Beyond the Big Five

Everyone wants to see the “Big Five” of African wildlife during their visit to Masai Mara. But it’s often the smaller or more elusive creatures that provide enduring memory. that are rarely seen or photographed.

On morning or afternoon game drives or short guided bush walks from the MW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, keep an eye out for animals that are rarely seen or photographed like the leopard, African wild dog, bat-eared fox, honey badger or pangolin.

Spotting is easier if you take the time beforehand to learn about the habits and habitats of these animals.

For instance, leopards tend to hang around trees, especially along rivers and trees. So scan the lower branches for their distinctive profile or an antelope carcass they dragged into the tree to keep it away from scavengers and other predators.

Bat-eared foxes are more often seen on short grass plains rather than taller grass, thickets or woodland. The short grass helps them spot and stalk typical prey like insects, reptiles and rodents. Preferring to travel in pairs or packs, they are rarely solitary and easily identified from a distance because of their huge ears.

On the other hand, honey badgers are antisocial loners. And unlike leopards and bat-eared foxes who are more active at night, dusk or dawn, these ferocious little black-and-white creatures don’t fear the daylight — because few other species are going to trouble them.

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