While the Big Five describes Africa's most majestic safari animals, the Ugly Five highlights less attractive creatures. Some consider the marabou stork the king of this ignominious group.
Ugly 5 safari: Africa's least glamorous animals —
While the Big Five describes Africa's most majestic safari animals, the Ugly Five highlights less attractive creatures. Some consider the marabou stork the king of this ignominious group.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
The marabou also goes by the name of the "undertaker bird" in recognition of the grim but important role it plays in the Delta -- reducing diseases and cleaning up the ecosystem by devouring rotten carcasses.
Ugly 5 safari: Africa's least glamorous animals —
The marabou also goes by the name of the "undertaker bird" in recognition of the grim but important role it plays in the Delta -- reducing diseases and cleaning up the ecosystem by devouring rotten carcasses.
Courtesy Nicholas Chilcoat
With warts, a shaggy mohawk down its back and uneven body hair, the warthog is the least appealing pig in the Okavango River Delta.
Warthog —
With warts, a shaggy mohawk down its back and uneven body hair, the warthog is the least appealing pig in the Okavango River Delta.
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With their curved beaks, bald red heads and extended necks, vultures are an inspiration to super villains, and fans of less attractive avian life.
Vulture —
With their curved beaks, bald red heads and extended necks, vultures are an inspiration to super villains, and fans of less attractive avian life.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
There's nothing glamorous about the wildebeest's elongated face, dirty-looking neck fringe or its mouth, which is shaped -- and used -- like a lawnmower.
Wildebeest —
There's nothing glamorous about the wildebeest's elongated face, dirty-looking neck fringe or its mouth, which is shaped -- and used -- like a lawnmower.
Courtesy Steven J. Dennis
An elongated neck and hunched gait give the hyena its unique looks. Is it so ugly that it's actually cute?
Hyena —
An elongated neck and hunched gait give the hyena its unique looks. Is it so ugly that it's actually cute?
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mokoro dug-out canoes are a quiet way to get from landing to landing in the Delta without spooking the wildlife.
Mokoro —
Mokoro dug-out canoes are a quiet way to get from landing to landing in the Delta without spooking the wildlife.
Laura Ma/CNN
Afternoon boat cruises are a great way to see the birds of the Ugly Five.
Boat cruise —
Afternoon boat cruises are a great way to see the birds of the Ugly Five.
Courtesy Moremi Crossing