Top 5 Animals You’ll See on a Kenya & Tanzania Safari – Big Five & Beyond
Experience East Africa’s most iconic wildlife in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and beyond.
A Kenya and Tanzania safari is more than a holiday — it’s a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on Earth. From the Big Five roaming the savannah to the Great Migration thundering across rivers, these countries offer unrivalled biodiversity.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 animals you’ll see on a Kenya & Tanzania safari, plus a few bonus species you won’t want to miss. And if you’re ready to see them in person, we’ve included links to our best Kenya & Tanzania safari packages so you can plan your dream trip today.
Lions – Kings of the Savannah
- Best parks to spot them: Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), Tsavo East (Kenya)
- Best season: Dry season (June–October) for easier sightings.
The lion is the undisputed icon of African safaris. Kenya and Tanzania’s grasslands are home to some of the world’s largest lion populations, offering incredible photography opportunities. In the Masai Mara and Serengeti, you might see entire prides lounging under acacia trees or stalking prey at dawn.
Book Now: Our 7-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari gives you the best chance to spot lions in both the Masai Mara and Serengeti. View itinerary →
Elephants – Gentle Giants of Amboseli & Tarangire
- Best parks: Amboseli National Park Tsavo (Kenya), Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
- Unique feature: Amboseli’s elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop.
Whether you’re watching herds cross the plains or admiring their social interactions, elephants leave a lasting impression. Amboseli is world-famous for its large-tusked elephants, often photographed against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.
Tip: Combine Amboseli and Tarangire in one itinerary to maximise elephant encounters.eli is one of the best places in Africa to observe elephant family behavior.
Leopards – Elusive Masters of Camouflage
- Best parks: Masai Mara, Serengeti, Lake Manyara.
- Best time: Year-round, but easiest in dry season when foliage is sparse.
Leopards are stealth hunters, often spotted draped over tree branches. While sightings are rare compared to lions and elephants, the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is one of the best places in the world to find them.
Pro Tip: Early morning game drives offer the best leopard sighting opportunities.
Wildebeest – The Great Migrators
Where to See:
- Masai Mara (Kenya): July to October
- Serengeti (Tanzania): December to June
No Kenya-Tanzania safari is complete without witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration — the largest overland migration of mammals on the planet. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, make a circular journey in search of greener pastures.
Best Time to See the Migration:
- June–July: River crossings in Grumeti and Mara Rivers
- December–March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti
Explore our Great Migration safari packages
African Buffalo – The Underrated Big Five Member 🐃
- Best parks: Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater.
- Group name: Herd (can be hundreds strong).
Buffaloes might seem docile, but they are incredibly powerful and unpredictable. Large herds are often seen grazing in open plains or near waterholes.
Did You Know? Buffaloes are considered the most dangerous of the Big Five by many safari guides.
Rhinoceros – Rare & Endangered
- Best parks: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary – Tsavo Trust(Kenya), Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania).
- Why rare: Targeted by poaching; strict protection in parks.
Spotting a rhino in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ol Pejeta in Kenya is home to both black and white rhinos, while Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater offers consistent sightings.
Bonus Wildlife You Can’t Miss
- Cheetah: Fastest land animal; excellent sightings in Mara & Serengeti.
- Wildebeest & Zebra: Stars of the Great Migration.
- Giraffe: Reticulated and Masai species.
- Flamingos: Seasonal displays at Lake Nakuru and Lake Manyara.
Best Safari Parks to See These Animals
| Park | Known For |
|---|---|
| Masai Mara (Kenya) | Lions, Migration, Cheetahs |
| Serengeti (Tanzania) | All Big Five, Wildebeest, Leopards |
| Amboseli (Kenya) | Elephants, Mount Kilimanjaro views |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Rhinos, Buffalo, Large game density |
| Tarangire (Tanzania) | Elephants, Tree-climbing lions |
Plan your dream safari with our Kenya-Tanzania tour packages
Best Time to See Kenya & Tanzania Safari Animals
Wet Season: November–May for lush landscapes and birding.
Great Migration: July–October (Mara), December–March (Serengeti calving).
Dry Season: June–October for concentrated sightings.
View the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania
Book Your Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Experience the thrill of seeing the Big Five and more in their natural habitat. Whether you want a luxury fly-in safari, a budget adventure, or a custom private tour, we have packages to suit every traveller.
Recommended Packages:
10 days Private Kenya & Tanzania Photographic Safari
7-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari
14 days Kenya-Tanzania full circuit adventure
FAQs: Wildlife on Safari
Yes, with a well-planned itinerary covering the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, you can see all Big Five species.
Absolutely — our professional guides follow strict safety protocols to ensure you enjoy the experience from a safe distance.
The Masai Mara and Serengeti are unmatched for action shots, while Amboseli offers iconic elephant and Kilimanjaro backdrops.
