Kenya is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, boasting an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife across its varied landscapes, from vast savannahs to dense forests and coastal marine parks. Visitors to Kenya can expect to see a wide range of animals, from iconic megafauna to rare and unique species, along with a spectacular array of birdlife.

At the top of most visitors’ lists are the Big Five:

  • Lions: Kenya is famous for its large lion prides, particularly in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is considered one of the best places in East Africa for lion sightings. They are also found in Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu National Parks.
  • Leopards: While more elusive and nocturnal, leopards are present in most major parks, including the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo, and Aberdare. Spotting these camouflaged big cats is a prized moment for any safari-goer.
  • Elephants: Kenya boasts significant elephant populations, with Amboseli National Park being world-renowned for its large herds and iconic views of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tsavo East and West National Parks, as well as Samburu, also offer excellent elephant viewing.
  • Buffaloes: African buffaloes are abundant and can be seen in large herds across nearly all of Kenya’s national parks, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Meru National Park.
  • Rhinoceroses: Both black and white rhinos, though critically endangered, can be seen in Kenya. The best places to find them are dedicated sanctuaries and parks like Ol Pejeta Conservancy (a major stronghold for black and white rhinos, including the last two northern white rhinos), Lake Nakuru National Park (a rhino sanctuary), and Nairobi National Park.

Beyond the Big Five, Kenya is home to a spectacular array of other mammals:

  • Giraffes: Kenya hosts three distinct subspecies: the Maasai giraffe (found in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli), the Reticulated giraffe (common in Samburu and Meru), and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe (found in Lake Nakuru and the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi).
  • Zebras: Both the common plains zebra and the rarer Grévy’s zebra (found primarily in northern parks like Samburu and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy) roam Kenya’s grasslands.
  • Cheetahs: The fastest land animals, cheetahs are often seen hunting on the open plains of the Maasai Mara, Tsavo, and Samburu.
  • Hippos and Crocodiles: These aquatic giants are abundant in the rivers and lakes across many parks, including the Mara River (famous for wildebeest crossings), Lake Naivasha, and the Kazinga Channel.
  • Antelopes: A vast array of antelope species thrive, including wildebeest (famous for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara), impalas, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, elands (Africa’s largest antelope), topi, hartebeest, waterbucks, kudus (Greater and Lesser), oryx, and the shy bushbuck.
  • Primates: Various monkeys such as vervet monkeys, Sykes’ monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. Chimpanzees can be seen at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta.
  • Other Carnivores: Spotted hyenas are common scavengers and hunters, while rarer sightings might include striped hyenas, jackals (black-backed and side-striped), African wild dogs (particularly in conservancies bordering the Mara and in Laikipia), servals, and caracals.
  • Unique and Rare Species: Kenya is also a haven for unique and critically endangered animals, such as the Hirola (one of the rarest antelopes, endemic to northeastern Kenya), the Mountain Bongo (a shy forest antelope found in Aberdare and Mount Kenya), and the Gerenuk (a long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse, found in northern parks).

Birdlife:

Kenya is a birder’s paradise with over 1,000 species recorded. From the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller and the majestic African Fish Eagle to various storks, hornbills, bustards, and a dazzling array of waterfowl, a safari in Kenya offers incredible opportunities for birdwatching. Lake Nakuru, in particular, is famous for its flamingos.

From the legendary Big Five to the small and unique, Kenya’s diverse ecosystems promise an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience for every visitor.