Animal Book – Safari Navigator

All images and facts are contributed by users. Want to contribute or have spotted an error? Email us at [email protected]. Image rights belong to the original contributors. Search by: Animal (e.g., Giraffe, Eagle), Category (e.g., Big, Special), or Conservation Status (e.g., Endangered, Vulnerable)

Search: Rhino, Big, Ugly, Endangered...

Giraffe, Masai

SWAHILI NAME: Twiga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Reticulated giraffe, Nubian (Rothschild’s) giraffe
DISTINGUISHED BY: Jagged, star-like patterns
1. The tallest giraffe species, females give birth while standing, a 5-6 foot drop for the new born
2. Giraffes often sleep less than 30 minutes a day, in 2-3 minute power naps
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Giraffe, Nubian (Rothschilds)

SWAHILI NAME: Twiga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Masai Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe
DISTINGUISHED BY: Darker patches, smoother edges than Masai giraffes, set against a pale cream background.
1. It has “white socks,” with no markings below the knees.
2. Unlike most giraffes, it has five ossicones (horn-like bumps on its head).
PHOTO CREDIT: Bonface Mwangi

Giraffe, Reticulated

SWAHILI NAME: Twiga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
CATEGORY: Special 5
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Masai giraffe, Nubian (Rothschild) giraffe
DISTINGUISHED BY: Hexagonal, “hand-painted” brown patches
1. Chew old bones to stock up on calcium and minerals
2. Can go weeks without drinking water, relying on plant moisture
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Guineafowl, Helmeted

SWAHILI NAME: Kanga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Vulturine Guineafowl
DISTINGUISHED BY: Black or grey plumage with white spots and a bony casque (helmet) on the head.
1. Roosts in trees at night for safety.
2. Uses loud alarm calls and prefers running to flying when threatened.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Guineafowl, Vulturine

SWAHILI NAME: Kicheleko/Kororo Tumbusi
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Helmeted Guineafowl
DISTINGUISHED BY: Blue chest, glossy neck feathers, and a vulture-like bare head.
1. Nests may have eggs from multiple hens; chicks can fly within days.
2. Forages in large flocks, often led by a dominant bird, found in open dry areas
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Hartebeest

SWAHILI NAME: Kongoni
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Topi, Blue Wildebeest
DISTINGUISHED BY: Long face and curved horns
1. Like the Topi, stands on termite mounds to spot danger. Runs in a zig-zag to evade predators.
2. Lelwel hartebeest has a longer face and darker coat, while Coke’s hartebeest is lighter with a shorter face and mainly found in Kenya and Tanzania.
PHOTO CREDIT: Luvai Gohar

Heron

SWAHILI NAME: Korongo
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Egret
DISTINGUISHED BY: Long legs and pointed beak
1. Over 70 species, including egrets
2. Uses a patient hunting technique, standing still to spear fish with its beak
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Hippo

SWAHILI NAME: Kiboko
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: N/A
DISTINGUISHED BY: Massive size and barrel-shaped body
1. Third largest land mammal, capable of running up to 30 km/h
2. Closest living relatives are whales and dolphins
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

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