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The Big Five animals are the standouts of any Africa safari, the wildlife that for many define what a journey to the savannah is all about. We’re talking about the iconic wild animals – the lion, leopard, African buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros – which you can see on the best safaris in East Africa.
The term “Big Five” goes back to the colonial days of game hunters and the difficulty of pursuing on foot and ultimately killing these beautiful animals. Fortunately, our species for the most part has abandoned the legal pursuit of vanquishing these gifts of nature, and instead, we now try to protect and preserve them.
On safari in Kenya, you’ll have unlimited opportunities to see the big 5 animals and sometimes get close to these iconic creatures in our country’s expansive wildlife national parks.
What are the Big 5 Animals?
1. Lions
It would be difficult to go on safari without expectations of seeing the ‘king of the jungle’. Fortunately, several of Kenya’s parks feature multiple prides of lions. The Tsavo Parks are home to the appropriately named Tsavo lions, a fascinating sub-species whose males sport unusually short manes.
Samburu Park to the north also offers safari-goers a chance to see the fearsome felines as does Amboseli Park on the Tanzanian border.
But for sheer number of prides and therefore individual lions, a visit to the Masai Mara is essential. The park and its surrounding conservancies offer the best chance to watch these great predators on the prowl, especially during the season (July – October) of the Great Migration.
2. Leopards
Sleek and mysterious, the leopard is a night hunter, on the prowl between sunset and sunrise. From its natural perch high on a tree branch, this graceful predator scans the horizon for its usual prey of grazers – antelope, gazelle, zebra, or wildebeest.
Leopards are found in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, the Tsavo Parks but also in smaller reserves like Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. At Ol Pejeta you can go on nighttime safaris which increases your chances of a sighting.
3. Elephants
4. Buffalos
This fierce animal is the only one of the “Big Five” that isn’t endangered or considered vulnerable. Amongst hunters, it was always considered the most dangerous as it was easily provoked and would charge its pursuers, especially when wounded.
You’ll find this distinctive and sometimes ornery horned bovid in almost all of Kenya’s wildlife parks.
5. Rhinos
With its huge hulking body and unique set of horns rising from its nasal bridge, the big rhino is a special treat to witness. Despite their great form and threatening appearance, rhinos are quite shy, and finding them in the wild is not always easy.
Of the “Big Five”, the rhino is the most endangered and so special sanctuaries have been created for their protection from poachers and to nurture back the dwindling population.
You’ll find rhinos in most of the wildlife parks but especially in the sanctuaries harbored at Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta, and Lake Nakuru.
These five unique species, all with their particular story will highlight your safari and inspire awareness to protect them for future generations to enjoy.
See the Big Five Animals with Africa Kenya Safaris!
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NAIROBI EXCURSIONS
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KENYA SAFARI FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 – 12 days from Nairobi.
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Explore our Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani – voted Africa’s leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli – famous for large herds of elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Book Exciting African safaris starting from/to the beautiful Diani beach resorts
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania.
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds – a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4×4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Exciting 4×4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, ‘escape’ to Africa’s leading beach destination – Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOURS
Best Africa mountain climbing adventure tour packages and safaris. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Best family-friendly beach holidays on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
Customize your dream African safari
At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
