Kenya is home to some of the most interesting mammals in the world. The species include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos among many others.
Those are known by locals and foreigners as “The Big Five”. Also, the landscape that offers the country is widely varied including swamps, deserts, mountains and forests.
These particular mixtures of different regions provide the perfect conditions for a very varied mix of flora and fauna.
The Big Five & The Bunch
The big five are the most sought-after attraction to every safari-goer in Kenya and in general Africa too.
The Lion
The amazing roar of the lion can be heard from long distances and the king of the jungle is also the king of the animal attractions of the region.
People who visit and natives alike are drawn by this huge predator that lives in the savannah. It is not dangerous for men unless it is under attack but it is truly majestic to see him walk.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the place to go to see them in prides of 20 to 30.
The Elephant
There is no bigger land mammal in the world than the African elephant.
They do not have any predators because of its gigantic size.
They suffered a lot (and still do) from the illegal hunting in the hands of ivory smugglers.
To see them, the Amboseli National Park is the best place.
The Leopard
Code name “Silent Hunter” this gorgeously beautiful animal is one of the most elusive and highly sought-after animals in the kingdom.
They live on their own and pair only in the mating season.
They kill on the ground but take they killed prey up into the trees away from hyenas.
The Rhino
The rhinos found in Kenya are in two breeds: white and black.
The white ones are found in large groups and have a larger mouth. They can be found in the Lake Nakuru National Park. Black rhinos on the other hand have a smaller mouth and an upper lip suitable for scrubbing acacias.
The black rhinos are more dangerous and solitary and can also be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Buffalo
Even the most dangerous predators fear the boiling temper of the buffalo.
They are rarely hunted even by lions and are only attacked when really old or widely outnumbered.
The horns on the head give it a menacing look and can be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Bunch
The other animals such as zebras, cheetahs and giraffes are very picturesque. Others such as jackals, hyenas, monkeys, hippos and squirrels are more common and can also found elsewhere in the world.
The Flora
The most important tree in the region is the Casuarina equisetifolia which is planted sustainably as one of the programs of country growth of Kenya.