Wildlife & Animals in Kenya

Kenya boasts exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with sightings of the Big Five being common on safari. The Masai Mara National Reserve stands out for hosting the spectacular great migration, which occurs between July or August and October. It is renowned as one of the prime locations in Africa to observe big cats. White rhinos are frequently spotted at Lake Nakuru and Nairobi National Parks, while Amboseli National Park is known for its abundant elephant population. Lakes Bogoria and Nakuru, along with Amboseli’s lakes, attract flamingos.

Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles. Approximately 2.5 million hoofed mammals, primarily wildebeest and zebra, but also including Thomson’s gazelle, traverse the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. They typically arrive in Kenya between July or August and October. The Mara River crossing is a highlight of this migration, offering a breathtaking view of vast herds stretching across the savannah.

Wildlife Highlights

Samburu National Reserve and Meru National Park in northern Kenya are habitats for unique dry-country species. These include the distinctive long-necked gerenuk, as well as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe, which are striking variations of more common species found elsewhere in Kenya. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks are home to the rare fringe-eared oryx, while the Laikipia Plateau is known for northern specials and both black and white rhinos.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Kenya provides exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, with the optimal time being during the Dry season (June to October). This period coincides with the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, typically occurring from July or August to October as the herds migrate back into Tanzania. These months also mark the high season for tourism. From November to April, Kenya is particularly favored for birding, with migratory species present during this period.