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Where To Spot The Big 5 In Kenya

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Here is where each one is actually reliable, rather than merely possible.

Lion

The Masai Mara has the highest lion density in Kenya, with well studied prides that are used to vehicles. Tsavo and Samburu also hold good populations, but the Mara is where sightings are close to guaranteed on a three night stay.

Leopard

The hardest of the five. Look along riverine forest at dawn and dusk. The Mara Talek and Olare Orok rivers are the best bet, and Samburu is unusually good because the vegetation is thinner.

Elephant

Amboseli for the classic view with Kilimanjaro behind. Tsavo for the red dusted herds. Both are dependable year round because permanent water holds the herds in place.

Buffalo

The easiest of the five. Large herds live in the Mara, Nakuru, Aberdare and Tsavo. Lone old bulls near water are the ones to treat with respect.

Rhino

Lake Nakuru is the most reliable place in Kenya for both black and white rhino because the park is fenced. Ol Pejeta and Solio also hold protected populations.

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Sola Safari Travels
Written by Sola Safari Travels Safari Consultants and Guides

Our guides and safari consultants are based in Nairobi and work across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Everything published here is written from first hand experience in the parks we sell, and checked against current park authority information before it goes live.

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