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Wildlife & Safaris in Kenya

For the diversity of habitats and concentration of game, it is difficult to beat the world-renowned reserves in Kenya.

From the golden plains of the Masai Mara to the arid landscapes of Samburu and the snow-capped backdrop of Mount Kenya, Kenya’s wild spaces are among the most iconic in Africa. The country boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, home to over 25,000 species of animals and more than 1,100 recorded bird species, making it a world-class destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation travellers alike.

With a strong network of national parks, private conservancies and community-led reserves, a Kenya wildlife safari offers unrivalled opportunities to encounter the Big Five as well as unique endemic species. Whether it’s witnessing a lion pride on the hunt, photographing elephants against the dramatic silhouette of Kilimanjaro, or tracking endangered black rhinos, Kenya delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters throughout the year. Contact one of our Kenya safari specialists to create a unique itinerary tailored to your specific wildlife interests.

The Big Five on a Kenya Wildlife Safari

African Lion

Kenya’s open savannahs are one of the best places in the world to see lions. The Masai Mara is home to some of the continent’s highest lion densities, with large prides roaming freely in protected areas like the Naboisho Conservancy. Lions can also be seen in Meru National Park, Laikipia, and Amboseli.

Best places to see lions: Masai Mara (especially Naboisho Conservancy), Meru National Park, Laikipia

Recommended lodges: Kicheche Bush Camp

African Elephant

The mighty African elephant is often seen in Kenya, particularly in the striking landscapes of Amboseli National Park, where herds gather beneath the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Elephants also thrive in the Masai Mara and the rolling hills of Laikipia.

Best places to see elephants: Amboseli, Laikipia Plateau, Masai Mara

Recommended lodges: Ol Donyo Lodge

African Leopard

Often elusive and shy, leopards are nonetheless found across Kenya’s major wildlife regions. Sightings are most common in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and Meru National Park, where rocky outcrops and riverine forests offer ideal cover.

Best places to see leopards: Masai Mara, Meru National Park, Laikipia, Amboseli

Recommended lodges: Kicheche Bush Camp

African Buffalo

These formidable and highly social animals are found in large herds across Kenya’s savannah and woodland ecosystems. Buffaloes are common in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Meru National Park. Best places to see buffalo: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Meru, Lake Nakuru


Rhinoceros

Kenya is one of the best places in Africa to spot both black and white rhinos, thanks to its long-standing conservation efforts. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Ol Pejeta Conservancy are among the most successful strongholds for rhinos, offering excellent chances to observe these endangered species in the wild. Nairobi National Park, just outside the capital, also provides surprisingly good rhino sightings and is an ideal stopover for travellers beginning or ending their safari.

Best places to see rhinos: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nairobi National Park

Recommended lodges: Lewa House

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The Great Migration

The climax of any Kenya wildlife safari; the annual Great Migration is a dramatic, wild and totally enthralling marvel of nature, where predatory lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena gather and wait expectantly for more than two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra to arrive in a stampede of activity, so they can prey on the more vulnerable, juvenile or lone animals. The climax of the event comes with the river crossing and after the first animal’s tentative entry into the waters, thousands more follow in its shadow and the inevitable chaos that ensues is breathtaking, with some animals being taken by waiting hungry crocodiles as they desperately try to make it to the other side. The sight and sound of the thundering hooves of the millions of migrating animals arriving from Grumeti River area in Tanzania through to the Masai Mara in Kenya is like no other on earth.

Birds in Kenya

With more than 1,135 bird species, Kenya holds the world record for the most number of bird species recorded in a single country in a single day. The country's varied landscapes, from savannas and forests to wetlands and coastlines, provide a wide range of habitats for bird species.

  • African Fish Eagle: This striking raptor is often associated with Kenya's waterways and lakes. Its distinctive cry is a common sound around bodies of water.
  • Lilac-breasted Roller: Known for its vibrant plumage, the lilac-breasted roller is a stunning and iconic bird in Kenya.
  • Superb Starling: This strikingly colored starling is a common sight in Kenya, with iridescent blue and orange plumage.
  • Crowned Crane: The crowned crane is Kenya's national bird and is known for its regal appearance, with a crown of golden feathers on its head.
  • Secretarybird: This unique and unmistakable bird of prey is known for its long legs, which it uses to stomp on its prey.
  • Marabou Stork: Often seen near rivers and lakes, the marabou stork is a large, somewhat ungainly bird with a bare head and neck.
  • African Grey Hornbill: This hornbill species is commonly seen in savanna habitats and is known for its distinctive appearance and bill shape.
  • Malachite Kingfisher: Found near water bodies, this small kingfisher is recognized by its vibrant blue and green plumage.
  • Hadada Ibis: The hadada ibis is known for its loud, distinctive calls, which often echo through the savanna.
  • African Jacana: This striking wader is known for its long toes, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation in wetlands.
  • African Pygmy Kingfisher: As the name suggests, this tiny kingfisher is a colorful and often elusive bird found in wooded areas.
  • Great Blue Turaco: This large and distinctive bird is known for its vibrant blue and green plumage and can be found in forests.


Talk to a Kenya Destination Specialist Today

Why Natural World Safaris for your Kenya Safari?

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Wildlife Specialists

Wildlife remains our primary focus. We ensure your accommodation is carefully selected as the very best place to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. We want you to experience wild Kenya at its very best, listening out at night for the saw-like grunt of a leopard, or the deep bone trembling roar of lions.

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Wealth of Experience

Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in Africa, starting in 2005 after our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover had spent many years guiding on the continent. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground, from lodge owners to frontline conservationists, affording you access and opportunities that nobody else can match.

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Tailored Safaris

Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you with our in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Our Kenya safari vacations are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.