The Elusive serval cat in Masai Mara: Rare Animals You Can Spot
When most travelers think of a Masai Mara safari, the Big Five usually come to mind. Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo dominate the spotlight. But beyond these famous animals lies a world of rare and elusive wildlife that few visitors ever get to see.
One of the most fascinating among them is the serval cat a secretive, elegant wild cat that roams the open grasslands of the Masai Mara.
At Amboseli Plains Safaris, our locally guided safaris are designed not just to show you wildlife, but to help you experience the full biodiversity of Kenya’s wilderness, including rare species like the serval.
The Serval Cat: One of Africa’s Most Elusive Wildcats
The serval cat (Leptailurus serval) is a medium-sized African wild cat known for its:
- Exceptionally long legs
- Large, rounded ears for detecting prey
- Incredible jumping ability when hunting
Servals are primarily active during early mornings and late afternoons, making them difficult to spot without an experienced guide who understands their behavior and preferred habitats.
Seeing a serval cat in the wild during a Masai Mara safari is considered a rare privilege — even for seasoned safari-goers.
Spotting a Serval Cat in Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve provides the perfect environment for serval cats, thanks to its open savannahs, wetlands, and abundant small prey such as rodents and birds.
During one of our guided safaris, our guests were lucky to witness a serval cat moving gracefully through the grasslands — a moment captured in the video below.
This sighting highlights the advantage of booking with a safari company that uses local expert guides who know where to look and when to explore specific areas of the reserve.
Why Local Expertise Matters on a Kenya Safari
Many safari operators follow the same popular routes, focusing only on the most famous animals. At Amboseli Plains Safaris, we go deeper.
Our guides have:
- Over 10 years of hands-on safari experience
- Deep knowledge of animal behavior and tracking
- An understanding of seasonal wildlife movements in Masai Mara
This expertise significantly increases your chances of seeing rare wildlife, including serval cats, caracals, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, and more.
Beyond the Big Five: Rare Wildlife Encounters in Kenya
A Kenya safari is not just about ticking animals off a list. It’s about immersion, patience, and understanding nature.
Our safari experiences include:
- Rare wildlife tracking in Masai Mara
- Photographic safaris for wildlife enthusiasts
- Bird watching safaris across Kenya’s diverse ecosystems
- Private and customized safari itineraries
- Ethical, responsible wildlife viewing
These experiences are ideal for travelers who want something more meaningful than a rushed game drive.
Book a Masai Mara Safari with Amboseli Plains Safaris
If you’re planning a safari in Kenya and want more than just the standard experience, our team is ready to design a journey that matches your interests — whether that’s big cats, rare animals, photography, or birdlife.
📍 Based in Nairobi, Kenya
🌍 Serving travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia
👉 Explore our Masai Mara safari packages:
https://amboseliplainssafaris.com
