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Wildlife & Safaris in Kenya

For the diversity of habitats and concentration of game, it is difficult to beat the world-renowned reserves in Kenya.

Over 25,000 recorded species of wildlife call Kenya home; listen out at night for the saw-like grunt of a leopard, or the deep bone trembling roar of lions.

Conservancies in Kenya are now highly popular for a Kenya wildlife safari as they empower and support local communities whilst protecting the local environment. Specific and endangered species can only be found in certain parks and reserves.

Contact one of our Kenya safari specialists to create a unique itinerary tailored to your specific wildlife interests.

The Big Five on a Kenya Wildlife Safari

African Lion

  • Kenya's national animal, and arguably the most famous animal on the planet, the African lion is the symbol of strength and power and the epitome of any safari to wild Africa.
  • Around 100 lions, including the largest pride, live in the Naibosho Conservancy in the Masai Mara, making it one of the most densely populated areas for lions in the world.
  • Meru National Park has some of the largest lion prides in the country, particularly the Loisaba Conservancy which has three lion prides.
  • Best Safari Lodge to see the African Lion in Kenya: Kicheche Bush Camp & Naboisho Camp

African Elephant

African Leopard

  • Leopards are known for their elusive and secretive behavior, making them harder to spot than other Big Five animals.
  • Where to See the African Leopard in Kenya: Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara, Meru National Park, Laikipia Plateau.
  • Best Safari Lodge to see the African Leopard in Kenya: Kicheche Bush Camp, Naboisho Camp & Laikipia Wilderness

African Buffalo

  • Also known as Cape buffalos, are large, powerful herbivores with distinctive horns.
  • Where to See the African Buffalo in Kenya: Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara, Meru National Park and Samburu National Reserve in the Laikipia Plateau.
  • Best Safari Lodge to see African Buffalo in Kenya: Kicheche Bush Camp, Kicheche Mara, Kicheche Laikipia

Rhinoceros

  • The black rhino is a critically endangered species, spotting one on a Kenya wildlife safari is a thrilling experience.
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy provides a vast area of refuge for the black and white rhino, with a total of 169 black rhinos. We recommend staying at Lewa Wilderness or Lewa House.
  • In the Laikipia Plateau you will find the private conservancy, Ol Pejeta, which has the highest population of black rhinos and is home to the last two northern right rhinos in the world. Stay at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp.
BW Graeme Purdy
KEN St Kenya Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Shutterstock Jurgen Vogt

Travel throughout August and September to witness the great migration in the Masai Mara as part of your itinerary.

Rolling savannah hills cut through dark green riverine forest areas, making this the perfect habitat for a whole host of wildlife, and the rich grasslands support the herds. Their arrival means a time of plenty for the big cats, and you are almost guaranteed some action.

Read more about the Great Migration

KEN St Kenya Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Shutterstock Gudkov Andrey

The Great Migration

The climax of any Kenya wildlife safari; the annual Great Migration is a dramatic, wild and totally enthralling marvel of nature, where predatory lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena gather and wait expectantly for more than two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra to arrive in a stampede of activity, so they can prey on the more vulnerable, juvenile or lone animals. The climax of the event comes with the river crossing and after the first animal’s tentative entry into the waters, thousands more follow in its shadow and the inevitable chaos that ensues is breathtaking, with some animals being taken by waiting hungry crocodiles as they desperately try to make it to the other side. The sight and sound of the thundering hooves of the millions of migrating animals arriving from Grumeti River area in Tanzania through to the Masai Mara in Kenya is like no other on earth.

Birds in Kenya

With more than 1,135 bird species, Kenya holds the world record for the most number of bird species recorded in a single country in a single day. The country's varied landscapes, from savannas and forests to wetlands and coastlines, provide a wide range of habitats for bird species.

  • African Fish Eagle: This striking raptor is often associated with Kenya's waterways and lakes. Its distinctive cry is a common sound around bodies of water.
  • Lilac-breasted Roller: Known for its vibrant plumage, the lilac-breasted roller is a stunning and iconic bird in Kenya.
  • Superb Starling: This strikingly colored starling is a common sight in Kenya, with iridescent blue and orange plumage.
  • Crowned Crane: The crowned crane is Kenya's national bird and is known for its regal appearance, with a crown of golden feathers on its head.
  • Secretarybird: This unique and unmistakable bird of prey is known for its long legs, which it uses to stomp on its prey.
  • Marabou Stork: Often seen near rivers and lakes, the marabou stork is a large, somewhat ungainly bird with a bare head and neck.
  • African Grey Hornbill: This hornbill species is commonly seen in savanna habitats and is known for its distinctive appearance and bill shape.
  • Malachite Kingfisher: Found near water bodies, this small kingfisher is recognized by its vibrant blue and green plumage.
  • Hadada Ibis: The hadada ibis is known for its loud, distinctive calls, which often echo through the savanna.
  • African Jacana: This striking wader is known for its long toes, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation in wetlands.
  • African Pygmy Kingfisher: As the name suggests, this tiny kingfisher is a colorful and often elusive bird found in wooded areas.
  • Great Blue Turaco: This large and distinctive bird is known for its vibrant blue and green plumage and can be found in forests.


Birds in Kenya

With more than 1,135 bird species, Kenya holds the world record for the most number of bird species recorded in a single country in a single day. The country's varied landscapes, from savannas and forests to wetlands and coastlines, provide a wide range of habitats for bird species.

  • African Fish Eagle: This striking raptor is often associated with Kenya's waterways and lakes. Its distinctive cry is a common sound around bodies of water.
  • Lilac-breasted Roller: Known for its vibrant plumage, the lilac-breasted roller is a stunning and iconic bird in Kenya.
  • Superb Starling: This strikingly colored starling is a common sight in Kenya, with iridescent blue and orange plumage.
  • Crowned Crane: The crowned crane is Kenya's national bird and is known for its regal appearance, with a crown of golden feathers on its head.
  • Secretarybird: This unique and unmistakable bird of prey is known for its long legs, which it uses to stomp on its prey.
  • Marabou Stork: Often seen near rivers and lakes, the marabou stork is a large, somewhat ungainly bird with a bare head and neck.
  • African Grey Hornbill: This hornbill species is commonly seen in savanna habitats and is known for its distinctive appearance and bill shape.
  • Malachite Kingfisher: Found near water bodies, this small kingfisher is recognized by its vibrant blue and green plumage.
  • Hadada Ibis: The hadada ibis is known for its loud, distinctive calls, which often echo through the savanna.
  • African Jacana: This striking wader is known for its long toes, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation in wetlands.
  • African Pygmy Kingfisher: As the name suggests, this tiny kingfisher is a colorful and often elusive bird found in wooded areas.
  • Great Blue Turaco: This large and distinctive bird is known for its vibrant blue and green plumage and can be found in forests.