Whether you are first time traveler or a seasoned explorer, the dream of an African safari usually begins with five iconic animals; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and then rhinoceros. Collectively known as the Big five, these creatures represent the soul of the African wilderness. If you are wonderful whether you can see all of them in one place the answer is a resounding yes. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the few places on earth where these legendary animals live together in a natural, unfenced paradise, offering you a front row seat to the greatest wildlife show on the planet.
The Kings of the savannah: Lions and Leopards.
Masai Mara is world famous for its high density of the big cats, making it arguably the best safari destination in Africa to see lions. Unlike other parks where you might drive for hours to fins a single pride, the Mara is a home to hundreds of lions that are quite used to safari vehicles. You will often find them lounging under the shade of acacia trees or playfully interacting in the large family groups known as prides. Because the grass is kept short by grazing zebras and wildebeest, spotting a golden mane across the plains is much easier here than in thicker bushveld. It is not uncommon to witness the raw power of a hunt, especially during the early morning hours when the air is cool and the predators are most active.
While lions rule the open plains, the leopard is the ‘’silent ghost’’ of the Mara. These beautiful cats are solitary and then shy, usually spending their days draped over the branches of a fever tree or hiding in the thick riverine forests along the Mara and Talek Rivers. Seeing a leopard is a highlight any traveler because they are masters of camouflage. However, the expert guides in the Masai Mara have ‘’eagle eyes’’ and can spot the flick of a spotted tail or the dangle of a paw from a distance. Because leopards are so successful in this ecosystem, your chances of seeing one here are much higher than in almost any other reserve in East Africa.
The Giants of the plains: Elephants and Buffaloes.
No safari is complete without meeting the African Elephant, the largest land animal on earth. In the masa Mara, elephants roam in the large, peaceful family herds on earth. In Masai Mara, elephants roam in large, peaceful family herds led by an experienced matriarch. Watching a herd of thirty of forty elephants cross the vast golden plains is a sight that stays with you forever. These ‘’gentle giants’’ are very active around the marshy areas and then riverbanks where they feed on the lush grass and then the bark. Because they are also large and then move in groups, they are very easy to spot. You might even see young calves playing in the mud or learn from your guide how these intelligent animals use their trunks to communicate and find water during the dry season.
The Cape Buffalo is the fourth member of the Big Five and then perhaps the most misunderstood. Often seen in the massive herds of the hundreds, they look like peaceful cattle from a distance, but they are actually very powerful and protective. Known for their ‘’boss’’ the thick shield of horn across their forehead buffaloes are important part of the Mara’s ecosystem. They are almost guaranteed sightings on any game drive because they prefer to stay near permanent water sources. Observing a large herd grazing together is impressive, especially when you notice the small red billed oxpecker birds hitching a ride on their backs to eat ticks and parasites, a perfect example of nature working together.
The Rare Prize: The Black Rhino.
The final member of the Big five, the Rhinoceros, is the rarest and then the most difficult to find. Due to past poaching, rhinos are highly protected and their numbers are lower than the other four animals. In the Masai Mara, you are looking specifically for the Black Rhino, which prefers thickets and more secluded areas. While they are elusive, they are definitely present, particularly in the Mara Triangle a specific sector of the reserve known for its excellent conservation records. Seeing a rhino requires a bit of luck and then a very patient guide, but when you finally spot the prehistoric silhouette moving through the brush, it feels like wining the safari lottery. Completing your ‘’Big Five’’ checklist with a rhino sighting is a moment of pure triumph for any visitor.
Best time to see the big five.
While the Big five live in Masai Mara all year around, your African experience will change depending on when you visit. The Dry season (July to October) is generally considered as the peak time for sightings. This is because the grass is short, making it harder for the predators to hide, and then the animals tend to gather around the remaining waterholes, making them easier to find. This period also coincides with the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest arrive. This massive influx of prey makes the lions and then leopards very active and then easy to spot.
However, the Green Season (November to June) has its own magic. The landscape turns a vibrant emerald green; the air is dust free (perfect for photos) and many animals give birth to their young. While the thicker grass might make the leopards a little harder to see the lack of crowds provide a much more private and then intimate experience with the wildlife. No matter when you choose to go, Masai mara remains as the perfect safari destination where the wild heart of African still beats strong.
For more information about knowing more about can you see big five in Masai Mara National Reserve, or any information that you may wish to know about Kenya safari do not hesitate to contact us at African Vacation Safaris and our safari experts will be ready to plan for you the amazing safari that will offer you unforgettable safari memories.