KENYA WILDLIFE – AMAZING WILDLIFE ANIMALS IN KENYA
See the best Kenya wildlife animals worth seeing on Kenya wildlife safari excursions. Kenya has over 25,000 wildlife species in a natural environment in over 80 safari parks and game reserves such as Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Meru National Park, Amboseli etc. This includes 100 mammal species, 50 reptile species, 7,000 plant species, and over 1,100 bird species.
Some of the distinctive wildlife animals in Kenya to see on a safari in top wildlife destinations are the Big Five, Samburu Special Five, cheetahs, gorgeous birds, and many other animal species.
Kenya is the ideal safari destination in Africa to explore if you are looking for different wildlife species. Lions or cheetahs are among the best wildlife species to hunt for especially during the dry season.
Essential Insights About the Amazing Wildlife Animals in Kenya
- Kenya is home to approximately 25% of the planet’s biodiversity, with more than 25,000 species of animals, including small and large mammals (100+), plant species (7,000+), and many others.
- Among the most popular animal species in Kenya are the Big Five savannah animals, stunning birds, primates, the northern five, and marine life.
- The ‘Northern Five’ species endemic to Northern Kenya not found in other parts of east and southern Africa include Grevy’s Zebra, Long-necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx.
- Kenya is considered a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,000 species of birds, such as the Long-crested Eagle and flamingos.
- The Kenya wildlife species are found in several habitats such as the riverine forests, open savannah grasslands, open plains, and coastal forests, among other wildlife corridors.
- Additional information you need to consider when planning to go see the animals of Kenya, e.g., best time to visit, where to stay, conservation efforts, etc.
Best Kenya Safari Tour Packages
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Kenya wildlife animals.
The Big Five African Animals
The Big Five African animals in Kenya are the major animal species of this nation that are considered a must-see on any Kenya wildlife safari. These include
East African Lions (e.g., in Tsavo East National Park and Maasai Mara)
The majestic lions are one of the Big Five animals in Kenya, often seen during wildlife safaris.
The East African lion is also considered to be the national animal of Kenya.
Lions are gregarious animals who live in prides of up to 50 members and are famous for their thunderous roars and hunting skills. They hunt in packs for such prey as buffalo, warthogs, zebras, and wildebeest, as well as other wild animals.
Lions are one of the largest predators among the Big Five, often seen in safari parks of Kenya like the Masai Mara National Reserve (one of Africa’s largest populations), Tsavo Parks (black-maned lions), Amboseli National Park, etc.
Leopards
The leopard is one of the Big Five savannah animals found in Kenya, often seen hunting during the day and night.
Leopards in Kenya are elusive and solitary, making them one of the most challenging members of the Big Five to spot during a safari, often preferring dense vegetation for camouflage
These spotted animals are often seen on the Laikipia plateau, the Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya, and, among others, in the bush and rocky outcrops.
They are known to be very energetic climbers that can lift prey heavier than themselves in trees for proper feeding and often hunt at night.
African Elephants
The African savanna elephant is one of the Big Five savannah animals of Kenya and the largest land mammal in the world.
The African elephants are, in most cases, seen in matriarchal family units of about 10-20 individuals, often in over 23 Kenyan safari parks, 4 sanctuaries, and 28 game reserves like Amboseli National Park (massive herds) and Tsavo East NP (red-dust elephants) as they feed on grasses and trees.
African elephants are the largest land mammals, with adults typically weighing between 2,500 to 7,000 kg and standing up to 4 meters tall at the shoulder.
They are famously known for contributing to the ecosystem in wildlife destinations through their dispersal of seeds through their dung.
Rhinos – One of the Most Critically Endangered Animals
Rhinos are one of the Big Five animals in Kenya seen during wildlife safaris.
The rhinos are divided into two species, the black and white rhinoceroses, and are considered to be critically endangered species.
The white rhinos are often found in Nairobi National Park, the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, etc.
The black rhino populations, which are smaller than the white ones with a hooked upper lip, are found in Nairobi National Park, Tsavo West NP, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Aberdare NP, Ol Pejeta conservancy (the largest rhino sanctuary in East Africa), Lewa Conservancy, etc.
Cape Buffalos
The African buffalo or Cape buffalo is one of the deadliest Big Five savannah animals in Kenya, often seen during Kenya wildlife safaris.
The Cape buffalo are known for their unpredictable nature and can weigh between 500 to 1,000 kg, making them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
African buffaloes are mostly found in Kenyan safari parks and reserves like the Masai Mara, Tsavo Parks, etc., and are often hunted down by lions for prey.
Animals Seen During the Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara
The incredible species of animals often seen during the great migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve are another of the fascinating animals in the country. These include.
Wildebeests
The blue wildebeest is a type of antelope species often seen during the great migration in the Serengeti Mara system in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
These are often seen in great numbers of over 2 million as they cross the deadly Mara River in the dry season, from July to October, to head to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for fresh grazing and water or in open woodlands and plains.
Gazelles
The stunning gazelles are an antelope species often seen during the great migration.
These gazelles are in two subspecies, i.e., Thomson’s gazelle and Grant’s gazelle, and are often seen in the safari parks of Kenya, like the Maasai Mara, feeding on shoots, leaves, and grasses.
They are often hunted down by the cheetahs, wild dogs, and lions.
Other antelope species include Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Topi, Klipspringer, Hirolas, Impalas, Elands, common waterbucks, etc.
Zebras
Zebras are another of the animals seen during the great wildebeest migration in Kenya.
They are striped animals with patterns that distinguish them, just like fingerprints, often hunted as prey by big cats and predators in Kenya national parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Meru, Lake Nakuru NP, etc
Samburu Special Five: Endemic Species of Kenya in Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu Special Five are some of the main endemic species of Kenya found mainly in the northern part of Kenya’s national parks and reserves. This exceptional diversity of animals include
Reticulated Giraffe
The reticulated giraffe is one of the endemic Samburu special five found mainly in the Samburu National Reserve.
The reticulated giraffe is another member of the Northern Five and is known for being distinguished from the normal giraffe by its unique and striking net-like coat patterns and a long neck, is often seen feeding on acacia trees, leaves, vines, etc., and is primarily found in Northern Kenya.
Grevy’s Zebra
The Grevy’s zebras are another of the endemic wildlife species in northern Kenya.
Grevy’s Zebra, one of the Northern Five, is endangered, with its population declining by 50% over the last 20 years.
Grevy’s zebras have large bat ears, narrow, close-set stripes, and an unstripped belly, unlike the plain zebra seen in open plains and semi-arid grasslands
The Grevy’s zebras (the largest zebra species), numbering close to 13,000+ individuals in the country, are mainly found in Samburu National Reserve, Lewa Conservancy, and other northeastern conservancies and reserves.
Gerenuk (Graffe Gazelle)
The gerenuk is another of the Samburu special five and an endemic Kenyan wildlife species.
It is known for having the longest pencil neck among all gazelles & antelopes, and can stand easily on its hind legs to eat trees and leaves.
Somali Ostrich
The Somali Ostrich, which is part of the Northern Five, is characterized by its blue neck and legs, and is vulnerable due to habitat loss.
The Somali ostrich is the world’s largest, flightless bird that has very strong and long legs that can run at about 70 km\hr, with the males having black and white winged feathers and a tail, while those of the females are greyish.
It is often seen in the majority of the country’s national parks, especially in the Samburu National Reserve of northern Kenya.
Beisa Oryx
The Beisa oryx is another of the endemic species in Kenya, seen in northern Kenya parks and reserves.
The Beisa Oryx, also known as the East African Oryx, is adapted to arid environments and is found in Northern Kenya, where it faces threats from habitat loss.
They are an antelope species that looks like a gazelle and sometimes like a goat to other people, with large antler-like horns, and black, brown, and white colors.
Primates in Kenya
Primates are another of the fascinating animals of Kenya worth seeing during safaris. Some of these include.
Kikuyu Colobus Monkeys
The kikuyu colobus monkeys are some of the endemic primates found in the country, often in montane forests and parks like Mount Kenya and Aberdare NP.
They have black and white coats and move acrobatically in the forests with agility and confidence.
Other primate species include olive baboons, bushbabies, blue monkeys, galagos, etc.
Aquatic And Marine Life in Kenya East Africa
The aquatic and marine life of Kenya is one of the best wildlife species in the country, worth seeing during African safaris. Some of the notable ones include.
Nile Crocodiles
The big Nile crocodiles are one of the unmissable aquatic species in the country.
They often feed on both water and land prey, especially in areas surrounding lakes and rivers, such as the Mara River in Maasai Mara and Lake Turkana (12,000+ crocs making it the crocodile country), Nairobi NP, among others.
Hippos
Hippos are another of the fascinating animals in Kenya, often seen in rivers, lakes, and swamps in national parks and reserves.
These nocturnal animals are often seen in hippo pods of about 10-20 females and their young ones resting on the mud, water, savannas, forests, and sand banks.
These hippos are often seen in huge populations in the Masai Mara National Reserve (Mara River and Mara Talek), as witnessed during the great migration and in other parks like Tsavo NP, Nairobi NP, Amboseli NP, etc. And at Lake Baringo.
Dugongs
Dugongs are one of the major marine species found along Kenya’s coastline in the Indian Ocean.
The Dugongs can go underwater up to 37 meters below, and they are often seen feeding on underwater grasses during scuba diving, snorkeling, or marine tours.
Coral Reefs
The vibrant coral reefs are one of the major marine species found along Kenya’s coastline in the Indian Ocean.
Kenya’s coastline has colourful reefs of coral, making it a haven for marine lovers and a hot spot for diving and snorkelling.
Kenya Birds
The beautiful Kenya birds, averaging around 1,000-1,100 in number and found in different birding hotspots, are some of the amazing animals of Kenya worth looking at during safaris. Some of the popular birds include
Flamingos
Flamingos are some of the major birds in the country that consist of two subspecies, the lesser and greater flamingos.
The greater and lesser flamingos are often found in huge numbers along the lakes and rivers of Kenya, especially around Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, which have algae on which the birds feed.
Lilac-Breasted Roller
The lilac-breasted roller is another of the stunning birds in Kenya seen in many of the country’s parks.
Considered to be the national bird of Kenya, it is often seen in the open savannah grasslands and woodlands, feeding on small rodents, lizards, crabs, and insects.
It is found in parks like the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo parks, Lake Naivasha, etc.
Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is one of the famous birds in Kenya, known for its long legs and for being a snake hunter.
They are mainly found in most of Kenya’s national parks with savannah grasslands, such as the Masai Mara, hunting for snakes, lizards, insects, and rodents.
Other birds include the Marabou storks, tawny eagles, falcons, goshawks, African jacanas, Verreaux’s eagle owls, superb starlings, kingfishers, and bee eaters, among many others.
Additional Notable Wild Animals in Kenya
Other notable wild animals in Kenya worth looking at include.
Cheetahs
The cheetahs are one of the wild animals in Kenya often seen during wildlife viewing as they run at fast speeds (60-110 mph) as they try to catch prey, which often includes impalas, Thomson’s gazelles, etc.
They are often seen during the day in Kenya safari parks like Amboseli, Masai Mara, Samburu, and Tsavo National Parks.
African Wild Dogs
The African wild dog is one of the rare and endemic species of animals in Kenya, with the remaining numbers close to about 200 in the country.
These are social in nature, often found in small packs in savanna and woodland areas like the Masai Mara, Tsavo NP, Laikipia, and northern Kenya.
Hyenas
The different hyenas, such as aardwolves and striped and spotted hyenas, are some of the country’s wildlife species often seen in the early morning or during the migration.
Of all the hyenas, the spotted hyenas have stronger jaws than any other land animal that can shatter strong bones, and it is in big numbers, like over 80 individuals in a pack, found in northern and central Kenya safari parks like the Masai Mara.
The striped hyenas are quite small in numbers and rarely seen, while the aardwolves resemble them but often feed on insectivores.
OTHER WILDLIFE ANIMALS IN KENYA
- Warthogs
- Black-Backed Jackals
- Rock Hyrax
- Bats
- Masai giraffes
- Banded Mongoose
- Genets
- Chameleons
- Vipers
- Pangolins
- Lizards
- Elephant shrews
- Porcupines
- Bat-eared foxes, etc.
Best Wildlife Destinations and National Parks Hosting Outstanding Kenyan Wildlife Species
The amazing wildlife animals of Kenya are found mainly in safari destinations in Kenya and places like
- Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya (a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its great migration and diverse birdlife, including species like the Lilac-breasted Roller and African Fish Eagle)
- Amboseli National Park Kenya (excellent location to witness remarkable bird migrations during the rainy season)
- Nairobi National Park Kenya
- Samburu National Park Kenya
- Tsavo East National Park (excellent location to witness remarkable bird migrations during the rainy season)
- Tsavo West National Park Kenya
- Lake Nakuru National Park (famous for its large populations of flamingos, which create a stunning spectacle along the lake’s shores)
- Meru National Park Kenya
- Watamu Marine National Park (known for its pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks)
- Lake Naivasha
- Diani Beach, south of Mombasa (teems with marine biodiversity, where divers can encounter species like octopuses, moray eels, and various rays)
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (recognized for its intensive rhino protection efforts and is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, making it a critical site for conservation)
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Mara North Conservancy, etc. READ MORE about Kenya national parks!
How Best to See the Animals in Kenya on an African Safari?
Travelers on Kenya wildlife safaris can see most of this nation’s outstanding wildlife animals by partaking in activities like
- Witnessing the great migration in the Maasai Mara
- Birdwatching
- Day and Night game drives
- Hot air balloon rides
- Guided bush walks in lush forests
- Boat rides on the Kenya Lake system like at Lake Naivasha
- Camel and horseback rides
- Photography
- Cultural experiences and community tours, etc. READ MORE!
Best Time to See Kenya Animals
The most optimal or best time to see Kenya’s animals in their natural habitat is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to February, which coincides with the great migration in Maasai Mara (July and November), and it is also when most wild animals concentrate around water sources, and dramatic river crossings peak at the River Mara.
During the rainy seasons from April to June and November to December, the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise, which is also a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive in Kenya.
Threats And Challenges Facing Animals of Kenya
In Kenya East Africa, some of the serious threats facing the animals include
- Habitat fragmentation or loss
- Poaching
- Illegal bush meat trade
- Illegal ivory trade and sale of other illegal wildlife products
- Wildfires causing habitat degradation
- Human wildlife conflict
Ongoing Wildlife Conservation Initiatives Aimed at Protecting Animals of Kenya
The Kenyan government, through the Kenya Wildlife Service which manages a network of National Parks and Reserves (with many reserves administered by county governments), leads conservation efforts and laws through the proper management of the national parks, anti-poaching units, among other initiatives listed below
- Additionally, genuine sanctuaries focus on rehabilitation and eventual release of animals into the wild, not guest entertainment.
- Responsible wildlife tourism in Kenya centers on minimizing human impact while ensuring that indigenous communities and ecosystems benefit from visitor presence.
- Tourism fees in community-owned conservancies go directly to community land leases, schools, and healthcare, providing economic incentives for locals to protect wildlife, e.g., in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
- Parks like the Maasai Mara, Meru National Park, etc. encourage ethical viewing. This means keeping a reasonable distance from animals, not driving off-road, and not disturbing wildlife.
- Enactment of park regulations to deter vehicles from coming within 20 meters (65 feet) of large animals to avoid psychological stress and interruption of natural behaviours
Conservation Tips for Travelers
- Adopt a ‘take only photos, leave only footprints’ approach to limit your environmental effect in parks and community conservancies like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
- Look for lodges or tour operators that are ‘Gold Level’ with Ecotourism Kenya or have Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification.
- Promote community-based tourism that delivers direct economic advantages to local communities living with wildlife.
Kenya Safari Prices and Fees to Incur to See the Animals
The cost for those wishing to view animals in Kenya can range from USD 100 – USD 2,000 per person per day, depending on the length of trip, party size, season and travel type (budget, midrange or luxury).
These fees cater for accommodation, meals, transport, park entrance fees, and activities.
How To Get to Kenya to See the Animals?
Most tourists who wish to see the rare and endangered animals of Kenya often use the easiest way possible, which involves flying into Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and, on arrival, using 4×4 safari vehicles or domestic flights to get to the desired Kenyan best wildlife destination and safari parks such as the Masai Mara, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mount Kenya, Meru National Park, Lake Naivasha, etc.
Top-rated Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels to Stay at When on Wildlife Safaris
The top-rated Kenya safari lodges and hotels to stay at to see the best animals of this country, ranging from budget, midrange to luxury in different safari destinations, include Angama Mara, Giraffe Manor, &beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, among many others. READ MORE!
Kenya Safari Checklist
Tourists visiting Kenya to see its wildlife animals are strongly encouraged to pack and wear essential items and attire like sunscreen, insect repellent, neutral-colored clothing, etc. READ MORE!
Top Kenya Safari Companies Offering the Best Wildlife Safaris
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Kenya safari Tours
- Africa Safari Tours
- Tanzania Safaris and Tours
Commonly Asked Questions About Kenya Animals
1. What Wildlife Is There in Kenya? |What Kind of Wildlife Is in Kenya?
The wildlife in Kenya entails predators, bird species, great migration animals, herbivores, plains game, the Big Five, Special Five, among many others.
2. Is It Safe to Visit Kenya Right Now?
Kenya is safe for visitors now usually, the main safari parks, safari attractions and coastal areas are protected, but like with any other safari nation in the globe, visitors need take care.
3. What Are the Big 5 Wild Animals in Kenya? |What Is the Big Five Wildlife in Kenya?
The ‘Big Five’ is the collective name for five iconic species that are the most sought after sightings on safaris in Kenya, the African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros (white and black rhino populations).
4. What Predators Live in Kenya?
Kenya has a vast assortment of predators, both large and tiny, such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals and African wild dogs, among others.
5. Does Kenya Have Tigers and Lions?
The East African nation Kenya has only thousands of lions in its wilderness but no tigers.
Call or email us now to book your Kenya wildlife safari today for you to see the wildlife animals of Kenya firsthand!