Six underrated animals to see on safari

Beyond the Big Five are a host of often-overlooked creatures that offer some of the most fascinating African wildlife encounters.

When it comes to a classic African safari, many travellers arrive with the same checklist: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. The Big Five have earned their place in the spotlight, and rightly so. But Africa is a vast, diverse continent and its safari destinations hold much more than these headline species. Beyond the showstoppers lies a supporting cast of equally captivating creatures: some charming, some strange and some surprisingly fierce. There are too many to name in one blog post, but we’ve compiled a list of six of our favourite animals we believe deserve a little more attention. Be sure to keep an eye out for them on your game drive—they might turn out to be your favourite sightings.

At Golilo, we want your safari to be a memorable and enriching experience. That’s why we design bespoke holidays that go beyond the obvious. That means connecting you to the perfect lodge, in the best area, with the most knowledgeable rangers. It means going deeper into the wild, enjoying authentic encounters, learning something new, and appreciating rare sightings and the stories that unfold when you look a little closer. If this sounds interesting to you, then reach out to us today and let’s start planning your African safari adventure.

Interesting, unsung African animals to look out for on your safari adventure

Giraffe

Nothing about the giraffe makes sense. It looks more like a fantastical creature dreamed up by an imaginative child than an actual animal. But it exists and seeing one in the wild is a truly memorable experience. Their height is remarkable and their curious, gentle nature is endearing. The list of fun facts about the giraffe’s unique adaptations is mind-blowing and deserves an entire blog post of its own. Stop and take the time to watch them use their long purple tongues to pluck leaves from thorny branches, or bend awkwardly to drink at a waterhole. It’s a fascinating sight to behold.

African Wild Dog

Also known as painted wolves, African wild dogs are extremely rare and don’t always get the attention they deserve. Their patchwork coats are beautiful, but it’s their behaviour that leaves a mark. They move together with purpose and coordination, hunting in packs with remarkable efficiency. In fact, they are the most successful predators in the bushveld, boasting a kill rate that far surpasses the mighty lion. If you’re lucky enough to find them before a hunt, be ready—their energy is infectious and the chase, when it happens, is fast and thrilling. Even at rest, as a social species, they’re often interacting and highly vocal. With fewer than 7,000 left in the wild, any sighting is a privilege.

Spotted Hyena

With spotted hyenas around, there is never a dull moment. They always seem to be up to mischief. Although they tend to get a bad reputation, spend a few minutes watching them and that quickly changes. Highly intelligent and social, they live in structured clans led by dominant females. Dens with young pups are a highlight, especially when the curious little ones tumble out to inspect the vehicle. As opportunists that are prone to scavenging, they are often found lurking near a recent kill — leading to regular confrontations with other predators like lion or leopard, and making for exciting game viewing.

Hippopotamus

You’ll often hear hippos before you see them: deep, echoing grunts and splashes from the water’s edge. They spend most of the day submerged, eyes and nostrils just above the surface, but when they wade out, their size is commanding. Despite their sluggish appearance, hippos are fast, territorial, very aggressive and among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Whether they're jostling for space in a river pod or yawning to show off their immense tusks, they’re hard to ignore.

Chacma Baboon

In Southern Africa, Chacma baboons are common on safari and always worth watching. You’ll likely come across a large troop moving through the landscape, grooming, foraging or causing a bit of chaos. Their behaviour can feel almost human: babies clinging to their mothers, teenagers testing boundaries, adults squabbling over snacks, an imposing elderly male sitting on his haunches as he observes all the action—it’s entertaining and insightful all at once.

Cheetah

Cheetahs are Africa’s sprint specialists, built for speed but not for power. Unlike lions or leopards, they can’t compete in areas with lots of predators, so they tend to roam more open terrain. This is one of the reasons they are a vulnerable species, making sightings relatively rare and all the more special. Cheetahs are slender, elegant cats that move with grace. If you’re lucky, you might see one crouched low in the grass, watching a distant antelope. And if the moment turns into a chase, blink and you’ll miss it.

Ready for your own unique safari experience?

Is there a specific, interesting animal you’d love to see on safari? A rare bird you’re chasing? Whether you know what you’re looking for or not, Golilo Travel is here to help. Chat to us today to start planning your African adventure, and let’s create something personal and unforgettable.