The Ultimate Guide to the Big Five in Kenya Animals
Kenya, a paradise in the heart of East Africa, is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is particularly celebrated for being home to “the Big Five in Kenya” – the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
These magnificent creatures represent the essence of African wildlife and are a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from all corners of the globe.
Kenya’s national parks, some of the best in the world, provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat, as they play out the drama of life and survival on the African plains.
From the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the dense woodlands of Amboseli, each park offers a unique experience, making a Kenyan safari an unforgettable adventure.
How to Reach Us to Book Your Safari in Kenya
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Our Most Booked Big Five in Kenya Safari Packages
Our Most Booked Kenya Safari Packages | Price Per Adult Sharing | The Detailed Itinerary |
From USD 119 | ||
1-Day Nairobi National Park & Nairobi Animal Orphanage Tour | From USD 34 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages | From USD 1015 | |
From USD 1010 | ||
3-Day Masai Mara Easter Packages | From USD 985 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Festive Packages | From USD 1315 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Lodge Safari | From USD 995 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Packages | From USD 955 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Packages from Nairobi | From USD 995 | |
3-Day Ol Pejeta Easter Safari | From USD 1175 | |
4-Day Africa Migration Masai Mara Packages | From USD 1360 | |
4-Day L. Naivasha & Masai Mara Easter Safari | From USD 1249 | |
4-Day L. Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari | From USD 1174 | |
4-Day L. Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | From USD 1162 | |
4-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages | From USD 1195 | |
4-Day Masai Mara Easter Packages | From USD 1235 | |
4-Day Masai Mara Migration Packages | From USD 1360 | |
4-Day Mombasa & Diani Safari | From USD 937 | |
4-Day Mombasa & Diani Valentine Safari | At USD 1405 | |
5-Day Flying Safari to Masai Mara & Ol Pejeta Conservancy | From USD 3777 | |
6-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari from India | From USD 1730 | |
At USD 3093 | ||
7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | From USD 1884 | |
8-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | From USD 4413 | |
8-Day Wildlife & Beach Safari | From USD 1585 | |
From USD 4216 | ||
18-Day Kenya Family Safari | From USD 5849 |
BiG Five - Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, & Rhino Images
The Big Five -African Animals Found in Kenya
Kenya’s reputation as a Big Five destination is well deserved – it is home to the largest population of these animals in the world. But who are the Big Five and why are they so special?
African Buffalo/Cape Buffalo – Considered one of most dangerous animals of the Big Five, this impressive animal is known for its strength and unpredictable nature. With its distinctive horns and massive size, cape buffalo is not to be trifled with. Here are more facts about African buffalo:
- They are social creatures and live in herds, sometimes numbering up to 1000 individuals.
- Their horns can reach a span of up to 1.5 meters.
- Despite their intimidating appearance, they are herbivores and feed on grasses and shrubs.
- The dominant bulls take an aggressive vigilant stand when approached while the adults gather around calves to protect them.
The African Rhino/Rhinoceros – The African continent is home to two species of rhinoceros, the black rhino and white rhino. The white rhinos are larger in size and have a square lip, while the black rhinos have a hooked lip. Both the white rhinos and black rhinos are critically endangered species due to poaching for their horns. Here are some facts of the black and white rhinos:
- The white rhino can weigh up to 2.5 tons, making it one of the heaviest land animals.
- Rhinos have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing.
- They are solitary creatures and only come together during mating season.
- Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails.
- The black rhino has a more pointed mouth while the white rhino, which is really more yellowish grey than white, is named after a Dutch word – weid. It is a reference to the animal’s broad and wide mouth.
The African Elephant – This is the largest land animal, especially the bull elephants. In Kenya, Amboseli National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants. Spotting these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. Here are more facts about the African elephant:
- They can weigh up to 7 tons and stand at a height of up to 4 meters.
- Elephants form strong social bonds within their herds, with females staying together for life.
- Their tusks are enlarged incisors used for various purposes such as digging, foraging, and defense.
- Elephants have an impressive memory and communication skills, using a variety of sounds and gestures to communicate with each other.
- Females stay in group lea by a matriarchy supported by younger females and young ones while bull elephants stay alone.
The African Lion – The king of the jungle, lions are one of the most iconic and calm animals in Africa. With their majestic manes and powerful roars, adult males are a symbol of strength and dominance. Male lions are also the most dangerous animal species to be hunted by humans. Here are more facts about the lion:
- Lions tend to live in groups called pride of up to 40 individuals made of related females, cubs and a male.
- Females do most of the hunting and can bring down prey that is much larger than themselves.
- Lions have retractable claws, which helps them grip their prey while hunting.
- They spend an average of 16 to 20 hours a day resting or sleeping.
- They are generally calm animals although have been known to attack humans and the male have shaggy manes
The African Leopard – Leopard, unlike lions and other animals in the Big Five, is a solitary and elusive creature. They are known for their agility and stealth, making them one of the most difficult animals to spot in the wild. They are the fiercest and largest predator of the Big Five. Here are more facts about the leopard:
- Leopards are excellent climbers and can often be seen resting in trees during the day.
- They are powerful hunters, capable of taking down prey that is twice their size and are highly dangerous animals.
- They have distinctive black spots which help them camouflage in their environment.
- Unlike lions, leopards do not roar but rather make a raspy coughing sound to communicate with each other.
- Leopards are territorial animals and mark their territory by spraying urine on trees or rocks.
Why Are They Called the Big 5 Animals in Kenya?
The term “Big Five” or “Africa’s big game” was originally coined by early big game hunters to refer to the most difficult animals to hunt on foot – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. However, over time this term has evolved to describe the top animals that travelers hope to see while on an Africa safari.
These five species were chosen due to their size, strength, and danger posed while hunting them. But beyond the thrill of seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat, there is a deeper significance to their inclusion in the Big Five category.
These five species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and are considered important indicators of the health of an ecosystem and other animal species.
Their presence in a private wildlife reserve or national park in entire Africa also helps to drive tourism, which in turn, supports conservation efforts and benefits the local communities. The big five presence is quite a spectacle and a rare treat in wildlife parks.
Top National Parks and National Reserves to Find Big Five
We will look at the popular safari destination in Kenya where you can find abundant wildlife and the big five.
Amboseli National Park – Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya, is famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is also home to the Masai lion, cape buffalo, and leopard.
Masai Mara National Reserve – Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to different animal species, including the big five and is famous for the annual wildebeest migration.
The reserve also boasts vast landscapes and a rich diversity of wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Nakuru National Park is a bird lover’s paradise with over 450 species of birds.
Lake Nakuru is also home to the endangered black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures.
Tsavo National Parks – Tsavo National Park is made up of Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park and is located in southeastern Kenya.
Tsavo National Park is the largest national park in Kenya and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the big five.
Samburu National Reserve – Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya, offers a unique safari experience with its diverse landscape and wildlife.
It is also one of the best places to spot leopards, as well as lions, elephants, and buffaloes.
Nairobi National Park – A safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve can start at Nairobi National Park, which is located just a few kilometers from the capital city of Kenya.
This park offers a chance to spot the big five, as well as other animal species such as giraffes and zebras.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, located in central Kenya, is a private reserve that offers a more exclusive and intimate safari experience of the big five.
It is home to all of the big five and also has a successful conservation program for endangered species such as black rhinos.