Kenya wildlife safaris

A hippopotamus comes across as a very exotic animal to many people. It is a huge animals native to Kenya. It has a body that is barrel-shaped with short legs and loves water. Its large mouth is filled with very teeth. Hippos are herbivores, and their diet mainly consists of grass, although they may also eat leaves, fruits, and vegetables.

Hippos are the most feral animals in Kenya. They cause more human deaths than any other animals. Hippos can be aggressive when defending their territory or young. Although it has a bulky appearance and large size, they are surprisingly fast when they run.

Hippos belong to the vulnerable species. Their population is declining due to poaching, hunting, and habitat loss. The exact population of hippos in unknown. However, it is estimated to be around 150,000 in number. Hippos can live up to 50 years old.

Hippos are good swimmers and hold their breather under the lake for about 5 minutes. They can also walk and run along the river bottom.

Hippos is difficult to be domesticated. In other words, they are not suitable to be brought up as pets due to their wild nature and need specialized care. They also require a secure and large habitat.

Crocodiles are capable predators. However, they rarely take down hippos because they are massive and can weigh several tons. Hippos are simply too powerful and large to be attacked. Their hides are very thick that are hard to penetrate. Weak or young hippos are sometimes preyed upon by crocodiles, but the adult hippos are safe from a crocodile attack. Adult hippos can be territorial and aggressive, and they can attack or even kill crocodiles that invade the territory of the hippos. So, although it is possible to attack a hippo, it is unlikely and only occurs under unusual and rare circumstances.

Hippos are herbivores and typically stay away from eating meat. They mainly eat reeds, grasses, and vegetation found near lakes and rivers. However, they do consume or scavenge carrion in very rare instances, and there are reports of hippos killing and attacking other animals. In the pursuit of defending their young or territory, they can even kill humans. But they are not carnivores.

Hippos live in groups made up of a male, females and their young ones. So, they are social animals. The structure of these groups is complex. They communicate through body language and several vocalizations. In the water, hippos interact by rubbing and playing with each other.

Yes, despite their large and bulky appearance, hippos can actually run quite fast. They can run up to 30 kilometers (19 miles) per hour on land for short distances, making them surprisingly agile on land as well as in the water. However, hippos are not built for sustained running, and they are much more comfortable in the water, where they can use their large bodies to float and swim gracefully.

Caracals have reddish and short fur with black ears that are 2 inches in length. Their tufts of cheek hair are long, and they have a distinctive chin spot. Their legs are long, but the tail is short. Caracals are about the size of a dog, weighing up to 35 pounds.

The name black-banded mongoose derives from its distinctive bands on its fur. They are omnivorous and eat insects, birds, small mammals, reptiles, fruits, and eggs. Black-banded mongooses are not currently listed as endangered, although they are considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, like many wild animals, they are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and persecution by humans.

They are insectivorous that eat insects, termites, moths, beetles, small mammals, fruits, and birds. They are found in grassy, open habitats, including grasslands, semi-deserts, and savannas. These foxes are not considered endangered. But their populations are threatened by persecution and habitat loss.

Aardwolves are nocturnal, small animals that look like hyenas but are only about half in size. The legs are long and slender. They have short hair, and a narrow, long snout. The fur of an aardwolf is grey or brown with dark stripes, and its tail is bushy.

Kenya is incredible with its biodiversity and wildlife. The country has several animals and it home to numerous reserves and national parks, which are filled with a diverse wildlife. The most popular parks in Kenya are Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.

A bongo is an antelope found in primarily in western and central Africa. It is known as the mountain or eastern, western, or lowland bongo, according to the subspecies. Their reddish-brown and dark coat with white stripes gives it a striking appearance, their horns are large and spiraling. They are known for their elusive and shy nature, and we rarely seen them in the savannahs. Bongos primarily feed on fruits, leaves, and plant materials. Therefore, they are herbivores. They are classified as a threatened species due to hunting pressures and habitat loss.

Bongos are solitary animals that only form small groups, which are composed of mothers and their young ones, while males are solitary. They are elusive and shy, avoiding confrontation as much as possible with other individuals. If they are threatened, they often flee into underbrush or hide in dense vegetation undetected. But male bongos engage in aggressive competition and displays for mates during breeding, which leads to periods of interaction.

Bongos are not strong swimmers, but they can cross streams and rivers to access different areas of the savannahs if needed. They are adapted to dense forest and can navigate through rough terrain and thick vegetation. Bongos are comfortable on land. They prefer to stay near the cover of thick vegetation but are capable of wading through water in short distances when necessary.

Yes, they are closely related to the antelopes and deer. Bongo belongs to the Bovidae family, which includes goats, cattle, and sheep. Specifically, they belong to the Bovinae subfamily, which includes gazelles, buffalo, antelopes, and similar species. Bongos resemble deer due to their graceful movements and long legs. But they are genetically and anatomically more related to bovids. Bongos, like deer, are herbivores that feed primarily on fruits, leaves, and plant materials. However, they a have specialized adaptations so they can survive in the rainforest environments. These specialized adaptions are their reddish-brown skin with white stripes, helping them remain camouflaged in their surroundings.

Bongos are found in West and central Africa. Unfortunately, they face several threats, leading to a decline in their numbers. The threats include hunting, habitat loss, climate change, and disease. Moreover, these species of antelopes sometimes conflict with humans if they damage property or raid crops. This results in retaliation by herders or farmers. Efforts are made to conserve them, including initiatives to ban poaching, habitat protection, disease control, and education programs to eliminate human conflict.

A kudu belongs to the family of antelope and are found in southern and eastern Africa. The lesser kudu and the greater kudu are the types of kudu. They have impressive horns. They use them to fight with mating competitors and to display it to their mates. They feed on fruits, shoots, and leaves. Kudus are an important prey for leopards and lions.

A sitatunga is found in Africa and mostly live in wetland habitats. Their elongated hooves have uniquely adapted to the aquatic habitat. These hooves help them move through marshy land, and their waterproof fur allows them to dive and swim in water. The males are taller than the females and both have spiraled, curved horns that grow very long. Sitatungas are herbivores and they feed on plants found in aquatic habitat. They are adapted to water and remain submerged there for a long time to avoid predators. Sitatungas are a vulnerable species, threatened by degradation and loss of wetland areas, which are converted for human settlements.

Conservation efforts to protect sitatungas and their habitat include habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, community education programs. Moreover, research is conducted to better understand the biology and ecology of sitatungas.Programs are monitored to inform their population status and the threats they face. Sitatungas are moved from areas with high hunting pressure or habitat loss to safer habitats with suitable conditions. They are also being reintroduced to areas where they have been extirpated, to help increase their populations. These conservation efforts aim to protect sitatungas and their habitat, and to ensure their survival in the wild.

The main threats to sitatungas are habitat loss and degradation. Wetland habitats are under threat from human activities such as agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development, which can result in the loss, fragmentation, and degradation of sitatunga habitats. Hunting is another threat to sitatungas. They are hunted for their meat, hides, and horns, which are used in traditional medicine and for decoration. Apart from the above climate change, human conflict, and invasive species are also threats to sitatungas. Moreover, sitatungas are susceptible to various diseases, some of which can be transmitted by livestock and other domestic animals that come into contact with them.

Kudus live in savannas, forests, and woodlands. These habitat are under threat due to agriculture, infrastructure development, and logging. Fragmentation can also increase their vulnerability. Moreover, kudus are hunted for their meat, hides, and horns, which are highly valued in traditional medicine and for decoration. Poaching pressure is particularly high in areas with weak law enforcement and high demand for wildlife products. Kudus can also come into conflict with humans, particularly in areas where their habitat is adjacent to human settlements, resulting in crop damage, retaliatory killings, and habitat destruction. Apart from the above threats, changes in climate patterns can alter the availability and quality of kudu habitats, affect the distribution and abundance of their prey, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

A baboon belongs to the family of the Old monkey, Cercopithecidae. This primate is found in various regions of Africa and have a distinctive appearance. They have a long snout, hairless face, a muzzle that looks like that of a dog. They are social animals and live in groups, whose size varies according to the species they belong to. Baboons are omnivores and eat seeds, fruits, small animals, insects, and sometimes even carrion. They have a high intelligence and use tools for their daily usage. They communicate through body language and a variety of vocalizations, displaying complex behaviours.

Belonging to the family of the Old World monkey, the vervet monkey is found in Africa. They are primates belonging to the Cercopithecidae family, which includes species like macaque and baboons. The fur of a vervet monkey is grayish-green in color, with black hands, faces, and feet. They have a very long tail. Vervet monkeys are agile, skilled in jumping and climbing. They are social animals and live in groups, communicating through vocalizations and alarm calls to alert of predators. Being omnivores, they fruits, leaves, insects, and seeds. Vert monkeys are used as animal models for research in the field of neuroscience and psychology for studying human cognition and behaviour.

The eland, also called a common eland, is found in woodland and savannah habitats across Africa. Their horns are spirally-shaped, and the horns of the males are more robust than that of females. The coat is greyish to light brown, with white stripes. Common elands feed on grasses, bark, and leaves. They can go without drinking water for a long time, obtaining water from the dew on plants and from their food. They are social animals, and their herds consist of hundreds of individuals, although it is not uncommon to see small groups. Elands are hunted for their hides and meat. Their populations have drastically declined in some regions due to overhunting and habitat loss.

The bushbuck has short and smooth fur with white spots. The fur of the males is darker than the females. These forest-dwelling antelopes are found in savannah grasslands and woodlands. They feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits. Bushbucks are active mostly during the late afternoon and early morning. They are solitary animals, occasionally forming small groups. They are agile and can jump over obstacles and run through dense vegetation. Bushbucks are hunted for their hides and met. Their population is on the decline due to hunting pressure and habitat loss. They are vulnerable to predation too.

Thomson’s gazelle is also known as tommie. It is a species of antelope that occurs in Africa. Named after Joseph Thomson, a Scottish explorer who discovered them, they are slender and small, with a white underbelly and a brown coat. They have a black, short tail and black stripes. These gazelles occur in grassland and savannah habitats. They are known for their agility and speed, capable of making quick changes in direction when they want to evade predators. Primarily herbivores, Thomson’s gazelle feed on grasses, shoots, and leaves. Lions, wild dogs, and leopards prey upon them. They are also hunted for sport, hides, and meat. Besides, they are threatened by degradation and habitat loss.

This antelope is found in southern and eastern Africa. Their coat is reddish-brown and have a lighter underbelly. They have distinctive dark stripes on their legs. The male impalas are larger than females with curved, long horns. They are social animals, found in large herds. These fast runners are herbivores, feeding on leaves and grasses. Impalas are prey species for large carnivores and are hunted for their hides and meat. They breed all year long, which maintains their populations in regions with high hunting or predation pressure. But fragmentation and habitat loss are a major existential threat to impalas.

A warthog belongs to the pig species and lives in woodlands, savannas, and grasslands. It has a tusks on its large head, coarse spinal hair, and facial warts that gives its unique appearance. The coat is gray or brown in color. Warthogs feed on small mammals, plants, roots, bulbs, insects, and fruits. They are often preyed upon by leopards, hyenas, and lions.

Warthogs are not considered dangerous, as they avoid human interaction. They are only aggressive when they feel cornered or threatened. However, they can be dangerous if cornered or provoked, especially if warthogs are defending they offspring. They use their large tusks for self-defense, and they charge at threats. It is better to give them their space and avoid approaching them.

Warthogs are feral animals. They are not suitable to be kept as pets as they cannot be domesticated. It is recommended not to keep them as pets because they require a habitat that closely resemble their natural environment and need very specialized care, which are difficult to provide. They have dietary requirements that can be very specific and difficult to feed. Additionally, they can be wild if they become agitated or feel threatened, and their tusks can cause injuries. Keeping warthogs as pets is often unethical and illegal, which can be tantamount to illegal trade. It can have negative effects on their populations. So, it is suggested to leave warthogs in their habitats and to see them from a distance.

Impalas are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are shy and elusive animals that tend to avoid human interaction. However, like any wild animal, impalas have the potential to become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. If an impala is injured, ill, or defending its young, it may act defensively and potentially cause harm to a human. Impalas have sharp hooves and can use them to defend themselves or their young from predators. It’s always important to give wild animals, including impalas, their space and to avoid approaching them or getting between a mother and her young.

Found in the mountainous areas, woodlands, and savannas of Africa, elands are large antelopes with a distinctive dewlap and spiral horns. They are herbivores, feeding on plants, grasses, fruits, and leaves. The large carnivores prey upon them, including leopards, hyenas, and lions. They are not considered dangerous and avoid humans. Elands are only aggressive when they feel cornered or threatened.

Wildebeest, also called, gnu, is a large antelope found in savannas and grasslands of Southern and east Africa. The blue wildebeest has shaggy, dark gray to brown coats and a fringe of chin hair. Their horns are cow-like and curved. Black wildebeest are smaller and have black to dark brown coats. They have a distinctive tail and black mane. They are social animals, traveling in herds consisting of thousands of them. The herds migrate across in search of water and food. These species are preyed upon by large predators like hyenas, crocodiles, and lions.

Buffalo plays a crucial role in the culture and history of many tribal people in Africa. They hunt them for not only food but also for their hides, which are used for shelter and clothing. It is a large mammal that is found in Africa and has a dark brown shaggy coat with a hump and a huge head with curving, broad horn. They are social animals, living in herds, consisting of thousands of them. Being herbivores, they graze on vegetation and grasses. Their grazing patterns has an impact on the habitat ecology.

Rhino is the short form for rhinoceros. It is huge, herbivorous animal. Rhinos have a prehistoric, distinctive appearance. It has thick skin and a formidable horn on its nose. The material that makes up the horn is called keratin. It is the same substance that makes up human nails and hair. They use their horns to fight with their predators. However, unfortunately, the horns are highly valued as an image symbol and are used in traditional medicine. This practice poses an existential threat because they are an easy target for hunting and poaching. Rhinos belong to the Rhinocerotidae family, which includes the white, black, Indian, Sumatran, and Javan rhinoceros. They weigh several tons.

The great wildebeest migration is the most spectacular event that occurs every year in Kenya, primarily in Maasai Mara. This natural wildlife phenomenon where thousands of zebras and wildebeest migrate looking for water and fresh grass. The migration starts around July when the herbivores begin to travel northwards looking for greener pastures. As they travel across the area, the wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras cross the river into Mara in Kenya. They stay there until November. Then they start to travel back to Serengeti. This journey is challenging and dangerous for these wild herbivores due to the harsh conditions. They are also at risk of being attacked by the predators. The migration is also a tourist attraction. Visitors from all over come to witness this natural spectacle. However, it is also threatened due to habitat loss, climate change, and poaching. Conservation efforts to protect this wonder are underway to ensure that the coming generations can witness it.

Suni is found in Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. It is an antelope that typically weighs around 20 kilograms. It stands about 50 centimeters. Suni have a distinctive patch on their belly and throat and a reddish fur. Both females and males have straight, short horns. They are lone animals that feed on shoots, fruits, and leaves. Their main predators are wild dogs, servals, and leopards.

Native to southern and eastern Africa, an oribi is an antelope species with a distinctive reddish fur typically found in grasslands and savannas and have slender long legs. The adults stand about 50cm and weigh around 15 kg. Sunis are herbivores that primarily eat grasses. They are known to make sharp, sudden turns, and can be very agile and fast when evading predators. Sunis have a whistle-like high-pithed call, which they use to communicate. Although at risk from hunting and habitat loss, they do not have any existential threat.

A duiker has unique characteristics and features and are typically elusive and shy antelopes found in Africa. They live in savannas, forests, and wooded habitats. They are herbivores that feed on fruits and plants, and are hunted by leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas, although these species of antelopes hide from them and are well-adapted to their natural surroundings. They can dart and dive to evade these carnivores through thick vegetation. Duikers are solitary animals. However, they may form small family groups or pairs. Due to hunting and habitat loss, some species are endangered or threatened. But some other species are found in protected regions, making conservation endeavours possible.

Common duiker are identifiable by their slate grey colour, which in some areas varies to include shades of red and yellow. They have a tuft of dark hair between the horns, or just on the head in the case of the females as horns are absent, and a dark stripe down the centre of the face.

Oribis are ruminants with a specialised digestive system that includes a four-chambered stomach. This allows them to efficiently digest plant material that is difficult to break down, such as cellulose, which is a major component of grasses. The four chambers of a ruminant’s stomach are called the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. After an oribi ingests food, it is stored in the first chamber, the rumen, where it is mixed with saliva and fermented by microbes. The partially digested food, called “cud,” is then regurgitated and re-chewed, a process known as chewing the cud. Once the cud is thoroughly chewed and broken down into smaller pieces, it is swallowed again and passes into the other chambers of the stomach for further digestion and absorption of nutrients. The reticulum acts as a filter, separating large particles from small ones, while the omasum helps to extract water and absorb nutrients. The abomasum is similar to the stomach of other animals, where acids and enzymes break down the remaining food particles.This complex digestive process allows oribis and other ruminants to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the plant material they consume, enabling them to survive in environments where food resources may be scarce or difficult to access.

A leopard belongs to the family of Felidae and genus Panthera, which also includes tigers, lions, and jaguars. It is a carnivorous mammal widely distributed across parts of Asia and Africa. Leopards are not easily distinguishable in their habitat due to their distinctive spotted coat, which provides excellent camouflage. They are powerful and agile animals, with strong jaws and muscular bodies that allow them to prey upon antelopes, wild pigs, deer, birds, and rodents. Leopards are territorial and solitary animals that live in savannahs, forests, and mountainous areas. They can also live and adapt themselves near settlements where human beings live. This makes them predators in urban areas. Known for their speed, strength, and agility, leopards are top predators.

Wild dogs, also called painted wild or African wild dog, are the largest canid species found in Africa and are related to wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. They have a distinctive pattern of black, white, and brown patches, giving them their appearance. Being highly social, they wild dogs in packs and have a social structure comprising of an alpha pair and subordinates. They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on antelopes. However, they may also hunt zebras, rodents, and warthogs. Wild dogs have exceptional stamina due to which they can chase they prey over great distances, wearing them down. Despite their hunting prowess and adaptability, they are considered the most endangered carnivore species. Wild dogs face threats from infectious diseases, human conflict, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts to increase their populations and protect them are underway, including disease prevention measures and habitat restoration.

The carnivorous mammal, hyena, is found in Africa and Asia. It looks like a dog with strong jaws and is known for its laughing call. The four species are spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf. The largest and the well-known is the spotted hyena that is depicted as a fierce predator and a scavenger. Hyenas have excellent sense of smell and hearing, which helps to communicate with others and locate prey. They are social animals, living in groups that are female-dominated. Despite being scavengers, they are skilled hunters. They can take down wildebeests and zebras easily.

A serval occurs in savannahs, forests, and grasslands throughout Africa and is a wild cat with long legs, a distinctive appearance, a small head, and a slim body. Servals use their large ears to locate prey. Its hunting technique is unique. They jump high vertically high up to catch flying birds. Servals are solitary animals. However, they may be seen travelling or hunting with a young offspring or a mate. While it is not considered endangered, they are threatened by hunting and habitat loss. They are sometimes kept as pets, which leads to negative impacts and conservation concerns about its welfare.

A genet belongs to the Viverridae family and is a carnivorous mammal. The family includes 40 species. Genet is native to southern Europe and Africa. They have slender, long body, appointed snout, a bushy tail, and short legs. Their fur is soft and thick that is usually brown or gray with black stripes or spots. The genet has large, round eyes and small ears. They live mostly in trees and are primarily nocturnal. Genets are agile climbers. Their sharp claws enable them to climb up the trees. Genets are skilled hunters and eat insects, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. They are sometimes also reared as pets. However, they are not domesticated as they can be hard to care for. The fur of genets is used by some people for clothing.