Taveta two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia tavetana)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Taveta two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia tavetana) (origin: The montane forests of the Kilimanjaro region, Kenya / Tanzania (1,000–2,700 m)). Adult size around 15–20 cm. Life expectancy 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Taveta two-horned chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal.
Taveta two-horned chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–24 °C, basking spot ~28–30 °C (local), at night 12–16 °C.
Taveta two-horned chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Taveta two-horned chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–5 years.
Taveta two-horned chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–16 °C
- Basking spot
- ~28–30 °C (local)
- Humidity
- 70–80 % (day), ~90 % (night)
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal
- Substrate
- Coco humus or forest floor, densely planted
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, flies, house crickets, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 3–5 years
- Origin
- The montane forests of the Kilimanjaro region, Kenya / Tanzania (1,000–2,700 m)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B
- Brumation
- A cooler rest period is recommended
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. Each animal gets its own densely planted mesh enclosure; males can bite, and sight of other chameleons should be avoided. For breeding put a female and male together only briefly and separate them afterwards.
Notes
Cool nights are essential; egg-laying (the two-horned chameleon group around K. fischeri). Good ventilation is needed.
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Related species
- Adolf Friedrich's chameleon (Kinyongia adolfifriderici) – Expert
- Böhme's two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia boehmei) – Expert
- Carpenter's chameleon (Kinyongia carpenteri) – Expert
- Fischer's two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia fischeri) – Intermediate
- Magombera chameleon (Kinyongia magomberae) – Expert
- Matschie's two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia matschiei) – Intermediate
- Strange-nosed chameleon (Kinyongia xenorhina) – Expert
- Sharp-nosed chameleon (Kinyongia oxyrhina) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Taveta two-horned chameleon (Kinyongia tavetana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal), substrate (Coco humus or forest floor, densely planted), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: mehrere Kinyongia-Arten (matschiei, xenorhina, boehmei) bestätigt oviparous; Gattung 2009 u.a. wegen Eierlegens von Bradyp – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Kinyongia&species=matschiei, Wikipedia Kinyongia tavetana, Kenia/Tansania (Taita-Hügel, Kilimandscharo-Region) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinyongia_tavetana, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinyongia_tavetana, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Kinyongia&species=tavetana, https://www.chameleonforums.com/kinyongia-tavetana-kilimanjaro-two-horned-chameleons-70357/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).