The Big 5 safari Kenya
As one of the best places in Africa to see the big five safari animals in their wild, Kenya is highly recommended. The Big 5 safari Kenya experience includes spotting lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses. The big five animals in Kenya are reviewed as the big five because their toughness and supremacy that made it troublesome for the hunters in the ancient days to capture these them. Also, these animals portray the abundance of Kenya’s ecological diversity.
Additionally, each big 5 safari animals species tells its own story of survival and majesty in the Kenya plains. From the golden savannahs of the Masai Mara National Reserve to the acacia-dotted plains of Amboseli. So, Kenya’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect stage for these incredible big 5 safari animals to showcase their power, intelligence, and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned Kenya safari lover or embarking on your first Africa safari tour, Big Five safaris offer an unforgettable journey in Africa. See every moment as it holds the promise of witnessing something truly extraordinary.
The Big Five Animals in Kenya | Big 5 Safari Wildlife Guide
1. Lions
These lions are part of the cat family in Kenya with advanced prey stalking and hunting skills. Additionally, this is because of their speed and the ability to lay siege to their prey. So, this is partly the reason they are referred to as the kings of the jungle among all the big 5 safari Kenya animals. Lions are also usually sighted in prides of approximately 35-40 lions with the mothers protective and nurturing their cubs. Despite the fact that these Kenya big five safari animals are intimidating, their beauty is still unveiled in their appearance. Like the way these lions are built with a lucky coat covering their bodies and their coffee colored eyes.
Lions are predominantly found in its major Kenya National parks and reserves. Masai Mara National Reserve stands out as the most famous due to its large lion populations and dramatic sightings during the Great Migration in Kenya.
2. Elephant
Elephants are the big sized and largest of the big 5 safari Kenya animals with an adult African elephant weight about 6000kg. Among the three different species of the elephants that are the African forest elephant, the Asian elephant and the African bush (African savannah) elephant.
The ones that are spotted most in the Kenyan grasslands are the African savanna elephants and the African forest elephants. They are usually spotted in the Kenyan reserve sanctuary roaming freely in the savannahs and moving in social groups. The body features of an elephant such as the trucks and their rough body are used as part of their defensive and survival structures.
3. Buffaloes
Buffaloes are one of the aggressive animals among the big five animals in Kenya. Also, they usually sighted around water bodies or grazing in the savannahs in Kenya. The size of the bodies of buffaloes and their unique features such as the horns are part of their survival defensive mechanisms in the savannahs of Kenya.
Additionally, they have a collective social behavior and mutual support among themselves like the use of the shielding encircling method. Buffaloes use this to defend the more vulnerable members of their herds incase of an attack. Kenya is endowed with different kind of he buffaloes such as the Forest buffalos, the African buffaloes and the Cape buffaloes.
4. Rhinos
These Rhinos in Kenya National Parks are large sized wild species with tough hard skin that helps them adapt to distinct weather conditions. Also, because of the good sense of smell and hearing by the Rhinos, they are able to track down water and food sources. Unlike other herbivores in Kenya, the Rhinos do not graze on grasslands. However, they feed on thick foliage and the leaves on trees in the Kenya plains. The black Rhinos in Kenya do not usually move in groups unless they are breeding. Lastly, they also have a dominance behavior of territorial marking by stockpiling dung in their premises which you spot during your big five safari in Kenya.
5. Leopards
And lastly, are the leopards that are also part of the big cat family. Unlike the lions that are usually in prides, the leopards prefer moving and staying individually. Also,they like to inhabit elevated areas like the acacia trees in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. So, this helps them to easily scan the savannah grasslands in Kenya for their prey. Also, at the same time hide from their hunters. One other unique abilities of these Kenya big 5 safari animals is that they are also nocturnal. So, this helps them easily secure their prey both in the night and during day.
Where to go for the Big 5 safari Kenya tour
1. See the big 5 in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is found in the southern parts of Kenya along the rift valley in the Narok County. Additionally, in the region through which the Mara River meanders. Among the animals of the big 5 safari Kenya, the lions are the ones of the highest population in the Masai Mara with an estimate number of 900. This insights that travelers will observe optimal lion-prey chases in the Maasai Mara Kenya.
The rhinos, leopards, buffaloes and elephants are also part of Masai Mara’s eco systems even if the leopards aren’t easy to spot because they are rare. This destination not only has the big 5 safari Kenya animals but it also accommodates the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.
This big migration in Africa is where large herds of wildebeests move in company of the gazelles, zebras and Thomson gazelles in search of sustainable conditions. Along their migration, we can observe predator prey encouters on with some members of the Kenya big five like the lions and leopards.
Here are some of the safari camps/lodges one can stay in Masai mara national reserve during the big 5 safari in Kenya with the estimated prices for one adult per night.
- Elephant trails camp;77$
- Mara moon guest house; 80$
- Mara sun lodge; 162$.
- Jambo Mara Safari lodge.
- Sarova Mara game camp; 315$.
- Alama camp Mara; 346$.
2. Big 5 Kenya Safari in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National park is also found in the southern parts of Kenya in the in the Kajiado county in Kenya. Also, it has an approximate of 2000 elephants and this is the largest number among the Kenya big five animals in Amboseli national park. Some of the big 5 safari Kenya animals usually converge at the Lake Amboseli an alkaline lake. Even when its dry, it still supports the livelihoods wild species such as rhinos and buffaloes in the Kenya National park.
The population of the lions in Amboseli National park is about 100 and the leopards are also with in the park even if it is difficult to spot them. Besides the big five safari animals in Kenya, the park also has other attractions such as the different bird species like the superb starling. Also, others include white browed coucal, lesser flamingos, yellow-necked spur fowl, crowned lapwing and the red-billed teal. While in the Amboseli national park, tourists are also bewildered by the exquisite grand views of the Mountain Kilimanjaro snowy light glaciers. Below are some of the places to stay at while at the Amboseli national park for the Kenya big 5 safari.
- Amboseli eco camp; 19$.
- Teen Ranch Kenya; 58$.
- AA lodge Amboseli;158$
- Amboseli serena safari lodge;182$
- Kibo Safari camp; 230$.
- Kibo villa Amboseli; 1,368.
3. Tsavo national park - See the big five in Kenya
Tsavo National Park is one of the biggest eco systems sanctuaries worldwide having two parts. That is the Tsavo east park and the Tsavo west park all in the southern eastern parts of Kenya in the semi-arid region. Tsavo National Park is also known for having the big 5 safari animals in Kenya mostly a variety of herds of reddish colored elephants and rhinos which are concentrated near the Ngulia hill.
The lions, leopards and buffaloes are also part of the Kenya big five safari animals in the park. However, Tsavo also has amazing picturesque sceneries like the Shetani river fields and the Shetani caves which are among the top things to see in Kenya. Additionally, these are of a result of volcanic occurrences and can be combined in your big 5 safari in Kenya.
Also, tourists can also get to explore the Mzima springs under the volcanic Chyulu hills and the spring harbor wild creatures such as the rhinos and the Nile crocodiles. Here are some of the places to stay while in Tsavo for the Kenya big five safaris with estimated pries for a person per night.
- Ashnil Aruba lodge; 85$.
- Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa;95$
- Salt Lick Safari Lodge; 145$.
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge; 207$.
- Maneaters; 259$.
4. See the big five in Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Nairobi National park is located near Kenya’s capital Nairobi. Additionally, it is popular for being one of the world’s conservatory centers that is within the capital. Nairobi National park had all the big five animals in Kenya however the elephants had to be transferred to another location for conservation reasons.
The other big five animals in Kenya such as the rhinos are normally seen at the Kifaru Ark. Also, the rest are seen roaming around in the golden grasslands. The unique thing about this park is that it has a wildlife orphanage that is for the purpose of alleviating the eco-system conservation efforts in Kenya. And also provide knowledge about Mother Nature to create awareness about the natural environment to the people.
Where to stay during Kenya big 5 safaris at the Nairobi National park with prices for one person per night.
- Teresita Home JKIA; 32$.
- Capital Heights Hotel; 37$.
- Lenayan Park View; 64$.
- 67 Airport Hotel Nairobi; 76$.
- Eka Hotel Nairobi; 138$.
Worst and Best time to go on a big 5 safari Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya for the big five safaris is in the months of June, July, August, September and the early weeks of October. So, this is because it is easier for tourists to spot any of the big five safari Kenya animals. This happens effortlessly since there’s less thick greenery in the Kenya National parks because it is the dry season.
Additionally, in this season, the wildebeests in Kenya are crossing over to the Masai Mara National reserve, there are attacks from some members of the big 5 in Kenya like lions and leopards which is a must see experience in Kenya. Hence, the travelers who are in the Masai Mara national reserve for the big five Kenya safari can also be able to witness this African great migration.
The worst time to go on a Big Five safari in Kenya is during the long rainy season from March to May. This is when heavy rains can turn park roads into muddy trails, limit accessibility. And lastly scatter wildlife across abundant water sources hence making the big 5 safari Kenya animal sightings less reliable. Views of elusive big 5 animals in Kenya like lions and leopards may also be obscured by thick bushes during this worst time.
Additionally, weather-related delays may cause certain Kenyan camps to close or provide restricted services. In conclusion, the whole Big Five sighting experience can be jeopardized. Most especially for first-time Kenya safari visitors hoping for a sure big five animals sighting.
Safety guidelines for the big 5 safari experience in Kenya
- Respect the parks rules and instructions during the big five Kenya safari.
- Keep a distance from the big five animals in Kenya especially lions and leopards and follow the safari guide’s instructions.
- Do not liter any wastes such as the polythene bags because this could be hazardous to some of these big 5 animals. For example during grazing, the herbivores like the elephants could swallow the littered polythene bag and this can negatively impact its health.
- Do not attempt to fed or touch any of the big five animals in Kenya because you can disrupt their behavior which could be dangerous.
- Be aware of your surroundings because the behaviors of any of the Kenya big 5 safari members is unpredictable.
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