There is a specific kind of magic that settles over the Mara at dawn—the scent of wild sage, the golden light hitting the acacia trees, and the quiet anticipation of what the wilderness might reveal. For many of our guests at Enkewa, the dream is to encounter the «Big Five.»
While the term originally referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot, today it represents the pinnacle of wildlife conservation and the ultimate photographic challenge. At Enkewa, we invite you to move beyond a simple checklist and truly immerse yourself in the lives of these magnificent creatures.
(All images are Copyright of Nando Photography made in the Photography Safari in Enkewa Camp)
1. The Lion: King of the Southern Mara
The Masai Mara is arguably the best place on Earth to observe lions. Near Enkewa, we are privileged to share the landscape with several resident prides.
- Where to spot them: Look to the granite kopjes (rocky outcrops) during the heat of the day, where they seek shade and a vantage point.
- The Enkewa Touch: Our Maasai guides know these prides by name and lineage. We prefer to find them in the quiet pockets of the south, away from the convoy of tourist vehicles, allowing you to witness their social bonds in peace.
2. The Leopard: The Silent Ghost
The most elusive of the five, the leopard is a master of camouflage. Spotting one requires a sharp eye and a deep understanding of the riverine forests.
- Where to spot them: Usually draped over the limb of a Yellow-backed Acacia or hidden in the dense thickets along the Sand River.
- The Enkewa Touch: Because we rely on traditional tracking rather than radios, finding a leopard with us feels like a true reward—a private audience with the Mara’s most elegant predator.
3. The African Elephant: The Gentle Giant
Watching a herd of elephants cross the plains is a humbling experience. These highly intelligent beings are the architects of the landscape, knocking over trees to create open grasslands.
- Where to spot them: They frequent the marshes and the lush forest edges near our camp.
- The Enkewa Touch: We focus on «quiet observation.» We position our vehicles to allow the herd to move around us, ensuring you can hear the low-frequency rumbles and the sound of grass being plucked, undisturbed.
4. The Cape Buffalo: The Grumpy Sentinel
Often underrated, the buffalo is perhaps the most formidable member of the Big Five. With their «fused» horns (the boss) and steady gaze, they command respect.
- Where to spot them: Large herds are often found grazing near water sources or resting in the shade of the shrubs.
- The Enkewa Touch: We appreciate the buffalo for the tension they bring to the plains—where there are buffalo, a lion is often not far behind.
5. The Black Rhino: The Rarest Prize
The rhino is the most critically endangered of the five. Seeing one in the wild is a rare privilege that requires patience and a bit of luck.
- Where to spot them: They prefer the dense scrub and the more secluded, hilly areas of the reserve.
- The Enkewa Touch: Our location in the less-congested southern Mara puts us in a prime position to scout the territories where these prehistoric-looking beauties still roam.
When to Visit
While the Big Five are resident year-round, the dry season (July to October) is particularly rewarding. As the vegetation thins and animals congregate around permanent water holes, sightings become more frequent—coinciding beautifully with the arrival of the Great Migration.
Beyond the Sightings
At Enkewa Camp, we believe that a luxury safari is defined by the quality of the encounter. It is not just about seeing a leopard; it is about sitting in silence for twenty minutes, tea in hand, watching her groom her cubs without another vehicle in sight.
We don’t just show you the Big Five; we introduce you to their world.
