Kenya is one of the best safari destinations in the world, offering an incredible diversity of wildlife across its national parks and reserves. From the famous Big Five to rare and unique species, here’s a complete guide to animals you can see on safaris from Nairobi—and exactly where to find them.
The Big Five (Most Sought-After Safari Animals)
1. Lions
Where to see them:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Nairobi National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Tsavo East & Tsavo West
What to expect:
Lions are commonly seen in the Maasai Mara, especially during the Great Migration when prey is abundant. Nairobi National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see lions with a city skyline in the background.
2. Elephants
Where to see them:
- Amboseli National Park (best place in Kenya)
- Tsavo East & Tsavo West
- Maasai Mara
What to expect:
Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro views—perfect for photography.
3. Leopards
Where to see them:
- Maasai Mara (best chance)
- Samburu National Reserve
- Laikipia Conservancies
What to expect:
Elusive and often spotted resting in trees. Early morning and evening game drives increase your chances.
4. Buffalo
Where to see them:
- Maasai Mara
- Amboseli
- Lake Nakuru National Park
What to expect:
Buffalo are widespread and often seen in large herds near water.
5. Rhinoceros
Where to see them:
- Lake Nakuru National Park (both black & white rhino)
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (best place overall)
- Nairobi National Park
What to expect:
Rhinos are endangered, but Kenya offers some of the best chances to see them in protected areas.
Big Cats & Predators
Cheetahs
Where:
- Maasai Mara (top location)
- Amboseli (less common)
Hyenas
Where:
- Maasai Mara
- Nairobi National Park
- Tsavo
African Wild Dogs (Rare)
Where:
- Laikipia Plateau
- Samburu region
Jackals & Serval Cats
Where:
- Widely across savannah parks like Maasai Mara and Amboseli
Herbivores & Plains Game
Giraffes
Types & where:
- Masai giraffe – Maasai Mara, Amboseli
- Reticulated giraffe – Samburu
Zebras
Where:
- Maasai Mara
- Amboseli
- Tsavo
Wildebeest
Where:
- Maasai Mara (Great Migration: July–October)
Antelope Species
Includes:
- Impala – widespread
- Gazelles (Thomson’s & Grant’s) – Maasai Mara
- Eland – Amboseli & Mara
- Kudu (rare) – Samburu & Tsavo
Unique Northern Kenya Species (Samburu Special Five)
Found mainly in Samburu:
- Grevy’s zebra
- Reticulated giraffe
- Somali ostrich
- Gerenuk (long-neck antelope)
- Beisa oryx
Where to see them:
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs Reserve
Water & Wetland Animals
Hippos 🦛
Where:
- Maasai Mara (Mara River)
- Lake Naivasha
- Tsavo
Crocodiles 🐊
Where:
- Mara River (Maasai Mara)
- Tsavo rivers
Primates
Baboons
Where:
- Lake Nakuru
- Amboseli
- Tsavo
Vervet Monkeys
Where:
- Widely across Kenya
Colobus Monkeys
Where:
- Aberdare National Park
- Kakamega Forest
Birdlife (Over 1,100 Species in Kenya)
Flamingos
Where:
- Lake Nakuru
- Lake Bogoria
Ostriches
Where:
- Maasai Mara
- Samburu (Somali ostrich)
Birds of Prey
Where:
- Maasai Mara
- Tsavo
Other notable birds:
- Secretary bird
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- Eagles
Rare & Special Animals
Aardvark (very rare)
Where:
- Tsavo
- Laikipia
Pangolin (extremely rare)
Where:
- Forested areas like Aberdares
Caracal & Serval
Where:
- Laikipia
- Maasai Mara
Best Safari Destinations from Nairobi & What They’re Known For
Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Big Five
- Great Migration
- Big cats
Amboseli National Park
- Elephants
- Kilimanjaro views
Lake Nakuru National Park
- Rhinos
- Flamingos
Samburu National Reserve
- Rare northern species
- Unique landscapes
Tsavo East & West
- Large elephant herds
- Red elephants
- Less crowded
Nairobi National Park
- Closest park to the city
- Rhinos & lions
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Best rhino sanctuary
- Chimpanzees