When? September - June
A shallow, seasonal basin close to a major intersection, Manguo Pond can be viewed from roads on two sides. The water level fluctuates, but there is usually water enough to attract freshwater and marshland birds – sometimes in astonishing numbers.
Activities
Enjoy birdwatching at one of the most diverse ecosystems right outside Nairobi city.
While at it, explore the ponds on an educational guided nature walk and test your knowledge on while having fun.
Birdnificent©
Look out for…
Maccoa Duck, White-backed Duck, Lesser Moorhen (in wet months), Madagascar Pond Heron, palearctic migrants
Guaranteed sightings…
Of the many and varied ducks that visit Manguo Pond, Maccoa Duck is the rarest – and most interesting. Breeding pairs of White-backed Duck are often seen amid the floating vegetation. Migrant ducks are plentiful over the northern winter months.
Whiskered Terns breed on the rafts of vegetation, which at times also harbour Swamphen and Lesser Moorhen. African Jacana stride across floating tangles of waterweeds, and on occasion the rare Lesser Jacana has turned up here. The open water is usually alive with Red-knobbed Coot and Little Grebe. There are Spoonbill, ibises and various herons, often including (from June to September) Madagascar Pond (Squacco) Heron. The abundant potential prey attracts both resident and migrant raptors.
Smaller birds such as wagtails and Red-throated Pipits are common migrants to the swampy margins. Flowers in the bordering scrub lure Sunbirds (Golden-winged, Malachite), African Stonechat and various seed-eating species. In the mornings, feeding swallows swoop over the pond’s surface, but during a prolonged dry season, the water level shrinks, and in very dry years the pond may disappear altogether.
Why you'll enjoy this...
Very practical and insightful especially for science students...
Njeri M. - University student
Nairobi
Don't forget to carry...
- Binoculars
- Field Guide
- Checklist
- Comfortable shoes and a hat
- Snack-pack
- Notebook and pen
- Camera and accessories
Book your Manguo Pond bird watching here...
Excursion includes
- Professional photography & guiding services
- Transport in private tour vehicle with open roof
- Lunch
- Pick up from and drop off to your area of residence or hotel within Nairobi.
- Personalized service
Excursion excludes
- Tips and gratuities to driver/guides
- Alcoholic drinks
- Entrance fee to activities labelled as “extra”
Experience more...
The Nile Monitor Lizard: East Africa’s Water Dragon
Image | Ernest Nyamasyo The Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) is a formidable and fascinating reptile indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. This impressive creature can reach lengths of up to 7 […]
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!!
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 […]
Baptism by Lion: A Young Tourist’s Unforgettable Encounter!!
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!!
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 […]
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 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
Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The regal Ground Hornbill, known scientifically as Bucorvus leadbeateri, commands attention with its impressive stature and distinct features. Standing at heights of up to 3.3 feet […]
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 […]
Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part X
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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!
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, […]
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
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
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
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 […]
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
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
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
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
#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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
#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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Book of The Month: Theodore Roosevelt’s African Game Trails
It was a wild sight; the ring of spearmen, intent, silent, bent on blood, and in the centre, the great man-killing beast, his thunderous wrath growing ever more dangerous. At […]
Join Us in Marking Earth Hour 2021
This Saturday the whole world will go dark at 8:30 p.m. local time. The darkness is part of a worldwide movement known as Earth Hour that has been steadily picking […]
Essential Destination: Shaba National Reserve
Apart from receiving far fewer visitors than its better-known neighbours (Samburu and Buffalo Springs), Shaba National Reserve offers broad landscapes, the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River, lovely Doum palms and picturesque […]
Check Out These March Adventure Travel Must-haves
March marks the beginning of Kenya’s tourism low season (which lasts up until May) and the start of the long rains. This means fewer vehicles in parks and reserves and […]
Reflections on Wildlife Survival and Sustainable Tourism
Today marks World Wildlife Day, and as the global economy slowly opens up following the unveiling of various COVID-19 vaccines, the travel industry is also preparing for a revamp in […]