Embarking on a safari in Kenya is every traveller’s dream offering one of the most diverse wildlife and vibrant eco-systems. Are you interested in spotting a variety of wild animals in their natural habitats on a safari in Kenya? Kenya’s National parks and game reserves are home to a variety of animal species including different species of birds as well as the Big 5. During your safari in Kenya, you will have an opportunity to witness the wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Kenya is almost every traveller’s dream destination with not only diverse wildlife but also rich vibrant cultural heritage sites and hospitality of the local people that will make your African safari unforgettable.

As you plan to see animals during your Kenya, this blog highlights the most common sightings and other wildlife species that you will see during your safari.

Wildebeests

Wildebeests are one of Kenya’s major tourist attractions often spotted during the great migration. Kenya consists of a population of over 2 million wildebeests living in Masai Mara National Park. The Great Migration is a major highlight of Kenya’s wildlife safaris usually drawing several tourists from most parts of the world. During the great migration, wildebeests are accompanied by thousands of gazelles and zebras in search of safe places for calving and greener pasture as well as predators that always hunt animals down at the Mara crossing.

The Big 5 (Classic Safari)

Lions

During your Kenya safari, you will have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of lions which are one of the most iconic Big 5 animals. Lions live in groups known as pride and are predominantly hunters. Lions are lazy and shy creatures that spend most of their time sleeping and are active during hunting and mating. Lions can be spotted in Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve and Tsavo National Park. Lions are best seen very early in the morning and late in the evening when they are out of shade and getting active.

Leopards

 Leopards are generally shy and solitary animals that spend most of their time in thickets and up in the trees spotting their next meal. Leopards are also termed as king of camouflage due to their shy and solitary character. These are rare safari sightings and can be seen in Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Park, and Tsavo National Park.

Elephants

Lions are one of the strongest and biggest land mammals in the world. Elephants are generally peaceful and gentle creatures that create mesmerising moments during an encounter with guests during safari game drives and nature walks. Elephants are highly recognised for the great they play in the ecosystem. These can be seen in most of Kenya’s National Parks including Amboseli National Park with the largest population of elephants, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Park, and Tsavo East and West National Parks.

Buffaloes

Are typically herbivores with large horns for defence from predators and other aggressive animals. Buffaloes are one of the strongest Big 5 animals and are often seen grazing and wallowing in most of Kenya’s wildlife and game reserves. Buffaloes are highly protective and dangerous animals with a great social structure.

Rhinos

 Rhinos are fascinating and a major Highlight during a Big 5 safari. Kenya consists of both black and white Rhinos and these can be seen in Lewa and Ol Pejeta. The savannah grasslands provide a great home for tourists during a Kenya safari on game drives and other wildlife encounters. Various conservation efforts have been put in place to conserve and protect these endangered species in their natural habitats. Rhinos are rare sightings during a Kenya safari since they are solitary and spend most of their time in wooded areas.

Not only does Kenya consist of the Big 5 animals but also other wildlife species such as Giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, African wild dogs, Baboons and antelopes. Get ready to tick off several rare and unique animal species on your bucket list during your safari in Kenya making it a dream come true.

Bird Watching

Kenya is one of the major birding destinations consisting of over 1000 bird species including both migratory and rare bird species. On your safari in Kenya, you will have an opportunity to spot a variety of bird species including the African Fish Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, African Grey Hornbill, African Jacana, White-cheeked Barbet, Grey Crowned Crane, Crowned Eagle, Secretary bird, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Flamingo, Common Ostrich, Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, Black-headed Heron, Grey Heron, Pied Kingfisher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Blue Capped Cordon Bleu.

Other bird species include the Great White Pelican, Shoebill Stork, Goliath Heron, Red-billed Quelea, Black-winged Kite, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Rufous-bellied Heron, Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Black Sparrowhawk, White-backed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, Common Buzzard, Black Kite, Long-tailed Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Violet-backed Starling, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Green Pigeon, Madagascar Bee-eater, Spectacled Weaver, Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow Wagtail, Blue-naped Mousebird, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Kori Bustard and Greater Flamingo. These can be spotted in most of Kenya’s National Parks and at any time.

When is the best time to see animals in Kenya?

 Animals can be seen at any time throughout the year. However, the best time to see animals during a Kenya safari is during the dry season which runs from June to October. During this time, there are dry roads, walking trails and short vegetation as well as witnessing the great wildebeest migration thus enabling you to better wildlife making it a magical safari.

However, animals can also be seen during the wet season which runs from November to May though it is the best time for bird watching. The wet season is an excellent time for bird watching giving you a chance to spot a variety of bird species.

In conclusion, Kenya is truly a haven of wildlife with a variety of wildlife species that every nature enthusiast will enjoy creating beautiful magical moments and memories to cherish forever.