Whats impressive about going on safari to Kenya is that in the Masai Mara the "Big Five" all exist in the same park. The reason these animals got the name "The Big Five" was because hunters in the 1800's believed them to be the hardest to catch and the most dangerous.
The proud pride owner the Lion. This is the second largest of the big cats after the Tiger. Lions in general are keystone predators which means they hunt and take down their own food, rather than scavenge, although if the opportunity arises they will take it. In some strange and interesting cases, the Lion has been known to attack people, and sometimes it even has stalked Humans as food.
The ever majestic African Elephant. These massive beasts weigh an impressive average of about 5 and half tonnes and can reach over 3 metres tall. An elephant has 4 molars for teeth and they are each 12 inches long, and weigh about five kilograms. One of the amazing things about the elephant is that the tusks can grow up to 2 and a half metres long.
Then there is the Cape buffalo. Prey to the Lion you would think that this buffalo would be quite scared and timid, but it's quite the opposite some buffalo have been known to kill Lions that attack them. The Cape buffalo is regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Mara; it is a very short temper and is reported to have killed about 200 people every year.
The Black Rhinoceros. This well armoured and large beast has in a way been wrongly named, this was because the White Rhino has been wrongly named as well. The Black and White Rhino are so similar in colour it’s almost impossible to tell them apart by looking at their skin. The White Rhino was actually a mistranslation from the Dutch word “Weit”. This word actually means “wide” because the White Rhino had a long square like lip, whereas the Black Rhino has a pointed lip.
Finally the Leopard. The smallest of the Big Cats is what the Leopard is generally known for, and because of the Cheetah it is not really known for it's speed. The Leopard is not really noticed for the fact that it can reach a massive 36 mph on the ground, and that it can jump up to 3 metres vertically into the air. Swimming and climbing surrounding trees is the Leopards true forte.
So if you would like to go and see the Big Five then why not try Kenya holidays, Tanzania holidays or Zambia holidays. You will find them around these key locations.
