The first rule of spotting a Kirk’s Dikdik in the vast plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve is simple — stop looking for big animals.
Most safari guests arrive in the Mara with dreams of thunderous wildebeest crossings, lions draped across termite mounds, or elephants moving through the golden grass like ancient caravans. Few imagine that one of the reserve’s most captivating residents stands barely knee-high, weighs less than a suitcase, and can disappear into a thorn bush faster than a whispered secret.
Yet the Kirk’s Dikdik has a way of stealing the show.
I usually notice them before my guests do. Years in the bush teach you to read tiny movements — the twitch of a leaf beneath an acacia, the flicker of oversized ears in tangled scrub, or the sudden stillness of a creature trying very hard not to exist. Then, almost magically, the little antelope reveals itself.
There it stands, impossibly delicate, balanced on pencil-thin legs with a pointed snout and enormous dark eyes rimmed in white. Its coat mirrors the Mara itself — soft grey dusted with warm ochre and reddish tones that melt perfectly into the dry bushland. The males wear short ridged horns no longer than a finger, but there is nothing timid about them. Dikdiks may be tiny, but they carry themselves with the alert confidence of animals that have mastered survival in dangerous country.
Unlike the larger antelope scattered across the plains, Kirk’s Dikdiks prefer intimacy over crowds. They live in devoted pairs, carving out tiny territories among acacia thickets, rocky scrub, and dense undergrowth. Once bonded, the male and female move through life together almost constantly — feeding side by side, resting together, and vanishing into cover at the slightest sign of trouble.
And in the Mara, trouble is never far away.
Leopards drift silently through the same thickets. Jackals patrol the edges of the bush at dusk. Martial eagles scan the ground from impossible heights. Every shadow could hide danger, which is why the dikdik survives through nervous brilliance rather than brute strength.
Then comes the sound that gives the little antelope its character.
A sharp whistle suddenly pierces the stillness of the bush.
Guests often freeze, searching the trees for some unseen bird, only to realise the alarm came from the dikdik itself. The whistle is both warning and distraction — a tiny siren announcing that a predator has been spotted. Females and young immediately dive for cover while the male keeps calling, confusing the hunter and alerting every creature nearby that something deadly is on the move.
Even their habits carry a touch of comedy.
One local tale tells of a dikdik stumbling upon a mound of elephant dung and defiantly adding its own tiny pellets on top every day, convinced that one day the elephant would eventually trip over the growing pile. Around campfires in the Mara, that story never fails to earn laughter, partly because it perfectly captures the spirit of the animal — absurdly small, endlessly determined.
Despite their fragile appearance, Kirk’s Dikdiks are remarkably adapted to life in harsh country. They browse on tender shoots, herbs, succulents, and evergreen leaves hidden deep within thorny vegetation. Waterholes are optional; moisture from plants is often enough to sustain them through the dry season. While larger animals battle for access to rivers and marshes, the dikdik quietly survives in the shadows, unnoticed and unbothered.
Perhaps that is what makes them so unforgettable.
The Mara is filled with creatures that demand attention through noise, power, and spectacle. The Kirk’s Dikdik does the opposite. It invites you to slow down, to notice the hidden corners of the wilderness, to appreciate the lives unfolding beneath the acacias while the rest of the safari world races after predators.
And long after the lions, elephants, and cheetahs blur into memory, many guests remember the tiny antelope that paused in the morning light, stared back with enormous curious eyes, gave a sharp whistle into the wind, and vanished into the bush as though the Mara itself had quietly swallowed it whole
Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way.
Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”.
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The Rock Star of the Mara: Meet the Mwanza Flat-headed Agama
Conservation, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
The Rock Star of the Mara: Meet the Mwanza Flat-headed Agama
Image | Ernest Nyamasyo The sun is high over the Masai Mara, baking the golden grass and sending heat ripples across the plains. My guests are scanning the horizon for lions when I quietly raise a finger and point—not to the distance, but to a sunlit rock just a few meters away. There he is. A flash of color so vivid it almost doesn’t seem real—a reptilian superhero basking in full glory. “Everyone,” I whisper, grinning, “meet the Mwanza Flat-headed Agama—the Masai Mara’s very own Spider-Man lizard.” Named Agama mwanzae in scientific circles, the Swahili call him Balababa, but I […]
Trivia: How well do you know about the African Elephant? Find out!!
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Book your Safari Sense experience here Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way. Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”… Whiskers in the Grass: Tracking the Secretive Serval Conservation, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari Whiskers in the Grass: Tracking the Secretive Serval Image | Ernest Nyamasyo The sun is barely peeking above Nairobi’s skyline when my guests and I bump down the red-dust trail into the wilderness of Nairobi National Park—Africa’s only national park with […]
Whiskers in the Grass: Tracking the Secretive Serval
Conservation, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Whiskers in the Grass: Tracking the Secretive Serval
Image | Ernest Nyamasyo The sun is barely peeking above Nairobi’s skyline when my guests and I bump down the red-dust trail into the wilderness of Nairobi National Park—Africa’s only national park with a capital city for a neighbor. Zebras blur past in early light, and giraffes crane their necks against a backdrop of high-rises. But I’m not watching the giants this morning. I’m looking for a ghost in the grass. “Mondo,” I whisper to the guests. That’s Swahili for Serval, the long-legged, small-bodied, big-eared feline phantom we’re hoping to glimpse. With the scientific name Leptailurus serval, this spotted cat […]
Chasing Shadows: Elusive Felines of Mara North Conservancy
Conservation, Maasai Mara, Wildlife Safari
Chasing Shadows: Elusive Felines of Mara North Conservancy
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Trivia: How well do you know about Hippos? Find out!!
Trivia: How well do you know about Hippos? Find out!!
Book your Safari Sense experience here Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way. Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”… Chasing Shadows: Elusive Felines of Mara North Conservancy Conservation, Maasai Mara, Wildlife Safari Chasing Shadows: Elusive Felines of Mara North Conservancy Image | Ernest Nyamasyo There’s a moment, just before dusk falls over the golden plains of Kenya’s Mara North Conservancy, when the air seems to still, and every sense sharpens. It’s as if […]
The Nile Monitor Lizard: East Africa’s Water Dragon
Conservation, Maasai Mara, Wildlife Safari
The Nile Monitor Lizard: East Africa’s Water Dragon
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Trauma Counselor? A Brush with a Bumpy Landing!!
Conservation, Game drive, Wildlife Safari
Trauma Counselor? A Brush with a Bumpy Landing!!
Our small plane was moments from landing at our destination when a series of unsettling grinding noises filled the cabin…
Trivia: How well do you know about Whale Sharks? Find out!!
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Book your Safari Sense experience here Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way. Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”… Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent© Bird_watching, Conservation, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent© Image | Ernest Nyamasyo Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The Green Wood Hoopoe, scientifically known as Phoeniculus purpureus, presents a striking appearance. This slender, blackish bird boasts a green-blue iridescence across […] Unveiling Kenya’s […]
Baptism by Lion: A Young Tourist’s Unforgettable Encounter!!
Camping, Conservation, Game drive, Wildlife Safari
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Now, lions often use game tracks as paths, and this fellow’s chosen route just happened to bisect ours. He wasn’t charging, just exercising his right of way.
Trivia: How much do you know about the African Wild Dog? Find out!!
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Book your Safari Sense experience here Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way. Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”… Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent© Bird_watching, Conservation, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent© Image | Ernest Nyamasyo Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The Green Wood Hoopoe, scientifically known as Phoeniculus purpureus, presents a striking appearance. This slender, blackish bird boasts a green-blue iridescence across […] Unveiling Kenya’s […]
Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent©
Bird_watching, Conservation, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari
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Image | Ernest Nyamasyo Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The Green Wood Hoopoe, scientifically known as Phoeniculus purpureus, presents a striking appearance. This slender, blackish bird boasts a green-blue iridescence across its plumage, particularly noticeable in certain lights where it shimmers with hues of green, blue, and violet. Its most prominent features include a long, graduated tail, and a distinctively long, curved red bill which is a hallmark of the species. During flight, the white wing bars and white-tipped tail feathers serve as distinctive markers. Male and female wood hoopoes share similar appearances, although females tend to be slightly smaller with […]
Unveiling Kenya’s Time Capsule: A Journey with Our Ancestors #LetsGo
City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area
Unveiling Kenya’s Time Capsule: A Journey with Our Ancestors #LetsGo
Kenya, with its rugged landscapes and storied past, stands as a beacon for archaeologists and adventurers alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of our species. Join us on an expedition through time as we unravel the tales of our ancestors, each fossil a chapter in Kenya’s rich history.
Majestic Avian: The Ground Hornbill
City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Majestic Avian: The Ground Hornbill
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Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part XI
City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, History, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part XI
Image | Courtesy The first postal headquarters, constructed in 1906 on Delamere Avenue (currently Kenyatta Avenue), was originally based in Mombasa since its establishment in 1899. On our right, we passed Kipande House, built in 1913 as a train depot and later used for the issuance of IDs before being acquired by KCB in 1976. Opposite stands the Nairobi Gallery, originally constructed in 1913 as the District Commissioner’s Office, where records of births, marriages, and deaths were kept until 1976 when Vice President Joseph Murumbi and his wife Sheila sold their art collection to the Kenyan government. Image | Courtesy […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part X
City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, History, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
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Image | Courtesy Passing through Moi Avenue, we marveled at the Kenya National Archives, whose construction began in 1928, commissioned by the Bank of India, and was completed in 1931. Also located on the then Government Road is the Tom Mboya Statue, erected in 2011, in memory of the politician who was assassinated on July 5, 1969. Further ahead, we encountered the August 7th Memorial Park, which commemorates the 1998 terrorist bombings of the American embassy. Turning towards City Hall Way, previously known as Sergeant Ellis Avenue after Sergeant George Ellis, the first European resident who arrived from Newington Butts, […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part IX
City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part IX
Image | Courtesy Turning onto Kimathi Street, formerly known as Hardinge Street during the colonial period after the first Administrator of the Kenya Protectorate, Sir Arthur Hardinge, we made our way to the Thorn Tree Restaurant for a cup of coffee, pausing first to acknowledge the Dedan Kimathi Statue. It was erected on August 15, 2007, in honor of Dedan Kimathi, a rebel field marshal fighting against British colonial authorities during the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s. “A relentless campaign to capture Kimathi and his insurgents was launched by the British colonial government’s tribal police that ended up capturing […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VIII
City Tour, Excursion, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VIII
Image | Courtesy As we turned onto Kenyatta Avenue, the echoes of history reverberated with each passing moment. Formerly known as Delamere Avenue in honor of the pioneer white settler and colonial administrator after his death in 1932, Kenyatta Avenue bustled with weekday human traffic. Despite the rush, we paused to pay homage to the fallen heroes of WWI (1914 – 1918) and WWII (1939 – 1945) at the Askari Monument (the Carrier Corps Memorial – To Our Glorious Dead) – constructed in 1928 (Myrander SC) and re-erected in 1945, a solemn reminder of sacrifice and valor. Its inscription, “If […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VII
City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VII
Image | Courtesy Continuing our excursion through Nairobi’s streets, we glimpsed the Khoja Mosque, also known as Khoja Jamatkhana, constructed on January 14, 1922, by the Ismaili community led by the Aga Khan. We then passed through Monrovia Street, once known as Mark Street, and I pointed out the statue of Queen Elizabeth I in Jeevanjee Gardens—formerly Victoria Gardens—unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and presented by Alibhai Jeevanjee. Amidst the horns and blares from the traffic, I recounted the tale of Alibhai Jeevanjee, a visionary entrepreneur who made profits from the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway line, […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VI
City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VI
Image | Courtesy Leaving the museum behind, our next stop beckoned with the allure of a bygone era. The Norfolk Hotel, a bastion of colonial elegance, opened on December 25, 1904, by Major C.G.R. Ringer, stood as a testament to Kenya’s tumultuous past. Picturing it against a backdrop of dusty plains and towering acacias, there is still an aura of a time when intrepid adventurers and illustrious dignitaries mingled in the corridors of power. “The Norfolk of the yesteryears, with its cool resting rooms and hot and cold baths, was civilization in the bush. With nothing in front of it […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part V
City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, History, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part V
Image | Courtesy Our next destination was the Nairobi National Museum, a sentinel of Kenya’s past, guarding its secrets with silent reverence. As we made our way in, Vlad and Olga were curious about the museum’s storied history, from its humble origins in 1910 when a modest institution was born from the vision of the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society, to what it is today. Image | Ernest Nyamasyo “The Nairobi National Museum was officially opened on September 22, 1930, and named Coryndon Museum in honor of Sir Robert Coryndon, a former Governor of Kenya,” I explained. With […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part IV
City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part IV
Image | Courtesy From the “Bogani” house, we drove along Lang’ata Road. Olga’s curiosity led her to inquire about the iconic 100-foot Uhuru Monument at Uhuru Gardens, a towering tribute to Kenya’s journey to independence. “On December 12, 1963, the Kenyan flag unfurled its colors for the first time at Uhuru Gardens, marking a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” I narrated, immersing them in the significance of this monumental event. “Kenya transitioned from being the East Africa Protectorate to a British Colony in 1920. Initially claimed as the Sultan of Zanzibar’s territory during the Berlin Conference of the 1880s, […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part III
City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part III
Image | Courtesy The Karen Blixen Museum was once the centerpiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills, owned by Danish author Karen Blixen and her Swedish husband, Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke. Located 10 km from the city center, the museum represents a different period in Kenya’s history and gained international acclaim with the release of the movie ‘Out of Africa,’ an Oscar-winning film based on Karen’s autobiography of the same title. Built in 1912 by Swedish engineer Ake Sjogren, Karen and her husband bought the house in 1917. It became the farmhouse for their 6,000-acre property, of […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part II
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part II
Image | courtesy As we departed for our next destination—the Karen Blixen Museum—I recounted the city’s humble beginnings, forged in the crucible of the ‘Lunatic Express’ railway line. Nairobi’s story is one of dramatic transformation, evolving from a mere watering hole on Maasai land in the late 1800s into a vital railway hub. Buffalo and lions once roamed the periphery of these swampy lands, which were largely uninhabited except for the occasional meetings of the Kikuyu and Maasai peoples, who brought their cattle to graze. Wet, infertile, and at a high altitude, this place was called Nairobi, meaning a small […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part I
City Tour, Excursion, Nairobi Area
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part I
Smile:) Rothschild ‘s Giraffe | Image courtesy As we embarked on our city tour of Nairobi, the vibrant pulse of Kenya’s capital city permeated the air, eager to reveal its rich tapestry of history and culture to our inquisitive minds. Joined by Vlad and Olga, intrepid travelers from Russia, our journey promised a fusion of discovery and adventure, fueled by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Our first stop was the AFEW Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary where nature and conservation converge in a harmonious embrace. As we marveled at the graceful Rothschild giraffes, Vlad, with his insatiable appetite for history, […]
Swift Shadows: Unraveling the Mystique of the Cheetah
Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Swift Shadows: Unraveling the Mystique of the Cheetah
For the Cheetah, the hunt is not just a means of survival; it is an art form. The Cheetah employs a stalking technique, inching forward with stealthy precision, utilizing the tall grass as a natural camouflage.
Dive into Adventure: Witness the Magnificent Whale Sharks off the Kenyan Coast!
Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Dive into Adventure: Witness the Magnificent Whale Sharks off the Kenyan Coast!
Welcome, adventurous souls and curious wanderers, to a marine spectacle that will leave you in awe! If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside gentle giants of the ocean, then Mombasa, Kenya, is your dream destination. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Safari Sense as we take you to the captivating waters of Mombasa for an encounter with the mesmerizing whale sharks. The Giants of the Ocean Picture this: you’re gliding through the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean, when suddenly, an enormous shadow emerges from the depths. As you look up, […]
Experience the Untamed Beauty of Africa’s Painted Wolves!
Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Experience the Untamed Beauty of Africa’s Painted Wolves!
Ready to embrace the wild? Our exclusive safari immerses you in the world of African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves. This adventure guarantees an indelible mark on your soul.
Off The Beaten Track: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Central Island National Park
Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Off The Beaten Track: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Central Island National Park
Discover the captivating allure of Central Island National Park, an oasis nestled in the heart of Lake Turkana. Venture into the south-eastern corner and encounter the El-Molo tribe, a resilient community that once numbered a mere 80 individuals, earning the title of Africa’s smallest tribe.
Why Voluntary Waterfowl Bird Counts Play a Key Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Eco-tourism Promotion
Bird_watching, Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari
Why Voluntary Waterfowl Bird Counts Play a Key Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Eco-tourism Promotion
Annual waterfowl bird counts in Kenya are an important tool for understanding the health of bird populations and the wetlands they inhabit. These counts provide researchers and conservationists with crucial information on population trends, which can help identify potential threats or declines.
Experience: Mara North Conservancy
Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Experience: Mara North Conservancy
A rolling savanna of more than 28.000 hectares, the Mara North Conservancy is home to a spectacular array of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and massed concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other migratory wildlife. Leopard Gorge in the heart of the conservancy is famous as the setting of countless BBC Big Cat Diaries and National Geographic documentaries. Bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara North Conservancy is vital for sustaining the famous Serengeti wildebeest migrations and the highly threatened African wild dog and black rhino. Mara North Conservancy has struck a novel and […]
Great Game At Samburu National Reserve
Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Great Game At Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a wildlife reserve in northern Kenya that is known for its diverse array of wildlife. The reserve is home to a wide variety of animal
Experience: Lumo Wildlife Conservancy
Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Experience: Lumo Wildlife Conservancy
Hear the roar of lions in the distance and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, a safari in Lumo Conservancy is an unforgettable experience.
With plenty of luxurious accommodations, one can experience the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
Escape to Maasai Mara’s Siana Springs Tented Camp
Escape to Maasai Mara’s Siana Springs Tented Camp
Siana Spring Tented Camp provides additional services and amenities such as a huge restaurant with foreign cuisine (vegetarians and non-vegetarians), traditional Kenyan delicacies, English breakfast, picnic lunches, indoor and outdoor dining, and bush evenings. Comfort and safety are ensured by a well-trained, pleasant, and organized personnel.
3 Benefits Online Safari Booking
Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
3 Benefits Online Safari Booking
I must confess that I was once a skeptic of online booking platforms. Living in an age of cyber crime had put me off the idea until I was forced to do so on a recent trip. When I booked online, I realized how simple the entire process is, as well as the perks one gets from the experience. Here are some advantages: It is practical No more standing in long lines or filling out forms. Online bookings, whether for a holiday or an excursion, are quick and easy. From the palm of your hand, you can book your dream […]
Fascinating Game Drive at Nairobi National Park
Conservation, Excursion, Game drive, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Fascinating Game Drive at Nairobi National Park
As we approached Nairobi National Park, the sun began to cast a golden glow across the sky. We were entering through the Main Gate, located just off the Lang’ata Road. With our backs to the city, it was easy to forget we were only a few kilometers from an international airport. The bush land in front of us stretched almost as far as the eye could see; dusty, flat, and rich in flora and fauna. With our backs to the city, it was easy to forget we were only a few kilometers from an international airport It was surreal and […]
Legendary Treetops Hotel – A Princess’s Turning Point
Bird_watching, Conservation, Excursion, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Legendary Treetops Hotel – A Princess’s Turning Point
The visitor’s book at Treetops Hotel, Nyeri On February 6, 1952, Princess Elizabeth’s life changed forever. Together with her husband Prince Philip, they were staying in Treetops, a game-viewing lodge built in a tree in Aberdare National Park, when her father died and she became Queen. She was just 25-years-old. It was actually the next day at Sagana Lodge, 20 miles away, that she heard the news, but it is Treetops Hotel that has become synonymous with the event. The lodge, known for its rustic design, was built in 1932, and sits right in the middle of an ancient migration […]
Fundi Chuma! Why the Hamerkop is known as the Flying Architect
Bird_watching, Conservation, Excursion, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari
Fundi Chuma! Why the Hamerkop is known as the Flying Architect
Along the shores of Kenya’s rivers and lakes, the Hamerkop rakes the muddy banks with its short, heavy bill, searching for frogs and fish. Occasionally, It also employs other tactics such as wiggling its feet in the mud to stir up the menu, and may even fly into the wind at low level and dip at the water’s surface to pick on unsuspecting fish. Dull brown, with a pale chin and throat, the Hamerkop is named for its unusual shape – the word “Hamerkop” meaning “hammerhead” in German, and aptly describes the bird’s profile with a prominent heavy crest at […]
The Divination of the Turkana
Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Samburu
The Divination of the Turkana
The resonant thumping song of the Long-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus climacurus) through the dry air is a sound of blessing. The hot undulating desert landscape of sand-coloured sedimentary rocks are bare of greenery, except a few dead-looking bush punctuating the morning sunrays. The rufous-brown coloured bird, with an exceptionally long tail, makes its distinct call, a fast, mechanical trill; higher-pitched than similar calls of other nightjars. People are listening, watching. Should the bird land at the door of any of the doum-palm thatched homesteads that pop up every few kilometers in the vast horizon of sand, thorn trees, plains and hills; […]
Beads of Tradition
Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Samburu
Beads of Tradition
Northern Kenya is a wild frontier country inhabited by some of the toughest and most interesting people in Africa. Spartanish, tall and regal, these nomads belong to a mythical race of African ancient warriors who migrated south in the late 10th century, or from the lower Nile valley in about the 15th century. The Samburu are part of a migration of four language groups that included the Maa peoples (Nilo-Saharan language family), who first settled in the Laikipia and Loita highlands north of Mount Kenya. The Samburu people have over the years stuck tenaciously to their culture and are among […]
Facing Mt. Kenya: A Tour of Kenyatta House, Maralal
Facing Mt. Kenya: A Tour of Kenyatta House, Maralal
The road trip from Nairobi to Maralal is an unforgettable drive through the Great Rift Valley and the Aberdare Ranges. The 348 km scenic drive to the small hillside market town lying east of the Loroghi Plateau within Samburu takes about 6 hours, and is home to the little known Kenyatta House. I recently toured this county and decided to visit and see it for myself. Kenyatta House is under the management of the National Museums of Kenya. Built in 1959, the three-bedroom bungalow sits on a 28-acre piece of land on the sides of a hill near Maralal and […]
About Samburu
Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Samburu
About Samburu
Driving up north from Nairobi, that familiar feeling of excitement slowly grows and as the roads wind down towards the dusty, desert heat of Samburu, city life is now a distant memory. Samburu County is predominantly semi-arid with scarce erratic rainfall. Breezing past reticulated giraffes, pretty-eyed dik-diks and comical flocks of vulturine guineafowl, I’m headed for Maralal Town. Clearly, increased human dependence on forest resources along with variability in intensity and seasonality of rainfall, have resulted in prolonged drought and severe weather events in recent years as evidenced by the bare land sparsely covered in bush and scrub. In the […]
Misadventure at Lake Naivasha
Bird_watching, Conservation, Holiday, Naivasha
Misadventure at Lake Naivasha
There’re some experiences we try to gloss over when reviewing our travels. Not that they’re embarrassing, but probably coz of the mental stress they induce once recalled. Just the other year, at a time like now, I found myself on a motorboat, looking out for cormorants, pink backed pelicans, jacanas, and fish eagles, the air punctuated by different bird songs of Lake Naivasha’s approximately 400 recorded species. The lake extends like a vast sunlit sea, with dozens of water bird above and around the sparkling sheet of water surrounded by scenic hills and mountains. Amidst the sun’s reflections bouncing off […]
Experience Tanzania: Your Ultimate Adventure Holiday
Conservation, Extreme, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Experience Tanzania: Your Ultimate Adventure Holiday
While on safari, every game drive is a trip into the unexpected.., a chance to encounter nature at its most raw. No wonder that for many, a trip to Kenya is firmly at the top of their wish list. What many people don’t realize, however, is that while Kenya is the world’s best-known safari destination, it is far from being the only one. ‘When you go on a Kenya safari, you are watching the most amazing film in the world. But when you go on a Tanzania safari, you are the lead role,’ says our driver guide with a hint […]
#Tuesday_trivia: How Much Do You Actually Know About Kenya’s Cusine? Find out!
#Tuesday_trivia: How Much Do You Actually Know About Kenya’s Cusine? Find out!
Has the idea of food tourism ever came to mind? Well, Kenya is the place to be. Kenyan dishes are among the best you will ever devour. Ask any Kenyan who lives away and they will tell you how much they miss Kenyan cuisine. Kenya is a country with 42 tribes and almost every community has its own unique dish. The culinary scene varies throughout the country. The fact is you will never taste all of them but make sure you try the quiz below to test your knowledge of Kenya’s cuisine… [wp_quiz id=”5130″] Our passion for nature and travel […]
Wildlife Photography Tips: Shooting Wildlife on a Cloudy Day
Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Photography Tips: Shooting Wildlife on a Cloudy Day
The sunrays peaking through the thick rain forest vegetation offer little warmth to the morning chill of the Aberdares. Raising the jacket zipper a little BIT, I scan the horizon somehow instinctively. I’m looking out for any disturbance in the lush green bush. An odd or sudden movement. Or a change in the natural flow. A few meters to the left, a lone male buffalo pushes through the brush, purposefully turning his head towards me, curious – sharp horns sending a clear message. I note the uniqueness of his boss; the bridge between his primary weapons… an indicator of his […]
Step-by-Step Guide to a Sustainable Kenya Holiday
Conservation, History, Holiday
Step-by-Step Guide to a Sustainable Kenya Holiday
The excitement of the annual Wildebeest migration after months of dreaming and planning for it has you briskly passing through Kenya’s frenetic capital for the ultimate destination. Maasai Mara. Of course, the holiday will pay off, as it usually does. If you’re into watching hundreds of wildebeest spilling over the croc-filled Mara River, or herds of elephants in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, or better still, lionesses stalking dusty savannah, then you won’t be disappointed – whether you’re looking to go on a luxury honeymoon, rough it on a camping safari or find family-friendly animal encounters. But there is more […]
#Tuesday_trivia: How Well Do You Know Kenya? Find out!
#Tuesday_trivia: How Well Do You Know Kenya? Find out!
Kenya is the home of the original safari and the cradle of humanity. The country is home to unique landforms, a myriad of blending cultures, and a long and rich history. But for many, Kenya is not so familiar. How much do you know about Kenya? Test yourself in the quiz below… [wp_quiz id=”5023″] Our passion for nature and travel is reflected in our understanding of the need to experience the natural environment in a sustainable and unique way. Our commitment to you is “The Perfect Balance between Nature & Discovery, Adventure & Luxury”… Find out Experience more… Legendary Treetops […]
Post COVID-19 Tourism Facing Threats from Species Decline
Conservation, History, Holiday
Post COVID-19 Tourism Facing Threats from Species Decline
African Savanna Elephant | Status: Endangered | Threats: Poaching, climate change In 2019, researchers uncovered the fossils of a giant lion, which they named Simbakubwa kutokaafrika. It lived in what is modern-day Kenya around 23,000,000 BC. Its extinction probably not attributed to humans, we can only assume. However, the recent loss of three Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the rare subspecies of giraffe, through electrocution by low-hanging power lines within a conservation area, shows how human activities contribute to wildlife deaths. Unfortunately, endangered animals species nearing extinction feature heavily in the latest statistics. The Rothschild’s giraffe was classified as endangered on […]
New eBird Checklist, Global Big Day 2021
Bird_watching, Conservation, Excursion, History, Nairobi Area
New eBird Checklist, Global Big Day 2021
There was a slight breeze at 8 in the morning when I got out my DSLR to take part in this year’s Global Big Day. The air was unusually loud with bird songs, reminding me it was breeding season for our fine-feathered friends. Flamboyant and elaborate displays of prominent plumage colors blurred the camera lenses as different species showed off how strong and healthy they were, advertising their suitability as the best mates. And, honestly speaking, if there was ever a month to give bird watching a try, it would definitely be May. It’s arguably the best month of the […]
It’s Earth Day 2021
Conservation, History, Holiday
It’s Earth Day 2021
In the midst of a global pandemic, this year’s Earth Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to the environment and to our planet. And while climate change continues to pose a major threat to livelihoods, the devastation caused by the COVID-19 virus is a humbling reminder of humanity’s vulnerability The theme for 2021 is “Restore Our Earth” and focuses on restoring the world’s ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking. When it comes to travel, we need to start looking more closely at the ways we can minimize negative impacts and harm to the planet by […]