Kenya Travel – Its Flora and Fauna
Flora is a term commonly used to refer to the plant species while fauna refers to the animal species. In Kenya we have plenty of both a variation of which is determined by the climatic conditions.
A trip to the northern part of Kenya, a region characterized by hot and dry weather reveals a splendid scenery of hot and dry landscapes comprising mainly of scorched desert, merciful oasis, barren mountains, captivating cedar forests, open grasslands, kopjes, basalt hills and a selection of wildlife and prehistoric sanctuaries.
Playing an important role in the conservation of the flora and fauna in the region is the Ol pejeta conservancy a former cattle ranch located between the northern slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares ranges. Comprising of mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, Acacia woodland and evergreen thicket the conservancy provides sanctuary to a number of endangered species such as the black Rhino and the non indigenous chimpanzees.
Numerous other wildlife such as Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and other plains game are also found here. The main challenge for Ol Pejeta is to improve local livelihoods and support the agriculturalists living on small plots around the southern side of the ranch. Water provision and afforestation are the most acute needs.
The other is Lewa wildlife conservancy a private reserve drawing the largest number of tourists to the area. One of the many reasons for this is the fact that it is home to some of the most endangered species of wildlife including the black and white rhinos and the grevy’s zebra. Other wildlife includes huge herds of Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Reticulated Giraffe, Eland, Oryx, Buffalo, Wild dogs a mention of a few. Contributing to the sustainability of the flora and fauna in the area are the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok rivers and Lake Turkana. Other flora and fauna can be found in the other parks in the region namely, Samburu national reserve and Shaba national reserve.
The Eastern part of the country is where you find the vast twin Tsavo National Parks Most of the park consists of semi-arid grasslands and savanna. It is considered one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds, and its popularity is mostly due to the vast amounts of diverse wildlife that can be seen. The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugar’s fall. Wildlife in Tsavo East includes black rhinos and hirola antelopes.
Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is known for birdlife and for its large mammals. It also hosts a black rhino sanctuary.
North Eastern is where Meru national park lies. The park receives heavy amounts of rainfall and as such is characterized by tall grass and lush swamps. The park is home to an array of wildlife including elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhinoceros and some rare antelopes.
The central part of Kenya consists of a hilly, forested and mountainous region with splendid features such as waterfalls the most famous being Thompson falls and fourteen falls. A wide area is also covered by coffee plantations on of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earner. Eye catching feature in the region is the snow peaked Mount Kenya which is the highest in Kenya. The vegetation in the forests depends on rainfall, and the species present differ greatly between the northern and southern slopes.
Above the forest is a belt of bamboo and it is the timberline forest. The majority of animals live lower down on the slopes of Mount Kenya where there is more vegetation and the climate is less extreme. Various species of monkeys, several antelopes, tree hyrax, porcupines and some larger animals such as elephant and buffalo all live in the forest. Predators found here include hyena and leopard, and occasionally lion. No animals live permanently in the bamboo zone.
The others are the Aberdare ranges home to endangered wildlife, quiet village life and in the historic Mau Mau caves. Within the Aberdares is a forest which acts as a hidden world of wildlife. The thick vegetation provides perfect cover for countless species. Very large herds of Elephant and Buffalo move almost silently through the undergrowth, while overhead noisome birds and colobus monkeys dominate the canopy.
At night the forest comes alive with the cries of hyrax and the distinctive rasping growl of leopard echoing among the trees.
The Great Rift Valley is an impressive feature with numerous fresh water and soda lakes that play host to numerous bird species the most spectacular being the flamingoes found at Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru. The area has various parks which provide habitat to a wide assortment of wildlife including rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, Waterbuck, Lion, Leopard,large sized python snakes that inhabit the dense woodlands often seen crossing the roads or dangling from trees. The diverse landscape comprises of bush grasslands, semi tropical vegetation, dry thorn bush and forested areas.
Western Kenya is a rarely exploited destination characterized by lush green highlands, tropical rainforests, and the great expanse of Lake Victoria. The mighty Nile Perch traverses the might waters of the largest fresh water lake in the world. A hike through the Kakamega forest allows you to enjoy the peace and tranquility that nature has to offer whilst viewing the different varieties of bird species found here. The highlands of Kericho have beautiful tea plantations and quiet hill retreats.
The Southern region is mainly open savannah grassland and acres of thorn-bush. The world renowned Maasai Mara game reserve is located here credited with having one of Africa’s highest and most diverse concentrations of wildlife including troops of wildebeest and Zebras not to mention the Big 5 and other animal and bird species.
Also found in this region is the salt plains of Magadi, the archaeological treasures of Olorgasailie and Amboseli national park popular for its large herds of elephants. Other wildlife include over 53 species of herbivores and carnivores including the big 5, cheetah, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gerenuks, impalas, gazelles, hyenas, baboons, bats and about 600 different species of birdlife.
The Kenyan coast boasts of calm waters fringed by coral reefs that protect the shores. These reefs are home to a remarkable profusion of undersea life including countless fish, sea turtles and dolphins seen from a special glass bottom boat, or up close and personal by snorkellers and scuba divers. Palm and coconut trees line the shores of the ocean bordered by a lush green coastal rainforests prolific with birdlife and variety of wildlife including baboons, rare colobus monkeys and leopards.
In general, Kenya prides itself in having more than 80 major species of animals and over 1000 species of birds all of which contribute hugely to the economic growth of the country and concerted efforts are being made to preserve the balance of animals in nature.
Prevention of poaching and the conservation of endangered species being emphasized a great deal by the government the major one being the issue of forest covers estimated to be 2 %, a dangerously low percentage. The forests include Kakamega, Aberdares, Mount Kenya and Arabuko Sokoke all with superb display of the countries flora.
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