Spotlight on Elephants

The magnificent elephant is the planet’s largest terrestrial mammal and here are some wonderful photos snapped by our driver guides, on various Kenya safaris, of these striking animals, as well as 5 facts about them that we thought we would share!

Elephants in the wild

1. There are three different species of elephant in the world – the African Savannah elephant, the African Forest elephant and the Asian elephant.
2. Elephants are the world’s largest land animal! Male African elephants can reach an astonishing 3m tall and can weigh between 4,000 -7,500kg. Asian elephants are slightly smaller than their African cousins and can grow to around 2.7m tall and weigh between 3,000– 6,000kg.
3.  An easy way to tell the difference between African elephants and Asian elephants is from their ears! African elephants have large ears which look a little like the continent of Africa. Asian elephants’ ears are much smaller in comparison and if you look closely they look like the shape of India!
4. Elephants spend a lot of time munching, between 12 to 18 hours, eating grass, plants and fruit every single day! They use their long trunks to sniff out food as well as to consume it!
   

   Using mud as sunscreen!

    

5. Elephants use mud as sunscreen! After a river or swamp bath, they’ll throw mud and sand up and over themselves to protect their skin from the hot, burning sun. This is why often when you see them they are covered in mud!

Magnificent elephant!

Inspired to go on a safari and see these incredible animals in the wild for yourself?

Call us on 020 8423 3000 or complete an enquiry form to receive a quotation from our booking experts.

You can also find out more on our website: https://www.somak.com

Suggested Itineraries

Cheetah Safari

One of our most popular safaris is the Cheetah Safari which is a 7-night itinerary visiting the Aberdares, Samburu the Rift Valley Lakes and the Masai Mara.

More information: https://www.somak.com/kenya/suggested-itineraries/cheetah_safari

Kenya Royal Safari

A safari of distinction, fit for royalty, visiting Kenya’s finest game reserves and enjoying some of Kenya’s finest lodges and camps.

More information: https://www.somak.com/kenya/suggested-itineraries/kenya_royal_safari