Incredible Animals in Kenya

Incredible Animals in Kenya : Kenya is a safari enthusiast’s paradise, with expansive, dusty plains, lions lounging in the shade of acacia trees, and leopards scuttling through the tall grass. The Big Five make the news in this case, but if you look more closely, you can discover that Kenya’s wildlife is more diverse than just its most well-known animals. Here are a few of our top lesser-known species that you may see when traveling to Kenya.

Gerenuk.

Discover the Special Five on a tour of northern Samburu, Kenya: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. These animals have evolved very cleverly to survive in the arid, hot climate. The gerenuk, whose name means “giraffe-necked,” resembles a cross between a giraffe and a gazelle because of its long neck, big ears, and tendency to feed on its hind legs. On our fly-in safari through Samburu and Maasai Mara, which includes a stay in Samburu Reserve, try to spot the Special Five.

Lilac-breasted roller.

Kenya’s national bird, the lilac-breasted roller, is well-known for its rainbow-colored feathers. While on safari, you may see this vibrant animal in birdwatching hotspots like Amboseli, which is home to over 400 different bird species and is also one of the best locations to view Taita falcons. Watch for the fluttering lilac-breasted roller as it darts from tree to tree in search of food. Then, use your binoculars to observe its pastel-colored plumage and long, narrow tail. The marabou stork, the magnificent kori bustard (Africa’s largest native flying bird), and the aptly named superb starling are among the other amazing birds found in Kenya.

Pangolin.

When threatened, these shy anteaters roll into a ball. Curious lions may find themselves playing pangolin football with these scaly creatures. Unfortunately, these lonesome nighttime animals are also the most illegally traded animals worldwide. Similar to rhino horns, pangolin scales are misinterpreted as having therapeutic qualities, but in reality, they are composed of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails. Although they are extremely rare to see and are protected, pangolins can be found in the Maasai Mara and other parts of western Kenya.

Flamingo.

Thousands of greater and lesser flamingos line the shores of many of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley lakes, which appear to be pink-fringed from above. Watching these hot-pink-feathered birds take flight in large numbers is an amazing sight as they migrate between lakes to feed on algae. When you stay at Loldia House on our Governors’ Safari, you can visit Lake Bogoria or Lake Elmenteita, where you should try to catch them. Enjoy a UNESCO-protected birdwatching extravaganza at Lake Nakuru, which is home to a plethora of wildlife and plant species, from the lodge on Lake Naivasha.

Rothschild’s giraffe.

Only the elegant Rothschild giraffe, distinguished by their long, white socks, lacks markings below the knee. Rothschild’s giraffes are a rare breed of giraffe that are harder to find on safari but can be seen at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, where they are raised on a 60-acre sanctuary before being released into national parks. Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a nearby facility that raises hand-raised baby rhinos and elephants after rescue, when you’re in Nairobi.

Sea turtle.

Kenya’s seas are surprisingly marine-rich when you get away from the plains that roll along. Excellent diving and snorkeling can be found nearby Mombasa, home to the protected Mombasa Marine Park. Amid the rainbow reefs, psychedelic fish, and seahorses, you can see hawksbill turtles popping up above the surface for air and chomping around the coral. Certain hotels, such as Kinondo Kwetu, have beaches that, during specific seasons of the year, draw turtles nesting. When the hatching season falls during your visit, you can witness the tiny turtles making their first safari to the ocean.