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“Africa – You can see a sunset and believe you have witnessed the Hand of God. You watch the slope lope of a lioness and forget to breathe. You marvel at the tripod of a giraffe bent to water. In Africa, there are iridescent blues on the wings of birds that you do not see anywhere else in nature. In Africa, in the midday heart, you can see blisters in the atmosphere. When you are in Africa, you feel primordial, rocked in the cradle of the world.”

WildLife of Kenya

Kenya is a jewel embedded in East Africa. It is a country abundant in some of the world’s most majestic natural wonders. Think of spectacular mountain ranges, extraordinary rift valleys, hot springs, wildlife parks and even beaches! The country’s diverse landscapes are unlike any place in the world, and it’s a destination where one can find both relaxation, thrill and of course, wildlife!


If you’re considering an African Safari, you’re probably surfing the web aggressively, trying to find the grandest spot for wildlife sightings. You’ve got all your gear ready, the camera on standby, and all you need to know now is where to go! What I can tell you, Kenya has once again been voted the world number 1 place to go for wildlife safaris and it never dissapoints. 

Now you’re probably wondering what exactly you’d see, or what you would hope to see, so we are going to give you some of the information here and likelihood of sightings of just some of our magnificent wildlife. You may see them in abundance, occasionally, commonly, or rarely.  Often the bird life is missed due to most people looking for the wild animals.

The Big 5

Cape Buffalo - Abundant

The largest of Africa’s buffalos, the Cape Buffalo weighs in at around 1,000lbs or (454kg). These massive creatures reside in many different grassy landscapes across Africa, feeding on huge quantities of grass.
They’ve developed a symbiotic relationship with birds known as Oxpeckers. They can often be seen perched on the buffalos’ backs, eating ticks and other bugs and helping to keep wounds clean.
Despite their large size, Cape Buffalos are highly sensitive to the sun and generally try to avoid the heat by staying in tall grass relatively close to a body of water. Another sensitivity comes in the form of illnesses: These buffalo are susceptible to a slew of diseases that plague cows, such as sleeping sickness.
The buffaloes like to stay close to water. The females and their offspring make up the bulk of the herd.  Their sight and hearing are rather poor,  however their smell is well developed. They are highly unpredictable and dangerous.  You do not want one of these animals charging at you.

African Elephant - Abundant

One of the most iconic species in East Africa, the African elephant is a memorable sight. At an average height of 3.35 metres, these majestic creatures stand tall and strong, with adults usually weighing in at around 6 tons .  They are the largest living animal on land on earth.

They also serve a vital role in the East African ecosystem. Elephants use their massive strength to knock down trees in order to get to the most tender leaves. In doing so, they create open areas for grasslands, which provide food for countless other herbivores.
Known for their elegant ivory tusks, these Kenya safari animals are increasingly falling prey to poaching for this feature, which is then sold illegally in the ivory trade. But efforts are being made to preserve these animals and their preferred habitats. 
East African Lion - Common
Lions possess both strength and beauty. Lions might be the kings of the jungle, but it is the lionesses that mostly do the hunting.  The females hunt in groups, tracking down prey such as zebras, buffalo, wildebeest and impalas. Their attacks are rapid and vigorous.  Both males and females roar, and their roar can be heard 5km away.
Lions are mostly nocturnal and hunt late evening and night, and rest during the day. Lions are known for their hunting prowess, preying on a variety of mammals such as gazelles, buffalo, zebras and more. The females tend to do most of the actual hunting, but the males usually get “the lion’s share” of the kill.  
Unlike other big cats, Lions are noteworthy for living in prides with their own clearly-marked territory. Prides will generally share their meals together, although some single male lions (known as bachelors) do hunt on their own.
Leopard - Occasional
The Leopard is the most elusive and secretive of the big cats. They are extremely difficult to trace in the wild.  Leopards are known for their agility as they can leap up to 6 metres horizontally and 3 metres vertically.  They are astoundingly strong and can carry their prey up a large tree.  They choose to rest in tree branches during the day making them difficult to find. 
They are predominately solitary animals who have large territories. Leopards are excellent hunters, sneaking up on their prey and attacking without a warning. Along with hunting, leopards are athletic all around, with skills in swimming, climbing, and strength.
Unlike the cheetah, its spotted counterpart, leopards prefer to stealthily stalk their prey and pounce rather than run after it. 
Their strong senses of smell and sight help them track and attack their prey, which is sometimes much larger than the leopard.
Rhinoceros - Rare & critically endangered
The name rhinoceros means ‘nose horn’ and is often shortened to rhino.  There are 5 species of rhinoceros but only two species native to Africa; the white rhino and the black rhino.  A baby rhino stays with its mother for up to five years after its birth. An adult white rhino can weigh up to 3600 kilograms and reach speeds of up to 50km per hour when charging. 
White rhinoceros are generally considered the second largest land mammal after the elephant.  These two rhinoceros are critically endangered. Marked by a distinct horn (or horns) on its forehead, the rhinoceros comes in many varieties, including black and white.
Rhinoceroses are known for being solitary creatures and keeping clear of one another, but the white rhinoceros can be found in small groups. Black rhinoceroses differentiate from others for their quick tempers and tendency to react against any unexpected noise.  They are 

The Unattractive 5

Marabou Stork -  Common
With a pink neck pouch, black wings, and a hunched stature, the Marabou Stork is certainly not the prettiest bird in Kenya.
However, these birds serve an important purpose in their ecosystems, scavenging on various foods that include carcasses, smaller birds, termites, and more.
The neck pouch is a useful feature, as it helps these birds produce a distinctive croaking sound and is most often heard during mating season.
The Marabou Stork is also distinguishable for its unfeathered head and long, white tail feathers, which are called marabou.
 
In the past the feathers of the marabou stork were used to trim hats and gowns along with making scarves. Due to their appearance from behind this bird is also known as the “undertaker bird.” It is believed that their name comes from an Arabic word for quiet or hermit-like.
Spotted Hyena - Occasional
As a result of their caricature depiction in The Lion King, Spotted Hyenas are often associated with an evil cackle and scheming ways. However, there is much more to this misunderstood creature than meets the eye. The spotted hyena has got the strongest jaw that cannot be compared to any other mammal. The jaw can allow 40% bite force more than the leopard and the hyena has the ability to crack and  open the femur of a giraffe.  They prey on a variety of Kenyan animals that includes various antelopes, Cape buffalo, and zebra. 
They are also fast, able to reach speeds of 59kph in short bursts in order to catch their prey. Hyenas have a complex matriarchal society in each clan, but certain sounds are used to unite the clan together when there’s danger or a hunt afoot. Small pups will stay behind during a hunt, and adult females will watch over each other’s pups. 
Wart Hog - Common
Pumba, one half of the comic relief duo in The Lion King, served for many viewers as a hilarious introduction to another prominent Kenyan animal, the Warthog.
But Warthogs are much smarter and faster than they may appear. They can run up to 54.5kph in order to avoid predators. They’re also one of the most cautious animals in Kenya, often running from safari vehicles.
Like their farm-dwelling counterparts, domesticated pigs, Warthogs will squeal and grunt to communicate with one another.
What really sets them apart (and gives them their name) is the telltale warts on their bodies. These warts are used as protection during mating season, when male Warthogs (a.k.a. boars) fight each other to win over females (a.k.a. sows).
White-Backed Vulture - Rare
Named for its white back, the White-backed Vulture is grey and white in color. Like other vultures, they scavenge on animal carcasses and do not have any natural predators.
They like to circle around open savannas and plains areas, using their strong eyesight to identify potential food for themselves.
Once they see blood from a kill, they’ll immediately sound an alarm to draw other vultures (with hyenas, eagles, jackals, and other predators often following suit). They’re not afraid to snatch food from a cheetah or female lion, but steer clear of the “king of the jungle.”
Despite its lack of predators, these birds are endangered because of habitat loss and hunting amongst other threats, demonstrating the interconnected nature of scavengers with other creatures.
Wildebeest - Abundant
Originally known as the gnu, Wildebeests gained their current name from the Afrikaans language because of their wild and intimidating appearance.
While it resembles a buffalo more than anything, wildebeests are actually a larger antelope species marked by their large, pointed horns.
Despite their large size, wildebeests are prey for many major predators in Kenya, such as lions and hyenas.
Wildebeests are herbivores, feeding on grasses and other plants. They move in fairly large herds, which can best be seen during their Great Migration north from the plains of the Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara every summer.
What attracts them to Kenya is the Mara’s red oats, which they and the zebras seem to consider a delicacy. 

 

The Northern 5

Gerenuk (Giraffe Gazelle) - Occasional
Also known as the Giraffe Gazelle or Waller’s Gazelle, the Gerenuk (meaning “giraffe-necked” in Somali) looks like an ordinary gazelle except for its pencil-like neck.
The rarest of the “Northern 5” species (which are so named because they’re found north of the Equator), these elegant-looking wild animals in Kenya take advantage of their long necks and legs by reaching for food in trees and shrubs.
Gerenuks are herbivores who feed on fruit and flowers by yanking the branch toward them, rather than eating close to the ground.
Compared to other antelopes in Kenya, they are quite shy, living in small herds no larger than eight animals.
East African Oryx - Occasional
Looking like a cross between a goat and a gazelle, East African Oryx (which is also known as the Beisa) are easy to spot due to their large antler-like horns.
These antelopes are coloured brown, black, and white, and reside in the savanna and desert climates of northern Kenya.
Like camels, these animals have genetically adapted to conserve water, and do not sweat until temperatures reach around 46 degrees centigrade. Other notable behaviours are the presence of a head cow and “alpha bull,” who are in charge of the herd.
Riticulated Giraffe - Common
Marked by their noteworthy long neck, the Reticulated Giraffe is another relatively common sighting in northern Kenya. 
These giraffes use their long necks to feed in the tops of acacia trees, where they gather leaves and fruit. You can usually tell which trees they’ve feasted on: Since they tend to eat from the top (where the freshest leaves are), the trees look a bit like hats.
They’re hardly ever seen drinking water, and look quite funny when they do. Their long necks combined with powerful eyes make for good eyesight.
Each giraffe is unique and can be identified by the slightly different pattern of spots on its body. You can tell how old a giraffe is by checking out the colour of his/her spots. The darker the are, the older the animal is.
Grevy's Zebra - Rare
With their identifiable stripes, zebras are one of the most well-known and beloved Kenyan animals. The Grevy’s Zebra is the largest zebra species, with larger features to match.
Grevy’s zebras have larger ears and more stripes than other zebras. These zebras have 80 stripes in all, and are known for their strong sense of sight.
This zebra is also unique because of its moniker: In 1882, it was named for the president of France, Jules Grevy, who was gifted with one of the unusual-looking zebras.
Unfortunately, this zebra is increasingly endangered due to habitat loss and drought, with around 2700 left in the world. Approximately 11% of those can be found in Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy, where they are a common sight.
Somali Ostrich - Occasional
Only recently established as a separate species from the Common Ostrich, the Somali Ostrich is noticeable for its blue neck and legs, with makes having bright red markings on their shins during mating season.
These large, flightless birds can be found in various different types of habitats, such as grasslands and woodlands. They are unfortunately suffering from habitat loss, but stronger conservation efforts have been proposed in order to rejuvenate their dwindling population.
The female Somali Ostrich is slightly bigger than the male. They are colored slightly differently as well, with females being brown with pink-peach highlights.

Predator Animals 

Black-Backed Jackal - Occasional
Named for the streak of black hair along its back, the Black-backed Jackal lives in open areas that are not completely covered by tall grasses or bush.
These animals are active both day and night, hunting and scavenging on several different types of animals, including various antelopes species. They will hunt individually or in pairs, but also dine on plants and other vegetable matter.
Black-backed Jackals are clever and have been able to take advantage of human development. They often feed on scraps left behind by humans or on domesticated animals (such as cats and dogs) that humans keep as pets.
Like wolves and coyotes, jackals are among the few mammal species that generally mate for life. Mated pairs are usually very territorial, with both male and female marking and defending their territory.
Cheetah - Occasional
The fastest land animal in the world, the Cheetah is known for its lightning-fast speed and its well-defined spots. 
Unlike its spotted counterpart, the Leopard, Cheetahs do not stalk their prey. Instead they run after it, dashing at speeds of up to 120km per hour.
Despite their great speed, Cheetahs are considered shy and less aggressive than other big cats. So they have to quickly eat their prey before a scavenger comes and steals it away.
Unlike Lions, Cheetahs are solitary animals. But they sometimes live in coalitions with other Cheetahs, constantly moving around without settling in one place.
Cheetahs are usually more active during the mornings, however, like the leopards, they are difficult to spot.
Large Spotted Genet - Rare
Looking a bit like a spotted raccoon or a small hyena, the Large-Spotted Genet is actually related to the weasel. It feeds on small mammals, birds, plants and more.
These animals are distinguished from the Small-spotted Genet by their black-tipped tails and large, black spots all along its body.
The Large-Spotted Genet is solitary and generally spends its time in densely-covered habitats such as forests. They’ll utilize this area both for its proximity to water and as protection from predators.
These animals operate mostly at night, and pounce on their prey in order to catch it.
Nile Crocodile - Occasional
Named for its freshwater home, the Nile Crocodile lives in the Nile River Basin as well as other rivers and swamps throughout eastern Africa.
These reptiles have a bad reputation as vicious predators, feeding on just about anything they come in contact with (including humans).
Even when they’re just relaxing in the sun, these massive reptiles can be a terrifying sight. Their incredible size of up to 4.5 metres and can weigh up to 544 kg, and razor-sharp teeth make them one of Africa’s most formidable apex predators.
Nile Crocodiles are also known for eating plants and small animals, so they do not really discriminate when it comes to their food sources.
African Wild Dogs - Rare
With long legs like a deer and a gorgeous multicolored coat like that of a big cat, Wild Dogs are an unusual animal to say the least.
These dogs have large, upward-pointing ears and communicate with one another through a distinctive series of sounds and touches.
As with a Leopard’s spots, each Wild Dog has a unique coat made up of several different shades. In fact, their Latin name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf.”
These dogs are predators that live in packs of up to 30 members. They’re remarkable in the way that they hunt together, taking down larger Kenyan animals (such as Wildebeests and other antelopes) and feeding on smaller mammals in between big meals.

 

Other Wild Animals  

Banded Mongoose - Occasional
Somewhat resembling a small bear (or a less-furry raccoon), the Banded Mongoose is characterized by the large black stripes across its back.
These creatures primarily feed on insects like beetles as well as small mammals or reptiles (mice and snakes are their favourite prey) when necessary.  
They live in savannas and woodland areas, inhabiting abandoned termite mounds where they can easily come and go.
The Banded Mongoose is a social animal and lives in packs of up to 40 individuals, and these groups move around constantly. When they move, they tend to move as a unit, looking almost like rolling waves upon the sea.

 

Bushbaby- Occasional
Also known as the Galago, adorable Bushbabies look a little like a tiny cross between a koala and a monkey.
These unusual little creatures have pointed ears, long curled tails, wide eyes, and soft gray fur that give them an innocent, almost alien appearance.
The Bushbaby primarily feeds on insects and fruit. They particularly enjoy the gum of trees, which they consume by picking through the holes in trees or scraping off tree bark.
Like monkeys (to which they are related), these petite primates like to hop through the trees and sometimes sit upright on two legs.
Common Baboon - Common
Living in savannas, Baboons are smaller than Gorillas, but bigger than typical monkeys.
These animals spend their time moving between the trees and the ground, feeding on a variety of food ranging from small mammals and birds to fruit and plants.
A group of Baboons is called a troop. These troops are tight-knit and complex social organizations consisting of up to hundreds of animals.
The Baboon is one of the largest monkey species in the world. Their preference for grass helps them survive in areas where other monkey species cannot.
Meerkat - Occasional

The Meerkat is one of the 12 species of Mongoose.  It is immune to venom. Interestly enough Meerkats do not drink water. They are omnivores and highly intelligent. It is  unmistakably recognizable in its upright “sentinel” posture as it watches for predators. 
Colour varies from dark to grizzled light grey or tan, with broad dark bars across the back and a black-tipped tail. Adults weigh less than 1 kg.
Meerkats live in cooperative packs of 3 to 25 with partially overlapping home ranges of a few square kilometres, which they mark with secretions of the anal glands. Packs will chase or fight one another if they meet.

Hippopotamus - Occasional to Common

Hippo’s are in fact land mammals, however, because they feel safer in the water, they tend to spend most of their time there. Aggressive and extremely territorial and become easily threatened.
One thing’s for sure; you’ll never be able to out-run these big guys, no matter how slow and clumsy they may look!
Behind the Elephant and White Rhinoceros, the Hippopotamus is the third-largest land mammal on Earth today.

But despite its massive size and short, stubby legs, this behemoth is capable of running up to 30km per hour over short distances.
These animals have strong grey bodies with thick skin and very little hair. They mud and water to keep themselves cool in the heat due to a lack of sweat glands.
They may look scary, and they are – they’re actually responsible for more annual deaths (around 2,900) than lions, leopards, sharks, or snakes. But Hippos use their teeth to feed primarily on grass, and their bodies retain nutrients for long periods of time.  They are found in water in the safari parks.

Eastern Colobus Monkey - Rare

The name “colobus” is derived from the Greek word for “mutilated,” because unlike other monkeys, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. Their beautiful black fur strongly contrasts with the long white mantle, whiskers, bushy tail, and beard around the face.
The Eastern black-and-white is distinguishable by a U-shaped cape of white hair running from the shoulders to lower back, whereas the Angolan black-and-white has white hairs flaring out only at the shoulders.
At one time this species was hunted excessively for its beautiful fur. Its skin has been used to make dance costumes, hats, and capes. As human populations are growing and expanding, forests are cut down to make room for agriculture, settlements, and roads. They are rapidly losing their homes as unsustainable development progress.

Vervet Monkey - Common

The vervet is a small, black-faced monkey, common in East Africa. There are several subspecies of vervet monkeys, but, generally, the body is a greenish-olive or silvery-grey. The face, ears, hands, feet, and the tip of the tail are black, but a conspicuous white band on the forehead blends in with the short whiskers.
The males are slightly larger than the females and easily recognized by a turquoise-blue scrotum and red penis. The vervet is classified as a medium- to a large-sized monkey. The tail is usually held up, with the tip curving downward, and the arms and legs are approximately equal lengths. 
Vervets living near areas inhabited by people can become pests, stealing food and other items and raiding crops. This leads to a heavy annual slaughter by poison, traps, and guns.

Rock Hyrax - Common
With the appearance similar to a large rodent, the Rock Hyrax is a brown, medium-sized mammal found in rocky areas of Kenya.
These animals are well-suited to rocky environments, as their feet can easily latch onto smooth surfaces. They can often be found burrowed in the rocks for shelter, or laying out on the rocks to catch some sun.
The Rock Hyrax primarily feeds on fruit and leaves, and they have three-chambered stomachs to help digest all that fibre! 
Plains Zebra - Common

The Zebra is a large species of equine that is natively found roaming the grassy plains of sub-Saharan Africa. They are the largest and most distinctive wild horses with bodies that are patterned with white and black stripes, the exact placement of which is unique to each individual.
There are three different species of Zebra that are found in Africa which are the Common Zebra (also known as the Plains Zebra and the Burchell’s Zebra), the Grevy’s Zebra (also known as the Imperial Zebra) and the Mountain Zebra.
Zebras are incredibly sociable animals that can travel vast distances in search of fresh grass and water but are severely threatened throughout much of their natural range due to increasing levels of human activity.  The Common Zebra is more widespread and numerous, there have been sharp population declines in certain areas.

Massai  & other Giraffes - Common

Formerly the most populous giraffe with an estimated 71,000 individuals three decades ago, today only 45,400 of them remain in the wild today. The Massai giraffe is often noticeably darker than other species. Its patches are large, dark brown and distinctively vine leaf-shaped with jagged edges. The patches are surrounded by a creamy-brown colour, which continues down their lower legs.  It is mostly found in Southern Kenya. 
You may see other species of giraffe on your safari, depending which safari parks you visit. It is natively found grazing in the open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. The Giraffe is the tallest living animal on land.
There are nine recognised sub-species of Giraffe that are found in differing geographic locations and vary somewhat in the colour and pattern of their spot-like markings.  Further south however, Giraffe populations are considered to be stable and are even growing in some areas due to an increase in demand for them on private ranches.

Antelope - Abundant depending on types
The Antelope is an animal that has played an important role in human medicine and culture. In some African traditions, it is commonly associated with the wind. Antelopes live in groups of up to 70 with one dominant male. 
Kenya has several types of Antelope.  Some are:
Dik-Dik - Occasional

A dik-dik is a very small antelope. They are nocturnal and live mostly in pairs of male and female. This is unusual for an antelope as most antelopes live in groups of up to 70. They have many predators and play an important part in the food chain. Because of its small size, this animal is vulnerable to many predators. Their only defense is their speed.  They can run up to 41 kilometres per hour. 
They run in a zig-zagging way to help them evade predators. If a predator is not able to mimic this zig-zagging pattern, it can give this small antelope the seconds it needs to get away. They make a noise with their nose when they spot a predator in the area. This noise sounds like the words dik-dik.
This is how they warn others of danger in the area. Dik-diks are shy and like to remain hidden in the shrubs and brush.  Interestly they are monogamous, living in pairs.  When one of the pair dies they stay single for life.

Thompson's Gazelle - Common

Bearing the dubious privilege of being the cheetah’s favourite dinner is a crown hard to wear heavily on the head.
That’s why the Thomson’s Gazelle has thin, short horns, long legs and a brilliant ability to change direction often and abruptly to try and remain away from its hunter’s plate.
The Thomson's Gazelle is a small gazelle with a white belly, a white rump patch that extends up to the tail, and a horizontal black side stripe.
Males have ridged horns. Female Thomson's Gazelles usually give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 5.5 to 6 months.

Impala - Common

Impalas are medium-sized antelopes that roam the savanna and light woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. In the rainy season, when food is plentiful, they may gather in large herds of several hundred animals to browse on grasses and herbs, bushes, shrubs, and shoots. 
Most young impala are born around mid-day as this is the safest time to give birth since most of their enemies are resting. Half of newborn are killed by predators within the first few weeks of life.

The impala is one of the most common and most graceful of all Africa’s antelopes. A slender, agile creature, it can clear formidable obstacles and run at speeds faster than 60km/h. They are fleet runners who can leap up to 10m in length and 3m in height. They use their tremendous speed and agility to avoid predation, and seemingly for pure enjoyment.

Hartebeest - Occasional

The hartebeest is a large, fawn-colored antelope. Their most distinctive characteristics are a steeply sloping back, long legs, and elongated snout. Despite their ungainly appearance, they are as elegant, if not more than, other antelopes.
They are one of the most recent and highly evolved ungulates and are far from clumsy. In fact, they are one of the fastest antelopes and most enduring runners — capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.
These qualities gave rise to their name, which means “tough ox.” Their sedentary lifestyle seems to inhibit the mixing of populations and gene flow, and as a result, there are several subspecies of hartebeest.

Waterbuck - Occasional
These antelopes are large, robust animals; males are generally about 25 percent larger than the females.  Only the males have horns, which are prominently ringed and as long as 100 centimeters. The horns are widely spaced and curve gracefully back and up. They are sometimes used with lethal results when males fight one another over territories.
They have a shaggy brown­-grey coat that emits a smelly, oily secretion thought to be for waterproofing. In East Africa, two types occur: the common waterbuck and the defassa waterbuck, distinguished only by the white pattern on the rump. The common waterbuck has a conspicuous white ring encircling a dark rump, while the defassa has wide white patches on either side of the rump.
Topi - Occasional
Topi Antelopes are medium­-sized antelopes with a striking reddish-brown to purplish-red coat. Distinct black patches appear on their face, their upper forelegs, and on their hips and thighs. To complete their singular appearance, the topi's yellowish-tan legs look like they are encased in stockings.
Although not quite as large as their relative the hartebeest (kongoni), Topis have a similar body shape. However, it does not have such a long, narrow head, nor are they as high at the shoulder.
Female Topis are usually lighter in color than the males. Both sexes have thick, heavily ringed, lyre-shaped horns that are about  30 to 40 centimeters long. Topis have good sight and hearing and can run quite fast with a bounding gait.
Sable - Rare
The sable is a rotund, barrel-chested antelope with a short neck, long face, and dark mane. Both males and females boast impressive ringed horns that rise vertically and curve backward.
When they arch their necks and stand with their heads held high and tails outstretched, they resemble horses. This flexed-neck position makes sables appear larger than they really are. The males maintain this position even when they gallop, as the arched neck is an important manifestation of dominance.
As they grow older, sables change color.
Calves are born reddish-brown, with virtually no markings. As they age, the white markings appear, and the rest of the coat gets darker — the older the animal, the more striking the contrast.
Kudu - Occasional
Both the greater Kudu and its close cousin, the lesser Kudu, have stripes and spots on the body, and most have a chevron of white hair between the eyes. Males have long, spiral horns. The Greater Kudu's horns are spectacular and can grow as long as 1.8 meters  making 2-1/2 graceful twists.
Female greater Kudus are noticeably smaller than the males. By contrast, lesser Kudus are even smaller — about 90 centimeters at the shoulder. Males can weigh up to 105 kilograms, and females generally weigh about 22 kilograms less.
Lesser Kudus have smaller horns than their larger cousins and have conspicuous white patches on the upper and lower parts of the neck. Although both species are bluish-grey, greyish-brown, or rust colour, the lesser Kudus have five to six more lateral white stripes, for a total of 11 to 15.  Both species have a crest of long hair along the spine, and gGreater Kudus also have a fringe under the chin.
Common Eland - Occasional

The cow-like Eland is the world’s largest antelope. However, it has the endurance to maintain a trot indefinitely and can jump a 1.5 metre fence from a standstill. Both males and females have horns that spiral tightly, though female horns tend to be longer and thinner.
Usually fawn or tawny-colored, they turn grey or bluish-grey as they get older; the oldest animals become almost black. A tuft of black hair grows out of the male’s prominent dewlap, the loose fold of skin that hangs down from the neck.
Adult males also have a mat of hair on the forehead that grows longer and denser as the animal ages.

Kenyan Birds of Prey

Eastern Chanting Goshawk- Occasional
Long legs, red eyes, and a light grey colouring characterize the Eastern Chanting Goshawk, which can get up to 53 cm long.
This intimidating-looking bird of prey lives in open, semi-arid areas, where it feeds on other birds, insects, and lizards.
Like other hawks, the Eastern Chanting Goshawk has a huge wingspan of about 104cm and can be found perched in trees waiting to catch their prey.
Their name comes from a mating habit of the species: The males whistle, or chant, in order to attract females during breeding season.
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl - Rare
One of hundreds of owl species found around the world, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl lives in the mountainous and forested areas of Kenya. But the species can also adjust to other environments, so long as nesting areas are available to them.
The species was named after French naturalist Jules Verreaux. Also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, it’s the largest owl on the continent, measuring up to 66cm long.
With a wingspan that can get up to over 765cm, these massive birds feed on several different types of prey, including bats, insects, and rodents.
Eagle-Owls appear to be surprised due to their bright orange-pink eyes and ears that look like raised eyebrows. These features make them easy to identify amongst other owl species.  Like all owls they are nocturnal so rarely seen in the daytime.
Secretary Bird - Occasional
While most birds of prey are thought to be large and imposing, the Pygmy Falcon defies this stereotype.
This small bird only weighs up to 66 grams, and they’re much smaller than the average falcon species.
These birds reside in arid regions with tall trees in which they can roost, feeding on insects and lizards by flying down and snatching them off the ground.
These little birds are also known for being noisy during mating season, singing different high-pitched sounds to attract their mates.
Pygmy Falcon - Occasional
The name of these birds sounds strange, but the Secretary bird’s appearance is even stranger.
The bird is named for the fashion of the 1800s, when they were first discovered. Male secretaries of this time wore long grey coats and dark pants, resembling the grey feathers and long dark legs of the bird.
These birds have unusual habits to match their unusual looks, spending most of their time walking on the ground rather than flying.
They attack their prey in several different ways, such as stomping on it or stabbing it with their bills. They have very long eyelashes.
Tawny Eagle - Occasional
A brownish-coloured body gives the Tawny Eagle its name. Related to the Steppe Eagle of Mongolia, it’s rather large for an eagle, measuring up to 76 cm long with a wingspan of around 183cm. 
This powerful predator uses its massive wings to hunt for reptiles, mammals, and birds as well as scavenging for animal carcasses.
The Tawny Eagle is tailor-made for hunting, with large, strong talons that capture prey and help the bird steal food from other predator animals.
Found throughout much of Africa and southern Asia, these birds live in desert regions without the cover of trees. This allows them fly in search of food, hunting during the day and resting at night.

 

African Fish Eagle - Occasional
The African fish eagle is a large bird where males usually have a wingspan around 2m. The adult is very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body with a white head and large, powerful, black wings. The head, breast, and tail of African fish eagles are snow white, with the exception of the featherless face, which is yellow. The eyes are dark brown in colour.
The hook-shaped beak, ideal for a carnivorous lifestyle, is yellow with a black tip. The plumage of the juvenile is brown in colour, and the eyes are paler compared to the adult. The feet have rough soles and are equipped with powerful talons to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey.
While this species mainly subsists on fish, it is opportunistic and may take a wider variety of prey such as waterbirds. Its distinctive cry is, for many, evocative of the spirit or essence of Africa. It is mostly found around lakes and water.
 

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Colourful Birds of Kenya

Grey Headed Kingfisher - Occasional
Named for their characteristic grey heads, this small, multicolored bird is usually seen perched in the low branches of trees, from which they hunt.
Arguably the bird’s, most stunning feature is its black and bright blue wings, which are  coupled with a white and brown belly and a large pinkish orange bill.
The diminutive Grey-headed Kingfisher feeds on small bugs like grasshoppers and beetles as well as small lizards.
They live near water in wooded areas, often watching silently for long periods of time before they dive after their prey.
Lilac Breasted Roller - Occasional

The feathers of the Lilac-Breasted Roller, which is officially the National Bird of Kenya, contain almost every colour of the rainbow. 

With lilac plumage, these birds have blue stomachs, green heads, reddish-brown faces, and brown and blue wings.

The Lilac-breasted Roller has large wings and flies well, residing in nests in trees.

These small birds feed on a variety of smaller creatures, like grasshoppers, lizards, beetles and more, diving to catch their food on the ground before flying swiftly back into the trees.

Little Bee Eater - Occasional
With a neck that matches the primary colour of their favorite prey, the Little Bee-Eater has a yellow neck, green back, and reddish-orange front.
This bird is the smallest of all the African bee-eating species, usually residing in bush areas near bodies of water. 
They feed on bees, of course (amongst other small insects, like wasps), and are skilled at removing the stinger before consuming their prey.
These birds differ from other bee-eating varieties because of their nesting habits. The Little Bee-Eater actually prefers to nest in the sand!

 

Red-Bellied Parrot - Occasional
A reddish orange and green belly stands out against the grey body of the male Red-Bellied Parrot, which mainly lives in dry bush and wooded areas.
The presence of four toes on each foot–two on the front and two in the back– makes it easy for the Red-Bellied Parrot to perch in the trees.
Like most of their kind, the Red-bellied Parrot pairs for life. They’re often seen eating seeds and fruit, using their beaks to break open their food.
These birds are fast flyers and often live in small groups, playing an important role in their ecosystem by spreading the seeds they consume.
Superb Starling - Common
The iridescent colours of the Superb Starling truly live up to its name.
This bird is small, but very noticeable and commonly seen throughout East Africa. It’s colored bright blue and green on its head and wings, bright orange on its stomach, with a few sections of black and white in between.
Superb Starlings primarily eat fruit and seeds, along with some small insects. They live in the grassy habitats of the savanna, feeding on the ground.
Although they are small, the Superb Starling makes its mark with various loud noises that make up its distinctive song.
Black-headed Weaver - Common

The black-headed weaver, also known as the yellow-backed weaver, is a bird with a black head and golden body. The male black-headed weaver usually does the weaving, however, and the female sits for the eggs.
The male stitches strips of straws to make a basket with a roof. He uses grasses to tie knots and make sure the nest is completely secure. Finally, he shows the nest to females, in effort to attract a mate.
The males usually mate with many females during the mating season to get more offspring. They all nest in colonies, and in the end the females are left to raise their young alone. The seeds that the black-headed weaver tends to feed on is very common, so they do not need to stay and defend their family's territory or food.

Grey-Crowned Crane - Occasional
The Grey-Crowned Crane to be a contender for the most stunning crane in the world.  It is also known  as the African crowned crane, golden crested crane, golden-crowned crane, East African crane, East African crowned crane, African Crane, Eastern crowned crane, South African crane & Crested crane. 
These elegant and beautiful birds are also very photogenic and can be seen walking around grasslands in pairs or flocks, feeding on grass seed and insects.
They are very characterful birds and are especially entertaining to watch during their courtship rituals.
Flamingo - Occasional

These long-legged beauties can be found in their thousands in Kenya’s incredible rift valley lakes.
Most of the Rift Valley lakes are alkaline and have blooms of blue-green algae on which the flamingos feed.
They feed by siphoning the algae with their incredible curved beaks, and the algae in turn give them their stunning pink colour!
The Lesser Flamingo inhabits the lakes districts of East Africa.  It is the smallest of the flamingos and the deepest in colour.

Vulturine Guinea Fowl - Occasional

They are the largest and definitely most beautiful guineafowls on the planet. These gregarious birds are quite social and can sometimes be seen in flocks of up to 50 individuals.
They prefer arid and semi-arid bush and savannah searching for wild seeds and insects to feed on. 
They are found in dry savanna and thornscrub, almost always in flocks.
The call is an agitated-sounding up-and-down rattling series, similar to the call of Helmeted Guineafowl, but higher-pitched.

Sokoke Scops Owl - Rare

These tiny little owls are the smallest in Africa! Like most other owls, they are nocturnal, and mainly feed on insects like: beetles, crickets and locusts.
They are found in only a few patches of forest, and these cute birds are sadly endangered due to habitat loss.
But there are passionate people that are trying to save them through eco-tourism.

Malachite  Sunbird - Rare

Sunbirds are small nectar feeders with bright colours and iridescent feathers, and the malachite sunbird certainly lives up to its name.
Their bright green iridescent feathers give good camouflage in the lush alpine grasslands of Kenya, but they are easily spotted when visiting the white flowers of giant Lobelia in the highlands.

Northern Carmine Bee Eater - Rare

Carmine bee-eaters are the largest of their kind in Africa, and they are absolutely lovely!
These bee-eaters are Afro-tropical migrants with some of them being resident in Kenya.
They usually nest in colonies, excavating horizontal tunnels on steep river banks to keep them safe from predators.