When most people think of an African safari, the first goal is usually to spot the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. These are the icons of the wild, the heavyweight champions of the savannah, and the most celebrated animals in safari lore.
But seasoned travelers and nature lovers know there's another fascinating group that adds depth, humor, and surprise to the safari experience — the Little Five.
At Eagle Soul Adventure, we believe in showcasing both the giants and the hidden gems of East Africa’s wild lands. Whether you’re journeying through Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda, understanding both the Big Five and the Little Five will give you a richer, more complete appreciation of the ecosystem.
Originally coined by big-game hunters, the Big Five referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Today, the term celebrates these iconic creatures as must-see highlights of ethical and responsible safari travel:
Lion – The powerful and social king of the savannah.
Leopard – Elusive, elegant, and often spotted draped across tree limbs.
Elephant – Africa’s largest land mammal, known for its intelligence and memory.
Buffalo – Strong, unpredictable, and always alert.
Rhinoceros – Rare and endangered, often the most elusive of the five.
These animals captivate with their size, strength, and symbolism — and spotting all five during a safari is considered a major achievement.
In playful contrast to the Big Five, Africa’s Little Five were named to promote awareness of the smaller, often overlooked species that share the same ecosystems. Each one shares part of its name with a Big Five counterpart:
Elephant Shrew – A small, long-nosed insectivore that zips through underbrush like a miniature elephant.
Leopard Tortoise – Named for its spotted shell, this tortoise is common in dry savannahs.
Buffalo Weaver – A noisy, social bird known for its messy communal nests.
Antlion – The larval stage of this insect creates cone-shaped traps in sandy soils to capture ants.
Rhino Beetle – A small but strong insect with horn-like projections used in combat and mating displays.
While they may be small, these creatures play vital roles in the ecosystem and offer fascinating stories of survival, camouflage, and adaptability.
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Tarangire (Tanzania)
Masai Mara & Amboseli (Kenya)
Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Buffalo Weavers are common in acacia trees across East Africa.
Leopard Tortoises are often seen along game drive tracks or near waterholes.
Elephant Shrews are more elusive but can be spotted in dry brush and rocky terrain.
Rhino Beetles and Antlions are more often found during nature walks or when exploring lodge surroundings.
At Eagle Soul Adventure, our guides are trained to interpret and point out these small wonders that many others might miss.
The Big Five embody the grandeur and raw power of African wildlife. They command respect and represent some of the greatest conservation successes and challenges of our time.
But the Little Five remind us that nature is a delicate balance of big and small, seen and unseen. They encourage us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the intricate web of life that supports the savannah’s giants.
A truly complete safari experience is not just about ticking off boxes — it’s about learning, observing, and connecting with nature on all levels.
Our safaris are designed not only to give you front-row seats to the majestic Big Five but also to uncover the magic of the Little Five and the many other species that make the East African wilderness so dynamic and alive.
With our expert local guides, flexible itineraries, and a passion for storytelling, we turn every game drive, nature walk, or lodge stay into an opportunity for deeper discovery.
In Africa, the lion may roar the loudest, but even the tiniest antlion has a story to tell.
So, as you plan your East African journey, look for more than just the famous faces. Embrace the details, the underdogs, and the hidden heroes of the bush. Together, the Big Five and the Little Five paint the full picture of what makes an African safari truly unforgettable.
Ready to meet the mighty and the miniature?
Let Eagle Soul Adventure craft your immersive wildlife experience in Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda — one that celebrates nature in all its forms.
Eagle Soul Adventure – Where Wilderness Has a Voice, and You’re Invited to Listen.
