Wildlife of
Kenya

Like many countries in Africa, Kenya is abundant in mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Many iconic wildlife species of Africa are native to Kenya, including lions, hippos, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes.

The country lies in east Africa, meeting the Indian Ocean on one side, so marine animals constitute a portion of the wildlife found in the country. Kenya borders Tanzania on the southwest, Uganda on the west, and to the north lies at least part of South Sudan and Ethiopia, and the east, Somalia. One of the many reasons to visit Kenya is to see its amazing and unique wildlife up close while on safari. Read on for more facts about Kenyan wildlife.

The Official National Animal of Kenya

The national animal of Kenya is the East African lion, Panthera leo melanochaita, whose cinematic roar and lush mane make it a regal, magnificent sight. It is one of the “Big Five” game-hunting species that was popular for Victorian era hunters before regulations were put in place to preserve these precious creatures. However they are now poached illegally. These activities along with habitat fragmentation and loss have resulted in the endangerment of East African lions.

Birds in Kenya

When people think of Africa they immediately picture savannah plains and big game animals roaming through the sparse acacia trees. However, African countries each have their own unique and differing environments, ranging from rainforests to plains to deserts to forests, even varying within countries.

Kenya is a perfect example of a multi-environment country with mountains, forests, rainforests, plateaus, and even coastal regions. All of these areas provide shelter to multitudes of bird species, drawing in birdwatchers worldwide. National Parks and other protected wildlife areas are great areas to look for rare and exciting birds. Listed are some of the most sought after species and where to find them:

• Maasai Mara – Rosy-throated long claw, magpie shrike
• Samburu – Rare shining sunbird, pink-breasted lark
• Nairobi – Northern pied babbler, Pangani long claw
• Mt Kenya National Park – Olive ibis, montane white-eye

The best time of year to visit Kenya for birdwatching is July and early August to catch the migration of thousands of birds across the Mara River. Otherwise, it is best to go during the rainy season of April-May when bird species are more prominent or around November and December for breeding.

The National Bird of Kenya

The national bird of Kenya is the lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus). The lilac-breasted roller gets its name from the rolling and diving performed during courting rituals. This stunning bird has vibrant iridescent feathers which represent Kenya’s beauty. Wings of the roller showcase a mix of dark purple and a dramatic blue with black-tipped turquoise feathers, while the lower body and their breast are lilac in color.

Fish in Kenya

Not only is Kenya known worldwide for the wildlife that roams its lands but also for its beautiful coastline and the marine wildlife of its waters. The vast, blue Indian Ocean meets 400 miles of coastline in the country, providing one of the continent’s largest coral reefs, home to brilliant marine. Snorkeling, diving, and water sports are popular along this reef, however, big game fishing off this coast is world-renowned. Species sought after include:

• Giant Trevally
• Mahi Mahi
• Kingfish
• Barracuda
• Marlin
• Swordfish
• Tuna

Some popular destinations for fishing are Mombasa, North Kenya Banks, and Shimoni. Freshwater fishing is also available in the mazes of rivers and lakes within Kenya. Rainbow and brown trout thrive in these waters and fishing on the mainland can prove a good way to spot land-dwelling wildlife as well as the beautiful landscapes of the country.

Snakes in Kenya

Kenya is a fantastic place to visit for seeing wildlife and visiting incredible National Parks and protected areas. Animals within the country, while majestic, are wild and should not be interfered with, as they can be quite dangerous. This includes certain reptile species, like snakes. A whopping 171 species of snake live in the country, a handful of which are venomous. Found throughout the various landscapes of Kenya, here is a list of the most dangerous snakes:

• Puff Adder – Outranking the Black Mamba as the deadliest snake in the country is the Puff Adder, as it is responsible for most human fatalities here. Well camouflaged, these snakes can kill an adult with one bite.
• Black Mamba – This snake species needs no introduction, as it is well known throughout the continent of Africa as one of the most dangerous creatures. Black mambas get their name not for external color but for the jet-black interior of their mouths, which open in an attack. They are highly aggressive and can reach about 12 mph.
• Boomslang – Known to reside high in trees, these elusive reptiles can cause some serious damage to the human body with their venom, preventing blood clots and leading to internal bleeding.
• Cobra – Four species of cobra reside in Kenya, including spitting cobras. The most menacing of the species is the Large Brown Spitting Cobra, known to grow 15ft in length.

Puff adders tend to be the cause of most snake bites in Kenya as many people tend to step on the camouflaged snake during the day and especially at night. The venom is cytotoxic, leading to very unfortunate side effects and pain and spreading quickly. If bitten by any snake, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent allergic reaction or infection, a large reason why people die from snake bites regardless of toxicity.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Kenya Today

Some of the most dangerous types of animals in Kenya include the Big Five. They are the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros, and the buffalo. These beasts were considered the most dangerous to take down during hunting safaris. Now they are among the most popular during sightseeing safaris, but they’re still formidable. Here are some facts about them:

• Hippopotamus — Many people mistakenly believe this aggressive and territorial semi-aquatic animal would be easy to evade when it gets angry, but it’s not. Between 500 and an astonishing 3000 people are killed every year by hippopotami. Being in the water is no protection, for the animal is fond of capsizing boats and attacking people who fall into the water.
• Nile crocodile — This animal kills between 175 and 469 people every year. Since humans are on the menu for this huge reptile, it’s safe to assume that some of them are eaten.
• African buffalo — The African buffalo is responsible for about 200 human deaths every year, either through goring or trampling.
• Mosquitoes — The lowly mosquito is a vector for several dread diseases, with malaria being pre-eminent among them. About a million people die of the disease every year.

The Largest Animal in Kenya

The largest animal in Kenya is the African bush elephant. These massive animals can weigh up to 12,000 lbs, and stand 10 to 12 feet tall on average. They use their long, flexible trunks to graze on vegetation from the treetops as well as a faucet to bathe and drink water. Elephants’ tusks which are an important tool for them to dig, fight and defend themselves, are also a target for poachers who will kill elephants in order to sell their tusks for illegal use as ivory. While the Kenyan government has cracked down intensely on poaching in an effort to protect local elephant populations, the most persistent ivory smugglers still find a way to sustain their $23 Billion global black market.

Zoos in Kenya

Zoos and museums exist in Kenya for the purpose of public and visitor education and wildlife protection. Breeding and rehabilitation services are also in place at some of these establishments, as well. However, the best places to see wildlife in their natural habitats is through what locals call “safari,” literally meaning a journey, through National Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Game Reserves, and other protected areas. This way visitors can experience how animals are in the wild versus seeing them behind glass enclosures. Some of the most popular places to visit include:

• Nairobi National Park
• Meru National Park
• Sibiloi National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Tsavo National Park
• Hell’s Gate National Park
• Chyulu Hills National Park
• Aberdare National Park

Reserves include the famous Maasai Mara, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, and Lewa Downs, which is actually a conservancy where visitors can see the black rhino, an animal native to Kenya and so highly endangered that it is on the verge of going extinct. Lewa Downs is also the home of Grévy’s zebra, which is considered endangered. The Kenyan Wildlife Service manages these parks and reserves.

Endangered Animals In Kenya

Like everywhere else, Kenya has its share of endangered creatures. Some are in such trouble that without the strong conservation efforts provided by the Kenyan Wildlife Service, they would probably be extinct. They include:

• Black rhino. This majestic and unique animal is critically endangered, and the western black rhino was classified as extinct in 2011.
• Cheetah. The cheetah is considered vulnerable.
• Black fronted francolin. This is a type of quail. It is considered endangered.
• Gray-crowned crane: This bird, with its unique crown of golden feathers, is endangered.
• Pancake tortoise. The pancake tortoise, named for its flat shell, is critically endangered.

What is the Rarest Animal in Kenya?

In August 2021 Kenya released the results of their first-ever national wildlife census report. This rigorous study aimed to document the populations of the country’s native species. Amongst the results of this survey was the devastating statistic that the roan antelope had dwindled to a population as low as 15-20 individuals in the Kenyan plains.

While once one of the most common antelopes across the entire continent, poaching roans for ceremonial purposes and crafting with their horns is widespread in Kenya especially, though populations of roan antelope are flourishing in some other countries. Local hyenas also contribute to the decline of roan antelopes in Kenya.