Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari
Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari : Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, searching for the Big 5 is often the highlight of a vacation to the African wilderness on a safari. There is nothing quite like an African safari, from the exhilaration of tracking elusive leopards and black rhino to the majesty of viewing elephants bathing and Cape buffalo fending off a pride of hungry lions. A safari in Kenya is one of the finest ways to see the Big Five, and the expert guides and world-class game reserves make for once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
The Big Five include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros (technically black, but many count both black and white). The Big Five were originally referred to as such because they were considered by hunters to be the largest and most dangerous animals to kill; fortunately for these animals, hunting has been supplanted by photography safaris, but the desire to see these ‘big five’ animals remains.
- Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari : Maasai Mara National Reserve.
It is common knowledge that the Masai Mara is the most popular safari destination in Kenya. With its abundant fauna, iconic savannah views, and annual wildebeest migration, the Maasai Mara should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.
Maasai Mara, proudly situated in the Rift Valley in southwest Kenya, is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous hippos, hyenas, and topi. The enumeration continues. Between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the private conservancies that are also part of the Maasai Mara, there are no barriers in the Mara, allowing animals to roam freely.
The expansive views of the open savannah make it simple to identify the large cats. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its high concentration of big animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Between July and October, you may see them resting in the shadow of a solitary tree or stalking the millions of wildebeest and zebra that arrive with the migration. Although rhinos are present in the Masai Mara, the sheer size of the park can make it difficult to detect them, as their population is still relatively low (keep reading for our rhino hotspots).
Perhaps the easiest way to comprehend the magnitude of the migration is from the air. This is an ideal location for hot air balloon rides and a great pretext to consume champagne much earlier than is socially acceptable. What is not to admire?
Where to stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Governors Camp is always a popular option for those who wish to remain in the main Masai Mara National Reserve. This tented camp, one of the earliest in Kenya, is located in the Mara Triangle near the Mara River and offers a traditional safari experience with the opportunity to view wildlife directly from your tent.
The Masai Mara also has amazing private conservancies that provide safari-goers with additional freedom, such as the option to go off-road or participate in night drives. The luxury lodge experience at Saruni Mara in the Mara North conservancy includes bush breakfasts, sundowners, guided treks, and massages. Due to its bush school and warrior academy, Saruni Mara is also a popular safari destination for Kenyan family holidays.
- Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli is another popular park that offers postcard-perfect views of elephants ambling across the plains, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Remember to bring your camera. Amboseli is known as the ‘Land of the Giants’ due to the enormous herds of elephants that roam the sun-baked savannah, which is home to more than 50 animal species. It is a rare sight, particularly if you are fortunate enough to encounter some of the renowned large elephants.
There is a good possibility of spotting lions, leopards, and even cheetahs from these unobstructed vantage points. Over 400 species of birds can be spotted there, making it an ideal location for bird viewing.
Where to stay in Amboseli National Park.
The Porini Amboseli camp has ten tents and is modest and intimate. It provides a charming, traditional safari experience with hospitable personnel.
- Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari : Tsavo National Parks.
Since the notorious man-eating lions of 1898, Tsavo has made great strides. Today, both Tsavo East and Tsavo West are extensive, wild, and safari-safe. It is not always simple to spot the Big 5 in this area, but they are present, and the difficulty only adds to the excitement. The anticipation is as much a part of excursions as the actual sightings. Those who persevere will encounter rhinos, leopards, bison, and yes, even lions.
Tsavo West is also a popular safari destination for observing elephants sand bathing in the red soil, creating quite a spectacle. In addition to hippos bathing (though this time in water!) and crocodiles prowling in the shallows, you will also find hippos here.
- Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari : Lake Nakuru National Park.
It is uncommon to see black and white rhinos against a background of pink flamingos, but this is a common occurrence at Lake Nakuru. There are frequently more than a million flamingos nesting in the lake’s shallow alkaline waters, which are renowned for their popularity with the birds. What an abundance of pink!
Lake Nakuru is accessible year-round, and the likelihood of witnessing giraffe, lion, hippopotamus, warthog, and ostrich is high. Lake Nakuru is not as wild or untamed as many other game reserves and parks in Kenya.
Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Loldia House is a charming private estate located on a 6,000-acre private ranch on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The staff is friendly and accommodating, afternoon tea is served daily on the terrace, and wild animals wander freely on the farm. A beautiful, traditional home away from home in which to unwind.
- Where to spot the big five mammals on a Kenya safari : Lewa Conservancy.
The Lewa Conservancy is a private wildlife reserve established to preserve the critically endangered black rhinoceros and the rare Grevy’s zebra. With over 60 species of mammals, visitors can now enjoy a diverse safari experience. In addition to vehicle excursions and bush walks, it is a fantastic place to engage in a unique form of wildlife viewing on horseback or even by camel. In addition to gazelles, lions, and leopards, Lewa is also home to reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, and the enormous eland. As the day warms up, many of these animals congregate in the swamps to drink, and this is where you will encounter large populations of elephants, sometimes numbering over a hundred.
Where to stay in Lewa Conservancy.
Lewa Wilderness is a delightful safari destination for those seeking a touch of luxury. Beautifully designed thatched cottages overlooking the Lewa plains, a relaxed atmosphere where you can help yourself to tea and coffee in the lounge or a stronger drink at the bar, and a variety of activities available to guests, including horseback riding and walking excursions.
If you wish to increase your possibilities of spotting the Big Five, we strongly suggest combining two safari areas. This has the additional benefit of allowing you to experience two distinct landscapes and lodges, as well as seeing more fauna. The Masai Mara is known for its abundance of lions, Lewa and Samburu for their rhinos, and Amboseli for their elephants, so if you visit multiple areas, you are more likely to see more animals.
A “beach and bush” vacation remains a timeless classic, with Diani beach and Lamu being popular places to unwind after an early morning safari.
