Big 5 safari Kenya | see the Big Five Animals in Kenya

1. Lions

Lions are Powerful and Social “King of the Jungle” mostly refered to as Panthera leo in a scientific term. Additionally, lions inhabit open savannas, grasslands, and woodlands in Kenya. Also, they’re known to have a Social Structure of the big cats, living in prides that usually consist of related females, their cubs, and a coalition of males. Their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) away.

Lions in Kenya are mostly found in the country’s major national parks and reserves. Lastly, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is the most iconic habitat with the largest number of lions.

2. Leopards

Leopards in Kenya are known to be Elusive, Stealthy, and Arboreal and scientifically called Panthera pardus. Additionally, leopards usually inhabit Extreme forests, Kenya savannas and mountains. These big 5 safari animals in Kenya are also known to be Solitary and nocturnal. Also, leopards are expert climbers known for dragging prey into trees to protect it from scavengers.

Next, the Kenya big five animals are exceptionally strong for their size. So, they are capable of carrying animals heavier than themselves. Leopards are also Opportunistic and will eat anything from antelope to birds, reptiles, and even insects.

The Masai Mara in Kenya is home to the majority of leopards, as the broad savannahs and acacia woods offer excellent hunting conditions. Another lion hotspot in Kenya is Samburu National Reserve, which is well-known for lion sightings close to the Ewaso Nyiro River. These big 5 animals in Kenya can also be seen in Meru, Amboseli, and Tsavo East and West. Last but not least, leopards can occasionally be seen in Nairobi National Park against the bizarre skyscraper backdrop.

3. African Elephant

Intelligent Giants of Africa is what elephants are usually called by sightseers. These great Kenya big 5 safari animals are scientifically called Loxodonta Africana. Elephants inhabit Savannas, forests, and deserts across sub-Saharan Africa.

Also, these big five animals in Kenya are known to be the largest land animals on Earth. So, the males can weigh up to 6,000 kg (13,000 lbs). Elephants live in matriarchal herds, led by the oldest female. Also, male elephants often live solitary or in small bachelor groups.

Elephants are mostly found in the Kenya national parks and reserves. So, Amboseli National Park is one of the most iconic habitats thanks to its large herds and stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks together host over 10,000 elephants, including the famous “red elephants” . The latter usually dust themselves with reddish soil.

4. Buffalo

Buffalos are termed as the Unpredictable and Formidable Fighters of the forest. Additionally, buffaloes are scientifically known as Syncerus caffer. Just like the rest of the Kenya big five safari animals, these buffaloes as well inhabit the Savannas, woodlands, and floodplains across sub-Saharan Africa.

These big five animals in Kenya live in large, cohesive herds and are extremely protective of their young and injured. Buffaloes in Kenya are mostly found in large numbers across several key national parks and conservancies. The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya is one of the most prominent habitats, hosting herds of 200–300 buffalo individuals year-round.

5. Rhinocerous

Rhinoceros are known to be the Ancient, Powerful, and Endangered Species in Africa. Also, they are grouped in two that is the black and white rhinos. Black Rhinos are scientifically known as Diceros bicornis, are smallerand hook-lipped. Then the White Rhino sscientifically known as Ceratotherium simum are larger, square-lipped, grazers.

Rhinoceros have thick skin (1.5–5 cm) but sensitive to sun and insect bites hence frequent mud wallowing for their protection, their horns are made of keratin (like fingernails) and are the main reason for poaching.

Rhinoceros inhabit the Kenya Grasslands and savannas, particularly in protected parks and reserves, these endangered species are known to have Poor eyesight, but acute hearing and smell.

The biggest population of black rhinos in East Africa is found in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. Hence, making it the most notable habitat for these big animals in Kenya. The two last northern white rhinos are kept there with armed guards. Another important destination is Lake Nakuru National Park, which is well-known for having a large number of black and white rhinos, particularly in the area south of the lake.

Note; Black rhinos are critically endangered, with just over 5,000 individuals left. And the White rhinos are nearly threatened, though the northern subspecies is functionally extinct.