It is the ultimate dream of every wildlife-lover, to see the Big 5. Kenya Safari Holidays is all about going in search of the Big Five. Hence, every year millions of tourists choose Kenya Destinations in the hopes of spotting all members of the Big Five.

What Are The Big Five?

Back when hunting was legal, the term “Big Five” was coined by early big game hunters because they were considered the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. The lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino are known as The Big Five. Nowadays, spotting members of the Big five animals during game drives with your camera as your weapon can be the most exhilarating experience.

Safari Kenya is one of the best places in all of Africa for ticking off The Big Five of your checklist. So that’s the reason Kenya Safari Animals are most popular among every traveler’s list.

Popular BIG 5 animals on a Kenya Safari Tour

The Kenya Wildlife SafariTourwill incorporate not only the Big Five but also a variety of other animals. Plus the Great Wildebeest Migration Kenya is the biggest highlight of Safari In Kenya.

1. Kenya Safari Animals -The Lion

The lion is arguably the most iconic of the big cats and undoubtedly the number one predator on the continent.

The king of the jungle is one of the big five game animals people look out for on Safari In Kenya. Nothing beats the exhilaration of spotting a lion leisurely, basking in the sun, or snarling ferociously while leaping in for the kill.

We recommend the Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli National Parks for the best viewing of the lion during Kenya Safari. Also, you can expect to see lions lounging on the marshes at the time of the Great Migration.

2. Kenya Safari Animals -The Leopard

  • The leopards are considered to be the most elusive of the “Big 5”. Because they mostly hunt after dark.
  • The best time for you to spot Leopard is either very early in the morning or at night.
  • Unlike the lions, leopards are almost always found alone, except for once every three months. Because it’s when they mate.
  • During the day, you should look carefully at treetops for these animals often can be found partially camouflaged in the undergrowth or behind a tree.
  • Your best bet of spotting a leopard in Safari Kenya is at the Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli National Parks.

3. Kenya Safari Animals -The Elephant

  • During Kenya Safari, you will get to see two species of elephants; The bush elephant and the forest elephant.
  • You will find the females in groups surrounded by younger females and their offspring. Whereas, adult males, bull elephants, are usually solitary creatures.
  • Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks are some of the best places in Kenya Safari.

4. Kenya Safari Animals -The Rhino

  • Rhinoceros are an endangered species because a female Rhino can give birth once every 5 years.
  • That’s why you will find Rhinos protected in sanctuaries and national parks.
  • There are two types of Rhino to look out for, the Black rhino and the White rhino.
  • These huge animals prefer a solitary life, which can make them even harder to spot.
  • While Safari In Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo National Park, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are your best chance of spotting Rhino.

5. Kenya Safari Animals-Buffalo

  • Out of all the ‘Big Five’, the buffalo is considered to be the most dangerous to humans. This large horned creature of around 700 kgs is even capable of scaring away even the king of the jungle.
  • This is because buffalos are very protective and territorial and when threatened they are known to charge with astonishing speed.
  • Mostly you will find them in groups and large herds often grazing in savanna and floodplains.
  • However, no longer strong or aggressive enough to compete with the younger bulls in the herd, older bulls live in solitary.  Or you may find it in pairs and threes.
  •  Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, Hells Gate National Park, and Masai Mara game reserve are the best place to spot Buffalo.

Other Popular Kenya Safari Animals

Crocodiles

  • Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles found in Africa, Asia, as well as in the Americas, and Australia.
  • The Great Migration Kenya involves animals crossing the Maasai Mara river in order to reach the nutritious land. On the crossing though, expect to see crocodiles snapping up the zebras and other wildebeest.

 Plains Zebras

  • Zebras are social animals that live in groups consisting of a small harem(one or two dominant males, a small number of females, and their offspring) or a large herd.
  • Their stripes patterns are unique and different to each individual.
  • There are actually three species of zebras. Namely: The Plains zebra, the Grévy’s zebra, and the mountain zebra.
  • You will find Plains zebras living in the grassland and savanna woodland.

Wildebeest

  • The black wildebeest, as well as the blue wildebeest, are native to Africa.
  • Mainly the blue wildebeest migrate during the Great Migration of Kenya.
  • You can spot the wildebeest often grazing in herds with Zebra, for heightened awareness of prowling predators.

Final Thought

If you are hoping to see all these charismatic creatures (and much more besides) in one shot Kenya Safari Packages, here are some suggestions.

  • The Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • The Amboseli National Park
  • Tsavo East And West National Park
  • Samburu, Shaba, And Buffalo Springs National Reserves
  • Mount Kenya Natural Park

Don’t worry our Kenya Travel Guide will be there every step of the way to help you plan the best Kenya Safari Holiday. Visit Trevaron Tours to know about our various new and attractive Kenya Safari Packages carefully customized to your every need.