Tortoises are a family of land-dwelling reptiles. Most land based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grazing grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and some fruits.
Kenya hosts 3 species of giraffe: Rothschild’s, Masai and Reticulated. The world’s tallest mammal (up to 5.2 meters tall), the giraffe uses its unique 45 cm long tongue and agile lips to browse on the leaves of trees that other creatures cannot reach, its especial favourite being acacia.
The African elephant, the world’s largest land animal.The African elephant lives in small family groups of 10-20 elephants, which often congregate in much larger herds at water or food sources.
Kenya features two species of gazelle: Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, both of which feed as grazers and browsers. The preferred prey of most predators, gazelles survive by being constantly alert and poised to flee within seconds of alarm.
The prolific birdlife features 600 recorded species. They include those of the semi-arid zone, such as ostrich and golden pipit while perhaps the most conspicuous are the white-headed buffalo weaver and the brilliantly plumaged golden-breasted starling.
Secluded and exclusive, it features just twelve traditionally built rondavels, whose wildwood verandahs are suspended over one of Kenya’s most stunning panoramas. Overlooking the smoke-grey peaks of the Pare Mountains, and towered over by the legendary snows of Kilimanjaro.
They are highly variable in size and habitus, but most are remarkably able to rise up on their hind legs and stand fully erect comfortably for prolonged periods. They also tend to be far more gregarious than other squirrels and many live in colonies with complex social structure.
The African or Cape buffalo is closely related to the domestic cow. Intensely gregarious, buffalos form into herds of between 200 and 2000 animals. Generally docile, buffalos can be extremely dangerous when threatened or surprised and must be regarded with extreme caution – especially lone bulls or cows with calves.
Unmistakably marked with broadly alternating black and white stripes, zebra are primarily grazers. Two species of zebra inhabit Kenya, the Burchell’s zebraand the Grevy’s zebra
