Kenya’s animals are the reason most people come, and the list is long. The country has hundreds of mammal species and well over a thousand kinds of birds. Here is a practical guide to what you can see, and where to find it. Here is what to know about animals in Kenya before you book.
Big cats and other predators
- Lions live in prides across the Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and Nairobi National Park.
- Leopards hide in riverine woodland and rocky outcrops; Samburu and the Mara are rewarding.
- Cheetahs prefer open plains, with the Mara and Amboseli the best bets. See cheetahs in Kenya.
- Spotted hyenas are everywhere, clever and often seen at dawn.
- African wild dogs are rare, with Laikipia the main place to look.
The giants
Elephants roam most major parks, with Amboseli famous for them. Buffalo gather in herds near water. Hippos wallow in rivers and lakes, and giraffes tower above acacia woodlands. Kenya has three types of giraffe: the Maasai giraffe in the south, the reticulated giraffe in the north and Rothschild’s giraffe in western reserves and Lake Nakuru. Rhinos, both black and white, live in protected sanctuaries; see rhinos in Kenya.
Grazers and antelope
The plains hold zebras, wildebeest, topi, hartebeest, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, impalas and elands. The north has special species adapted to dry country: Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk, Beisa oryx and the tiny dik-dik. Watch for warthogs trotting with their tails up like antennas.
Primates
Olive baboons and vervet monkeys are common and bold, so guard your food. Colobus monkeys live in forests such as Kakamega and Mount Kenya, and chimpanzees live in a sanctuary at Ol Pejeta. Read about Kakamega and Ol Pejeta.
Reptiles and amphibians
Nile crocodiles lurk along rivers, including the Mara. Lake Turkana has some of the biggest. Smaller reptiles such as agama lizards add colour at lodges. See Lake Turkana.
Birds
From flamingos at Lake Nakuru to ostriches on the plains, secretary birds and colourful lilac-breasted rollers, Kenya is a birdwatcher’s dream. Our birdwatching guide lists top spots.
Rare and special species
The hirola antelope, the bongo in highland forests and the Grevy’s zebra are among Kenya’s rarest animals. Seeing any of them is a privilege and a reminder of why conservation matters.
How to see more
- Hire a good guide; they spot what you will miss.
- Go early and late, when animals are active.
- Be patient, and stop at small things too.
- Carry binoculars; they transform the experience.
For the headline species, see the Big Five in Kenya. Tell us what you most want to see, and we will build the trip around it.
Quick answers
How many animals live in Kenya?
Hundreds of mammal species and over a thousand bird species.
Which giraffes live in Kenya?
Three types: Maasai, reticulated and Rothschild’s.
Where can I see wild dogs in Kenya?
Laikipia is the main area, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Safaris that fit this guide
These Cherish Africa Safaris trips match what this guide covers. We can adjust any of them to your dates, group size and budget.
- 5 Days Mid Range Maasai Mara Migration, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha Safari
- 8 Days Kenya Safari Tour – Stunning Wildlife and Scenic Lakes Experience
- 7 Days Budget Kenya Safari: Maasai Mara, Lakes & Hell’s Gate Adventure
Not sure which trip suits you? Browse all our Kenya safari tours or send us an enquiry.
Plan it with people who live here
We are a Nairobi-based team and every trip starts from our own doorstep. If you would like help turning these ideas into a real itinerary, message us on WhatsApp (+254 794 588 242), write to info@cherishafricasafaris.com, or use our contact form. We usually reply the same day.
Animals in Kenya: Key Takeaways
The main points on animals in Kenya are covered above. If you would like help applying them to your own dates and budget, our team can plan the trip with you. For more advice on animals in Kenya, or a quote tailored to your group, contact Cherish Africa Safaris and we will reply the same day.
