Big Five & Great Migration
Kenya's wildlife is the main reason why millions of tourists come — and it never disappoints.
The Big Five
| Animal | Population | Best Places | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Elephant | ~36,000 | Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu | Increasing (great success story) |
| Lion | ~2,500 | Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo | Endangered (conflicts with herders) |
| Leopard | ~2,000 | Masai Mara, Samburu, Aberdares | Hard to count, stable |
| Black Rhinoceros | ~900 | Nairobi NP, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru | Critically endangered (but increasing!) |
| Cape Buffalo | ~42,000 | Everywhere in parks | Stable |
The Great Migration
The greatest wildlife spectacle on earth: Over 2 million animals — 1.5 million wildebeests, 400,000 zebras, 200,000 gazelles — move in an endless cycle between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya). They follow the rain and fresh grass, pursued by lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles.
Other Highlights
- Cheetahs: Masai Mara is the best place in the world for cheetah sightings
- Rhinoceroses: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last two Northern White Rhinos in the world (Fatu and Najin)
- Wild Dogs: Extremely rare, occasionally spotted in Laikipia
- Coral Reefs: Watamu and Diani Beach have diverse reefs with turtles, rays, and whale sharks
- Flamingos: Millions of flamingos at the soda lakes of the Rift Valley
- Over 1,100 bird species: Kenya is a paradise for birders
