plains is every bit as thrilling as being in the presence of a lion. The story of the Ugly Five serves as a reminder that Africa’s wildlife is not only beautiful but functional. Not just stunning, but incredibly efficient.

Contact Kapama Private Game Reserve for more information about spotting The Ugly Five.