Kenya Fun Facts -The Big Five

THE BIG FIVE 

The Big 5 is something you hear about seeing in a Safari. What is the Big 5 and where can you see them? We went on a Safari to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Here’s some fun facts about the Mara and the Big Five. 

For nine out of the past eleven years, Kenya has been recognized by the World Travel Awards as the world’s leading safari destination. Kenya is home to the Big Five that is Leopard ,Rhinoceros', Lion, Elephant, and Buffalo. About 8% of Kenya is protected land dedicated for Wildlife conservation.

Maasai Mara ,is a large national game reserve in Narok County, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people.

The Big Five:

African Elephant (pictured above)

·      The world’s largest land animal.

·      Travel in close - knit social herds.

·      Extremely intelligent.

African Leopard

·      Known for their ability to adapt to various environments.

·      Master of camouflage.

Cape Buffalo

·      They possess remarkable courage when in comes to defending themselves against predators.

·      Large and sturdy creatures.

Lion

·      Known as the King .(this king is resting up for the night watch)

·      Leading member of the big five.

Rhino

·      Rhino are the second largest mammals on earth.

·      They create and maintain water holes by rolling in mud that serves as water sources for many animals.

·      They spread 20kkgs(44 pounds) of dung everyday, fertilizing plants and dispersing seeds to create food for other herbivores.

·      Their horns are made of keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair, nails.

In our last Safari to Maasai Mara we saw the four of the Big five and other lovely animals. It’s wonderful to see them roaming free in their natural habitat.