Wildlife in Kenya
Kenya is a showcase for African wildlife like no other country. More than 100 species of large mammals roam, feed and reproduce aross landscapes that often present much the same aspect as in prehistoric times.
Taking advantage of its wide range of ecoystems – from savannah to alpine moorland and from lowland forest to desert – Kenya’s wildlife displays a huge diversity. Four of the standout ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – can be seen in suitable locations right across the country, while the highly endangered black rhino (number 5) is more easily seen in Kenya’s specially protected areas than anywhere else.
In the southwest, the fabled grassy plains and woodlands of the Maasai Mara ecosystem – an Eden-like region well watered by the Mara river and its meandering tributary streams – are the setting for one of the world’s most dramatic natural wildlife spectacles: the annual multiple crossings of the Mara River during the great wildebeest migration.
In parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country, you can see dozens of species of antelope, primates from baboons to bushbabies and predators from cheetahs to hyenas, not to mention giraffes and hippos, more than 1000 species of birds, and a galaxy of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Great wildlife safaris to Kenya
Here are some of our ideas for great holidays focussed on wildlife in Kenya.
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru National Parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.
US$8,380 - US$9,630 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$4,790 - US$4,790 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo west's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$4,310 - US$4,630 per person
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.
US$9,700 - US$11,350 per person
Hamerkop Fly-In Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.
US$5,500 - US$8,280 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$9,200 - US$12,650 per person
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, yet overall a consistently high quality experience.
US$8,050 - US$10,300 per person
Big Cat Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long established, well-rated camps are great value too.
US$5,060 - US$7,460 per person
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience with a range of activities that include great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort.
US$6,170 - US$8,220 per person
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A unique start to the safari in Nairobi National Park, then classic, luxurious camps combine for a high end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
US$8,180 - US$12,640 per person
Kenya's top camps for wildlife safaris
The map shows wildlife sightings made from our lodges & camps. It's based on 2205 reports by 243 groups of our our travellers since May 2018.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Lion
86%
Quick facts about Lion
Scientific name:
Panthera leo
Habitat:
Savanna & woodland
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
120–225kg
Leopard
52%
Quick facts about Leopard
Scientific name:
Panthera pardus
Habitat:
Savanna, woodland, forest, mountains
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
30–90kg
Cheetah
58%
Quick facts about Cheetah
Scientific name:
Acinonyx jubatus
Habitat:
Grassland & woodland
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
50–70kg
Buffalo
89%
Quick facts about Buffalo
Scientific name:
Syncerus caffer
Habitat:
Floodplains, mixed bush & moist grasslands
IUCN status:
Near-threatened
Adult weight:
500–950kg
Wild dog
14%
Quick facts about Wild dog
Scientific name:
Lycaon pictus
Habitat:
Savannah & woodland
IUCN status:
Endangered
Adult weight:
20–36kg
Spotted Hyena
81%
Quick facts about Spotted Hyena
Scientific name:
Crocuta crocuta
Habitat:
Semi-desert, forest, savannah
IUCN status:
Least Concern
Adult weight:
40–80kg
Striped Hyena
15%
Quick facts about Striped Hyena
Scientific name:
Hyaena hyaena
Habitat:
Semi-desert, savannah
IUCN status:
Near Threatened
Adult weight:
22–55kg
Elephant
97%
Quick facts about Elephant
Scientific name:
Loxodonta africana
Habitat:
Woodland and savanna
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
2,500–6,500kg
Black Rhino
38%
Quick facts about Black Rhino
Scientific name:
Diceros bicornis
Habitat:
Scrub & open woodland
IUCN status:
Critically Endangered
Adult weight:
800–1,400kg
White Rhino
88%
Quick facts about White Rhino
Scientific name:
Ceratotherium simum
Habitat:
Woodland savannah
IUCN status:
Near Threatened
Adult weight:
1,800–2,700kg
Eland
75%
Quick facts about Eland
Scientific name:
Taurotragus oryx
Habitat:
Open savanna & grasslands
IUCN status:
Least concern
Adult weight:
340–940kg
Gerenuk
78%
Quick facts about Gerenuk
Scientific name:
Litocranius walleri
Habitat:
Flat, dry thornbush
IUCN status:
Near Threatened
Adult weight:
28–52kg
Giraffe
98%
Quick facts about Giraffe
Scientific name:
Giraffa camelopardalis
Habitat:
Woodland savanna
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
800–1,200kg
Oryx
57%
Quick facts about Oryx
Scientific name:
Oryx beisa and Oryx gazella
Habitat:
Arid savannah
IUCN status:
Endangered (O.b) /Least Concern (O.g)
Adult weight:
120–210kg (O.b) /180–240kg (O.g)
Hippo
79%
Quick facts about Hippo
Scientific name:
Hippopotamus amphibius
Habitat:
Freshwater rivers & wetlands
IUCN status:
Vulnerable
Adult weight:
1,300–2,600kg
Wildebeest
90%
Quick facts about Wildebeest
Scientific name:
Connochaetes sp.
Habitat:
Open savannah & grasslands
IUCN status:
Least concern
Adult weight:
250–290kg
Zebra
98%
Quick facts about Zebra
Scientific name:
Equus quagga
Habitat:
Woodland and savannah
IUCN status:
Near Threatened
Adult weight:
155–322kg
Aardvark
3%
Quick facts about Aardvark
Scientific name:
Orycteropus afer
Habitat:
Grassland & woodland
IUCN status:
Least Concern
Adult weight:
60–80kg
