{"id":12865,"date":"2023-04-12T10:32:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T10:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=12865"},"modified":"2025-05-08T12:26:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:26:47","slug":"kenya-wildlife-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/kenya-wildlife-guide","title":{"rendered":"Kenya wildlife guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to wildlife, the big and small, the famous and the almost unheard of, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya<\/a> is hard to beat. Its vast swathes of grassy plains, carved away by iconic rivers, have become a hard-won haven for endangered animals, and Kenya\u2019s calendar has a collection of bucket list moments to look out for. From the heart-stopping river crossings at the Mara River to walking safaris with your sights set on encountering East Africa\u2019s most discrete creatures, our Kenya wildlife guide has the 4-1-1 on what to look for and where to do so.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12872\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/masai-mara-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12872\" class=\"wp-image-12872 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-masai-mara.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12872\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enthralling scenes at the Mara River Crossings<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Masai Mara<\/h2>\n<p>A region synonymous with Kenyan wildlife (including every member of the Big Five) and the stomping ground of a million wildebeest for around half of the year, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/masai-mara-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Masai Mara National Reserve<\/a> is nothing short of spectacular.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the iconic river crossings of the Great Migration are first on the list &#8211; and the Mara Triangle promises some of the best views. During the month of July, thousands of wildebeest collect on the Mara River\u2019s southern banks, gathering their courage to make the dangerous dash across the water, where hungry crocodiles lurk and big cats prowl on the opposite shore. After refuelling on the fresh shoots and water, the wildebeest make the return journey in October. Thrilling and often gut-wrenching, this is one of the most incredible natural events in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>November brings calving season for topi, impala and giraffe, which means predators like cheetah, leopard and lion will be out in full force. Outside the main reserve, the Mara Conservancies are equally rich in wildlife with far fewer tourists and the added bonus of seeing it all on foot, as well as off-road and on night drives if you desire (all of which are not allowed in the reserve itself).<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/masai-mara-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Masai%20Mara&regionId=8\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"8\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/008\/original\/hot-air-balloon-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=left center\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"8\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Masai Mara Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Masai Mara<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12876\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tsavo-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12876\" class=\"wp-image-12876 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-tsavo.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12876\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Elephants bathed in terracotta-coloured mud, Tsavo<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Amboseli and Tsavo<\/h2>\n<p>Occupying the south-eastern corner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/amboseli-chyulu-hills-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amboseli<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tsavo-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tsavo<\/a> region is known for its iconic scenes of elephant roaming the landscape below snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Tsavo is home to some of the last \u2018Big Tuskers\u2019 in the world, so named for their tusks that easily weigh over 50kg and skim the ground as they walk. There are in fact only 30 left in existence &#8211; and all are in Tsavo.<\/p>\n<p>The area also boasts some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa (though not necessarily Big Tuskers), famous for their distinctive colour from bathing in the ochre-red mud. You\u2019ll also be enthralled by big cats on the hunt including lion, leopard, cheetah and serval, who stalk the terrain in impressive numbers. Amboseli &amp; Chyulu Hills are alive with over 300 species of birds so a pair of binoculars is imperative, twitcher or not!<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tsavo-national-park-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Tsavo%20National%20Park&regionId=92\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"92\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/092\/original\/elephants-tsavo-park-kenya-timbuktu-travel.JPG?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"92\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Tsavo Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Tsavo<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12871\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/laikipia-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12871\" class=\"wp-image-12871 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-Laikipia-Lewa-Downs.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12871\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mother and baby rhino trotting along in Laikipia<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Laikipia and Lewa Downs<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya<\/a> has produced some of the most amazing conservation success stories in the world in recent years and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/laikipia-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laikipia<\/a> is a major player. A patchwork of reserves and conservancies, the area is home to almost half of Kenya\u2019s black rhino (along with the rest of the Big Five), and Ol Pejeta is a sanctuary for the last two northern white rhino on Earth. Laikipia also boasts some of the highest wildlife numbers in the country including lesser-spotted species like Grevy\u2019s zebra, reticulated giraffe, kongoni, bongo and oryx, as well as growing packs of African painted dog.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lewa-downs-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lewa Downs<\/a> is one of Laikipia\u2019s most impressive sectors and a critical haven for rhino and some elusive species, exclusively found in the northern, drier parts of the country. Up here, guests can delve deeper into wildlife conservation and the fascinating, and often pioneering, initiatives taking place. But you\u2019ll have the chance to explore the landscape on foot, game drives and horseback, which will take you unbelievably close to the hoofed wildlife.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/laikipia-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Laikipia&regionId=54\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"54\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/054\/original\/lion-mount-kenya-laikipia-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"54\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Laikipia Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Laikipia<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12874\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/samburu-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12874\" class=\"wp-image-12874 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-samburu.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12874\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The long-necked gerenuk nibbling on fresh leaves, Samburu<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Samburu<\/h2>\n<p>Rugged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/samburu-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samburu<\/a> boasts the highest numbers of the unique northern species including\u00a0Gr\u00e9vy&#8217;s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, long-horned Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe. In fact, this cast of creatures has been named the \u2018Samburu Special Five\u2019 and you can spy them with the help of a local Samburu guide, who will point out the fascinating details that would otherwise go unnoticed. From July onwards, the dry season brings great gatherings of wildlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River, including elephant, buffalo, zebra and black rhino. In January, catch the bittersweet birthing season where young plains game taking their first steps causes a stir amongst the hungry cheetah, leopard and lion.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/samburu-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Samburu&regionId=53\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"53\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/053\/original\/0-tribe-samburu-culture-kenya-timbuktu-travel-2.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"53\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Samburu Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Samburu<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12895\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/meru-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12895\" class=\"wp-image-12895 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=958,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=599,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=958,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=299,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=511,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/1-meru-national-park-kenya-timbu.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12895\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sweet duo of hippos grazing at the riverside, Meru<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Meru<\/h2>\n<p>Another beacon for conservation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/meru-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meru<\/a> is an off-the-beaten-track gem and its wildlife is all the better for it. On game drives through the park, you\u2019ll encounter powerful prides of lion, herds of elephant and consistently rising numbers of black and white rhino. With 13 rivers and a wonderfully diverse landscape, the birdlife in Meru National Park is prolific and there are over 420 recorded species to tick off, including semi-regular sightings of the rare Pel\u2019s fishing owl, the African finfoot and, if you\u2019re lucky, Hinde\u2019s babbler.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/meru-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Meru%20National%20Park&regionId=56\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"56\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/056\/original\/meru-national-park-game-drive-rhino-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"56\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Meru Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Meru<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12875\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lake-nakuru-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12875\" class=\"wp-image-12875 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-the-lakes.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12875\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The surreal flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The Lakes<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/great-rift-valley-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Naivasha<\/a> likely conjures scenes of rose-coloured flamingos standing in great flocks &#8211; and (after a period of desertion) this is very possible between November and May. The lake is a real twitcher\u2019s paradise with over 400 other bird species in residence. A short boat ride from the shore, passing pods of snorting hippo as you go, Crescent Island is home to more wildlife per acre than any other park in Kenya thanks to its lack of predators. Take in this spectacular scene on a bush walk and you\u2019ll quickly lose count of the animals you\u2019ve seen.<\/p>\n<p>Surrounded by the forests and craggy escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lake-nakuru-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Nakuru<\/a> attracts a menagerie of birdlife throughout the different seasons of the year, the highlight of which are the thousands of pelicans, cranes and flamingos that appear from (roughly) July to September and December to February. Catch the arrival of spectacular migratory birds from March to May or watch the show put on during the November to April breeding season. The lake also draws mammals in their droves including buffalo, elephant, black and white rhino, lion and leopard.<\/p>\n<p>Known by many as the \u2018Jade Sea\u2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lake-turkana-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Turkana<\/a> is the largest desert lake on Earth, and it is as surreal as it is beautiful. This remote body of water is the breeding ground for Nile crocodile and hippo, and seeing them in such abundance is quite unforgettable.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lake-nakuru-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Lake%20Nakuru&regionId=122\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"122\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/122\/original\/0-lake-nakuru-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"122\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Lake Nakuru Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Lake Nakuru<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12869\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/aberdare-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12869\" class=\"wp-image-12869 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/Kenya-wildlife-aberdare.jpeg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12869\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A close encounter with giraffes, Aberdare National Park<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Matthews Range &amp; Aberdare<\/h2>\n<p>Quite distinct from the rest of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/matthew-s-range-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matthews Range<\/a> is a jagged and mountainous terrain, sprinkled with pockets of lush forest. On game drives, walking safaris or the ever-so-popular horseback rides, you can spot a spectrum of species from oryx, and herds Grevy\u2019s zebra, elephant and buffalo to roaming prides of lion, hyena and leopard sheltered in the trees.<\/p>\n<p>In a similar vein (but much less mountainous!), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/aberdare-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aberdare National Park<\/a> is a highland landscape, characterised by waterfalls, winding rivers and forests. Wildlife highlights include colobus and vervet monkeys, rare bongo, giant hog and black rhino, all of which are best spotted on foot in the forests.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\">\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/aberdare-national-park-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Aberdare%20National%20Park&regionId=123\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"123\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/123\/original\/0-General-aberdare-park-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"123\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Aberdare Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Aberdare<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12877\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/diani-beach-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12877\" class=\"wp-image-12877 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png\" alt=\"Kenya wildlife\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=899,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 899w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2023\/04\/kenya-wildlife-coast.png 1349w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12877\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A kaleidoscope of marine life off the coast of Kenya<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Kenya\u2019s coast<\/h2>\n<p>An idyllic place to laze in the sunshine on a post-safari escape, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/kenya-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kenya\u2019s<\/a> coastline also offers plenty to see in the wildlife stakes &#8211; you just have to look below the surface. January boasts water clarity of up to 30 metres, making it a perfect time for diving and snorkelling, especially in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/watamu-surrounds-trips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watamu National Park<\/a> or the reefs off <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/diani-beach-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diani<\/a> where endangered Hawksbill and green sea turtles, moray eels, and tiny marine life can be spotted. Between November and February, migrating whale sharks arrive along the coast, and spinner dolphins are present between August and October, while Indo-Pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins can be seen all year round.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/diani-beach-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Diani%20Beach&regionId=90\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"90\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/090\/original\/boat-diani-beach-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center bottom\"data-country-id=\"2\" data-region-id=\"90\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Diani Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Diani<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu_shortcode\" class=\"alternate is-active\"><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wildlife beyond your wildest dreams<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":12894,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[3102,3487,6389,3309,7014,1502,4749,4128,4189,4123,135,4124,3483,87,142,7015,3310,1312],"class_list":["post-12865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-aberdare","tag-amboseli-chyulu-hills","tag-country-planning-guide","tag-diani","tag-kenya-wildlife","tag-laikipia","tag-lake-naivasha","tag-lake-nakuru","tag-lake-turkana","tag-lewa-downs","tag-masai-mara","tag-matthews-range","tag-meru","tag-safari","tag-samburu","tag-tsavo","tag-watamu","tag-wildlife"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Our ultimate Kenya wildlife guide - Timbuktu Travel Website<\/title>\n<meta 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