Go in Search of the Big Five in Kenya with Your Adventure-loving Dad

If it is wildlife that interests your father, Kenya is certainly the right place. Home to some of the most exotic and exciting wildlife, a safari in Kenya is one of the travel experiences you can gift your dad this Father’s Day. An African safari is all about going in search of the Big Five, named by hunters as being the hardest to catch. With your camera as your weapon, keep your eyes out for these animals.

1. Enter the King: The Lion

Nothing beats the exhilaration of spotting a lion basking in the sun like a careless kitten, or snarling ferociously as it leaps in for the kill. The king of the jungle is top of the list for most safari-goers. These beautiful animals can just as easily be found lounging in the open or hiding behind the tiniest of bushes. Their golden fur blends in well in the dry grass, making it challenging to see from afar. To give yourself the best chance of seeing a lion in Kenya, head to the Masai Mara, Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.

2. Gentle Giant: The African Elephant

Despite their gigantic size, elephants are very gentle creatures. Find them cooling down in a pool of water, engaging in a great water fight with their trunks as weapons. Their magnificent ivory tusks have made them a target for poachers but these gentle giants have learnt how to camouflage in long grass, so you may need to look harder than you would expect, to spot them. Don’t be deceived though, they sure can run fast and will stampede with almost no notice if you happen to get too close to their young ones. Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks are some of the best places in Kenya to see African Elephants.

3. Splashing in the Mud: Cape Buffalo

This large horned creature is a sight to behold. Usually found playing in the mud, don’t be fooled by its playful look, this animal kills more people in Africa than any other and has been known to ambush humans who get too close. At about 700 kgs, these imposing animals are capable of scaring away even the king of the jungle. The best place to sight a Cape Buffalo in Kenya is at Amboseli National Park.

4. High in the Treetops: Leopard

One of the most challenging animals to see, these elusive felines hide high up in the treetops and are rarely seen during the day. They spend their time observing the landscape from a height and are well camouflaged in the trees by their dazzling golden and spotted coats. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard as it races down a tree trunk at dusk, getting ready for an evening of hunting. While it is one of the smaller cats of the jungle, the leopard can be ferocious. Your best chance of spotting a leopard in Kenya is at the Masai Mara, Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.

5. The Elusive: Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros is notoriously difficult to spot, particularly as their numbers are now dangerously low. So if you are lucky enough to tick one of these off your Big Five list you can definitely call your safari a success. There are two types to look out for, the Black rhino and the White rhino. These huge animals tend to live a solitary life, which can make them even harder to spot, but when you look at one eye to eye, you just know that you have seen something magnificent and rare. Some of the best places to see a rhino in Kenya are Lake Nakuru, Tsavo National Park and Lewa Wildlife Converancy.

Whilst the Big Five should definitely be on top of your safari agenda, don’t miss out on enjoying some of the other incredible wildlife in the African jungle. From lanky giraffes to the tricky hyenas, there is plenty to see on your safari in Kenya.

This Father’s Day, #TravelWithDad and embark on an incredible jungle safari. MakeMyTrip offers  flights and packages to Kenya!