The Big Five animals: where to see them in Kenya
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Lion
The Maasai Mara has one of Africa's densest lion populations, and prides often lounge in the open grass in plain view. We saw lions on almost every drive there, including a black-maned male who yawned at us from about twenty feet away.
Leopard
The hardest of the five to find. Leopards are solitary and spend the day in trees or thick cover. Look for a tail hanging from a branch in fig and acacia trees along rivers. The Mara, Samburu and Tsavo all have good leopard sightings with a patient guide.
Elephant
Amboseli is famous for big-tusked elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. In Tsavo, elephants dust themselves in red soil and turn rust-colored. Herds are common in the Mara and Laikipia too.
Cape buffalo
The easiest of the five to see, and arguably the most unpredictable. Large herds graze in the Mara and around Lake Nakuru. Lone old bulls, nicknamed "dagga boys," are the ones guides watch closely.
Rhino
Rhinos are the rarest of the five after decades of poaching. Your best chances are in protected sanctuaries: Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa in Laikipia, and Lake Nakuru National Park. The Mara has a small population of black rhinos, but sightings are hit or miss.
An itinerary to see all five
Combine Laikipia or Lake Nakuru for rhino with three or four nights in the Maasai Mara for lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. That's the route we took, and it covers all five in about ten days. Compare safari specialists who can build it around your dates on our safari planning resources page.
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Explore safari experiences (opens in a new tab)Frequently asked questions
What are the Big Five animals?
The lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros.
Why are they called the Big Five?
Big-game hunters coined the term for the five animals considered the most difficult and dangerous to hunt on foot. Today the name is used by photographers and safari travelers.
Where can you see the Big Five in Kenya?
The Maasai Mara for lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, plus Laikipia's Ol Pejeta or Lewa conservancies or Lake Nakuru for rhino.
More Kenya guides
The best time to visit Kenya for a safari
Dry seasons, rainy seasons, migration months and the cheapest time to go.
The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it
When the herds reach the Mara, where the river crossings happen, and how to plan.
How much does a Kenya safari cost?
Real daily costs for budget, mid-range and luxury trips, plus park fees.