10Jul 2024 by safarisense No Comments
Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent©

Green Wood Hoopoe: Africa’s Iridescent Chatterbox – Birdnificent©

Bird_watching, Conservation, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari
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 shorter bills. Immature hoopoes exhibit duller colors and shorter, curved black bills. Size and Lifespan Green Wood Hoopoes typically measure between 38 to 41 centimeters in length. Regarding lifespan, these…
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30Jan 2023 by safarisense
Why Voluntary Waterfowl Bird Counts Play a Key Role in Climate Change Mitigation and Eco-tourism Promotion

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
The morning air was crisp and chilly as we looked across Lake Naivasha, ready to board the single engine boat. We were here for the annual waterfowl counts, and I was not disappointed. As soon as we set off around the edge of lake, a flurry of activity caught my eye. A pair of fish eagles was perched on a dead tree; their piercing calls filling the air. I quickly set up my DSLR, and watched in awe as they gracefully swooped down to catch fish from the lake. As we continued, we were surrounded by a symphony of bird songs. The lake was alive with hundreds of different species, from the colorful pink-backed pelicans to the elusive little grebe. Kenya is home to a diverse array of waterfowl birds,…
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19Aug 2021 by safarisense
Misadventure at Lake Naivasha

Misadventure at Lake Naivasha

Bird_watching, Conservation, Holiday, 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 the water droplets at the wake of the boat’s motor, colourful shiny-eyed superb starlings flit between the acacia trees on the shore, the backdrop made up of translucent tents of…
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19Mar 2016 by safarisense
Off the Beaten Path: Bird Watching, Hiking in Naivasha [Mar – May]

Off the Beaten Path: Bird Watching, Hiking in Naivasha [Mar – May]

Camping, Excursion, Fishing, Game drive, Hiking, Naivasha, Rock climbing
Bird Watching, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Fishing - Camp Carnelley’s What To Do... Explore... Look Out For.. Accommodation... What To Do... Activities include nature walks and boat trips to the lake. Trips to Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt. Longonot and other excursions can be arranged. The campsite is the highlight of the trip. Explore... The nearby Hells Gate is best known for its jagged cliffs and striking gorge, and offers excellent rock climbing for all abilities, from easy routes on East Rib, ideal for beginners, to the more challenging 37m Groove, on Fischer’s Tower named after German naturalist Gustav Fischer. Hell’s Gate is one of the few national parks that is safe to walk in. The 68-km2 park was gazetted in 1984. Take a hike down Njorowa Gorge, or mountain bike past…
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11Oct 2015 by safarisense
Essential Destination: Naivasha

Essential Destination: Naivasha

Excursion, Game drive, Naivasha, Wildlife Safari
Lake Naivasha is home to resident hippos, and at times, the largest water fowl population in Kenya, and is the ideal safari destination for birdwatchers. The waters of Lake Naivasha draw great array of game to the shoreline. Buffaloes wallow in the swamps, while the large hippo population laze their days away in the shallows. Giraffes wonder among the acacia; Colobus monkeys swinging from the canopies above. Wherever you visit the lake, you’ll find a boat ride a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, as you ride past families of hippos, lazily swimming with just the tip of the heads out of the water. Serious birders can enjoy Naivasha’s spectacular bird life during an early morning boat ride. Day Trip Itinerary Deart 0800 HRS Depart at 0800 Hrs and drive…
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14May 2011 by safarisense
To Hell & Back!

To Hell & Back!

Excursion, Extreme, Hiking, Holiday, Mountain_climbing, Naivasha, Rock climbing, Uncategorized
Hell's Gate is best known for its jagged cliffs and striking gorge, and offers excellent rock climbing for all abilities, from easy routes on East Rib, ideal for beginners, to the more challenging 37m Groove, on Fischer’s Tower named after German naturalist Gustav Fischer. Hell’s Gate is one of the few national parks that is safe to walk in. Take a hike down Njorowa Gorge, or mountain bike past giraffe and zebra. For birders, t Hell’s Gate may be seen the rare Lammergeyer, Nyanza swift, and Verreaux’s Eagle. At the park, you'll enjoy watching the dainty antelopes, elegant giraffes, and other plain animals as well as the geothermal activity of the hot springs, where you can take a bath in the therapeutic waters. Let's go! Day 1 Transfer from Nairobi…
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