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...

Python, Rock

SWAHILI NAME: Chatu
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Other pythons
DISTINGUISHED BY: Large size with a mix of dark and light patches on its body
1. The rock python is the largest snake in Africa, reaching up to 6.5 meters (21 feet) long.
2. As a powerful constrictor, it preys on mammals, birds, and reptiles—including large animals like antelopes and even crocodiles.
PHOTO CREDIT: Roy Wangui

Reedbuck, Bohor

SWAHILI NAME: Tohe
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck
DISTINGUISHED BY: Lacks stripes or spots found on bushbuck; has a more uniform tan coat and white underparts.
1. Bohor Reedbuck is stockier with a yellowish coat and lives in wet lowlands, while Mountain Reedbuck is slimmer, greyer, and found in rocky highlands.
2. Emits a sharp whistle and performs high, bounding jumps when alarmed.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Rhino, Black

SWAHILI NAME: Kifaru
CATEGORY: Big 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: White rhino
DISTINGUISHED BY: Hooked upper lip, narrower mouth/jaw, deep arched back
1. Mostly solitary and territorial, aggressively defending their territory
2. Feed mainly on bushes and woody plants, preferring browsing over grazing
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Rhino, White

SWAHILI NAME: Kifaru
CATEGORY: Big 5
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Black rhino
DISTINGUISHED BY: Broad/wide, square shaped mouth, named after the word “wyd/weit”, slightly humped back
1. Largest rhino species and second largest land mammal
2. Consume over 50kg of vegetation daily and return over 20kg of dung
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Roller, Lilac-Breasted

SWAHILI NAME: Kambu
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Other rollers
DISTINGUISHED BY: Vibrant lilac chest and multicolored wings
1. The lilac-breasted roller is considered Kenya’s national bird (unofficially).
2. Unlike many bird species, males and females have equally stunning plumage, making them difficult to distinguish.
PHOTO CREDIT: Luvai Gohar

Secretarybird

SWAHILI NAME: Karani/Tamba/Ndege-Kilemba
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Crane
DISTINGUISHED BY: Long legs, feathered crest, dressed in black three quarters.
1. Stomps snakes to death with its feet, also known as Sagittarius serpentarius (“snake archer”)
2. Can grow over 4 ft tall with a 7 ft wingspan
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

Serval

SWAHILI NAME: Mondo
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Caracal, Lynx
DISTINGUISHED BY: Spotted coat and large ears
1. Servals have the longest legs and largest ears relative to body size of any cat species.
2. Melanistic (black-coated) servals are occasionally found across East Africa
PHOTO CREDIT: Erasti Photography

Spoonbill, African

SWAHILI NAME: Korongo Domomwiko
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Egret, Stork
DISTINGUISHED BY: Long, flat spoon-shaped bill and white plumage
1. Wades through shallow water sweeping its bill side to side to catch fish and aquatic insects.
2. Builds large stick nests in trees or reedbeds, often in colonies with other waterbirds.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A

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