When you think of a Kenyan safari, your mind likely races to the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. But did you know Kenya is also home to a much smaller yet equally captivating, group of animals called the Small 5?
These pint-sized creatures often go unnoticed, but they carry massive charm, unique adaptations, and quirky behaviors that make them worth your attention.
In this guide, we’ll explore the Small 5 animals in Kenya, fascinating creatures that often go unnoticed by safari tourists.
What Makes the Small 5 Animals in Kenya So Special?
The term “Small 5” was coined to complement the more famous Big 5. Each of the Small 5 animals shares part of its name with a Big 5 counterpart, but that’s where the similarities end. These small 5 animals in Kenya may be lesser-known, but they offer unique encounters that rival even the Big 5.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Small 5 | Named After |
|---|---|
| Elephant Shrew | Elephant |
| Ant Lion | Lion |
| Rhinoceros Beetle | Rhinoceros |
| Buffalo Weaver | Buffalo |
| Leopard Tortoise | Leopard |
Let’s dive into each of these fascinating creatures and uncover the secrets they carry.
1. Elephant Shrew: The Speedy Snout
Despite its name, the Elephant Shrew isn’t a shrew and it’s not related to elephants either. But it does have a long, trunk-like nose that constantly twitches as it searches for insects.
Fascinating Facts:
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Can run up to 28 km/h faster than some lizards!
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Uses leaf trails and cleared pathways like mini highways
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Mostly active during the day (diurnal)
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Found in Samburu and Tsavo regions
Safari Insight: If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse near dry bushes or rocky terrain, but blink and you’ll miss it.
2. Ant Lion: The Sand Assassin
The Ant Lion may sound harmless, but it’s a miniature predator with genius hunting tactics. As a larva, it digs cone-shaped traps in the sand and waits for unsuspecting ants to fall in.
Fascinating Facts:
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Not a lion at all — more closely related to lacewings
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Uses vibration sensors to detect prey
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Lives mostly underground in its larval stage
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Adult Ant Lions resemble small dragonflies
Safari Insight: Look closely at sandy ground around lodges or dry riverbeds — you may spot the spiral traps!
3. Rhinoceros Beetle: The Horned Powerlifter
One of the strongest insects on the planet, the Rhinoceros Beetle is a marvel of nature. Its thick shell and prominent horn make it look like a miniature armored tank.
Fascinating Facts:
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Can lift 850 times its body weight
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Uses horn to fight other males for mates
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Nocturnal and often found near trees and compost
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Totally harmless to humans
📝 Safari Insight: You’re most likely to see it at night near camp lights. Guides at Ol Pejeta or Laikipia lodges can help point them out.
4. Buffalo Weaver: The Noisy Engineer
Buffalo Weavers are social birds known for their chaotic, messy nests made of twigs and sticks. They get their name from often being seen near African buffalo — picking insects off their backs.
Fascinating Facts:
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Live in colonies, sometimes up to 20 birds in one nest
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Their nests resemble a giant tangle of sticks
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Very vocal — chirps, trills, and calls fill the bush air
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Found in most parks, especially Lake Naivasha and Amboseli
Safari Insight: Listen for their chatter around your camp — they’re some of the first to rise and last to sleep.
5. Leopard Tortoise: The Camouflaged Wanderer
Named for its leopard-like shell patterns, the Leopard Tortoise is the most visible of the Small 5. It roams open savannahs and grasslands, munching on plants and even bones for calcium.
Fascinating Facts:
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Can live over 100 years
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One of the few tortoises that can swim
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Has a highly domed shell with eye-catching spots
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Often seen after rains, crossing roads or munching on succulents
Safari Insight: You’ll often find it in Tsavo, Maasai Mara, or Meru — just ask your guide to keep an eye on the roadside!
Why the Small 5 Matter on Safari
Most tourists obsess over the Big 5 — and rightfully so. But the Small 5 offer a whole different level of safari magic:
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They challenge you to observe more deeply
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Their unique behaviors are mind-blowing
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Spotting all five is a true badge of safari honor
Guides love guests who ask about the Small 5 — it shows curiosity, respect for nature, and a deeper connection to the ecosystem.
Where Can You Spot the Small 5 in Kenya?
While sightings aren’t always guaranteed, here are some hotspots:
| Location | Small 5 Commonly Seen |
|---|---|
| Samburu National Reserve | Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise |
| Maasai Mara | Leopard Tortoise, Buffalo Weaver |
| Tsavo East/West | Rhinoceros Beetle, Ant Lion |
| Lake Naivasha | Buffalo Weaver |
| Meru & Laikipia | Good mix of all 5, especially tortoises & beetles |
Best strategy: Tell your guide early in the trip you’re on a Small 5 mission — they’ll love the challenge!
How to Capture the Small 5 on Camera
Photographing the Small 5 can be tricky — here’s what helps:
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Use a camera with good zoom or macro capabilities
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Early morning light works best for sharp focus
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Shoot from low angles for beetles and shrews
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Use a fast shutter speed to catch quick movements
Even if you can’t capture them all, the stories you’ll bring home are worth every second.
Planning a Safari? Make It a Small 5 Challenge
At Sola Safari Travels, we design custom safari itineraries that go beyond the usual. Whether you’re after lions or leopard tortoises, we know where to find them and we’ll help you check both the Big 5 and the Small 5 off your wildlife list.
👉🏽 Click here to explore our unique safari packages or contact us now and let’s craft a trip that surprises and delights you.