#Denham's Bustard

[alonglistofbirds]

[2939/11080] Denham's bustard - Neotis denhami

Order: Otidiformes (bustards) Family: Otididae

Photo credit: Alexandre Vinot via Macaulay Library

[campsajasafaris]

Discover Uganda: Wildlife Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours | Camp Saja Safaris

Uganda is situated in the eastern part of Africa. It boasts a varied landscape that is truly captivating. This remarkable country provides numerous thrilling opportunities for exploration and observation. Its natural beauty is showcased through its diverse range of features. To name a few are its stunning nature reserves, captivating primates, majestic rivers, picturesque lakes, breathtaking beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.

Being a landlocked country, Uganda shares its borders with Kenya to the east, Congo to the west, Sudan to the north, and Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. The equatorial region in Uganda was gifted with lush rainforests, vast deserts, and magnificent waterfalls. Leading safari operators in Uganda collaborate with visitors, making their tours and safaris an effortless and ideal experience.

Uganda offers incredible opportunities for game viewing and wildlife safaris. The diverse landscape supports a wide range of animals, including primates and gorillas. Tourists can expect to encounter over 75 different species of animals, including the famous Big Five (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and rhinos). Other species such as hippos and giraffes can also be found in Uganda's sanctuaries.

The country is home to several national parks, including Kedipo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Murchison National Park. Murchison National Park, located in the northwest and situated on the shore of Lake Albert, is the oldest and largest park in Uganda.

Uganda safari holiday packages include Birding safaris. It offers the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species. Some notable birds include the Blue-headed Coucal, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Squacco Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Weaver Birds, Pied Kingfisher, Piapiac, Silver bird, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Quail-Finch, Red-throated Bee-eater, Speckle-fronted Weaver bird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver bird, Black-headed Gonolek, Denham’s Bustard, and many more.

The Boating part of your Uganda safari holiday package takes you to the best places for sport fishing. It is a popular safari activity in Uganda. The Nile River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, especially when the water level is low and clear. Tour operators in Uganda can arrange boating safaris and fishing trips, allowing visitors to catch fish and witness the majestic giant crocodiles that inhabit the river.

The open grasslands of Uganda are a thriving ecosystem where predators and grazers coexist during the dry season. This unique encounter between different species is a sight to behold.

Uganda is renowned for its gorilla population, with approximately half of the world's gorillas residing in the country. The Gorilla safari part of your Uganda tours and safaris truly make you stunning. The chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a key attraction for primate enthusiasts.

Exploring the conservation areas surrounding the national parks on foot is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Uganda. Ensure that you seize these indelible yet unforgettable moments with your camera.

Several fascinating things are there to watch in Uganda. Leading Safari operators in Uganda are always conscious about providing the best service all the time. They are very knowledgeable about Wildlife, Birds, Trees, Uganda Society, Customs, and traditions about the country. They can lead you by offering the sights and experiencing things that some can dream of. The Tour Operators can make you feel relaxed, and amazed by the sights, sounds, smells, and greenery of nature.

Leading safari operators in Uganda like Camp Saja Safaris always try to provide tourists with new appreciation and understanding about the wildlife. This is where you can book a holiday tour with a great combination and your choice among various adventures. They help in finding suitable and convenient itineraries for the perfect destination as per the needs of the tourists and budget. They are very much conscious about the comfort of the visitors and foreign tourists. The most capable, friendly, and helpful guides at Camp Saja Safaris share their talent, experience, and understanding with clients. It will bring an awesome experience among the tourists which they take back home. They make sure that Uganda safari holiday packages are designed as per tourist’s satisfaction.

East Africa is a memorable destination that should not be missed. Camp Saja Safaris made a great contribution to their clients’ satisfaction. They are one of the leading safari operators in Uganda and offer various customized tour packages as per clients' needs! For any assistance in conquering your thoughts, and passion for nature and wildlife photography please get in touch with Camp Saja Safaris at +1 (443) 409 2106.

Content Source From: www.thelifestyle-blog.com

[bigbirdpoof]

Denham's Bustard (Neotis denhami)

© Dave Curtis

[crypitd]

Poofed up Denham’s Bustard waltzing into Fat Bird Friday

»   Etsy  •  Various Links   «

© Harlen Chen

[coolbirdsoftheworld]

SPECIAL GUESS THE BIRD: When you identify this bird, Type it in the comments.

Denhams Bustard.

[a-disaster-piece]

The "frown" of this Denham's Bustard is surely a #MondayMood...especially with this extended stormy weather! #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdsofsouthafrica (at Wittedrif, Western Cape, South Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jN8Nqgjsm/?igshid=1bdzqwn4jesjv

[englischdeutschubersetzung]

Denham's bustard Übersetzung Denham's bustard Deutsch

Denham's bustard auf Deutsch übersetzen, Bedeutung für Denham's bustard, Was ist Denham's bustard. Denham's bustard Deutsch übersetzen #Denham's bustard

[seokingstar]

Africa 4 x 4 Car Rental

Welcome To Denssafaris.co

Dens Safaris - The Best Africa Safari Holidays Packages for Vacation!

 Southern Africa Safari Holidays

 Welcome to Dens Safaris tour company, Get the best Africa safari holidays packages to enjoy your vacation in Africa. We offer Luxury, Midrange and Budget fixed or flexible safaris to suit the needs and preferences of our clients.

 AFRICAN SAFARIS

An African safari is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that comes with a bewildering range of options. Are “the Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) a priority, or is wildlife protection and investment in local communities more important? Are you hoping to photograph the animals from a 4x4, Vacation to Africa or do canoeing along the mighty Zambezi, an Ultimate Luxury getaway? Allow Dens Safari to handcraft your perfect immersion, bringing harmonic luxury to the natural wonder, and tailoring your dream African safari.

 DENS SAFARI

Dens Safaris is a dynamic safari tour company dedicated to providing you an amazing Wildlife experience. We offer Luxury, Midrange and Budget fixed or flexible safaris to suit the needs and preferences of our clients. We ensure that all our clients enjoy a truly Authentic African Safari experience.

 Dens Safaris roots lie’s in Zambia, where the business began exploring the true wildlife and natural wonders of its Country with a focus on sharing them with the rest of the world. Dens Safaris has recently expanded into numerous other African destinations following a new management team and partnering with the best suppliers who share the same level of expertise, enthusiasm, and drive.

 As an experienced tour operator, we personalize our safaris according to our customers’ tastes and needs. We combine luxury, style, service, and authenticity to provide a unique, exciting adventure and an unforgettable experience

 East Africa Safari Packages

DAY 1 – LUSAKA TO LOWER ZAMBEZI

Pick up from your Hotel and Transfer by road to Lower Zambezi, Lower Zambezi will be our base for the next 3nights, we shall arrive in Lower Zambezi by Lunch time. The birdlife in Lower Zambezi is rich – about 378 species have been recorded here, including many species of eagle, heron, stork and bee-eater. The Lower Zambezi is rich in wading birds, both resident and migrant; uncommon residents include ospreys, spoonbills and African skimmers.

 DAY 2,3 – LOWER ZAMBEZI

Still in Lower Zambezi, we shall base our activities on the River doing a Canoeing Trip on the Zambezi River and a Boat game cruise to spot different kinds of bird life on the river. There are national parks on both sides of the river – Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean bank, and the Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side.

 Just considering the kingfishers, you'll find pied, giant, woodland, malachite and brown-hooded kingfishers are all common here. Similarly, the river is frequented by darters, cormorants, egrets and storks, and fish eagles are often seen perching in trees that overlook the water

 DAY 4 – LOWER ZAMBEZI TO LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK

Early morning departure for Lochinvar National Park on this day, we aim to arrive here by midday to early afternoon. Arrive and Check in!! Lochinvar is one of Zambia’s top destinations for bird-watchers, who come to see water-birds gather in great numbers.

 After a long drive, we shall do a walking safari here to watch the amazing birds found here.

 DAY 5 – LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK

We have a Full day to explore Lochinvar National Park which is well renowned as a superb bird sanctuary featuring many different waterfowl, raptors, woodland species and migrants. 428 species have been recorded here

 Hundreds of wattled cranes can be seen feeding on vegetable matter dug from the soft mud and the large marabou stork scavenging for stranded fish, you’ll also find the greater and lesser flamingo, the pink backed and white pelicans, African skimmer, Caspian tern, Baillon’s crake and the red knobbed coot. Many species of duck are abundant in this environment; the black duck, fulvous duck, whistling duck, pintail, garganey, southern pochard, pygmy goose, yellow billed duck and the Cape and European shovellers. Waders include avocet, the Mongolian, Caspian and Pacific golden plovers, whimbrel, turnstone, sanderling, little stint, spotted redshank, black tailed and bar tailed godwits and six species of sandpiper. Over 50 raptors occur including the black sparrowhawk, osprey, secretary bird, African cuckoo hawk and the peregrine falcon to name a few. Other interesting sightings include the white-bellied and black bellied korhaans, yellow throated sandgrouse, narina trogon, and Denham’s bustard.

 DAY 6 – LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK TO LUSAKA

We shall depart for Lusaka on this day just after breakfast, we aim to arrive in Lusaka by midday to early Afternoon.

 Arrive in Lusaka, drop off at your Hotel or the Airport for your flight back home or next destination.

  Address: ZAMBIA, Kabulonga, Sable Drive Lusaka

Tel : +260 965 672 052

Email: address: info@denssafaris.co

Visit For More Information:  http://www.denssafaris.co/

[christiansperka]

This week I spotted three more birds for my 'life list' | European Nightjar |Denham's Bustard |Red-capped Robin-Chat | All sightings at iSimangaliso Wetland Park | This brings by list to 275 species 😊 #christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography (at iSimangaliso Wetland Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B11zwa-gtVj/?igshid=1bz8ww28qvt44

[malawi-places]

Denham's Bustard: Nyika Plateau, Malawi. 📷 fede_photos_wildlife (IG) Named after Dixon Denham. Historian Bovill observed: 'it remains difficult to recall in all the checkered (sic) history of geographic discovery.. a more odious man than Dixon Denham' #BirdingMalawi ..... .......... #Malawi #fbp #tw @fede_photos_wildlife #Nyika #NyikaMountain #NyikaNationalPark #NyikaPlateau #Bustard #denhamsbustard #DixonDenham https://ift.tt/2Xn4VOn

[kuwahuru]

KITULO NATIONAL PARK

Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as The Garden of God – ( Bustani ya Mungu –in Swahili word ) - while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world’. And Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April. Perched at around 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains, the well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the largest and the most important montane grassland community in Tanzania. Having its unique flower species remained wild, with birds singing and migrating to the highland forests, Kitulo Plateau National Park is latest and a new comer to Tanzania’s tourist attractive sites. Bustani ya Mungu (God’s Garden) is the visitors name given to this new park, the only of its kind in Africa where wild flowers, birds and harmonious grass eating mammals are dominating. Kitulo Plateau is perched between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Livingstone and Poroto Mountains in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. It is the site of one of the world’s great floral spectacles. The eminently hike-able park is carpeted in wildflowers for six months of the year, from November to April. There is a documented 350 species of wild flowers including lilies and fields of daisies. Although sparse in big game, this natural botanical garden is highly alluring to bird watchers who thrill to sightings of rare Denham’s bustard, the endangered blue swallow, mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seedeater. Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden. Unique and the only of its kind in Africa for natural orchids and birds, this park has been gazetted last year set for tourists. Kitulo National Park stands alone, boasting of being the only tourist attractive site in the continent offering floristic visits than the traditional wildlife photographic holidays which most tourists to Tanzania are used to experience. Tourists from all corners of the world are now exposed to this park, and are expected to book their itineraries to this new park. There are about 400 plant species, most of them are wild flowers and other such attractive, natural plants, which no doubt at all, will attract visitors to go there. Recorded 45 endemic orchid species are found only in the park than any other part of the world. The park covers 413 kilometers of forest-land, dominated with plants and few wild animals which together form a natural habitat that is tourist attractive by itself. The park’s scenery is as comparable to the Biblical Garden of Eden, as most visitors there say. Added to its natural attractions and uniqueness, Kitulo Plateau is the natural resting site for intercontinental migrating birds during periods of the year on their way to Europe. It is only in this park where migrating Storks rest while flying from Cape Town in South Africa to Northern Europe. European White Storks and other species of Storks from Scandinavian countries via West Africa migrate to brood inside Kitulo Plateau on their way, flying across the European and African continents every year. These big, attractive birds stop in this park for some months and later continue with their long journey across the continent. Kitulo National Park is the only natural habitat area in Africa perched on the sky at a higher altitude than any known park in the continent. About the Kitulo Plateau National Park Size: 412.9 sq km (159 sq miles) Location: Southern Tanzania. The temporary park headquarters at Matamba are situated approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town. What to do Good hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grasslands to watch birds and wildflowers. Hill climbing on the neighbouring ranges, A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa. When to go Wildflower displays peak between December and April. The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding to botanists. Conditions are cold and foggy from June to August. Getting there 4x4 only. From Chimala, 78km east of Mbeya along the surfaced main road to Dar es Salaam, head south along the rough but spectacular dirt road - called Hamsini na Saba (57) after the number of hairpin bends along its length - to the temporary park headquarters at Matamba, from where it’s another hour’s drive to the plateau. Basic and erratic public transport is available. Accommodation Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, while two simple guesthouses also exist in Matamba. There is no accommodation in the park as yet, but very basic accommodation and meals are available at the adjacent Kitulo Farm. Three special campsites are planned within the park, catering to fully equipped campers. Two moderately priced church-run hostels are situated on Matema Beach. Read the full article

[safariporini-blog]

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park:In additional to the parks of the northern, southern and western circuits Tanzania has three other national parks to explore. Kitulo plateau in the south Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria and Saadan on the mainland coast north of Dar es Salaam.One of the two more recently gazetted national parks, Kitulo National Park is the first park in tropical Africa to be recognized largely for its floristic significance. Known locally as “Gods Garden” or the Serengeti of Flowers’, Kitulo plateau has had over 350 species of plants documented to date ,These include 45 species of orchids, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Some 31 species are endemic to Tanzania; 26 to the Kitulo region; at least three to the plateau and in the adjoining forest. The plateau is also home to some important bird species, again main endemic to Tanzania, including the endangered blue swallow, Denham’s bustard, mountain marsh widow, njombe cist cola, and kipengere seedeater. Some of the world’s rarest butterflies also inhabit in the area along with chameleon, lizard, frogs and a few hardy reedbuck and eland. Read the full article

[gypsytanzaniatours-blog]

Kitulo National Park

Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu - The Garden of God – while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world’. And Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April. Perched at around 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains, the well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the largest and most important montane grassland community in Tanzania. One of the most important watersheds for the Great Ruaha River, Kitulo is well known for its floral significance – not only a multitude of orchids, but also the stunning yellow-orange red-hot poker and a variety of aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, of which more than 30 species are endemic to southern Tanzania. Big game is sparsely represented, though a few hardy mountain reedbuck and eland still roam the open grassland. But Kitulo – a botanist and hiker’s paradise - is also highly alluring to birdwatchers. Tanzania’s only population of the rare Denham’s bustard is resident, alongside a breeding colony of the endangered blue swallow and such range-restricted species as mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seedeater. Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden. About the Kitulo Plateau National Park Size: 412.9 sq km (159 sq miles) Location: Southern Tanzania. The temporary park headquarters at Matamba are situated approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town. Getting there 4x4 only. From Chimala, 78km east of Mbeya along the surfaced main road to Dar es Salaam, head south along the rough but spectacular dirt road - called Hamsini na Saba (57) after the number of hairpin bends along its length - to the temporary park headquarters at Matamba, from where it’s another hour’s drive to the plateau. Basic and erratic public transport is available. What to do Good hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grasslands to watch birds and wildflowers. Hill climbing on the neighbouring ranges. A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa. When to go Wildflower displays peak between December and April. The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding to botanists. Conditions are cold and foggy from June to August. Accommodation Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, while two simple guesthouses also exist in Matamba. There is no accommodation in the park as yet, but very basic accommodation and meals are available at the adjacent Kitulo Farm. Three special campsites are planned within the park, catering to fully equipped campers. Two moderately priced church-run hostels are situated on Matema Beach Read the full article

[moonlighttoursexpedition]

Kenya Birdwatching Safaris, Kenya Birding Tour

Kenya Birdwatching Safaris, Kenya Birding Tour

KENYA FOR THE KEEN BIRDER

Welcome to our Kenya Keen Birders Tour.This Tour is specially designed for the Keen birders, the Tour can be re-designed to include destinations primarily omitted, such as the Arabuko Sokoke Forest on the Coast as well as Coastal National Parks such as the Tsavo and other birding sites such as the Taita hills… for those who will have more time than the time scheduled on this Original Itinerary.

Welcome! Karibu!

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nairobi .over night at the Boulevard Hotel.Depending on the time of arrival,we may have chance for an excursion into Nairobi National Park,returning tou Hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2: We begin our Safari from Nairobi into the Rift Valley Lakes of Naivasha,there are several bird species around Lake Naivasha. These include; White Pelican, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Black Crake, African Jacana, several duck species, Long-toed Lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe, White-headed Barbet, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Grey-capped and Lesser Swamp Warblers, White-fronted Bee-eater, Winding and Rattling Cisticolas, Grey-headed Bush-shrike and many more. Hirundines can be plentiful, and over half of the species in Kenya can be seen. In the evening, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl hunts along the lakeshore acacias.Over night at Elsamere Centre.

Day 3: In addition to exploring the surroundings of your cottage, there is also the possibility of visiting Hell’s Gate NP . This is one of the few parks where it is possible to walk, and the cliffs have breeding Nyanza and Mottled Swifts, and a colony of Rueppell’s Vultures. Lammergeier have been recently reintroduced, and other species which are regular include Schalow’s Wheatear and Pectoral-patch Cisticolas may be sited.Over night and Meals at Elsamere Centre.

Day 4: Today, you will head for Lake Victoria. On the way, you may wish an option to spend three or four hours passing through Lake Nakuru NP , which is again excellent for waterbirds and acacia species, and has additional specialities including Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Arrow-marked Babbler, Wailing Cisticola, and is one of the best places for Lappet-faced Vulture. It also has both White and Black Rhino, protected here from poachers, and sometimes both Lion and Leopard may be seen. On the way to Kisumu, you may wish to visit some diminishing grasslands above Molo, where Sharpe’s Longclaw is regular, along with Wing-snapping Cisticola. When you reach Kisumu, if time permits, you will be able to visit Hippo Point, where the papyrus beds have specialities such as Black-headed and Papyrus Gonoleks, Carruther’s Cisticola, Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus and Yellow-fronted Canaries, Black-billed Barbet, White-browed and Blue-headed Coucal, Greater Swamp Warbler an! d others. Over night at Imperial Hotel Kisumu.

Day 5: There are two possibilities on this day. The journey to Kakamega is quite short, but can be extended along the coast of the lake, where the area around Sioport has further papyrus specialities, as well as western species such as Copper Sunbird, Black and Black-winged Bishops, Woodland Kingfisher, Bar-breasted and Black-bellied Firefinches and Grey Kestrel. Also, there are two river crossings where Rock Pratincole is regular. Some grassland in the west is also productive for species such as Uganda Spotted Woodpecker, Red-headed Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and Blue Swallow. These sites could also be visited in a long morning from Kakamega town, so are possible on a different day. Overnight Golf Hotel Kakamega.

Day 6: Today, it will be possible to spend all day exploring Kakamega Forest. There are two excellent areas, around Isecheno in the south and Kakamega in the north. Visiting both parts provides the best opportunities, and local guides will help tremendously. In the northern part, Solomon is recommended, and in the south Wilberforce. The number of birds is incredible, and include Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Grey Parrot, Yellow-billed, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, several Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Thick-billed Honeyguides, Turner’s Eremomela, Banded and White-chinned Prinias, Blue and Dusky Crested Flycatchers, Chapin’s Flycatcher, several Greenbuls and Illadopsises, Yellowbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Equatorial Akalat, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Snowy-headed and Blue-shouldered Robin-chats and many more. Over night Golf Hotel Kakamega

Day 7: It is recommended to spend one day in the northern Part of the Forest and the in the southern Part of the Forest. . Both are fairly Spartan. Accommodations will depend on the requested arrangements which may include Udos Bandas or Isecheno Rest house for the budget Groups or Golf Hotel and Rondo retreat for these requiring a little luxury.

Day 8: After some final forest birding, we will head north to the market town of Kitale. Nearby are two excellent birding localities, Kongolei and Saiwa Swamp. At Kongolei, there are several dry country birds scarce elsewhere, including Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, White-crested Turaco and Brown-rumped Bunting. Saiwa is home to the Sitatunga antelope, as well as De Brazza Monkey, and is a good site for Blue-headed Coucal, Double-toothed Barbet, Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird, Black-throated Wattle-eye and Splendid and Purple Glossy Starlings. Overnight Alakara Hotel.

 Day 9: Today, we skirt the Cherangani Mountains, and head through the spectacular Kerio Valley and Tugen Hills. On the way, we can stop to seek out similar birds to Kongolei, and in the valley, species such as Little Weaver and D’Arnaud’s Barbet. When we arrive at Lake Baringo, and we should see our first special birds of the area. During the few days, we should encounter Slender-tailed Nightjar, Heuglin’s Courser, Spotted Thick-knee, Northern Masked, Little, Jackson’s and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Bristle-crowned Starling, Hemprich’s and Jackson’s Hornbills, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Beautiful Sunbird and much more.Over night Lake Baringo Country Club.

 Day 10: All day will be spent around Lake Baringo. You may wish to use a local guide, who will help find the difficult species. Over night at Lake Baringo Country Club.

 Day 11: We head south from Baringo, and skirt the Aberdares, stopping at Thompson’s Falls where we can seek out Slender-billed Starling, African Snipe and Tinkling Cisticola. We then pass across Solio Plains, sometimes good for Bustards, which can include the scarce Denham’s, as well as Capped Wheatear, Long-tailed Widowbird and wintering Lesser Kestrels and Montagues and Pallid Harriers. Finally, we arrive at Naro Moru River Lodge, where a self-catering two-bedroomed cottage is recommended. Food can be bought en-route at Nyahururu, or meals can be obtained at the lodge. Overnight Naro Moru River Lodge.

 Day 12: The lodge grounds are excellent for birding, and can have such species as Giant Kingfisher, Black Duck, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red-fronted Parrot, Narina Trogon, Grey Apalis, Rufous Chatterer, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Crowned Hornbill and up to nine sunbird species. It is also a base for Mt Kenya, and there are options to explore on a day trip the lower slopes, where some mountain specialities such as Mountain Greenbul, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Brown-chested Alethe, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Hunter’s Cisticola and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher can be seen. An option is to take a 4WD up to the Meteorological Station, where one night can be spent, and species such as Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Alpine Chat, Jackson’s Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush and rarely, Olive Ibis can be seen. Overnight Naromoru River Lodge.

 Day 13: After final birding around Naro Moru, we head north, stopping to look for Dusky Turtle Dove and the near-endemic Boran Cisticola. Once in Samburu , birds are profuse, and include Somali and White-throated Bee-eaters, Golden Pipit, Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich, White-headed Mousebird, Kori and Buff-crested Bustards, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Violet Woodhoopoe, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Black-capped Social Weaver, Shining and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Bare-eyed Thrush and Palm-nut Vulture. In addition, dry-country mammals are present, including Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx and Reticulated Giraffe, and Elephant, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are all possible. Over night Samburu Block lodge.

Day 14: A further day will be spent in Samburu . Samburu Block Hotels.

 Day 15: Heading back slowly into the highlands, we will stop at Wajee Camp, where the endemic Hinde’s Babbler lives in the grounds. In addition, African Wood Owl roosts, and there is a selection of other highland birds around. Overnight Wajee Bungalows.

 Day 16: After leaving Wajee, we will visit some rice-paddies, where waterbirds are profuse, and often include Yellow-crowned Bishop and White-winged Widowbird. We will stop at Thika Blue Posts, and have the option of an afternoon at Kieni Forest. This remnant patch seems very quiet at first, but is home to many scarce highland birds, including Chestnut-throated and Black-throated Apalises, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Olive and Bronze-naped Pigeons, White-headed Woodhoopoe and Tullberg’s Woodpecker. The grounds of the New Blue Posts are also good for birding, and have scarcities which can include African Penduline Tit, Black Duck, Grey-olive Greenbul, Giant Kingfisher, Trumpeter Hornbill, Black-collared Apalis and Purple-crested Turaco. Overnight New Blue Posts Thika.

 Day 17: The final day will still be bird-filled. After breakfast, we will have an Option to head for Nairobi NP or straight to the Airport or spend more time reluxing at the Lodge grounds. The park is excellent for many grassland species, including up to 9 species of Cisticola! Hartlaub’s Bustard is regular, and other birds can include Northern Pied Babbler, African Darter, Red-throated Tit, Shelley’s Francolin, Jackson’s Widowbird, and African Finfoot at the Hippo Pools. And Transfer to airport for Flight Home.

End of services

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[adyeri]

Murchison Falls National Park Rothschild Giraffe

Marvel at the giraffes of Murchison Falls National Park

Their hearts beat twice the rate of human hearts in order to pump blood up their two and a half metres necks. Towering over scattered acacia vegetation and all the creatures, the giraffes scan for danger over the horizon.  Down the valley, a short distance away from thundering Murchison Falls, along the mighty River Nile, crocodiles indefinitely open their jaws cooling off the day’s heat. This scene is typical of Murchison Falls National Park located in Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The park is a gem of wildlife that hosts 76 species of mammals and 451 of birds.

Among its variety of big and small game, it is the only park in the world that hosts more than 70 per cent of the world’s rothschild giraffes also known as the Uganda giraffe. The rothschild giraffes are native to Murchison Falls National Park and are categorised by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered. There are about 2,500 rothschild giraffes in the world.  Murchison Falls National Park hosts 700 of them, according to Uganda Wild Life Authority 2012 census report, making the park home to 75 per cent of the total world population of rothschild giraffe species.

Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies within the larger Murchison Falls conservation area which is the country’s largest, protected area measuring 5,663 sq.km.  The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over a narrow gorge measuring seven metres wide creating the dramatic Murchison Falls after which the park is named. The stretch of the river from the falls to Lake Albert provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife sceneries. The river banks attract animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, nile crocodiles and aquatic birds. For bird lovers, the park has a variety of birds with 451 species recorded. The list includes the shoebill stork, the goliath heron – the largest heron in the world – and pairs of elegant grey crowned cranes - Uganda’s national bird.  Also seen along the banks of the Nile are the blue-headed coucal, swamp flycatcher, squacco heron, African jacana, sandpipers, denham’s bustard, Abyssinian ground-hornbill, black-billed barbet, black-headed bonolek, bastern brey blantain-eater, biapiac, bilverbird, weaver birds, pied, giant and malachite kingfishers, red-throated bee-eater, white-browed sparrow weaver, speckle-fronted weaver and African quail-finch.

The northern section of the park contains savannah and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches. Most of the game viewing is done on the northern side, which is also home to the rothschild giraffes. There are many attractions in the park but the rothschild giraffe deserves special mention since it is native to the area.

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Denham's Bustard (Neotis denhami)