Enhance your reading experience—immerse yourself in the adventure with our audio version. Click play and let the sounds of Africa captivate you!
Going on an African safari? Don’t just look for the Big 5—there are rare safari animals that are just as fascinating. Learn about these elusive creatures and where to find them!
Seeing animals wild and free in the veld of Africa or traversing some impossibly rocky terrain with dainty but surefooted paws and hooves is the stuff that every traveller who yearns for the wildest continent dreams of seeing.
In Africa, watching elephants roaming free, lions lounging under the shade, and rhinos standing tall against the golden horizon is only a small part of the whole experience.
Although the Big 5 are the most talked-about animals, often the main attraction for those on safari, there’s so much more to Africa than meets the eye.
Deep in the bush, under the scrub, and hidden from view behind rocks, there’s a secret world of rare safari animals.
These rare safari animals may not appear on the covers of travel brochures, but they are utterly mesmerising to encounter, and their elusive nature makes sightings even more rewarding.
From nocturnal hunters to the shiest of forest dwellers, in this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the lesser-known stars of the safari world.
What Is the Rarest Animal to See on Safari?
It is difficult to say which animal is the rarest of all because each of the rare safari animals on this list is exceptionally unique and rare to see.
Why these animals are so rare comes down to a few factors.
To start with, a few of the creatures on this list are rare because their numbers in the wild are dwindling, almost always due to poaching activities, which are increasingly difficult to monitor and tackle as poaching becomes more widespread and sophisticated.
Another reason why these critters are a rare sighting is their more elusive nature. Many of the animals on our list are masters at staying out of sight, and when they hear the rumbling of a safari vehicle, they tend to stay out of the way. It also doesn’t help that many of these animals are nocturnal, only visible during night safaris or by exceedingly lucky visitors who spot the animal in a camp.
Here are some of Africa’s rarest safari animals, and to see any of these creatures, you require patience, luck, and a bit of expert guidance never hurt.
Aardvark
- Scientific Name – Orycteropus afer
- Distribution – Sub-Saharan Africa
- Best Place to See It – Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
- Habitat – Grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs
- Diet – Ants and termites
The aardvark is a true enigma, an adorable nocturnal burrower with a pig-like snout and rabbit-like ears. It is often confused with an anteater, but while they do look somewhat similar, they are not related.
Despite being widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, these rare safari animals are rarely seen due to their secretive, night time habits. Safari guides often speak of it with reverence, as catching a glimpse of one is a special moment.
The aardvark is often called the “Architect of Africa” because the burrows it creates give other animals a safe and warm place to sleep during the winter months. Winter also happens to be the best time to see these fascinating animals.
Pangolin
- Scientific Name – Pholidota
- Distribution – Central and Southern Africa
- Best Place to See It – Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Habitat – Forests, grasslands, and savannahs
- Diet – Ants and termites
The pangolin is one of Africa’s most elusive animals and the only animal in the world covered in tough, overlapping scales. There are 4 species, and each is similar in looks.
With a shy, nocturnal lifestyle, pangolins stay curled up in a tight ball when threatened, making them even harder to spot in the wild.
Pangolins are among the most poached animals in Africa and are severely endangered. The animals are killed for their meat, which is a delicacy in some cultures, and for their scales, which are incorrectly believed to have medicinal properties.
Those lucky enough to see one of these rare safari animals should count it as a true safari blessing.
Serval
- Scientific Name – Leptailurus serval
- Distribution – Across Africa, but sparse in some regions
- Best Place to See It – Masai Mara, Kenya
- Habitat – Wetlands and grasslands
- Diet – Rodents, birds, and reptiles
This long-legged feline, often mistaken for a miniature cheetah, is a master hunter with a striking coat. They tend to prefer their own company, only pairing up during mating season.
Although they are spread out widely in Africa and are native to 35 countries, they are a rare sight to see.
Though widespread, servals are excellent at staying hidden in the tall grass, making sightings an unexpected but welcome surprise.
African Wild Dog
- Scientific Name – Lycaon pictus
- Distribution – Scattered across Africa
- Best Place to See It – Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
- Habitat – Open woodlands and grasslands
- Diet – Antelope, birds, and small mammals
Also known affectionately as painted dogs, with their beautifully mottled coats and strong social bonds, African wild dogs are an absolute joy to watch.
Their numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss and disease, making them one of the most endangered predators in Africa.
Black Rhino
- Scientific Name – Diceros bicornis
- Distribution – Pockets of Eastern and Southern Africa
- Best Place to See It – Namibia’s Etosha National Park and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater
- Habitat – Dry savannahs, shrublands, and deserts
- Diet – Leaves, twigs, and shrubs
The black rhino is one of the most critically endangered mammals on the planet, with fewer than 5000 remaining.
Unlike the larger and more commonly seen white rhino, black rhinos are browsers, using their hooked lips to pluck leaves from thorny bushes.
They are highly territorial and tend to be more aggressive, making sightings both exhilarating and rare, especially if you see them running. Their small size allows them to reach speeds of up to 55km/h!
Because of relentless poaching, the black rhino is heavily protected, and there are numerous anti-poaching initiatives being run across the continent, with many rangers giving their everything, sometimes even their lives, to keep these animals safe.
Honey Badger
- Scientific Name – Mellivora capensis
- Distribution – Across Africa, but rarely seen
- Best Place to See It – Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, and the Kalahari Desert
- Habitat – Woodlands, savannahs, and dry scrublands
- Diet – Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and honey
Despite being widespread, the honey badger is notoriously elusive. Small but fearless, this creature has a well-earned reputation for toughness and is willing to take on venomous snakes, lions, and even leopards.
These rare safari animals are mostly nocturnal in areas where they face threats, making them incredibly hard to spot on a regular safari.
Their intelligence and problem-solving skills are legendary, with some even known to escape enclosures by stacking rocks or unlocking gates.
Seeing one in the wild is a rare privilege, and your chances of seeing one often increase if you book a guided game drive.
What Is Special About These Animals?
Each of these creatures contributes to Africa’s rich ecosystems, which alone makes them special.
And if you happen to cross paths with one of them, their appearance is not just really exciting but proves that a safari isn’t just in the famous Big 5 but also in the rare and elusive species that like to stay out of the limelight.
- Aardvarks are ancient creatures, related to elephants despite their odd appearance.
- Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales, using them as armour.
- Servals can jump nearly 10 feet in the air to catch prey.
- African wild dogs have a hunting success rate of nearly 80%, making them some of the most efficient predators in Africa.
- Black rhinos are smaller but more aggressive than white rhinos, capable of charging at speeds of up to 34 mph when they feel threatened.
- Honey badgers are fearless and highly intelligent, known for their ability to escape enclosures, raid beehives despite painful stings, and even fight off much larger predators like lions.
Which Animals Are Elusive?
Many rare safari animals are hard to find due to their nocturnal habits, low population numbers, or excellent camouflage. Of all the rare animals on our list, these are the most elusive.
- Aardvarks and pangolins are active mainly at night, meaning most safaris won’t catch a glimpse unless a special night time drive is arranged.
- Servals disappear into the tall grass, requiring a keen eye and a bit of luck to spot.
- African wild dogs walk huge distances, meaning they may be in one area one day and gone the next.
This elusiveness only adds to the excitement of a sighting. Many safari-goers return year after year, hoping to check one of these rare sightings off their list.
What Are the Big 5?
The Big 5 include the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, and were originally named not for their size but for the difficulty in hunting them on foot. Today, they are the most sought-after animals on safari, and in many ways, they are the epitome of the whole experience.
While the Big 5 are undeniably incredible to see, there is a whole world of rare safari animals also waiting to be seen. Spotting an aardvark or a pangolin might not be as easy as finding a lion, but it’s an achievement that few can claim.
Plan Your Safari To See Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Attractions
The African wilderness is endlessly full of surprises, and the most rewarding safari experiences often come from the unexpected. All you need is time, patience and the company of a really great guide.
