Top safari destinations to see the Big five mammals in Kenya

Top safari destinations to see the Big five mammals in Kenya :  Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, starting on a mission to find the famous Big 5 is often the pinnacle of a safari to the wilds of Africa. There’s nothing quite like an African safari, from the excitement of following elusive leopards and black rhinos to the breathtaking beauty of witnessing herds of bathing elephants and furious Cape buffalo fending off a pride of hungry lions. One of the greatest ways to see the Big Five is on a safari in Kenya; the world-class game reserves and knowledgeable guides make for an unforgettable vacation.

In short, the Big Five are the following: buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino (which is officially black, though many count both black and white), and rhinoceros. The Big Five initially were named such as they were regarded by hunters to be the largest and most dangerous animals to kill – luckily for these animals, shooting has now been replaced with photography safaris, but the allure to see these ‘big five’ animals remains.

Maasai Mara National Reserve.

It comes as no surprise that the Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most visited safari location. The Maasai Mara should be at the top of every traveler’s list because of its diverse animals, breathtaking vistas of the savannah, and, of course, the yearly wildebeest migration.

Large families of hippos, hyenas, and topi live in the Maasai Mara, which is proudly located in southwest Kenya’s Rift Valley and is home to the Big 5. The list is endless. Since the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the private conservancies that are a part of it are unfenced, the animals are allowed to move about in the Mara.

The expansive vistas of the uncovered savannah provide effortless big cat spotting. The Maasai Mara is well-known for having a large number of cats, and you may see cheetahs, leopards, and lions there. They may be seen hunting the millions of zebra and wildebeest that arrive with the migration between July and October, or they may be seen sleeping in the shade of a lone tree.

Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli is another prevalent park, and the place to go for those picture postcard views of elephants trundling throughout the plains with the magnificent backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Remember to bring your camera.

With more than fifty different animal species living there, Amboseli is dubbed the “Land of the Giants” because of the enormous herds of elephants that wander the sun-kissed grassland. It’s a rather uncommon sight, particularly if you get to see any of the well-known big tuskers.

Excellent wildlife viewing is made possible by these unhindered vistas, and there’s a strong possibility of spotting lions, leopards, and even cheetahs. With over 400 different species to look out for, it’s also a fantastic place to go bird watching.

Tsavo National Parks.

Considering the notorious man-eating lions of 1898, Tsavo has come a long way. Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West are now enormous, undeveloped, and completely secure for safaris. The Big 5 are present here, even if it’s not always easy to see them, which only adds to the excitement. Anticipation is just as much pleasure on safari as actual sightings. Follow through and you’ll be rewarded with buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos.

Elephants bathing in the red dust, rolling about and producing quite a show, is another favorite activity in Tsavo West. Not only may you witness hippos swimming in the shallows, but you can also spot the ubiquitous crocodiles prowling about.

Lake Nakuru National Park.

Here in Lake Nakuru, seeing black and white rhinos against a background of pink flamingos is a frequent sight. More than a million flamingos frequently nest in the shallow, alkaline waters of the lake, which is well-known for its massive flocks of these birds. A lot of pink that is.

Although it doesn’t have the same wild, untamed feel as many of Kenya’s other game reserves and parks, Lake Nakuru is a fantastic year-round destination with decent odds of seeing giraffes, lions, hippopotamuses, warthogs, and ostriches.

Lewa Conservancy.

Lewa Conservancy is a privately owned wildlife reserve that was created to save the unique Grevy’s zebra and the endangered black rhino. Now that there are more than 60 animal species, guests may have a comprehensive safari experience here. In addition to vehicle safaris and bush walks, it’s a great place to enjoy some unique wildlife watching on horseback or even by camel. In addition to seeing gazelles, lions, and leopards, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, and the enormous eland that call Lewa Conservancy home.

Large herds of elephants sometimes numbering in the hundreds can be seen in these places when the day warms up. These animals congregate in the marsh areas to drink.