The Big Five
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — the five legends of the African bush, and where to find them in Kenya.
The Lion
Kenya's lions are most easily seen in the Masai Mara, where large prides rest on termite mounds and hunt at dawn and dusk.
- Best places: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Nairobi NP
- Best viewing: early morning and late-afternoon game drives
The Leopard
Solitary and secretive, leopards are often spotted draped along acacia branches. Samburu's riverine forest offers some of the best sightings.
- Best places: Masai Mara, Samburu, Lake Nakuru
- Best viewing: early morning and late-afternoon game drives
The Elephant
Amboseli's big tuskers beneath Kilimanjaro and Tsavo's famous red elephants are among Africa's most photographed herds.
- Best places: Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Masai Mara
- Best viewing: early morning and late-afternoon game drives
The Cape Buffalo
Found in large herds across Kenya's parks. Old bulls — known as 'dagga boys' — are best watched from the safety of the vehicle.
- Best places: Masai Mara, Aberdares, Lake Nakuru
- Best viewing: early morning and late-afternoon game drives
The Rhino
Kenya is a leader in rhino conservation. Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru are the best places to see both black and white rhino.
- Best places: Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi NP
- Best viewing: early morning and late-afternoon game drives
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