
Where to see the Big 5 mammals in Kenya
Where to see the Big 5 mammals in Kenya : Whether it’s your first or tenth safari, setting out on a quest to find the fabled Big 5 is frequently the highlight of an excursion to Africa’s wilds. There is nothing quite like an African safari, from the thrill of following elusive leopards and black rhino to the sheer magnificence of viewing herds of bathing elephants and watching furious Cape buffalo fend off a pride of hungry lions.
One of the greatest places to see the Big Five is in Kenya, where safaris are popular. World-class game parks and knowledgeable guides makes for an unforgettable safari vacation.
The Big Five are, in order, lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros (officially black, but many people count both black and white), and buffalo. The Big Five were originally so named because hunters thought they were the largest and riskiest creatures to kill. Fortunately for these animals, photography safaris have taken the place of shooting, but the draw of seeing these “big five” species continues.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve.
It should come as no surprise that Kenya’s most popular safari location is Maasai Mara. The Maasai Mara deserves to be at the top of every traveler’s list because to its plethora of wildlife, iconic savannah views, and of course the Annual wildebeest migration.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, proudly located in southwest Kenya’s Rift Valley, is home to the Big 5, as well as sizable herds of hippos, hyenas, and topi and among others. Maasai Mara National Reserve and the private conservancies that are also a part of Maasai Mara are separated by no barriers, allowing the animals to roam freely.
The expansive vistas of the wide-open savannah make it simple to see the big cats. Maasai Mara is renowned for having a large number of cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The millions of wildebeest and zebra that arrive during the migration between July and October may be seen stalking them or resting in the shade of a lone tree.
Although rhinos can be discovered in Maasai Mara, due to the expanse of the park and the fact that their population is still rather small.
Flying is arguably the finest way to fully comprehend the massive scope of migration. Hot air balloon flights would be ideal here, and it would also be a great reason to start drinking champagne much before it would be considered appropriate. Why not adore it?
Where to stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
If you want to stay in the main Maasai Mara National Reserve, Governors Camp is always a popular favorite. One of the oldest camps in Kenya and located in Mara Triangle near the Mara River, this tented camp offers a traditional safari experience with the chance to see wildlife straight from your tent.
There are also magnificent private conservancies in Maasai Mara that give safari-goers additional freedoms like the opportunity to drive at night or off-road. In the Mara North reserve, Saruni Mara is a luxurious lodge where visitors can take advantage of bush breakfasts, sundowners, guided walks, and massages. Due to its bush school and warrior academy, Saruni Mara is well-liked for a Kenyan family vacation even though it can provide romance.
- Amboseli National Park.
Another well-known park is Amboseli, where you can see elephants trundling across the plains against the majestic backdrop of a distant Mount Kilimanjaro that is covered in snow. Remember to bring your camera.
Amboseli is renowned as the “Land of the Giants” because of the vast herds of elephants that wander the sun-baked savannah. Amboseli is home to over 50 different animal species. It’s a rather uncommon sight, especially if you’re fortunate enough to see some of the renowned big tuskers.
There is a considerable chance of sighting lions, leopards, and even cheetahs, which make for excellent wildlife viewing. With over 400 different species to look out for, it’s fantastic for bird watching as well.
Where to stay in Amboseli National Park.
Porini Amboseli is a small, intimate camp with 10 tents. It offers a charming, traditional safari experience with friendly, warm staff.
- Tsavo National Parks.
Since the famed man-eating lions of 1898, Tsavo has come a long way. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are currently huge, uninhabited, and completely safe for safaris. The Big 5 are present here, albeit they are not always easy to see. The difficulty only adds to the excitement. Kenya wildlife Safaris are enjoyable because of both the anticipation and the sightings. Rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and yes, lions, will be the rewards for those who endure.
Elephants sand bathing in the red sand, tumbling around, and producing quite a scene, are another favorite sight in Tsavo West. Along with the ever-present crocodiles hiding in the shallows, you’ll also see hippos bathing here (but this time in the water!).
- Lake Nakuru National Park.
It’s uncommon to see black and white rhinos with a background of pink flamingos, yet it happens frequently at Lake Nakuru National Park. Large flamingo flocks use the shallow, alkaline waters of the lake, where there are frequently more than a million of the birds breeding. A lot of pink that is.
The odds of seeing giraffe, lion, hippo, warthog, and ostrich are strong year-round at Lake Nakuru, even if it doesn’t feel as wild or untamed as many of the other game reserves and parks in Kenya.

Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Loldia House is a charming private farm, situated on its own private 6,000-acre ranch on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The staff are warm and welcoming, tea is served every afternoon on the terrace and wild animals roam free on the farm. A wonderful, traditional home from home to relax in.
- Lewa Conservancy.
In order to preserve the uncommon Grevy’s zebra and the critically endangered black rhino, a private wildlife reserve called Lewa Conservancy was founded. There are currently more than 60 animal species present, allowing tourists to have a well-rounded Kenya safari experience. It’s a wonderful site to engage in some wildlife viewing with a difference by horse or even camel in addition to vehicle safaris and bush walks. Along from finding gazelles, lions, and leopards, visitors to Lewa can also find reticulated giraffes, Beisa Oryx, and the enormous eland.
You can see big herds of elephants, often numbering over a hundred at once, in the marsh areas where many of these creatures congregate as the day heats up to drink.
Where to stay in Lewa conservancy.
Lewa Wilderness is a fantastic delight if you want a little bit of luxury. Beautifully constructed thatched huts with views of the Lewa plains, a laid-back atmosphere where guests are welcome to serve themselves to tea or coffee in the lounge or something stronger from the bar, and a variety of activities available to visitors, including horseback riding and walking safaris.
Combining two safari sites will significantly increase your chances of spotting the Big Five. This also increases the amount of animals you encounter while allowing you to experience two distinct landscapes and hotels. Because of the large concentration of cats in the Masai Mara, the presence of rhinos in Lewa and Samburu, elephants in Amboseli, etc., you are more likely to see more animals if you visit more than one Destination.
