Kenya, known for being a home of the wild, has over hundreds of species of animals and support a wide range of birds too. While some of these are facing a threat of extinction and endangerment, several others are comfortably enjoying their stay in the wildlife capital, Nairobi. A safari in this country means an opportunity to interact with them directly and fall in love with this jolly East African country.
So, experience the wildlife in Kenya on your next trip and scroll down to know essential facts before you go!
About The Wildlife In Kenya
Due to its varying rainy season, Kenya welcomes more animals on board than the neighbouring countries in Africa. However, some of these are on the edge of extinction while others are declared endangered. You can spot the largest buffalo in Africa known as, Cape Buffalo in Kenya, which is amongst the ‘Big 5’ or top 5 animals in Kenya. The others on the list include African Elephant, East African Lion, Black and White Rhinoceros and Leopard.
In the northern zone, you will find Giraffe gazelle, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, reticulated Giraffe and east African Oryx. Black backed jackal and nile crocodile are amongst some of the top predators in the Kenya animals list. Birds like Grey-headed Kingfisher, lilac-breasted roller, starling, red bellied parrot and little bee eater can also be seen in Kenya.
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Things That Make The Wildlife In Kenya Special
Africa, in general is known to have a large diversity of both flora and fauna. So, what is it that makes Kenya so special? Here are a few Kenya wildlife facts to know the answer.
- Multiple Safaris: You can board as many safaris in Kenya as you want and tour the country’s most famous national parks to have a closer encounter with the wildlife.
- Fauna All Year Round: Spotting fauna throughout the year is only possible in Kenya as there are plenty of animals here that can be seen on every safari.
- Migrating Animals: More than 2 million Wildebeest migrate to Kenya every year looking for green grass to survive on.
- Huge Diversity: Kenya is one of those rare countries which really have all kinds of terrain including, mountains, plains, beaches and rivers.
- Internationally Renowned: Yes, that’s right. Wildlife in Kenya is famous worldwide and attracts several tourists every year for the same reason.
Must Read: 10 National Parks In Kenya: Experience The Unsurpassed Charm Of African Wildlife!
Best Time To Visit Kenya
Even though you can explore the wildlife in Kenya throughout the year, the months of June till October are considered the best as it is the dry season here and around this time the migration of Wildebeest occurs from Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. If you wish to avoid high prices of both accommodation and safaris, you can come during the off-season.
Best Places To Spot Kenya Wildlife
1. Samburu Savannah
A hidden gem of its own kind, located at a distance from
Nairobi, Samburu is a home to mutiple herds of African elephants, lion, leopard and sometimes one can even spot the crocodiles lying on the Ewaso Nyiro river banks soaking the sun. If you’ve come at the right time, Somali Ostrich and Grevy’s zebra can also be seen here.
Location: Ewaso Nyiro River, Kenya
Suggested Read: Stay At Giraffe Manor Kenya & Experience The Joy Of Living Among Rothschild’s Giraffe
2. Lake Nakuru
Spread amidst vast grasslands and acacia woodlands is the Lake Nakuru, which provides sustenance to many animals including rhinos, giraffes and buffalos in the region. Being not very far from Nairobi, this Kenya wildlife reserve is the most accessible for the tourists and a beautiful spot on your way to the other national parks ahead.
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya
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3. Tsavo National Park
Being one of the country’s largest parks, it is much famed to have a vast diversity of animals and birds. From crocodiles and hippos to antelopes and lions, you can see them all here. The Galana river providing nourishment and life to the greenlands and fauna in this region is mainly responsible for this diversity.
Location: Tsavo, Kenya
Suggested Read: Serengeti National Park: A Detailed Guide To The Greatest Wildlife Spectacle In Tanzania
4. Amboseli National Park
Witness the giant African elephants walking in herds at Amboseli National Park, which is why it is termed as the ‘land of elephants’.One can even see zebras, hyenas, and wildebeest here along with multiple species of colourful birds. The Amboseli lake flowing through the park provides a picturesque view combined with the Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
Location: Loitoktok District, Rift Valley, Kenya
5. Maasai Mara Country Park
Maasai Mara, also known as, The Mara, is responsible to host the great migration of wildebeest every year and is a must visit for all tourists. While one can soak in the mesmerising scenic views of this park located in the Great Rift Valley, the dotted grasslands spread across the park are the main reason behind the name ‘Mara’.
Location: Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Suggested Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild
What To Pack For Visiting Kenya
This list of essentials will help you have a thrilling safari experience while touring the wildlife in Kenya.
1. Camera and Binoculars
2. Hat, Sunblock and Sunglasses
3. Toiletries
4. Swimsuit
5. Jacket
6. Regular shoes
7. Raincoat and an umbrella
8. Bandana and a scarf
9. Water Bottle
Suggested Read: 20 Hotels In Kenya That Will Transport You To The Surreal Side Of Nature & Wildlife!
Tips For A Better Trip Experience
- Make sure that you hire a guide separately or that there’s a guide included in your safari tour when you book to educate you about the wildlife species that you spot.
- Follow the instructions given during and before the safari and keep yourself hydrated throughout.
- Since there’ll be no or few proper washrooms in your route, keep the toiletries in your handbag.
- You have to take extra care if you have kids on board during a wildlife expedition
Further Read: 10 Surreal Beaches In Kenya That Portray The Soothing Side Of Africa!
Are you ready for something extra on your next holiday? So, why wait? Hurry up and book your trip to Kenya with TravelTriangle and have an enthralling vacation.
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A lawyer from outside and a writer within, Arushi is someone you’ll find eating right after she had her meal. She prefers the company of animals over humans and with a dream of traveling the world someday, she strongly recommends Bali for a chill-out vacay!
