6 Astounding Animals in Kenya : Kenya is a safari enthusiast’s paradise, with expansive, dusty plains, lions, and leopards scuttling through the long grass. The Big Five make the news in this case, but if you examine 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 travelling to Kenya.
Long-necked gerenuk, Samburu.
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 quite 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 eat 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 Samburu Special Five.
Lillac-breasted roller.
Kenya’s national bird, the lilac-breasted roller, is well-known for its rainbow-colored feathers. While on safari, you may observe 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, slender tail. The marabou stork, the magnificent kori bustard (Africa’s largest native flying bird), and the aptly titled splendid starling are among the other amazing birds found in Kenya.
Endangered pangolin.
When challenged, these shy anteaters fold 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.
Beautiful flamingoes on Lake Nakuru.
Thousands of larger and lesser flamingos line the beaches 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 fly 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 capture them. Enjoy a UNESCO-protected birdwatching Safari in Lake Nakuru, which is home to a plethora of wildlife and plant species, from the lodge on Lake Naivasha.
The Rothschild Giraffe, Kenya.
Only the elegant Rothschild giraffe, distinguished by its long, white socks, lacks markings below the knee. Rothschild’s giraffes are a rare breed of giraffe that are tougher 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 local facility that raises hand-raised newborn rhinos and elephants after rescue, when you’re in Nairobi.
Reef Turtle, Machangulo Peninsula, Mozambique.
Kenya’s seas are unexpectedly marine-rich when you get away from the plains that roll around. Excellent diving and snorkeling may be found around Mombasa, home of the protected Mombasa Marine Park. Amid the rainbow reefs, psychedelic fish, and seahorses, you can see hawksbill turtles coming up above the surface for air and nibbling around the coral. Certain hotels, such as Kinondo Kwetu, feature beaches that, during specific seasons of the year, draw turtles nesting. When the hatching season falls during your stay, you can witness the baby turtles making their first trip to the ocean.
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