There are more large mammals in East Africa than virtually anywhere else on earth – more than 80 species in Kenya alone. There are plenty of smaller ones, too, although most of these are nocturnal and can be difficult to spot. Everyone wants to see Africa’s Big Five – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo – and Kenya contains them all. But in your eagerness to tick them off, don’t ignore the less dramatic creatures: the dogs and the smaller cats, the monkeys and the mongooses, and above all the antelopes – dozens of different species, from the imposing eland to the tiny dik-dik.
The list that follows contains more than 50 mammals – the species you are most likely to encounter on safari – with descriptions to help you identify each one, and suggestions as to where you might see them. Many mammals are restricted to one type of vegetation or habitat; others are more versatile and are found throughout the country. Some occur in a variety of subspecies, which we do not have space to describe. For more information, and details of all the Kenyan mammals, you should buy an up-to-date field guide to the region(for more information, click here).
Ariadne Van Zandbergen/Apa Publications
Lion (Panthera leo)
Tawny or fawn in colour, with manes ranging from gold to black on the male, the lion is the largest of Africa’s cats, and also the most sociable. Prides consist of six to a dozen females and their cubs, with one or more dominant males. Most of the hunting is done by females, working as a team usually at night, but males will normally be first to eat at a kill. Some prides specialise in hunting buffalo or giraffe, but most feed on impala, zebra or wildebeest, seizing the prey by the throat and suffocating it.
Ariadne Van Zandbergen/Apa Publications
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The elegant leopard is larger than the other spotted cats, and distinguished by dark rosettes on the back and flanks and solid spots on the face. The background colour ranges from off-white to russet. It is a solitary animal, except when a pair comes together for mating, or a mother is accompanied by cubs. Hunting mainly at night, the leopard steals up on its prey, then pounces from close range. It is powerful enough to carry an antelope (impala are its favourite food) up a tree to keep it safe from other carnivores.
Ariadne Van Zandbergen/Apa Publications
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Much smaller than a leopard, the cheetah is a lithe, long-legged cat with solid dark spots all over its fawn body, a small head and characteristic black ‘tear-marks’ from the corner of each eye. It prefers open savannah, where it uses its impressive speed – up to 100kph (60mph) over short distances – to run down its prey (typically Thomson’s gazelle). Most common in the Maasai Mara, cheetahs are usually seen alone, or in small family groups comprising a female and her cubs. It hunts by day, usually during the cooler hours soon after dawn.
Caracal (Felis caracal)
Similar in appearance to a lynx, the caracal is a medium-sized cat, anything from pale fawn to chestnut in colour, with long, pointed, tufted ears. It is a solitary hunter, preying on mammals from mice to small antelopes, birds and reptiles. It stalks its prey as close as possible, then relies on a pounce or a short run. Its powerful hind legs enable it to leap vertically 3 metres (10ft) to swat a bird. The caracal is widespread in Kenya’s drier regions, but is mainly nocturnal and rarely seen.
Serval (Felis serval)
Another spotted cat, smaller than a cheetah, but with a similar build, long legs and a short tail. Its black-on-gold spots give way to black streaks near the head. The serval is usually a solitary animal, but is sometimes seen in pairs or small family groups. It hunts mainly at night, and sometimes in the early morning or late afternoon, preying on small mammals, birds and reptiles. Although it is not uncommon, its favoured habitat of long grass and reedbeds, and its elusive habits, mean it is rarely seen.
Ariadne Van Zandbergen/Apa Publications
African wild cat (Felis lybica)
This small carnivore resembles a tabby cat – in fact, it is the ancestor of most domestic cats – but is distinguished by striped legs and ginger fur on the backs of its ears. It is a solitary nocturnal hunter (except when a female is accompanied by kittens), feeding on small mammals up to the size of hares, and birds, including ostrich chicks. The wild cat is found throughout Africa, especially in areas where ...
