Kenya Wildlife Guide

Meet Kenya's Wild Neighbours

15 incredible species. Each one with a story worth knowing before you meet them.

All Animals Savannah Forest Coast Mountain Wetland Bush
The Icons

The Big Five

Five animals that define the African safari. Meeting even one in the wild changes you.

African Lion
African Lion
Vulnerable

Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day — but their 4 active hours are extraordinary.…

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African Elephant
African Elephant
Endangered

Elephants grieve their dead.…

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African Leopard
African Leopard
Vulnerable

A leopard can drag a kill twice its own body weight up into a tree.…

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African Buffalo
African Buffalo
Least Concern

Buffalo hold grudges.…

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Black Rhinoceros
Black Rhinoceros
Critically Endangered

The world's last two northern white rhinos live at Ol Pejeta.…

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Beyond the Big Five

More Wildlife Worth the Trip

Cheetah
Cheetah
Vulnerable

Jun – Oct

Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus
Vulnerable

Year-round

Maasai Giraffe
Maasai Giraffe
Vulnerable

Year-round

Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra
Least Concern

Year-round (migration Jul – Oct)

Blue Wildebeest
Blue Wildebeest
Least Concern

Jul – Oct (Mara crossing)

African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog
Endangered

May – Oct (denning season)

Reticulated Giraffe
Reticulated Giraffe
Vulnerable

Year-round

Grevy's Zebra
Grevy's Zebra
Endangered

Year-round

Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Flamingo
Least Concern

Jun – Oct (peak)

Nile Crocodile
Nile Crocodile
Least Concern

Year-round (Jul – Oct at Mara crossing)

Safari Calendar

When is the best time to visit?

From the Great Migration to sea turtle nesting — our month-by-month calendar shows exactly what's happening and where across Kenya and East Africa.

View Safari Calendar
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Peak Great Migration months highlighted

Which Animals Are on Your List?

Browse our tours — each one shows exactly which wildlife you're likely to encounter and how often.

Browse All Tours
Safari Calendar