One of the most intriguing animals is the black rhinoceros. It can reach weights of 1,400kg. It also has a hooked lip used to feed off trees. This giant beast enjoys legumes, woody twigs and various plants. Black rhino enjoys a healthy dose of water every day. It prefers to eat at night and sleep during the day. Like its cousin, the white rhino, the black rhino is actually grey. It has pointed upper lip whereas the white rhino has squared lips. They like to be near water. One of their pastimes is wallowing in muddy water which helps manage the heat, their body temperature and provides a good line of defence against insects. The sheer size of the mammal is enthralling.

Threat

The black rhinoceros is in jeopardy of extinction and would certainly have fared much better had hunters and poachers not pursued them for many years. In February 2013, the worldwide population of black rhino was estimated to be 4,880, a sharp fall from 30 or 50 years ago. Today, the black rhino, which once ranged the sub-Saharan Africa in plentiful quantities, is classified as a critically endangered species. The entire black rhino population is limited to the area between Cameroon in the west and Kenya in the east. Some black rhinos still roam as far south as South Africa, although these are few.

Horns

The animal’s distinctive and valuable horns is the feature that unfortunately today’s poachers treasure. The horns are regarded by several cultures as highly medicinal. Hunters kill the animals and pull the horns, leaving the carcass while they ship the horns to countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. In the Middle East and in North Africa, the horns have also been used to shape ornamental dagger handles. The results have been catastrophic. Despite high penalties and the risk of time in prison, poachers continue their assault on black rhinos.

Breeding periods

Males can be aggressive during mating period, often fighting and killing other suitors. Typically the female reproduces once every three to five years. The gestation period of the female black rhino is between 419 and 478 days. Calves are slow to mature. Calves begin to wean at about 2 months. Most calves stay with the mother for three years or more. Very often female black rhinos and their females calves group with other females and their calves. The mother is more likely to stay with a female calf for longer periods of time than she is with the male calf. The father may offer some early protection but soon departs to pursue other interests. Black rhino calves reach their full sexual maturity in 4-5 years but rarely give birth before age 7. The male rhino waits until about age 10 or older to claim a territory and select a mate.

Elewana Kifaru house guides

Most of the Elewana Kifaru House guides are from neighbouring communities and all have an intimate understanding and exhaustive knowledge of their own ‘backyard’, which they delight in sharing with their guests. All Kifaru House guides have been certified Bronze or Silver level by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, and they are all passionate about their land and the wildlife that they share it with. As well as the botany, palaeontology and history of Lewa, they also have an intimate knowledge of the individual rhino, cheetah and lion families that have made the Conservancy their home range. The walking guides are trained armed rangers from the conservancy.

Horse or camel riding

And for those who like to expend less energy and enjoy a loftier view getting closer to the game, horseback or camel walks are also available. Elewana Kifaru House offers evening horse rides where guests can get up close to the plains game as they graze, indifferent and untroubled by the presence of other four-legged creatures. Although Kifaru horses are well-schooled and completely at home in the bush, riding is for experienced riders only and subject to availability. There is an additional charge and riders will be requested to fill out a questionnaire to ascertain their competency. Elewana Kifaru House also offers evening camel rides for those without riding skills. Led by experienced Samburu handlers, camel riders can enjoy a scenic walk through the wilderness and experience the gentle, rolling pace of the traditional Samburu transport. Camel riding is subject to availability and there is an additional charge.

Swimming pool