Big Five in Kenya: Where to See Them?
Dreaming of seeing the Big 5 in Kenya? You've come to the right place!
Dreaming of seeing the Big 5 in Kenya? You've come to the right place! Discover where to see each member of the Big 5, as well as the parks and reserves where you can have a chance to see all of them complete during a single safari!
What is the Big 5?
The term "Big Five" was coined in the early twentieth century by trophy hunters. Although it literally translates to "the five greats," the Big 5 does not refer to the size of the animals, but rather to the fact that they were the most dangerous to hunt.
Nowadays, the term Big 5 is used more in the world of wildlife safaris. Considered the emblematic animals of Africa, Big 5 animals are now among the most sought-after animals during a safari.
The Big 5 animals are:
The African elephant,
The rhinoceros,
The African lion,
The leopard,
The African buffalo.
Unfortunately, hunting, poaching and habitat loss have decimated much of their population, and with the exception of the buffalo, these species are all threatened today. This is why Big 5 animals are now part of conservation programs put in place by local authorities and international wildlife conservation organizations.
Where to See Big 5 Animals in Kenya?
Key takeaway:
It is difficult to see all Big 5 animals during a single safari in Kenya. Indeed, some parks and reserves are home to only some Big 5 species, and sometimes, only one is missing! Only a few parks and reserves allow you to see the complete Big 5. These include:
Masai Mara National Reserve: all Big 5 animals are found here, although the black rhinoceros can be harder to spot;
Amboseli National Park: note that while a small leopard population exists, they are not always easy to locate.
Tsavo National Park: all Big 5 animals are present here, although rhinoceroses and leopards are harder to observe.
Where to See Rhinoceroses During a Kenya Safari?
Did you know?
Different species of rhinoceros are found in Kenya:
Black rhinoceroses: classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
Northern white rhinoceroses: considered extinct in the wild, only 2 individuals remain in the world, which can be encountered in Kenya,
Southern white rhinoceroses: this subspecies of white rhinoceros is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Rhinoceroses are a fragile and vulnerable species. Given their rarity and small numbers, it is a privilege to encounter them. Here are the best places to see rhinoceroses in Kenya:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
To see rhinoceroses with certainty, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary located on the slopes of Mount Kenya, just 3 to 4 hours' drive from Nairobi. Considered the rhinoceros paradise, this sanctuary can boast of being the largest sanctuary for black rhinoceroses in all of Central and East Africa. It is also known for housing the last two northern white rhinoceroses in the world as well as about forty southern white rhinoceroses.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, the Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the few national parks in the country where you can still see rhinoceroses during a wildlife safari in Kenya. Indeed, the park is home to over a hundred rhinoceroses, including eastern black rhinoceroses and southern African white rhinoceroses. The latter were introduced in the 1980s at the initiative of the government to ensure the survival of the species.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Located in northern Kenya, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a wildlife reserve created at the initiative of the Craig family (the reserve's owners) and the famous rhinoceros advocate Anna Merz. It now welcomes approximately 250 black and southern white rhinoceroses.
Tsavo East National Park (Ngulia Sanctuary)
In the 1940s, Tsavo East National Park had approximately 20,000 rhinoceroses. Due to poaching, the population dropped dramatically to only 20 individuals by 1989. To address the devastating effects of poaching, a sanctuary was established in 1986: the Ngulia Rhinoceros Sanctuary. Located on the foothills of the Ngulia Hills, the sanctuary now has 80 rhinoceroses protected by multiple measures.
Where to See Elephants During a Kenya Safari?
Although they are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, Kenyan elephants have seen their numbers increase in recent years thanks to the implementation of many protection measures. According to the Kenya National Wildlife Census conducted in 2021, the elephant population even increased by 12% that same year compared to the population recorded in 2014.
Among the best parks and reserves to see elephants in Kenya are:
Amboseli National Park
Located in the Great Rift Valley, in southern Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is one of the best places in Africa to observe large herds of elephants up close. It's not for nothing that it is nicknamed the "Home of the African Elephant." Imagine yourself facing elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, as a backdrop... Sounds magical, doesn't it?
Masai Mara National Reserve
Located in southwestern Kenya, as an extension of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most beautiful national parks in Kenya. The African elephant is one of the most prolific animals in the reserve. According to the official Masai Mara reserve website, their numbers have even increased in recent years. In other words, an encounter with pachyderms there is virtually guaranteed.
Tsavo National Park
Split into two parts (Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park) by a railway line, Tsavo National Park is Kenya's largest park. It is home to a population of approximately 12,000 elephants, a stable figure after a constant decline until 1988. The park is particularly renowned for its herds of red elephants (covered in laterite soil dust).
Samburu National Reserve
Located in central Kenya, at the border of Buffalo Springs Reserve, Samburu National Reserve is an off-the-beaten-path safari destination in Kenya. Elephants are one of the main attractions of the reserve: approximately 900 individuals are found in the reserve and surrounding conservation areas. They can be observed along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Located 30 km from Mombasa, the Shimba Hills National Reserve contains one of the largest coastal tropical forests in East Africa. Here too, elephants are the main attractions. They are mainly observed in the north of the reserve, in the Mwaluganje Forest.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a rescue center for baby elephants.
Passing through Nairobi during your Kenya trip? Then don't miss the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust! Located within Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a rescue and rehabilitation center for baby elephants and rhinoceroses. Open to the public for 1 hour a day, it is possible to visit.
Where to See Lions During a Kenya Safari?
Nicknamed "the king of the savanna," the lion is one of Africa's emblematic predators. According to Kenya Wildlife Service, the lion population in Kenya has increased from 2,000 in 2010 to 2,589 in 2021, an increase of 25% over the past decade. Good news that we owe, once again, to the many protection measures put in place by the authorities.
Here are the best places to see lions in Kenya:
Masai Mara National Reserve
This is one of the rare sites where the lion population has remained stable. The reserve itself and surrounding conservation areas are home to approximately 850 to 900 lions. During a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve, you can easily see lions lounging in the sun. With some luck, you may even witness a hunt! One thing is certain: the population density is such that their observation is almost assured!
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park offers good chances to observe lions. Indeed, many groups of lions roam the park year-round. Note that you may observe tree-climbing lions, meaning lions that climb trees. This is a rare behavior observed in very few parks and reserves. Remember to look up to avoid missing them!
Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves
Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves are two neighboring reserves where you can find some felines, including lions. It was notably in Samburu National Reserve that naturalists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa, the lioness made famous by their book titled "Born Free." The reserve is also home to Kamunyak, a lioness who gained attention after adopting young oryx.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The Ol Pejeta conservation area is not solely dedicated to rhinoceros preservation. It is also home to one of Kenya's highest densities of predators, including many felines. Among them, you will find more than 70 lions divided into 6 groups. You can observe them more easily at dawn when they are more active.
Good to know:
It is possible to track radio-collared lions alongside an Ol Pejeta lion guardian. In addition to living a unique experience, you will contribute to the conservation of the species by providing data to the sanctuary's ecological monitoring unit. More information on lion tracking in the Ol Pejeta reserve.
Where to See Leopards During a Kenya Safari?
Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the leopard is the most elusive animal of the Big 5. Observing it can prove to be a real challenge.
To maximize your chances of seeing a leopard during a Kenya safari, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced guide who will be better able to spot it in the bush, and opt for night safaris when it is most active. Also note that the more time you spend in the parks and reserves where it is found, the more likely you are to see it.
Here are the best places to see leopards in Kenya:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Among the animals to see in Masai Mara National Reserve, there is an incredible density of predators, including lions, cheetahs and the famous leopards. Although they are difficult to observe, this is one of the best places in Kenya to see leopards. Remember to look up and observe the trees, and prioritize dawn safaris or night safaris when they are more active to increase your chances of encountering them!
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve is reputed to be one of the best places to observe leopards. They are seen notably on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, between Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs Reserve. You can admire them lounging on the branches of acacia trees.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is not only the kingdom of bird watching and rhinoceroses. Indeed, leopards are among the most common animals in the park, notably along the lake. This is because the park is home to many herbivore species that prove to be a real feast for these predators.
Where to See Buffalo During a Kenya Safari?
The African buffalo is the only Big 5 animal not classified as a threatened species. It is undoubtedly the easiest animal to observe among the Big 5. Moving in herds of over 100 individuals, they are hard to miss. They are often seen near water points where they come to drink and wallow in mud.
Did you know?
Contrary to popular belief, buffalo are considered the most dangerous animals of the Big 5! Indeed, if it feels threatened, it does not hesitate to charge. This is why it is the only bovid in Africa that has not been domesticated.
African buffalo can be observed in most parks and reserves in Kenya. Discover the best places to see large numbers of buffalo during a safari:
Masai Mara National Reserve: in addition to herds of buffalo, the park is also known for its impressive herds of wildebeest and zebras, during Kenya's Great Migration,
Lake Nakuru National Park,
Amboseli National Park,
Ol Pejeta conservation area,
Tsavo National Park,
The Meru National Park,
The Marsabit National Reserve...
To learn more...
Need help organizing your Kenya trip? Not sure which park to choose for a Kenya safari ? Don't hesitate to contact us, we'll be happy to chat with you and plan your Kenya safari adventure based on your expectations and budget.
In the meantime, discover all our articles on the subject:
Frequently asked questions
Masai Mara National Reserve is considered the best place to see the complete Big Five in Kenya. Lions, elephants, leopards and buffalo are found there in high density, as well as black rhinoceroses, which are rarer but present. Amboseli National Park and Tsavo National Park also allow you to observe all five species during the same stay.
The dry season (July to October and January to February) is generally the best time to observe the Big Five in Kenya. Less dense vegetation facilitates observations, and animals gather around water points, making them easier to spot during game drives.
Yes, the rhinoceros is the most difficult animal to observe among the Big Five in Kenya due to its rarity. To maximize your chances, visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest sanctuary for black rhinoceroses in Central and East Africa, or Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to over a hundred rhinoceroses.
The leopard is the most elusive animal of the Big Five. To increase your chances of observing it, opt for night safaris or dawn safaris when it is most active, hire an experienced guide, and choose recognized destinations such as Masai Mara National Reserve or Samburu National Reserve. Remember to scan tree branches where it likes to rest.
Yes, this is one of the rarest opportunities in the world to see them. Only 2 northern white rhinoceroses remain on the planet, and both reside at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya. Visiting this sanctuary is therefore a unique and emotional experience for any wildlife lover.
The African buffalo is undoubtedly the easiest animal to observe among the Big Five in Kenya. It moves in large herds of over 100 individuals and is present in almost all parks and reserves in the country. It is often found near water points where it comes to drink and wallow in mud.
