Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. It is home to several wildlife species and is known for its rich heritage and distinctive culture. Kenya has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Hence, when planning a safari trip to Kenya, it becomes easier to plan your itinerary if you know which animals or birds you would like to see. Below mentioned are some of the animals that you would come across during your adventurous safari trip to Kenya. We have also listed down national parks and game reserves where you are most likely to see them.
- The Big Five: Kenya is one of the best places to see the African Big Five These animals include the African elephant, African lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. Elephants and lions are most commonly seen throughout Kenyan national parks, whereas leopards are hard to spot. The Cape buffalo is the most dangerous among all the Big Five animals. While rhinos are an endangered species.
Where to find them?
Head straight to the Masai Mara National Reserve, the most renowned national park in Kenya to spot the Big Five. Recently, a high number of leopards have been sighted near Lake Nakuru. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is not only home to the Big Five but is also the largest black rhino sanctuary where both black and white rhinos can be seen.
- Giraffe: Giraffes are the tallest living terrestrial animals known for their elegant grace even while running at the fastest speed (50 to 60 mph). Kenya is home to three species of giraffes out of the nine that exists in the world; namely Somali giraffes; Masai giraffes – the largest giraffe species; and lastly, the Rothschild giraffes – which is one of the most endangered and distinct species of giraffes.
Where to find them?
Somali giraffes are commonly found in northern Kenya; Masai giraffes are mostly seen in Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania; and Rothschild giraffes are generally found near Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya.
- Grevy’s Zebra: Grevy’s Zebras are one of the most endangered species, with thinner stripes that do not continue on their belly and have large eyes. They are herbivores, and in general, have excellent hearing and eyesight. They often migrate in search of food and water during the dry season.
Where to find them?
They can be found in Samburu Reserve, Northern Kenya, Shaba National Reserve and Laikipia Plateau.
- Aardvark: Aardvark is one of the most enigmatic animals in Africa. It is a small to medium-sized nocturnal mammal with powerful claws and a long snout. It is indigenous to Africa, and as solitary animals, they only come together to mate. They have pronounced arched backs and short legs with thick claws on the forefeet. This makes it easier for them to burrow and dig.
Where to find them?
They are largely scattered around bushes, so their sighting is a priceless prize. They can be seen in a wide variety of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Hyenas: As a carnivorous animal, hyenas have strange laughter and call that travels for miles. During your trip to Kenya, you can spot both striped and spotted hyenas – which are slightly larger than the striped ones. Being nocturnal, they only come out in the dark to hunt for food. At times, hyenas can prey on their own, so females need to protect their cubs.
Where to find them?
The spotted hyenas are inhabitants of the grasslands, savannahs and mountain regions. Whereas, the striped hyenas are rare and more difficult to spot. You are likely to spot both of them in the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
- Wildebeest: Wildebeests are the largest species of the antelope family. There are two main species of wildebeests – blue wildebeests and black wildebeests. Both the species are even-toed, horned, and have greyish-brown ungulates resembling cattle. The front body is heavily built, while the hindquarters are slender with spindly legs. They have a grey coat with a black mane and a beard that might be black or white. They travel around in large herds and are a part of the largest annual wildlife migration on earth.
Where to find them?
They are mostly seen in open woodlands and open grassy plains of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Tanzania and Kenya.
- Hippopotamus: Hippopotamus are land animals but feel safer when in water. They are the third-largest mammals and can be extremely aggressive and territorial. Irrespective of their large size or how slow & clumsy they might seem, you can never outrun them. They are dangerous when they feel threatened. So, on a Kenya safari trip, ensure that you don’t get too close to them.
Where to find them?
They are found in large numbers in the Masai-Mara National Reserve. They can also be found at Amboseli National Park as well as Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha.
Finally,
Listed above are only some of the safari animals found in Kenya that are a must-watch on your safari trip. Most animals can be seen in Kenya’s popular national parks and game reserves, primarily Masaai Mara, Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru.
Written by Lily Bean; Partner Manager – SafariDeal.com
Disclaimer:
The information supplied is the author’s own; Enviro Wild does not take any responsibility.
