"A guide to what sights await you on your magical safari adventure"
Experience the wild wonders of Kenya and Tanzania on a safari adventure, where nature unfolds in all its untamed glory. Encounter the famed Big Five – African elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros – showcasing their power and grace in their natural habitats. Witness the breathtaking migration of zebras and wildebeest, turning the landscape into a mesmerizing tapestry of stripes and earthy tones.
Marvel at the world's tallest mammals, the graceful giraffes, and witness the sleek cheetahs in high-speed pursuits across the open plains. Explore the waterways and discover lively hippo pools and the lairs of Nile crocodiles. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of birdlife, from flamingos in the lakes to majestic eagles in the skies.
Read below to see more about the Big Five, but also the lesser known Small Five and Ugly Five!
Finally, if you're planning a trip to Kenya and would like to download our safari checklist, please click on the button below.
The Big Five
The Elephant - Tembo (in Swahili)
The African elephant, majestic and iconic, is the largest land mammal on Earth, revered for its intelligence, social complexity, and sheer size. These gentle giants roam the savannas and forests of Africa, their presence shaping the ecosystems they inhabit. With their distinctive large ears, elongated trunk, and formidable tusks, African elephants possess a unique charm that captivates all who encounter them. Despite their strength, they are known for their gentle demeanour, forming tight-knit family groups led by the oldest and wisest female, while males often wander solo or in small bachelor herds.
The Rhino - Kifaru (in Swahili)
The rhinoceros, a symbol of prehistoric might and resilience, is one of the most iconic creatures of the African plains and Asian forests. With their armour-like skin and formidable horns, rhinos command attention and respect. Despite their seemingly tough exterior, they are herbivores, grazing peacefully across their habitats. However, they are also tragically among the most endangered species on the planet due to relentless poaching for their horns, which makes spotting these beautiful animals something of a rarity.
The Buffalo - Nyati (in Swahili)
The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is a formidable and iconic species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. With its massive build, distinctive horns, and unpredictable nature, this bovine commands respect in the savannas and woodlands it calls home. Often forming large herds led by dominant bulls, African buffalo are both grazers and browsers, shaping the landscape with their feeding habits. Despite their herbivorous diet, they are considered one of the most dangerous animals on the continent, known to fiercely defend themselves and their group from predators.
The Lion - Simba (in Swahili)
The African lion, known as the king of the savanna, evokes a sense of awe and majesty with its regal mane and powerful presence. Roaming the grasslands and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, these apex predators are iconic symbols of strength and beauty. Lions live in prides, structured social units led by dominant males, with lionesses playing integral roles as hunters and caretakers of the young. Their thunderous roars echo across the plains, serving as a reminder of their dominance and territorial prowess.
The Leopard - Chui (in Swahili)
The African leopard, stealthy and elusive, prowls the diverse landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa with unmatched grace and agility. Renowned for its striking rosette-patterned coat and remarkable adaptability, this solitary feline epitomizes the essence of wilderness. With keen senses and powerful limbs, leopards effortlessly navigate dense forests, open savannas, and rocky outcrops in search of prey, often hauling their kills into the safety of tree branches. Despite their solitary nature, leopards carve out territories in which they roam, encountering others primarily during mating season.
The Small Five
The lesser known "Little Five" are equally as impressive as their larger counterparts, just more diminutive in size. Read more to find out just what these little critters get up to and where they can be found!
The Elephant Shrew - Mjanja wa Tembo (in Swahili)
The elephant shrew, despite its name, is not related to elephants nor shrews. These small mammals are found in Africa and are more closely related to aardvarks, elephants, and manatees than they are to true shrews. Known for their long noses resembling a miniature elephant trunk, they use this unique feature to probe the ground for insects, their primary food source. Remarkably agile, these tiny creatures can move swiftly through their habitat, often resembling a miniature kangaroo in their bounding gait.
The Rhino Beetle - Mende ya Rhino (in Swahili)
The rhinoceros beetle is a formidable insect known for its impressive size and distinctive horn-like protrusions, reminiscent of the iconic horns of its namesake, the rhinoceros. These beetles are found in various tropical regions around the world including Kenya and Tanzania. Despite their intimidating appearance, rhinoceros beetles are primarily herbivores, feeding on decaying wood and plant matter. During mating season, males employ their horns in battles for dominance and access to mates, showcasing their strength and prowess.
The Buffalo Weaver Bird
The Buffalo Weaver bird is a striking species native to the savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Named for its habit of nesting near herds of buffalo, these birds exhibit fascinating social behaviors and intricate nest-building skills. They construct large, untidy nests made of sticks, often housing multiple breeding pairs and generations within a single structure. With their black plumage, contrasting white markings, and distinctive red eyes, Buffalo Weavers are easily recognizable. They are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, and fruits.
The Antlion
The antlion is a fascinating insect found in sandy habitats around the world, known for its distinctive larval form that resembles a tiny lion. These voracious predators create conical pits in loose, sandy soil, patiently waiting at the bottom for unsuspecting prey to tumble in. With their impressive mandibles, antlion larvae swiftly dispatch their victims, primarily consisting of ants and other small insects. Once satisfied, they cocoon themselves in sandy debris, undergoing metamorphosis into delicate-winged adults resembling damselflies.
The Leopard Tortoise - Chui Kobe (in Swahili)
The leopard tortoise is a magnificent reptile native to the grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Named for the striking leopard-like patterns adorning its shell, this tortoise is renowned for its impressive size, reaching lengths of up to two feet and weighing as much as 40 kilograms. With its domed shell and powerful limbs, the leopard tortoise is well-adapted for life in its arid habitat, utilizing its sturdy beak to graze on grasses, succulents, and occasional fruits. Despite its slow pace, this tortoise is a resilient survivor, capable of enduring harsh environmental conditions. Mating typically occurs during the rainy season, with females laying clutches of eggs in shallow nests dug into the soil.
The Ugly Five
Named after the Julia Donaldson book of the same name, we think the "Ugly Five" are beautiful inside and out and include some of the most interesting animals Kenya and Tanzania have to offer, and some of our most favourite. Read more about them below.
The Wildebeest - Nyumbu (in Swahili)
Wildebeest, also known as gnus, are iconic herbivores of the African plains, renowned for their spectacular migrations and distinctive appearance. These ungulates are characterized by their large, stocky bodies, shaggy manes, and curved horns, making them easily recognizable among the vast herds of the savanna. Wildebeest are highly social animals, often forming massive aggregations that can number in the thousands during seasonal migrations. These migrations are among the most awe-inspiring events in the natural world, as vast herds traverse hundreds of kilometers in search of fresh grazing and water. Despite their seemingly clumsy gait, wildebeest are remarkably fast runners and agile, capable of evading predators such as lions and hyenas.
The Warthog - Nguruwe (in Swahili)
The warthog, with its unmistakable appearance characterized by its large tusks and warty protrusions, is a resilient and iconic inhabitant of the African savannas and woodlands. These sturdy mammals are renowned for their adaptability, thriving in a range of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their somewhat comical appearance, warthogs are skilled diggers, using their powerful snouts to root for tubers and other underground food sources. They often seek refuge in burrows, utilizing abandoned dens or excavating their own to escape predators and the harsh African sun. Despite their fearsome tusks, warthogs are generally docile creatures, preferring to flee rather than engage in conflict.
The Vulture - Tai (in Swahili)
African vultures, with their imposing silhouettes and keen eyesight, are vital scavengers that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of African ecosystems. Found throughout the continent's diverse habitats, these large birds are adept at soaring on thermal currents, effortlessly covering vast distances in search of carrion. With their strong beaks and acidic stomachs capable of digesting even the toughest scraps of meat, African vultures serve as nature's clean-up crew, swiftly disposing of carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.
The Marabou Stork
The Marabou stork, with its hunched posture and grotesque appearance, is a distinctive bird native to Africa, particularly found in the savannas and wetlands of the continent. Towering over many other avian species, Marabou storks possess an impressive wingspan and a bald head adorned with wisps of downy feathers. Their scavenging lifestyle often leads them to congregate around carcasses, earning them the nickname "undertaker bird." Despite their unappealing reputation, these birds play crucial roles in their ecosystems by cleaning up carrion and waste, thus helping to prevent the spread of disease.
The Hyena - Fisi (in Swahili)
Hyenas are iconic carnivores synonymous with the African savannas, where they play integral roles in the continent's ecosystems. Among them, the spotted hyena stands out with its robust build and complex social structures. Known for their distinctive vocalizations and keen hunting abilities, hyenas are both skilled predators and scavengers, often competing with lions and other apex predators for food. In African folklore, they're portrayed as cunning and fearsome creatures, weaving tales of their prowess and adaptability. Despite facing threats like habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, hyenas continue to thrive across Africa, shaping the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships in their habitats. Their laughter-like calls echoing across the savannas are a quintessential part of the continent's soundscape, symbolizing the resilience and diversity of African wildlife.