We've been on our fair share of incredible African safaris and we must say that Kenya is always our favourite safari destination. There are a million reasons to go on a safari when you visit Kenya, but for us the main attraction is always the beautiful animals. Of course, Kenya is home to 'the big five' (elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalos and leopards) but there's also so many more amazing animals to see! So here are our top 5 must-see animals on your Kenyan safari...
Hippopotamus
These imposing creatures are a true spectacle to behold! Be sure not to get too close, these semi-aquatic mammals are notoriously aggressive, so admire from a safe distance. Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Great Rift Valley, you can head over to Lake Naivasha to spot wading hippos along the shore.
Did you know that the Latin word hippopotamus is derived from the Ancient Greek meaning "river horse"?
Giraffe
One of the most iconic animals in Africa, the giraffe is a beautiful creature to encounter on your safari. Mesmerising to watch, giraffes are classified as vulnerable to extinction and have actually already been made extinct in certain localised areas.
Did you know that there are three kinds of giraffe roaming around Kenya called Masai, Reticulated, and Rothschild?
Buffalo
Known as the African Buffalo or True Buffalo, these impressive creatures are known for their size, strength and large horns. With few predators and an enormous amount of strength, these cow-like animals live and move in groups.
Did you know that whilst they can live in herds of a few hundred, they have also been known to congregate in their thousands in the Serengeti during the rainy season? This is one of their many anti-predator adaptations.
Elephant
African elephants are the largest animals walking the Earth, with their herds wandering through 37 countries in Africa. Endlessly intelligent and, of course, an iconic animal that captures the hearts of travellers to this day. As well as watching the animals roam the savannah, there are also many rescue centres and elephant orphanages in Kenya that you can visit.
Did you know that elephants have around 150,000 muscle units in their trunk alone?
Zebra
Kenya is home to 2 species of Zebra; Plains and Grevy's. You can see both at Samburu National Reserve along with four other animals that are found exclusively in this northern region; the long-necked gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe. Grevy's are the tallest of all 3 species of zebra as well as being the most endangered.
Did you know that each species of zebra has distinctly different stripes? Even within each species, no two zebras have the same stripes, they are as unique as human fingerprints.
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