Ever thought of going on a big five African safari tour? Naicef offers the best Big Five wildlife safari packages in Kenya.
This ultimate guide gives you the best Big Five wildlife understanding, packages, and tips you need to know before taking on your dream safari to Africa.
What are the African Big Five Wildlife Animals?
The big 5 animals include the lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and the African buffalo. Each of them is better discussed below.
So why are these animals called the big five?
They are called the big five because these animals were the most dangerous and difficult to hunt on foot. Africans were hunters and therefore anyone who came home with any of these animals was considered a hero. A big hero indeed.
In today’s safari experiences, sighting the Big Five symbolizes safari success. That’s why you need an ultimate safari guide to help you during your Big Five African safari tours before you travel.
The best big five wildlife safari packages in Kenya must give an opportunity to at least see 4 across: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and the African buffalo.
You might not see all of them based on the expertise of your guide, choice of the attraction site, duration, and season.
Naicef expert safari guides give you an exclusive safari experience that helps you see and enjoy the Big Five safari.
What are the Best Places to See the Big Five in Africa?
The best places to see the big 5 in Africa are in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia. However, East Africa gives you a pack of best national parks and conservancies to see the big five.
What are the Best Places to see the Big 5 in Kenya and East Africa?
The best places to see the big 5 in Kenya and across East Africa are the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo National Parks, Serengeti, Samburu, Nairobi National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Despite their popularity, the big five face serious threats from poaching and fragmentation, hence the need for their conservation.
Delve into the world of the keystone species in the ecosystem and discover the best Big Five wildlife package in Kenya from Nairobi.
For those yearning for an authentic African adventure, big five African safari tours in Kenya are the pinnacle. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s an immersion into a vibrant ecosystem where ancient rhythms still dictate life, offering the best Big Five wildlife safari packages in Kenya from the bustling hub of Nairobi.
Get the big five wildlife package in Kenya cost at my@naicef.com or simply call +254799922277. Want a personalized and customised Big 5 safari tour?
Book Any Big Five Safari Tour Here
Today, the pursuit is with cameras, not rifles, and the challenge lies in the thrill of the chase, the hunt for that perfect sighting. Kenya, with its commitment to conservation and its spectacular national parks, provides the ideal canvas for this quest.
Before we see a detailed description of the big 5 wildlife animals in Africa, let’s see the best big 5 safari tours in Kenya. Note we can tailor make and customize these tours to fit your dream safari.
3-Day Masai Mara Big Five Safari Package (Short & Famous)
Masai Mara is arguably the best place in Kenya to see the Big Five at once, although rhino sightings require a bit more patience.
The best time to visit for the big five African safari tours is around July to October, which also gives an opportunity for the Great Migration and peak wildlife viewing.
Below is a skeleton summary of a Big Five wildlife package in Kenya for 3 Days in the Masai Mara.
A Perfect Sample of a Skeleton 3-day Masai Mara Big five wildlife packages in Kenya from Nairobi
| Day Time | Activity | Expectation |
| Day 1 7 am-1 pm
| Departure from Nairobi and arrival at the Masai Mara National Reserve | Depart from Nairobi and embrace scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, highway attractions via the scenic escarpment
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| 1 pm-2 pm | Lunch | Check in and enjoy an amazing meal at your chosen lodge or tented camp
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| 2 pm-5 pm | Afternoon Game Drive | Embark on your first exhilarating game drive in the Mara and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes.
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| 5 pm-6 pm | Dinner | Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay, listening to the sounds of the African bush. Have an exclusive Maasai dance in the hotel.
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| Day 2 7 am-5 pm
5 pm-6 pm | Breakfast and full-day game drive | After an early breakfast, head out for a full day game drive, which allows for deep exploration of different sectors of the vast Mara, increasing chances of varied sightings of the big five. If it is migration season, you will witness the spectacle of wildebeest and zebras. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Exclusive, beautiful African Savanna lunch. Continue with the game drive for the rest of the afternoon. You wish, we can offer you an exclusive early morning hot air balloon safari for a breathtaking perspective of the Mara. This gives you a view of the big 5 from the air and a champagne on landing. Return to camp for dinner and campfire stories with an overnight stay. |
| Day 3 6 am-9 am | Morning Game Drive | Enjoy a final early morning game drive, often the best time for predator activities, and the last chance to spot any big five animal you might have missed, or simply revel in the wilderness one last time. |
| 9 am-11 am | Late breakfast | Return to camp for a late breakfast and check out. |
| 11 am-5 pm | Departure | Depart for Nairobi and have lunch along the way. |
Want us to customize and personalize this package to your dream safari? Contact us here
As a premium luxury safari company in Kenya, we have prepared the following Masai Mara adventures that include a 3-Day Masai Mara Self-Drive package, 4 Days Mara Amboseli Wildlife Safari Tour, 2 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari Package, and a quick, short 2 Days Masai Mara Safari Package.
3-Day Amboseli Big Five Package (Another Exclusive 2-Day Amboseli)
Amboseli National Park is world-renowned for its enormous elephant herds, big 5, and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This park provides the 2nd-best big five wildlife safari packages in Kenya against a dramatic backdrop.
It’s particularly strong for elephants, buffalo, and a good chance for lions. Rhino sightings are less common than in other places like Ol Pejeta.
The Best Time to visit is from June to October and January to March, which are dry seasons, for excellent visibility and clearer Kilimanjaro views.
A Perfect Sample of a Skeleton 3-day big five wildlife package in Kenya, Amboseli
| Day | Activity | Expectation |
| Day 1 7 am-12 noon | Pick up and Travel to Amboseli for an exclusive safari gamedrive | Early pick up from Nairobi and begin the scenic drive south to Amboseli National Park. Enjoy views of the changing landscapes and potentially spot Masai herdsmen along the way. |
| 12noon- 2 pm | Lunch and check in | Arrive at your accommodation, check in, and have lunch. |
| 2 pm-5 pm | Afternoon Game Drive | Depart for a private afternoon game drive at beautiful Amboseli. Focus on the park’s magnificent elephants, often seen drinking at the swamps fed by Kilimanjaro’s meltwaters. Explore the dramatic hunt of the Big Five in Amboseli’s interiors. You can also search for the other big five and do birdwatching.
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| 5 pm-7 pm | Dinner | Have dinner at your accommodation and overnight stay. |
| Day 2 7 am-4 pm
| Full Day Game Drive Safari | Rise for an early breakfast and head out for a full day of game viewing, where the early morning light often provides magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, making it a photographer’s dream. Spend time observing fascinating elephant families as you explore different areas of the park, including open plains where lions stalk their prey. Enjoy a packed lunch in a designated area within the park. Continue your game drive as you search for the elusive leopard or simply enjoy the majority of the wildlife. You can visit a Masai village and learn more about their culture and lifestyle, which is optional. |
| 4 pm-6 pm | Dinner and overnight stay | Return to camp for dinner and relaxation |
| Day 3 7 am-4 pm | Early game drive and departure | Conduct a final short game drive in Amboseli, getting a last chance to soak in the atmosphere and capture any missed sightings of wildlife, snow pick Kilimanjaro, and other rare species. Return to camp for a late breakfast, check out, and begin your journey back to Nairobi. |
Would you want us to book you for the above package or personalize it? Fill the form below:
For more Amboseli Safari Packages, Naicef is giving you a variety of Amboseli safaris that include a 4-Day Mara Amboseli Wildlife Safari Tour, 3-Day Mara Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari, 2 Days 1 Night Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari Tour, and this 2-Day Amboseli National Park Package is ideal for wildlife safari lovers.
Here is another long-term 5-day Masai Mara & Amboseli Cultural Tour combining both the Masai Mara and Amboseli for an epic wildlife safari.
Below is a detailed discussion of the big 5 wildlife mammals of Africa.
Detailed Description of the Big Five African Wildlife
To enjoy big five African Safari tours, it’s essential to understand the majestic big 5 animals you will experience. The big five include;
1. Lion (Panthera leo)
The lion in Africa is the mighty King of the jungle. Contrarily, lions inhabit savannahs and grasslands, not jungles, despite the roaring king of the jungle.
Being the largest cat in Africa, it is known for its powerful build, golden-brown coat, and the male’s iconic mane. Lions are highly social, living in prides typically composed of related females, their cubs, and a few adult males.
Mostly hunt together as a pack, and their habitat makes it easy for them to stalk their prey. They spend a significant portion of their day resting and socializing. Their powerful roar can be heard for miles.
For the best big five African safari tours that entail a great sighting of the majestic lions, there are a variety of parks and reserves that offer it, including;
- Masai Mara National Reserve
The best place to get lion sightings in the wild is in Kenya. It is famous for the Marsh Pride that was featured in the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and their dramatic hunts during the Great Wildebeest migrations.
- Amboseli National Park
With stunning backdrop views of Kilimanjaro, lions can be spotted as sightings have increased in recent years.
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Tsavo East is infamously known for its man-eating lions that wreaked havoc on the railway builders in 1898. For the best big five wildlife safari packages in Kenya that include the King of the jungle, this is the place to be.
Tsavo West has a lower lion density but has rewarding sightings.
- Nairobi National Park
The only park within a city in the whole world, and it gives you excellent chances of lion sightings with the city skyline as a backdrop.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Home to rhinos, chimpanzees, and other big five, the Ol Pejeta conservancy offers reliable lion sightings as it is inhabited by a thriving lion population.
Ol Pejeta is also leading in conservation efforts and offers lion tracking experiences to visitors.
- Samburu National Reserve
Located in Northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve has lions that are adapted to its arid environment mostly seen near the Ewaso Ng’iro river.
2. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
A solitary and notoriously elusive feline, characterized by rosettes often mistaken as spots, a sleek build, and incredible agility.
The leopard is highly adaptable, as it can be found in a wide range of habitats, from grasslands and forests to mountainous areas, often near rocky outcrops or dense vegetation.
Leopards are masters of stealth, having a highly camouflaged nature.
Interestingly, they are incredibly strong tree climbers. They often carry on their kills (which can be up to three times their body weight) up a tree up to a height of 50 meters.
This enables them to enjoy their meal and after-sleep snack without the disruption from other predators like lions and hyenas. Their secretive nature in trees makes them the most challenging of the Big Five to spot.
Despite their elusive nature, Naicef gives a big five wildlife package in Kenya with the best destinations to spot leopards.
The best places to see leopards in Kenya are:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lewa Conservancy
- Loisaba Conservancy
- Masai Mara Conservancy
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
- Aberdare National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
3. African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Largest land mammal, distinguished by its immense size, thick grey skin, large ears, tusks, and a prehensile trunk, living in matriarchal herds.
Ever heard of the saying “an elephant never forgets”? It is gotten from the fact that they are highly intelligent creatures.
They are currently listed as endangered, as poaching for ivory remains a significant threat to the species
Some of the best places to view elephants in Kenya include;
- Amboseli National Park
Famous for large elephant herds and up-close encounters with big tusked elephants, including the matriarchal families.
- Samburu National Reserve
Samburu elephants showcase a unique behavior as they migrate across community lands and use Samburu as a migration window.
Elephants can also be spotted bathing in the Ewaso River.
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Tsavo East has the ‘red elephants’ that coat themselves in red volcanic dust, while Tsavo West is more forested, with elephants often seen near Mzima Springs.
- Laikipia
The Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Borana, and Loisaba conservancies are community-owned conservancies with excellent elephant sightings. They offer game drives and elephant collar tracking experience, making it grounds for the best big five wildlife package in Kenya from Nairobi.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Located just outside Nairobi National Park, it gives you a chance to see orphaned baby elephants up close, and you might even adopt one, symbolically.
It is one of Africa’s leading elephant rescue and rehabilitation centers and is not a safari park
- Aberdare National Park
Watch elephants from the safety of elevated lodges, and they can often be seen at waterholes below tree lodges.
4. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
A big five wildlife package in Kenya can never be complete without the African Buffalo.
Known as the black death or the widow maker, the African buffalo, despite their calm appearance, has an unpredictable and sometimes aggressive nature, particularly when threatened or injured, making them one of the most dangerous animals to encounter on foot.
Live in herds of dozens to hundreds.
Where to spot buffaloes include;
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
- Aberdare National Park
- Meru National Park
- Amboseli National Park
5. Rhinoceros
Rhinos made the big five list as they are massive, unpredictable, and charge at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Massive, thick-skinned herbivores characterized by one or two prominent horns on their snout.
There are two African Rhino species;
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)
White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
Black rhinos are browsers, eating leaves and shrubs, while white rhinos are grazers, eating grass.
Both species prefer grasslands and savannas, though black rhinos often favor denser bush, while white rhinos are more at home in open plains.
Rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell.
Black is generally solitary, while or found in small groups white rhino They are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns, making sightings incredibly precious and a testament to dedicated conservation efforts.
Top places to see Rhinos in Kenya include:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Nairobi National Park
- Solio Game Reserve
The Best Big Five Wildlife Safari Package In Kenya
Kenya offers a spectrum of safari experiences, from budget-friendly adventures to ultra-luxury escapes. When seeking the best Big Five wildlife package in Kenya from Nairobi, it’s crucial to consider the blend of park access, guide expertise, and comfort that aligns with your expectations.
The Big Five wildlife package in Kenya costs vary significantly, depending on factors like:
- Accommodation: Budget camping, mid-range lodges/tented camps, or high-end luxury camps.
- Mode of Transport: Road safaris (more economical) versus flying safaris (saves time, offers aerial views).
- Group Size: Private safaris are more expensive than joining a group tour.
- Seasonality: Peak dry season (July-October, January-February) sees higher prices due to demand
Conclusion
In conclusion, to secure the best Big Five wildlife safari packages in Kenya, Naicef is the best tour company for this experience.
From the Masai Mara to Amboseli, Kenya is blessed to have Big Five African Safari tours, as you can get to see all the Big Five in one place and get the Big Five wildlife package in Kenya.
Kenya awaits, ready to deliver an unparalleled African adventure where the thrill of the chase leads not to a hunt, but to a profound connection with the wild. Enjoy the best big five wildlife package in Kenya from Nairobi.
Contact Naicef at my@naicef.com or call, +254799922277 for the best big five African safari tours or simply;
Book Any Big Five Tour Here
Frequently Asked Questions About Big 5 Wildlife Animals
1. What are the big five animals?
The big five include; Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and the Rhinoceros
2. Where can I see the big five in Kenya?
The big five can be viewed in various parks and reserves in Kenya including the Masai Mara national reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Reserves and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
3. Why are they called the big five?
This is due to the fact that they are the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot due to their size and aggression.
4. Are the big five endangered?
Poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts are key threats to the big five wildlife making them vulnerable and endangered for some.
5. Which is the hardest big five animal to spot?
Leopard which is very elusive, solitary and well camouflaged.
Why Luxury Travellers Choose Naicef Luxury Big 5 Wildlife Safaris?
Naicef is loved and chosen by Luxury Travellers for the Best big five wildlife safari packages in Kenya because it provides;
Private and exclusive safaris
Expert Safari guide guarantee
Luxury handpicked lodges and hotels
Customized and tailor made safari for each person
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