Reptiles and Amphibians of Kenya

Reptiles and amphibians are a key group of animals in Kenya and they represent a pivotal section of the country’s fauna. Kenya is one of the top countries for reptiles and amphibians tours and safaris in the world. In perspective, there are over 8,743 species of amphibians in the world. Kenya has over 120 species of amphibians. Kenya also has over 300 species of reptiles.

The amphibians of Kenya include frogs (regular frogs; and toads) and caecilians. Of these, 20 species are endemic to the country. The largest species is the Edible Bull Frog (at about 12-14 cm). The smallest species is the Unguja Puddle Frog (measuring about 1.6 cm). We spend most evenings, during our Kenya Herpetology Safari Tours, watching amphibians. 

Caecilians are amphibians with long, cylindrical bodies and have no legs. Caecilians mainly live underground or under leaf litter and decomposing matter. They have many rings on the body, looking like segments. There are eight species known in Kenya, and more are still being discovered and described to Science. The known species include:- Changamwe Caecilian Boulengerula changamwensis, Denhardt’s Caecilian Boulengerula denhardti, Sagalla Hill Caecilian Boulengerula niedeni, Taita Hills Caecilian Boulengerula taitana, Spawls’ Caecilian or Ngaia Forest Caecilian or Nyambene Hills Caecilian Boulengerula spawlsi, Floodplain Caecilian Schistometopum gregorii, Ribbon Caecilian Scolecomorphus vittatus and the yet to be described Endau Hill Caecilian. During our Kenya Amphibians Tours, we do dedicate ample time and effort to search for caecilians.

Frogs and toads are the famous groups of amphibians in Africa and are often easier to find during our Kenya Frogging Tours. Most live on the ground surface or in wetlands. They are often associated with water at some stages of their lives, especially when breeding. Frogs are often smoother skinned and some have some form of webbing on their feet. Toads are often rougher in skin texture and many show an enlarged parotid gland. Some toads also produce a milky substance or secretion on their skin. Some frogs produce skin secretions too, but are slightly different from toads, such as Clawed Frogs.  

Some of the groups of frogs in Kenya include Clawed Frogs, Rubber Frogs, Warty Frogs, Snout-burrowers, Leaf-folding or Banana Frogs, Reed Frogs, Running Frogs (often grouped together with Wot-wots or Kassinas), Squeakers, Tree Frogs, Ornate Frogs, Puddle Frogs, Crowned Bull Frogs, Bull Frogs, Sand Frogs, Dainty Frogs or Cacos, River Frogs, White-lipped Frogs, Torrent Frogs, Foam-nest Tree Frogs and Jumping Frogs (also called Ridged Frogs or Grass Frogs or Rocket Frogs).

There are 16 species of toads in Kenya. They are divided into three groupings, namely: Typical Toads, Dwarf Toads and Red Toads. There is also a very rare and special group of toads in Kenya called Forest Toads or Volcano Toads. These are known from Mt. Kenya, where a specimen was collected during a research expedition. There is only one species of this Genus in Kenya and it is called the Kenyan Volcano Toad (Kenyaphrynoides vulcani). 

Reptiles are also grouped into large groups, based on similarities and evolution. Of the over 300 species of reptiles found in Kenya, there are 147 Snakes, 140 Lizards, 5 Sea or Marine Turtles, 5 Land Tortoises, 7 Terrapins or Fresh Water Turtles and 1 Crocodile species. Our Kenya reptile safari tours offer the opportunity to find and photograph many of these reptile groups.  

One of the most exciting groups of reptiles is Lizards. In Kenya, these are represented by different groups, such as Geckos, Skinks, Sand Lizards, Forest Tree Lizards, Plated Lizards, Girdled Lizards, Agama Lizards, Chameleons, Monitor Lizards and Worm Lizards. We see many species of lizards during our Kenya Herping Tours.

Snakes are also a very exciting group of reptiles in Kenya. Kenya’s snakes can be grouped into several categories, such as Blind Snakes, Thread or Worm Snakes, Pythons, Boas, Grass and Sand Snakes, House Snakes, Wolf Snakes, File Snakes, Shovel-snout Snakes, Green and Bush Snakes, Tree Snakes, Hooked or Beaked Snakes, Burrowing Asps, Centipede-eaters, Glossy Snakes, Garter Snakes, Cobras, Mambas, Vipers and Adders. Kenya Snake Safaris are very exciting due to this huge variety and species diversity.  

Indeed, Kenya is a prime destination for reptiles and amphibians safaris and tours.