Seeing the Big Five in person is the goal of every safari traveler to Africa. And without a question, one of the best nations to realize this objective is Kenya. At least four, and occasionally all five, of these highly sought-after animals can be found in many of its parks. Furthermore, pairing two or more safari locations with complimentary traits will significantly improve your chances of sighting all five of the Big Five.

We examine ten of Kenya’s most well-known parks and give you a summary of which of the Big Five are found there and how easy it is to spot them in order to assist you get the most out of your safari there.

The Big Five: What Are They?

Many first-time safari visitors have the Big Five, a collection of huge African creatures, at the top of their bucket list. The five animals are rhino, buffalo, elephants, lions, and leopards. Big game hunters first used the word to describe the animals they believed to be the most hazardous to pursue on foot. For this reason, it excludes other endearing but comparatively harmless animals like giraffes and cheetahs.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

One of the greatest locations in the world to see the Big Five is Kenya, the most visited safari destination. Most notable for the wildebeest migration that settles on its undulating plains from August to October, it is a northern extension of the Serengeti National Park.

However, you may also be sure to encounter buffalo, lions, leopards, and elephants in the Masai Mara National Reserve at any time of year. For black rhinos, which are rare but most likely to be spotted in the westerly sector known as the Mara Triangle, a little more luck is needed.

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

The Masai Mara is easily accessible from this small but picturesque national park, and the two are a great match. This is because rhinos, which are comparatively rare in the Masai Mara, may be found in one of Kenya’s best locations, Lake Nakuru National Park.

While black rhinos are more elusive and favor deep jungle, white rhinos can be easily spotted on the lake floodplain. Although they are present, lions and leopards are not very common. Seasonal groups of flamingos, buffalo, and Rothschild’s giraffe are among the other creatures you might encounter.

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is the best location for elephant enthusiasts to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Here, buffalo are also very plentiful, although rhinos and large cats are rare. Particularly if you’re also visiting other parks where lion, leopard, and rhino are more prevalent, the park’s breathtaking setting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro more than makes up for it.

4. Tsavo East National Park

For those looking to include a quick safari into a longer beach vacation, Tsavo East National Park, which stretches northeast from the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, is the perfect destination. All five of the Big Five are officially found there, and it is well-known for its vast herds of buffalo and elephants. However, lion and leopard are less certain, and black rhinos are extremely rare—possibly even extinct in some areas.

5. Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is a component of Kenya’s largest protected area, together with its eastern namesake. It is a little more dependable than Tsavo East for lions, and buffalo and elephants are prevalent. In a walled drive-through refuge at Ngulia, Tsavo West is home to about 80 protected black rhinos, with a density of about one individual per square kilometer (per 0.4 square miles).

6. Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and Samburu National Reserves

As the Ewaso Nyiro River meanders through the parched landscape north of Mount Kenya, this group of reserves is home to four of the Big Five (rhino is the exception). The forested riverside is a wonderful place to see leopards and is also a fantastic place to see buffalo and elephants. Many dry-country animals that are rare to be found in other national parks, such as Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk, are a remarkable feature of these reserves.

7. Laikipia Plateau (which includes Solio Ranch, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy)

Kenya’s most forward-thinking Big Five conservation region is the Laikipia Plateau. The second-largest protected habitat in Kenya is made up of a patchwork of privately and communally held conservancies. All five of Kenya’s Big Five wildlife, particularly rhinos, call Laikipia home. Other specializations include Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and African wild dog. Premier properties that provide all-inclusive safari packages at small, exclusive lodges include Solio Ranch, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

8. Aberdare National Park

The majority of wildlife watching in the mountainous Aberdare National Park takes place from two hide-like “tree hotels” that overlook floodlit waterholes, making it a unique safari experience. All five of the Big Five call it home, though, and on a good night, the waterholes may draw buffalo, elephants, black rhinos, and—more surprisingly—leaphless and lions.

9. Nairobi National Park

It’s easy to underestimate Nairobi National Park. Yes, some areas of the park are overshadowed by the city buildings. Indeed, for people with little time, it is the perfect objective for a day safari. But contrary to what such claims might suggest, it is actually a more rewarding and untamed safari location.

The park’s whole southern edge is unfenced, allowing wildlife to freely move from the Athi Plains despite its proximity to Nairobi. And with the exception of elephants, four of the Big Five are frequently sighted.

10. Meru National Park

For those who want to spend time in an off-the-beaten-path safari area and view the Big Five species in Kenya, Meru National Park is a fantastic option. You may drive for an hour in this picturesque national park and not see another car.

While buffalo and elephants are prevalent (along with the eye-catching reticulated giraffe), both rhino species are safeguarded in a walled drive-through sanctuary. Although seeing big cats is not certain, you should have the sighting to yourself if you are fortunate enough.