The population of northern white rhino in Kenya and in the world is 3 (two females and one male). Yes, the total number left can be counted on one hand. These wonderful big animals have been decimated by poaching for decades, but in Kenya the fight is on to save the species against all odds. The few wild specimens of the northern wild rhinos left living in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Nanyuki are being stalked by armed Kenyan rangers around the clock.
Northern White Rhino Mudbathing in Kenya
The Northern White Rhino in Kenya
On a day out for a gamedrive in the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenyas Laikipia County you can actually bump into one of these incredibly rare animals. Not knowing how rare they are the last few northern white rhinos go about their life in the huge national park in Kenya. As rhinos do they prefer to stay near lakes they can use for drinking, swimming and their favorite activity: mud bathing.
If you happen upon one of the northern white rhinos in the Kenyan national park you should obviously stay at a respectful distance inside your vehicle. The rhino is not only severely endangered, they are one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals you are likely to meet as well. Despite their huge size and clunky looks rhinos can outrun you any day if they put their minds to it.
Northern White Rhino Kenya
Kenyan Wildlife Conservancy in Nanyuki
Visiting the Kenyan wildlife conservancy in Nanyuki is open to the public. As a tourist you pay a foreigners fee that goes exclusively to the preservation of the animals in the wildlife park and the rangers protecting them. The national park is open from sunrise to sundown all days of week.
Obviously there is no guarantee you will meet the northern white rhino. The national park is no zoo. The wildlife lives in the free and goes where they want. To improve your chances head quietly to lakes and watering holes. That is where rhinos prefer hanging out.
Even if you do not meet the northern white rhino there are plenty of incredibly wildlife to adore. Majestic lions with their hunting packs. Ostriches and incredible numbers of birds. Warthogs and hyenas. Flocks of zebras and gazelles. Giraffes gracefully gracing. Black rhinos. And endless more besides.
But let us finish with a few more shots of the pearl of the national park inhabitants. The grand northern white rhino. May he (or she) live long and mate to carry on his bloodline and save the species from extinction!
Related Posts
- 36
The alarm sounds before sunrise. Almost tempted to cancel the days plans and go back to sleep. But. Today is special. Today we are going on a wildlife safari in Kenya. An hour later with a couple of cups of coffee in the system we are ready at the gates… - 35
Giraffes are crazy looking animals with their immensely long legs and even longer necks poking up. But most of us have seen them in colorful TV-programs on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel along with perhaps a couple in a small enclosure in the local zoo. In Nairobi however you… - 34
A trip to the savannah of the Nairobi national park is highly recomemnded. You can drive in your own car and explore at your own pace. You are advised to stay close to your vehicle as plenty of big predators roam the savannah and you might just end up as… - 33
Kenya is well known for its amazing wildlife. You can barely turn on Animal Planet or any other nature program without seeing the exploits from Kenya's incredible nature. However, even if you are simply visiting (or living in) the buzzing capital of Nairobi you are by no means cut off… - 32
For Nairobi National Park, we had to get up brutally early for the "show". Our guide had told us that the best time to get a glimpse of most of the wildlife would be just when they were getting to the watering holes, which was around 6.00am. I'd advise…