Top 12 Animals in Kenya and Where to See Them

Top 12 Animals in Kenya and Where to See Them : Kenya offers a great wildlife experience, moving landscapes, and is home to a wide range of amazing and fascinating creatures.

Kenya is perhaps the first place that comes to mind when you picture the splendor of a safari. The harsh desert landscape appears to be a world away from the lush backdrop of the Great Rift Valley, while the savanna spreads eternally to the horizon, the snow-capped mountains span the equator, and.

You can explore the range of animals and fauna; the creatures listed here are just the beginning.

1. Elephant
2. Giraffe
3. Hippopotamus
4. Wildebeest
5. Zebra
6. Lion
7. Buffalo
8. Leopard
9. Cheetah
10. Flamingo
11. Nile Crocodile
12. Kikuyu Colobus Monkey

1. Elephant

They are a classic image of a Kenyan safari and one of the country’s finest icons, whether one imagines them marching in unison or looking for the babies scampering to keep up with glorious tuskers. Elephants from Africa are larger than those from India, and the shape of their larger ears resembles that of the African continent. A single elephant is always striking to see, its ears flapping and its sad eyes marking the pachyderm as it wanders alone. However, a herd of elephants can create a classic sunset tableau as they move one following the other in front of a famous African sunset.

2. Giraffe

The giraffe rises gracefully above the surroundings. They are simple to spot since their heads protrude above the trees, and their long necks are visible for kilometers across the plains, making them another well-known African image. Giraffes appear calm and collected, but they are difficult targets. Only the young are a realistic target for predatory cats due to their strong hind legs. With remarkable necks that allow access to the richness of the more lofty trees in the area, they can reach heights of over 16 feet.

Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Aberdares Park are good places to see giraffes.

3. Hippopotamus

Another symbol of a safari in Kenya is the hippo. Hippos are one of the most hazardous but also one of the easiest creatures to discover on a safari. They are rumbustious yet deliciously adorable. They regularly congregate in sizable pods, groaning and moaning all day with a succession of eyeballs and snouts poking above the surface. The landscape seems like a row of gray stepping stones from a distance. When you go closer, you’ll notice emotion and thoughtfulness hiding underneath their relaxed exterior. Because hippo behavior may be partially predicted, guides will be familiar with the water they live in.

Maasai Mara National Park, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Lake Naivasha are good places to see hippos.

4. Wildebeest

One of Africa’s most notable and numerous creatures, the wildebeest is famous for thundering across the vast plains during the Great Migration. The 1.5 million-strong brilliant herd spreads out in huge balls of dust as it moves toward new grazing grounds. As they move in close proximity to other animals like zebra and antelope, they can rapidly and readily establish themselves as a mainstay of your safari in Kenya. Although they are rarely stunning as individuals, herds are amazing to watch, with powerful males galloping and rutting, young calves being watched by shaggy manes, and chaos reigning when the herd temporarily loses its leader.

The Maasai Mara National Park, Old Pejeta Conservancy, and Amboseli National Park are the best places to see wildebeest.

5. Zebra

A zebra’s hazy stripes provide a captivating effect. They are widespread throughout Kenya and typically live in small packs of six to eight people. When seen in herds grazing or ambling across the plains, zebras continue to be a graceful sight on safari that appears beautiful and calm. Each zebra’s stripes are distinctive, much like fingerprints, demonstrating distinctiveness that sets them apart as individuals. The young must use these stripes to locate their mother in a big herd.

Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Samburu are places to see zebra.

6. Lion

It’s practically a need to see a lion when on safari, and this is doable in a number of Kenya National parks. A few days on safari will allow you to experience the survival layers dissolving as you watch lionesses go on hunts or take in the allure of a lion’s mane at dusk. The pride of lions sits with an air of power that stems from their royal prowess, making them one of the easiest predators to recognize. Even when dozing off in the slanting sunshine, they continue to be a compelling presence that has been captured in documentaries.

The Maasai Mara Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo East are good places to see lions.

7. Buffalo

One of the “Big Five” and a treat to observe frolicking and wallowing in mud puddles, the buffalo is a common sight on a safari in Kenya. They are widely dispersed throughout Africa’s savannas and forests, and they can wander in groups or alone. They enjoy being near water. Due to their unpredictable nature and heightened sense of smell, they continue to be among the most deadly creatures in the wild. A safari is absolutely complete if you see one of these majestic animals on a game drive. They have remarkable ridged, curving horns.

Masai Mara, Lewa Conservancy, and Amboseli National Park are good places to see buffalo.

8. Leopard

In Kenya, you might see 20 or more species on a single game drive, but witnessing the sneaky and elusive leopard is always a thrilling experience. Beyond the iconic species and diversity that may be found in various national parks, the leopard exudes a special allure. They expertly maneuver through the grass and stalk in silence before abruptly vanishing from view or, possibly, taking a seat on a tree branch and gazing out at the world with serious eyes. Their varied feeds enable them to adapt to most situations, resulting in a sizable yet well regulated region that is patrolled.

Samburu National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, and the Laikipia Plateau are good places to see leopards.

9. Cheetah

Cheetahs are mysterious animals that are irrevocably memorable, even when they are elusive and lonely. They are the fastest mammal in Africa, earning them fame and notoriety, but they are also a charming highlight of any safari. When rain brings abundant springing grasses, they readily blend in with the grasslands and savanna, but when the grass is short, they gracefully stand above the plains. They’re elusive and avoid most sounds, making them challenging to locate. If you’re lucky enough to see one dash away, they impress with their incredible speed.

Samburu National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo East and West are good places to see cheetahs.

10. Flamingo

The flamingos that populate some of Kenya’s most well-known and well-liked lakes are responsible for the country’s picturesquely pink environment. Kenya has two kinds, and the variety of darkness in hue produces bright colour splashes on the country’s lakes. Flamingos stand on one leg for reasons that no one entirely knows, but when they congregate in large numbers, it’s breathtaking to see. They are also regarded as raucous birds, which makes them an important component of the African symphony when on safari.

Flamingo viewing locations include Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Elementaita

11. Nile Crocodile

During a wildife safari in Kenya, the Nile crocodile can be seen along many of the waterways. They can reach lengths of over six meters and lurk on riverbanks, feeding on fish and the inconspicuous undulate. Their teeth have a bite that is more potent than a great white shark’s and is unstoppable. They are remarkably noisy as well, with five distinct sounds that serve as crucial communications between partners, hunters, or young. As they soar through the waters off Kenya, they are frightfully intriguing.

Tsavo East, Maasai Mara, Nairobi National Park, and Lake Turkana are good places to see crocodiles.

12. Kikuyu Colobus Monkey

Colobus monkeys are timid creatures who seek upper trees and avoid conflict. As one of the dozens of different kinds swinging and foraging a trail through the trees, they are a common sight in Kenya’s woodlands. With beautiful hair flowing as they glide between the branches for a photogenic moment with seductive tranquillity, their striped tails and flowing beards give them an outstanding sight. Vervet monkeys constantly seem to disrupt the peace that colobus monkeys bring.