Wildlife Sounds ID Game: Can You Guess the Animal?
By Bianca Muthoni
Let’s be honest. Most people come on safari for the sights — the giraffes silhouetted against a sunset, the elephants trudging through dry riverbeds, the lions stretched out in golden grass. But after nearly two decades with Two Star Safaris Ltd in Kenya, I can tell you something with certainty:
It’s the sounds that stay with you.
Ask any guide or guest what they remember most vividly, and odds are they’ll mention that deep, rumbling roar in the distance. Or the whooping laughter of hyenas breaking the night silence. Or maybe a peculiar bird call they couldn’t quite place.
The bush has a language of its own — mysterious, thrilling, sometimes downright eerie. And once you start listening, really listening, it becomes addictive.
So, in the spirit of fun (and education), let’s play a little game.
I’ll describe a sound, give you some context, maybe even share a memory. See if you can guess the animal before the reveal.
Let’s begin.
Sound #1: A Deep, Guttural Roar That Rattles Your Chest
It starts slow, low — like the throat of the earth is clearing itself. Then it builds, echoes, rises in intensity. You’re not sure if it’s close or far, because it seems to come from everywhere.
You’re sitting by the fire. It’s just past dinner. And suddenly, every conversation stops.
What is it?
Answer: The Lion. Specifically, a male lion’s territorial call. It can be heard up to 8 kilometers away. It’s not a threat, exactly. More like an announcement: “I’m here. This is mine.”
Sound #2: A Repetitive, Laughing Whoop that Rises in Pitch
It sounds playful, but also unsettling. Kind of like a group of kids laughing in the dark. But you know it isn’t that.
You’re lying in your tent, trying to sleep. And this laughter is getting closer.
What is it?
Answer: The Spotted Hyena. That high-pitched whoop is part of their complex social communication. Contrary to old myths, hyenas are highly intelligent and organized — and their calls can indicate status, excitement, or alert others to a kill.
Sound #3: A Metallic, Repetitive “Go-Away, Go-Away!”
It’s almost funny — like the bird is scolding you.
You hear it in the late morning, as you pass through scrubby acacia. Someone laughs and says, “Did that bird just tell us to leave?”
What is it?
Answer: The Go-Away Bird. Yes, really. That’s its actual name — the Grey Go-Away Bird. Its distinct call has amused guests for years.
Sound #4: A Trumpet, Sharp and Sudden — Like a Brass Instrument
It’s loud. It surprises you. And there’s no mistaking the size behind it.
You’re watching a group at a watering hole, and one of them isn’t pleased.
What is it?
Answer: The African Elephant. Elephants trumpet when startled, excited, or annoyed. It’s one of the most unmistakable sounds in the wild — and honestly, it never gets old.
Sound #5: A Series of Rapid Clicks or Snaps in the Dead of Night
You’re not sure if you imagined it. It’s subtle, but rhythmic. Almost like fingers snapping.
You hold your breath and listen again.
What is it?
Answer: The Bat-Eared Fox. These shy nocturnal animals use soft sounds to communicate with one another while hunting. Most guests never hear them — but if you do, consider it a privilege.
Sound #6: A Long, Drawn-Out “Hoo-Hoo-Hoooo” at Dawn
It’s gentle, haunting, and somehow calming.
You hear it just as the sky begins to change color. It’s not a bird you’ve seen — or maybe you have, but didn’t realize that’s what it sounded like.
What is it?
Answer: The Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. Kenya’s largest owl. That deep hoot carries through the cool dawn air. If you’re lucky, you might spot its pink eyelids as it blinks at you from a treetop.
Sound #7: A Whistle Followed by a Chattering Song
High-pitched, almost cheerful. It feels like morning.
You hear it around camp, from bushes and branches. It feels like nature’s alarm clock.
What is it?
Answer: The White-Browed Robin-Chat. Common in many Kenyan camps, their song is complex, bubbly, and oddly comforting.
Why We Listen
After 19 years in the safari world, I’ve come to believe that the best guides — and the most engaged guests — are the ones who listen closely.
Because in the bush, sound is everything.
It tells you what’s nearby. It hints at behavior. It invites you to slow down and tune in. And it’s often what lingers long after the visuals fade.
A Sound Future: Safari Tourism with Purpose
At Two Star Safaris Ltd, we believe that part of what makes Kenya special isn’t just its wildlife, but the way nature speaks to us — if we choose to listen. And that belief in meaningful, connected travel is one reason we’re honored to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening this November 18–19 in London, hosted by the International Trade Council.
This event isn’t just an awards ceremony — it’s a global gathering of minds rethinking the future of business, sustainability, and human connection. We’re proud to be part of it — and to represent Kenya on that stage.
Final Thought: Tune In
So next time you’re in the bush — whether it’s with us, or somewhere else — close your eyes for a moment.
Don’t rush. Don’t talk. Just listen.
You might not recognize every sound right away. But in time, the bush will start to speak to you. And you’ll never hear silence the same way again.
