What Are Kenya’s Big 5 Animals?

So you are planning an African safari and dont even know Kenya’s big 5 animals, also referred to as the Maasai Mara Big 5? Then grab some popcorns and read on. In summary Kenyas big 5 animals constitute the leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and the rhino.

Why are they called the Big 5 Animals?

You might think it is because of size, that the bigger the stronger and scarier – yes and no. Yes because with size comes strength. For example,  the African bush elephant is the largest and strongest living mammal on planet. A mature male elephant can grow up to 4 metres and weigh up to 7 tonnes (7000 kgs) – that is, bigger than the Afrofeast food van below, which only weighed about 4.5 tonnes.

A recent viral video from South Africa and the death of an elderly American woman at the Kafue National Park in Zambia a few days ago proves to their speed, power and temperament.

And no, because an animal such as a giraffe, which is the tallest, does not appear on the list of the Maasai Big 5. Why? Simply because it was easier to hunt and kill compared to the above list.

Well, what then is Kenya’s Big 5 or the Maasai Mara Big 5? Simply put, this refers to animals that hunters historically faced difficulty in hunting and killing. It is not some scientific criteria laid down by professors at Cambridge University; rather, it was determined by Maasai warriors and other poachers / hunters based on their personal experiences.

Nowadays though, Kenya’s Big 5 / Maasai Mara Big 5 are the animals that tourists love to see while on their safari. Please be informed Kenya is not a monopoly over these animals – the  East African savanna is wide and spreads as far as Tanzania and Uganda although in the latter country the vegetation towards the western part is thicker compared to the Kenyan savanna.

Also, South Africa has the big 5 in Kruger National Park – it depends where you want to go.

That said, Kenya still stands out as the most visited safari country in the world. Adventurers and environmentalists have long been drawn to Kenya due to its varied landscapes and abundant wildlife. Seeing the famous Big Five is one of the most desirable experiences in the African jungle. These magnificent animals, each with unique traits, strength and appeal, perfectly capture the wild splendour of Kenya’s natural heritage.

Let’s look at each of the animals.

1. Leopard

Most people think the lion tops this list, I think it is the elusive leopard. Experts at stealth and concealment, leopards are known for their nocturnal habits and solitary disposition. It is very rare but an exciting experience to see one slithering between the limbs of a fig tree or tracking its prey in the dark.

Although they may not have the stamina and social mentality of lions, leopards are incredibly smart, agile, strong and dangerous, and therefore deserve the number one spot as the Maasai Mara Big 5. I owe you no apology for siding with the leopard 🙂

To see leopards, visit either of these sites: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Laikipia Conservancy, Aberdare National Park, or Tsavo East National Park.

2. Lion

The lion, the savannah king, comes second in the list. Lions embody power, speed and strength with their striking appearance and golden mane. Any safari visitor is forever changed by the sight of the pride on the hunt or relaxing in the shade of an acacia tree. The growl of a male lion alone is enough to make you cringe with fear.

Besides strength they embody a social IQ not seen in leopards, which makes them harder to hunt.

You will mostly find lions in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Laikipia Conservancy.

3. Elephant

These are the gentle giants of the African savanna. These gregarious and intellectual animals organise into close-knit families under the direction of the matriarch. It is a humble experience to watch them graze, play in the mud, or defend their young, and it emphasises how crucial conservation efforts are to ensuring their survival.

That said, never take an elephant for granted as they are faster than humans and can crash you in seconds!

You will see the elephants when you visit either of these parks: Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, or Aberdare National Park.

4. Buffalo

The African buffalos are renowned for their temperamental swings and sheer size. These gigantic animals, which walk the savannah with authority in big herds, remind tourists of the untainted force of nature.

Like lions, they adopt the mob mentality and are historically difficult to hunt and kill, even for lions. It is not uncommon for a pride of lions to hunt a buffalo bull for hours before they bring it down.

Buffalos are mostly found in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Meru National Park.

5. Rhinoceros

The classic black and white rhinoceros is the last but certainly not the least. Although Rhinos have poor eyesight, their ability to smell and hear is incredible. These monsters are dangerous, especially mothers with young ones, and will not hesitate to charge when they feel threatened. Rhinos are definitely stronger and bigger than buffalos and their straight sharp horns make them dangerous. Sadly, habitat degradation and poaching have put these amazing creatures in danger of going extinct. Urgent conservation measures are needed.

Rhinos are mostly found in Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Aberdare National Park.

Conclusion

A close-up encounter with Kenya’s Big 5 is an unparalleled experience that provides insight into Africa’s wildlife’s innate fragility and raw beauty. Our duty as guardians of this priceless legacy is to ensure that coming generations can still marvel at them in their natural environment.

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