What are the big 5 and why are they called that? Having been on safari more than 365 days a year, we take great pride in being true experts and making sure you always have the fun of your life. We go above and beyond by travelling to every place we recommend in order to be able to provide our first-hand experience and impartial advice. Most Kenya safari tour visitors ask, “When is the best time to go on safari?” When planning your Kenya safari, choosing the best time to visit Kenya is a great place to start because it primarily depends on your objectives and preferences. It’s all about timing in Africa.
Why are they called the Big Five?
African colonists who believed that the wild animals were the hardest and most dangerous to hunt on foot gave rise to the phrase “Big Five” in the late 1800s. Because of how vicious these creatures can become when hurt or trapped, they are thought to be extremely dangerous. This indicates that giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos would have to be in the running if it was only a matter of size and weight; the Big Five aren’t the largest or heaviest of Africa’s wildlife.
The Big Five are the highlights of any safari in Africa; these animals, for many, are the essence of what it means to go across the savannah. We are discussing the recognisable and untamed forms of the African buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and elephant. The origin of the phrase “Big Five” dates back to the colonial era of game hunters and the challenges they faced in trying to track and kill these magnificent animals on foot. Luckily, most members of our species have given up on trying to legally conquer these natural treasures and are instead working to preserve and safeguard them.
Buffalo
The most dangerous of the Big 5 and acknowledged as one of the deadliest creatures on the continent is the Cape buffalo. The buffalo has extremely few natural predators, with the exception of lions and large crocs, due to its renowned for its erratic temperament and amazing power.
Where to find Buffaloes in Kenya?
In terms of preferred habitat, the buffalo is not very particular, despite being among Africa’s most desperate grazers. Yet, they must rely largely on Kenya’s perennial water sources in places like the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Meru National Park (which is home to some of the largest buffalo herds you’ll see on a Kenya wildlife tour) because they have a sizable thirst on their hands.
Elephants
Kenya’s national parks are home to many elephants, with the exception of Lake Nakuru. However, Amboseli National Park is home to some of the largest herds—and tusks—in all of East Africa. The permanent lakes and wetlands of Amboseli are the gathering places for magnificent herds of these gentle giants to graze and drink. Amboseli also offers some of the most spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. From here, one can frequently see Kenya’s wildlife against the dramatic backdrop of the continent’s highest mountain.
The Elephants are mostly seen in Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Samburu National Reserve and Aberdare National Park.
Leopards
A game drive in Kenya will become a lifetime experience if you manage to glimpse the shy and quiet Panthera pardus. The leopard is so sought-after to see because of its exceptional skill in camouflage and stealth. Humans have been captivated by this predator’s majestic coat for millennia due to its captivating regal beauty.
Where to see leopards?
On a kenya safari tour , for you to see a leopard, you’ll need to put in a little more effort or just get really lucky. Go to the Masai Mara National Reserve or Samburu National Reserves in Kenya if you want the best chance of seeing this elusive member of the Big 5. The Samburu region, which is the best place in Kenya to see leopards, is a dry forest with patches of rocky outcrops and deep riverine vegetation. Though the bulk of the Masai Mara is open grassland more suited to cheetahs, lions, and hyenas, there is great leopard habitat near the region’s waterways.
Lion
Panthera leo is the undeniable monarch of the African wild. It’s thrilling and almost like a primal curiosity to see lions when on a wildlife tour in Kenya. The first thing that will strike you about this member of the Big 5 in Kenya is its incredible size. Their imposing roars, protruding chins, and massive barrel-chested bodies send shivers down our spines as they remind us that the wilderness is still theirs. Africa’s most formidable carnivores, lions kill buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and even baby elephants. It’s heart-stopping stuff and an experience that won’t soon be forgotten if you’re fortunate enough to see lionesses in the wild.
Lions are among the most abundant animals in the Masai Mara, to the point where they starred in their own BBC nature documentary series, Big Cat Diary. Undoubtedly, the Masai Mara is an excellent location to witness large prides of lions throughout the year. When visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, be on the lookout for lions that scale trees. It’s said that certain lions climb trees to escape biting insects on the ground or to enjoy a refreshing wind, even though they are not really suited to scale trees and perch atop branches. If you happen to spot these climbing cats, consider yourself lucky as they are highly rare to see!
Rhinos
While the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya offers views of the Big 5, finding rhinos is becoming more and more challenging. The magnificent animals have been driven to the verge of extinction since the turn of the 20th century. Poaching caused the number of black rhinos in Kenya to drop to less than 300 by the 1980s. Though the species is still extremely endangered, black rhino populations have been gradually increasing as a result of significant conservation initiatives in locations like Lewa and Ol Pejeta.
Where to see Rhinos?
Your greatest options on a Kenya safari tour for seeing rhinos on a kenya wildlife safari trip in Kenya are: Lake Nakuru National Park; You will see a large number of Black rhinos which might find safety and refuge at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Two of the northern white rhinos that remain in the world can be found in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
