Dusty Rose Large

15 Days/14 Nights Kenya Birding Wilderness Safari

Day 01:
You will board your night flight bound for Nairobi, Kenya from Europe

DAY 02: NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
A smooth flight will see you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi JKIA at around 8:30 and once through the immigration formalities we collected our luggage and met our guides and good friends Joseph & Nico. Once outside the airport, we introduce you to our drivers who will skilfully load your luggage in vehicles. With most of us are still trying to get our binoculars out of our cabin a Black-chested Snake Eagle flew over and several Red-winged starlings and Little Swifts were spotted. No time to mess around we were just in our great African safari. A short drive took us to the entrance of Nairobi National Park and Birding began. We will soon introduce us to some of the more common species such as Red-throated Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Seedeater and some of the group spotted their first Masai Giraffe toilets from the rest of us as close Lesser Striped and Red-rumped Swallows. We all took our positions in our respective vehicles will be raised, and into the park, we head. Several Masai Giraffe towered over the open bush, and our first Coke's Hartebeest and Masai Ostrich will be seen. Great Banded Martins put in an appearance, and groups of Long-tailed Fiscal started to be seen everywhere. A huge winged-faced Vulture raptor set list rolling and then a couple of White-bellied great bustards. Continue on, we soon notch up a couple more Cisticolas with good overlooking Stout and croaking. A group of Grant's gazelles no attention to us, while nearby, we all got a good view over a few Short-tailed Larks. Our first Yellow-necked Spurfowl was seen right beside the trail and groups of Northern Pied Babbler was found. We worked our way along the dusty trail towards our picnic lunch instead. White-backed vultures were easily seen as were Red-billed Quelea and then a Long-billed Pipit and a beautiful couple Hildebrandt's starlings, showing their beautiful red eyes. Augar Buzzard soon to be generally found, Cape Buffalo were plentiful, and an Olive Baboon was seen sitting in a Treetop. Along the road we found two zebra astrilder a Bronze Sunbird and reasonable overlooking a Quail-Finch, while in our Picnic stop we were treated to a large meal and several new birds could be seen in between bites. A male Cardinal Quelea posed for us, as did a white Yellow-browed Scrub Robin and a second yellow-necked Spurfowl. With our lunch we were on the road again. A nearby pool took us Black Crake, a Malachite Kingfisher and a stud Holub's Golden Weaver. In the scrub, we witnessed a fantastic African Moustached Warbler among a group of Bronze Manakin, which also contained common and Crimson-rumped astrilder. On a distant tree a huge Grosbeak Weaver was found, and when we moved to a lovely adult Bateleur put in a brief appearance. Beside a reed bed so we are very close Gray-crowned cranes and a little Rush Warbler was lured to prove. Here on a small lake, an African Dart was seen resting next to the Black-crowned Night Herons and nearby Black-headed Heron and a Hadada was spotted. Several Masai Giraffe gave us excellent close views and while watching them a couple of Red-billed Oxpeckers were found feeding on their backs. Continues through the park we arrived at a grassy mound, where a pride of eight Lions sat just twenty feet ahead of us. After admiring these "Pussy Cats" we proceed to find more Cape Buffalo, smaller Thompson's Gazelle, and some large eland. Among the birds that were too numerous to remember, we have found a Shelley's Fran Colin and then a very good bird for the park, there was a red-and-yellow Barbet, plus we had a fantastic view of a balancing-Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk. At a little pond we found a Madagascar TOPHEJRE and a gorgeous Three-banded Plover, Red-billed Teal and some Fischer's Sparrow-larks. At another lake there were hundreds of Marabou Stork towering over the twelve Kittlitz Lapwing at their feet. While other birds here included White-faced whistling ducks, Blacksmith Plover, African Spoonbill, Long-tailed cormorants and second Three-banded Plover. Raptors now have included many black broad-shouldered Kites and a few Tawny Eagles. Spotted Mouse Birds were a common sight, two striped kingfisher was spotted as well as good numbers of Little Bee-eaters. About once a pond we saw Wire-tailed Swallows and Black Saw-wings, while a large tree held a couple of guinea fowl. Among the Longclaws throated we saw a few Yellow-throated and a single Rosy-. A close couple Superb starlings were then seen as were red cheeks Cordon Bleu, Red-billed Fire Finch, and a Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. It was now late, so we made our way back against one of the gates in the park, but not before looking at the first two of five Marsh Owls hunting over the grasslands. Dusty and tired, it was not long before we reached our lodgings, where we cleaned up ready for our dinner and the first roll call of the trip.

DAY 03: NAIROBI – LAKE NAVAISHA
All met at dawn in a few hours before breakfast Birding. We walked slowly around the grounds of the Academy and soon earned a good list of birds. A family of Thompson's gazelles feeding on the grass around in the dining room, and just outside we saw an immature Gabarret Goshawk sat in a dense wood nearby, while a couple of Spotted Thick-knee stood in the garden completely unaffected by our presence. Following the path around the academy grounds, we came across plenty of excellent and a couple of Greater Blue-eared Starlings while on a grassy area sat a few Crowned Plover and Hadadas were commonplace. The trees were common Drongo and lots of nesting White Yellow-browed Sparrow-weavers, while above us flew Rock Martins, Lesser-striped and Wire-tailed Swallows. A dead tree beside the path was a very trusting Gray Woodpecker at nest hole, and when we saw a couple of parrots Brown came out of the same tree, and immediately flew away. Down toward a small pond a Long-crested Eagle showed well as did a group of Dusky Turtle Doves. At the pond we watched a Malachite Kingfisher and Plain Martins before you apply the little patch of trees behind. Here we have tracked down a singing Dark-capped Yellow Warbler and after a bit of hunting around we finally got to see it. Relocation if we found Pin-tailed Whydah, a clearer picture of warbler, a pair of red cheeks Cordon Bleus and Chinspot batis. Nearby we had to work a little harder, but soon all so Brown Parisoma. As we carried on we went a grassy trail into a small area of scrub and open forest, here we saw a lot of birds with the best is Red-chested Cuckoo and a Red-throated Tit. Back outside the dining room while watching the three Spotted Thick-knees we saw a Banded Parisoma, Cape Robin-Chat, African Spotted Flycatcher and a pair Hildebrandt's starlings. Such cables around the building attracted plenty of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds and watch these little pearls of sunlight, reflecting the intense red of their neck and upper chest almost made a few of us late for breakfast. After a delicious and varied start to the day we entered the minibus and set off towards our first Limuru designated stops. Once here, we were quickly out of the vehicles and setting up our telescopes to overlook a large shallow pond. There were several species, we should look for, and it was not long to find both Maccoa and White-backed Ducks. A little more searching and we added Yellow-billed Duck, Southern Pochard, Hottentot Teal, lots of Red-knobbed coot and Little Grebes. Below us on the water edge, we had good views of Lesser Swamp Warbler and some of the group as simply striated and Madagascar SQUACCO Herons. Close Africa Stonechat looked really nice and behind us at a bank was a Hunter's Cisticola, and Baglafecht Weaver. Leave this productive pond behind us, we continued on our way. A couple of roadside stop found us a very trusting Mountain Buzzard and then a Cape Wagtail.

Our next stop correctly miles from the beaten track was a nice area in mid-elevation mountain forest. We parked in a clearing, which soon became a hive of activity. On grass in front of us, we watched Olive thrushes and so we found Montane White-eye Black-backed Puffback and a family of White-eyed slaty flycatcher. A little more work, and we chop up Montane Oriole, Brown-capped Weaver, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, a pair of Fine-banded Woodpeckers, a Cardinal Woodpecker and a pair of Black-throated Apalis. This area was great for birds! African Hill Babbler showed well as did Tropical Boubou and a Chestnut-throated Apalis. A fantastic White-starred Robin asked nicely to us just before we stopped and ate our picnic lunch. After lunch we went on a trail, and soon had a fantastic view of a pair of Black-collared Apalis, a Brown Woodland Warbler and two Rüppell's Robin Chat. Continue on an African Dusky Flycatcher was found and a Thick-billed Seedeater, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Gray Apalis and Northern Double-collared Sunbirds. We carried on walking along the track and into the woods where a group of noisy black and white Colobus Monkeys were found before we tracked down a pair of Black-fronted Bush-shrike with both red and yellow phase birds being seen. Near a White-tailed Crested Flycatcher was last seen well, and we slowly made our way back towards the vehicles. Here we have tried several times to see a singing Evergreen Forest Warbler and only on our third attempt did we get sight for most of the group. What a truant! Leaving here we set off toward Lake Navaisha. A short diversion along the road took us Mountain Wagtail, then an agricultural area, we had a Capped Wheatear and some less impressive Cape Rooks. We tried to access an area of grassland, but recent rains made roads impassable, it was like a muddy ice ring. We had to turn back and got the best of it by searching an area of similar habitat where we found up to thirty Black-winged Plover and both grass and Plain-backed Pipit. It was time to leave, so we are led to Lake Navaisha and Lake Navaisha Country Club Hotel arriving here in the dark.

DAY 04: LAKE NAVAISHA
We were awakened this morning by the wonderful call of African Fish Eagles echo from the nearby lake. On my way to breakfast, we crossed the lush grounds of the lodge, noisy Hadadas wing from trees and Black-lored Babbler hoped around outside the cabins. A common zebra were also spotted and looked a little out of place on the back of the grounds. After breakfast we showed up and made our way to the pier ready for our morning cruise on Lake Navaisha. When we went to lodge grounds Defassa Waterbuck came on lawns to feed. From the jetty a fine collection of birds was soon notch up, including Giant, Malachite and lots of Pied kingfisher, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Spur-winged Plover and African Spoonbill.

A pair of African Fish Eagles looked at us from their perch near and elegant African Pied Wagtail ran around the pier. More Gray-backed Fiscal then presented to us before We boarded our two boats and sat around the edge of the lake. A close Yellow-billed Stork was the first of many, as was the Rosa Pelican floating in the water alongside. As we slowly cruise beside the reed beds, heron and duck species were seen everywhere. Several waders were new for the trip, and these, including Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff. There was plenty the Lesser Swamp Warbler flitting around and all of the giant Goliath herons one was spotted. Purple and SQUACCO Herons were common place and beard and a single SANDTERNE was found. Over us, we had to work through the many Swifts to find Little, Nyanza and Horus. A purple Swamphen were seen, while many white-bearded Gnu, Common Waterbuck, Common Zebra and Impala fed in the distance. A large rounded hippo was spotted feeding from the water and near a large Saddle-billed Stork showed us better than the very distant past seen. On an area of mud, we got excellent close views of three Long-toed Plover and a single Kittlitz Plover, until it was time to turn around and head back to the lodge. Back on shore, and we enjoyed excellent close views of four Gray-rumped swallows, that Martin had just discovered, while nearby on the scrubby bushes were several nice looking White-fronted Bee-eaters. Return to our cabins, we collected our luggage together and met up on minibuses to find that there had been some electrical problems that needed determination.

An expanded look around the lodge grounds helped pass the time. A call Black Cuckoo was the first bird we detected and even slightly heard it took some spotting! A Klaas's Cuckoo then gave us the run around until we finally got it scoped at the top of a tree. Just outside the reception we watched Greenwood-hoopoes second Black Cuckoo and later a Red-chested Cuckoo. Spectacled bear Weaver and White Yellow-browed Robin-Chat was and a couple Amethyst Sunbirds, Red-headed Weaver, Black Cuckoo-shrike and African Black-headed Oriole. With our minivan is now settled, we set off and drove to a small rocky gorge. A roadside bomb stops just before here produced a couple of Pale Flycatcher, a wonderful man Red-headed Weaver and a Golden Breasted Bunting.

Moving on we came to the gorge, and soon located our target species of Schalow's Wheatear, followed by a couple Wailing Cisticolas. Our stomachs told us it must be time for our lunch and we ate, both Tawny-flanked Prinia and Gray-backed Camaroptera was spotted. Back aboard the coach, it was now time to to offset the drive of Lake Baringo. We walked past a beautiful view of the Great Rift Valley, and a significant change in habitat took us into the dry thorn scrub. A roadside stop quickly made us realize that the outside temperature had risen somewhat. While stretching our legs, we found a couple of Brown parrots and a smart little red-faced Crombec. Continues on our first Kirk's Dikdik were seen running across the road followed by a large Leopard Tortoise, who did the same, but slower. Almost to our lodge, and we did a quick stop beside some open scrub, where Black-headed Plover was easily seen, showed a Silverbird good sitting on a wire, and our first Red-billed Hornbill's and White-bellied Go-away Birds were spotted. A Beautiful Sunbird was then seen as we finished the last leg of the journey soon arrive at Lake Baringo Country Club. After a welcome drink was we have shown to our cabins. We have also seen a huge Verreaux's Eagle-owls on a tree, just twenty meters away. What views! When all had settled in, we met up and went straight to the tree where we all had a fantastic view of a pair of these magnificent owls, including a bird that was seen eating a hedgehog. Woodland Kingfisher and a number of tissues, including Jackson's Golden-backed and Little. A group of Rufous Chatterers played around a complicated thicket, as we walked out toward the lake, where a handsome Nubian Woodpecker worked his way around a dead tree. Along the lake and we have searched the reed beds and found two Goliath Herons, a Little Egret flying and several bishops, that included Orange and Yellow-crowned. An excellent day over we returned to our rooms and then met for a wonderful meal provided in the gardens of the lodge.

DAY 05: Lake Baringo
This morning we were up at dawn for some pre-breakfast Birding. As we made our way to mini-buses we passed lots of birds in and around the garden. There were now three Verreaux eagle owls sitting in a tree and beautiful Northern White-crowned Shrike and Woodland Kingfisher to be seen, while a white morph African Paradise Flycatcher flew elegantly around buses parked beside the entrance to the lodge. Then, we go beyond the nearby cliffs. The first stop was right outside the lodge for a Hunter's Sunbird feeding in a bush with two beautiful Sunbirds. En route we stopped again by two Abyssinian Scimitar-bill flew across the road while looking for these, we found a Red-fronted Warbler and several Madagascar Bee-eaters, Blue-naped Mouse Birds, a lovely couple Dark-chanting Goshawk and a little further along a pair of African Pygmy Falcons and a single Ethiopian Swallow. Parking near the cliffs, we came out and had a good tour. A Hemprich's Hornbill showed good soon followed by our first Jackson's Hornbill. Fan-tailed Ravens flew over us and White-rumped Swifts were also seen. More Black-throated beard birds are then placed in an appearance and a Lanner Falcon showed particularly good sitting on a branch protruding from the cliff face.

Among the boulders strewn around at the foot of the cliff we found a Brown-tailed Rock-Chat, and then another of our cherished goals of birds a very attractive Cliff-Chat. Up to four Eastern Violet-backed Sunbirds showed good and great views were had of brushing-crowned starlings. We returned to the lodge for breakfast, after which we met at the pier for a boat ride along the lake edge. A Crocodile lies at the end of the pier smiled at us and invited us to enter its territory. We did Reedy cruising slowly along the edge of this huge lake. A Little Bittern flew of large and Goliath Herons were easily seen. Both yellow-crowned and Orange Bishop appeared in full breeding colors, while our target, a pair of Allen's Gallinule was eventually seen by all. Relocation to another area of sea birds seen included plenty of Madagascar Bee-eaters, a very trusting Goliath Heron and a few Yellow-billed Storks. When we got back to the pier, we glided close past a group of Hippos that sniffed and snorted while keeping a watchful eye on us. A short siesta was taken before lunch, after which we bring against the rocks again. A roadside stop Once we had to walk around in the dry open scrub, where we saw a pair of Plain Prinia's, Yellow-vented Eremomela, White-bellied Canary Islands, a Brubru, African Spotted Flycatcher and two Somali breasts. Moving on we stopped when three birds of prey was spotted. We came out and enjoyed the spectacular view, as these Brown Snake-eagles circled overhead. Our next stop was one of the specialties we had hoped to find this afternoon, and after following our local guide in the scrub, we were soon enjoying the most amazing views over a couple Heuglin's Courses.

In the vicinity of an African Hoopoe was seen before we drove along a track to a small and much of the road gorge. Here we took a short walk to the top where we were temporarily distracted by a female Violet-backed Starling and a blue-capped Cordon Bleu. Looking down into the gorge we were quickly rewarded with views of a roosting Spotted Eagle-owl. Fantastic! Wonderful scenic views from here were then done better with a fantastic view of Little Bee-eater, Pygmy Falcon and a Speckle-fronted Weaver. Moving on we stopped by a Verreaux's eagle flew along the cliff top next to us and then in another non descript scrubby area, we followed our guide who then showed us two different Slender-tailed Nightjars roosting on the ground. A Pygmy batis wing and was seen long before we made our way to the next stop. A short walk here had we miss a muddy pool where we saw Hammerkops and a Gray-headed Kingfisher. Near a bee-hive in a tree to be excellent as we watched two scaly-throated Honey Guides and both minor and major Honeyguide all next to each other.

Further along we had fantastic views of our third owl species for the day, a couple of resting Northern White-faced scops-owls. Another Cliff-Chat were seen and several Jackson's Hornbills and then a very trusting couple of Red-fronted Tinkerbirds. We came back to minibuses and then drove back to the lodge where we ended the day with a look at a pair of nesting Red-fronted beard birds. A Nubian Woodpecker were also seen and then half of the group who stayed got to see a pair of Bearded Woodpeckers. After our dinner and check out the list we saw as more Hippos go through the hotel grounds. A little less intimidating even had White-winged Tomb Bats, who frequented the trees around our cabins.

Day 06: KAKEMEGA
We had an early breakfast and then off on our journey towards Kakemega rainforest. We had not gone more than a few miles, when an African Cuckoo was spotted sitting on a telegraph wire. Longer for a brief stop was made beside a river bridge, where we as black-white Cuckoo, good comparisons of Little and Horus Swifts and then a spectacular view of both the Pearl-spotted Owlet and White-crested Helmet-shrike. Continue, stop a couple more inevitable road produced birds such as Crowned Hornbill's, a Little Rock Thrush and Purple Grenadier. Stop at the top of a great valley, we searched around to find several Long-billed Pipit, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and very good looks at the Stripe-breasted Seedeater and Boran Cisticola. A pair of African Black Swifts flew over after which we tried another area a bit further down the road. Another Stripe-breasted Seedeater, which is a really difficult species to find, was seen, and then some of the group as Brown Snake-eagle, and Violet-backed Starling, while we all as black-crowned Tchagra. Our first stop right after passing some very impressive scenery was an excellent wooded valley. Here we took a short walk and was quickly find new species. An incredibly bright Sulfur-breasted Bush-shrike showed well soon, followed by Red-faced Crombec and the fantastic black head Gonolek. A group White-bellied breasts were found together with d'Arnaud's Barbet and then a Western Banded Snake-Eagle sat in a tree will be surrounded by a White-headed Barbet. Moves along we have followed the call from one of our target birds, and eventually was rewarded with stunning views of two White-crested Turacos. A double-toothed Barbet showed then the same tree, and nearby we saw White-fronted Bee-eaters and an African Gray Hornbill flying over. When we got home we checked some field edges and came up with Spot-flanked Barbet, an African Pygmy Kingfisher, Village indigobird, Black-winged Red Bishop and several White-headed Saw-wings. Still not quite back to the minibuses, we added some more species, including a common Scimitar-bill, Lead-colored Flycatcher, White-headed Buffalo-weavers and some Brown Babbler. Once on board our buses, we continued on our journey. Our next stop beside Reedy an overgrown pool does not look very special, but it soon proved to be very special indeed! Without moving more than fifty yards, we saw a couple of Ross's Turacos, Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eaters, and then Double-toothed Barbet, stunning views of Red-faced Cisticola and a pair of Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike. After glimpsing some honey guides we moved around and got to see two Lesser Honey Guides and with them a Pallid Honeyguide. A couple Grosbeak Weavers showed well as did Gray-capped Warbler, Black-crowned astrilder and several black-white Manakin. Along with Thick-billed Seedeater, Tropical Boubou and Blue-spotted Wood-dove that turned out to be another fantastic stop. Continues we pulled over to see a pair of White-naped Ravens feeding beside the road. With huge bills they had! When we got closer to the Rondo Retreat Center is set in the rainforest Kakemega first minibus was lucky to see a Great Sparrowhawk sat in the middle of the road. We then draw on our fantastic accommodation set among some beautiful gardens. What perfect timing! We settled into our rooms and then met in the dining room where we all enjoyed our first meal as Rondo proved to be delicious and well presented.

DAY 07: KAKEMEGA
We were up at dawn for an early breakfast and then could not resist looking for a few species in the garden. We must have talked some thirty huge black-white-casqued Hornbills flying noisily overhead and then on a large sunlight tree in the garden, we scoped African Green Pigeons and a Green-throated Sunbird. In a closer tree, we all got excellent scope views of a Southern Hyliota, a negrofinch and then a pair of Bronze Sunbirds. We jumped into the minibus and drove only five minutes from our lodge. Stop for a Red-headed Blue Bill was wrong, Joseph heard a illadopsis so we all came out and had some good Birding. A Brown Illadopsis was quickly tracked down and all got a kind of perception of it. Other birds found included a buff-spotted woodpecker, followed by a pair of Pink-footed Puffbacks, Square-tailed Drongos, Dark-backed Weavers, Luhder's Bush-shrike, Chestnut Wattle-eye A selection of greenbul's which included Yellow-bearded, Cameroon sombre and Joyful. Excellent scope views were then had two really good canopy species, a rare Hairy-breasted Barbet and a small Turner Eremomela. A pair of Banded Prinia has shown very good, and a few other species from our roadside stops included Black Cuckoo, at least Honeyguide, Olive Sunbird, Yellow White-eye and Black-billed Weaver. Moves from here we stopped at the house of Wilberforce a local guide and expert on Kakemega rainforest. Outside his house we were soon see a pair of Petit's Cuckoo-shrike and a very energetic African Blue Flycatcher. David found a flamboyant Brown-crowned Tchagra while several White-chinned Prinia's flew around and then three White-headed Wood-hoopoes flew over. Thin-billed Greenbul was then added to our growing list greenbul, soon followed by Little Greenbul, a hybrid Paradise Flycatcher and good looks for both Equatorial Akalat and Snowy-headed Robin-chat. A Uganda Woodland Warbler was found singing and a side track took us African Thrush and Brown-chested Alethe feeding in the grass. From there we took a trip to an area known as the pump house. As soon as we entered this part of the forest we found Green Hylia, Cabanis's Greenbul and a Gray-throated Barber, who showed off its remarkable erect tufts on base of its bill. Carefully walk the narrow, muddy trails in this great forest, a Red-tailed Monkey was spotted, and so we got a good view over one of the toughest greenbuls Toro Olive. High in the canopy a few Stuhlmann's Starlings were found, and then back up high were two very attractive Yellow-spotted beard birds. A couple Unstriped chipmunks diverted our attention, but not too long a Buff-throated Apalis and Little Gray Greenbul was spotted and asked nicely for us. A little further along we got a sore throat see a pair of Red-headed Malimbes in a tree above us. As we saw, it appeared that they actually had one already. Not far from here, we scoped an African Shrike-flycatcher, and then go back out of the woods to a clearing Nico in our group have found a fantastic immature Emerald Cuckoo which showed very close. As we made our way to the buses a Western Banded Snake-Eagle was seen perched on a dead tree. It was time for lunch so we returned to Our quiet retreat. Once we had eaten more of the group took a look around the garden, there are dinner was pretty quiet. A Great Blue Turaco was sitting on its nest, but we could only clear views of its tail and beak. Total time for afternoon birding and just before getting us back on the buses, as we all able to see a gray-green Bush-shrike. Driving back to the woods and parking at the research center that was only a few minutes before we see a Honeyguide Greenbul high in the treetops.

After Wilberforce in forest we soon located a pair of Chestnut Wattle-eye and then I spotted a White-tailed Antthrush sunning themselves in the middle of it free. In a clearing we could see a group of scarce Swifts flying over us, while a little further along was a Blue-headed Bee-eater flycatching from a dead branch. As the clouds darkened and spits of rain began to fall, we found and scoped a Chapin's Flycatcher high in the canopy and a Western Black-headed Oriole was then seen in the same place, while lower down near the ground a couple of Red-tailed Bristlebills surprised us by giving good views. We went back to the buses, but the rain never seemed to really get going, so we decided to go to the pump house area again. In a small area, we have seen an African Pygmy Kingfisher, connected nicely to us on a small shrub.

Back in the woods a Dusky Crested-flycatcher showed short while deeper in the forest we all got excellent looks at a very smart Yellow-billed Barbet. In another area of the forest we found a Shelley's Greenbul and then make it sing. Nico then got a recording of it because as far as we knew it had never heard before, and was considered to be silent. Leaving the forest, we also back and tried to look for a Mackinnon's fiscal policy which had been seen by a couple of the group earlier. As we searched in vain for compensation had had as a Great Sparrowhawk was seen by a few to fly over.

DAY 08: Lake Victoria – KAKEMEGA
Today we had to get up early to get to Lake Victoria, before the sun rose. A picnic breakfast and lunch was taken with us, and after a long drive we arrived at our first stop there was a small fishing village. Three boats were organized, and we were soon paddled out together along the edge of Papyrus billed when Northern Brown-throated and Slender-Weavers were easily seen with our first sight of a Papyrus Gonolek. A Little Bittern was also found, and then a few larger and smaller Swamp Warbler. Failed us to see a couple of Carruthers's Cisticolas before they paddled out to an area with Lilly pads. There were lots of African Jacana and hundreds of whiskered terns with only a pair of White-winged and Gull-billed among them. Return along the edge of the lake, we got better views Papyrus Gonoleks but frustrating we only got to hear White-winged Warbler. Back to quay an African Openbill stork was seen with a small Nile Monitor sat on a stone in front of it. We then drove to some nearby bathroom and, while we are here, we had good views of Black-billed Barbet, Red-chested Sunbirds, a Village indigobird and both White-Yellow-browed and Blue-headed Coucals. Just a short distance away in a scrubby tract area, we had a fantastic close views of more Red-chested Sunbirds and a wonderful couple of Golden-winged Sunbirds. A couple of the group as a Papyrus Canary, but we all arrived at a Fan-tailed Widowbird and a more open area a trusting Water Thick-knee.

A nightjar was then rinsed and after landing only a short distance, we relocated it and identified it as a Slender-tailed, apparently way out of its normal range. Above us, we watched a Shikra and then a Abdim's Stork. Back to the bathroom, which was actually a lake cafe and we had our picnic lunch and a couple of cool drinks. The reasons were two Eastern Gray plantain-eaters and a good selection of birds seen in the past, including an African Fish Eagle and Black-headed Gonolek.

After a leisurely lunch we found a Black-billed Barbet and then returned to the nearby area of scrub where everyone got a great view of the Yellow-backed Weavers and race of White-bellied Canary (S. d. dorsostriatus) without the white belly! Moving, we drove to a nearby hotel, and after having obtained a permit for that we sought their gardens and finally as a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and a Little Purple-banded Sunbird. Leaving here our next stop was on the main road with views to an area with a couple of paddy fields and stands of maize. Close to a group of Hadada and an Open-billed Stork, we found three Wattled Plover and a Copper Thunderbird that flew in and showed well, although only briefly. During the next forty five minutes we found a male tricolor Widowbird of Yellow broad-shouldered race and we had the Southern Red Bishops, Black-winged Red Bishop and the larger Black Bishop. We decide that it was time to get out of the heat and passed back to the cooler temperature Kakemega. En route we stopped for a couple of Northern Black Flycatcher and even seen a bird go to his nest. Driving along the road to Rondo Retreat stop was made, so we could go to a nice department within the rain forest. Quiet at first, it soon picked up with Collared Sunbird, Yellow White-eye, Pink-legged and Luhder's Bush-shrike, least Honeyguide and a Common Wattle-eye. It took us a while to get everyone to see a male Jameson's Wattle eyes, but it was worth it because it was a wonderful little bird. Michael found a nearby immature Emerald Cuckoo and shortly after we had close views of an adult. Next was a Toro Olive Greenbul, and then a male Buff-throated Apalis, and an elusive group of Dusky Tits. Then it began to rain, which was actually pretty nice.

Continue a little longer in the mini-buses, so we came out and had fantastic close views of a pair of Chubb's Cisticolas. Then the rain got harder, so we got into our cars and drove on. Only a short distance from Rondo rain stopped and we came out to look at a puddle on the road. An Equatorial Akalat was bathing, and when we saw a mythical bird thought it was a lurking Gray-chested Illidopsis came out of the woods and bathed in the same puddle ensure that all possibilities of this incredibly difficult and rarely seen bird. More Brown-chested Alethes joined it, while above us, Black and White-headed Saw-wings flew around. A brilliant end to another good day, we returned to our lodge in time for another fantastic dinner.

DAY 09: Kaka MEGA
After an early breakfast we took a walk around the garden. In the tall trees were southern Hyliota and four Turner Eremomelas and three black and white Colobus Monkeys and Sunbirds that included Green and Green-throated. A look at the big blue Turacos nest gave us no better vision than before with only the tail visible. Goes to one of the short forest trails, we went into the forest and beside a small rocky stream Kevin in our group spotted a fantastic Gray-winged Robin, who after initially keeping well hidden showed us all. There was a Brown Illidopsis working its way through the leaf litter on the far bank and just a little further along some of the group managed to see a much more volatile scaly-breasted Illidopsis. Our next challenge was to find a phone card White-spotted Flufftail so we went back to the little river and tried to lure it in. We've never seen it, but to us a great blue Turaco showed very good. We then tried two more areas for flufftail and eventually was rewarded with spectacular views of a male bird sat fifteen feet before us in full view on a muddy bank; Fantastic!

After seeing this amazing little bird, we also returned to the minibuses and set to a different area of this wonderful rainforest. The trail that we had to run down got Muddi the farther we went, until eventually the bus was stuck. While Simon and John put on some mud chains we birded the track. Several Collared Sunbirds were found quickly followed by Little and Black-billed Weavers, Luhder's Bush-shrike, Equatorial Akalat, olive green Camaroptera and Gray-throated Barbet. We had to work a little harder before all got to see a blue broad-shouldered Robin-chat, and later three Chubb's Cisticolas fared well. With vehicles now out of mud and fitted with tire chains we turned around and drove back to an area of woodland called 'Zimmerman plot'. With Wilberforce leading us into the forests maze of trails. It was not long before a group of Dusky Tits were found and while watching them we got a fantastic view of a second Ery rare Hairy-breasted Barbet. A Red-headed malimbe showed extremely well as did Green-headed Sunbird. In another narrow path, we followed a Dusky-crested Flycatcher, while some of the group came a second chance To see scaly-breasted Illidopsis. It was time to finalize the list of forests greenbuls and we did it in style with a good view of Ansorge's, followed later Cabanis's Greenbul. A Jameson's Wattle-eye was then spotted by a couple and then a second bird heard calling path into the woods until the trail was excellent views were had in West Kenya's rarest wattle-eye Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye. We then searched and searched to find the Bar-tailed Trogon but did not succeed. Another Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye was found though! Both blue and red-tailed Monkeys were seen before we left the forest to check the nearby gardens around environmental resource center buildings where a pair of gray-green Bush-shrike was found and we got a fantastic view of a Mackinnon's Fiscal.

It was now time for lunch so we returned to Rondo. Afterwards we met up and enjoyed seeing one of the big blue Turacos sat in a tall tree. A black weaver was then discovered singing, and after seeing this, we boarded our minibuses and set off towards Busia. An African Harrier-Hawk was seen from the bus and shortly after we stopped at a river bridge, where many Little Swifts could be seen and heard the whirling around just below us. The target bird here was a couple of Angola Swallows which were then seen nesting under an open roof. After the second ride we arrived at our second River Bridge, and after go down to see the rocks in the fast flowing river we had super looks at three Rock Pratincole, a fantastic bird! A Bar-breasted Fire Finch was then seen as well as good numbers in Angola Swallows. Continues on another 20 km we stopped beside a small river this time. A pair of black broad-shouldered Kites were sitting in a tree like a bunch of Cardinal Quelea and some very good views of Copper Sunbirds had. An adult and an immature Senegal Coucal showed roughly the same, several Olive-bellied Sunbirds. Joseph Then we found a very scarce bird, a Orange-tufted Sunbird, as we all saw just ten meters away, but only briefly. Just a short distance up the road, we checked another area, and here David found a couple of Red-headed Lovebirds, which all got to look good. With the big black clouds moving towards us, we ended the day with a pair of Yellow-throated Longclaws and an African Pygmy Kingfisher. The rain came and we drove back to the minibuses and set off back to Rondo and a very welcome dinner.

Day 10: Kaka MEGA – L. Nakuru.
This morning breakfast was followed a quick look around the garden, which produced South Hyliota again! There were a couple of Mosque Swallows on a dead tree, the great blue Turaco were seen, and we had excellent Looking at an Olive Pigeon. To run a short distance to where the road went through the rainforest, we got out of our cars, and were greeted with the requirement of a Pale-breasted Illadopsis. By walk a narrow path into the woods, we managed to see two of these little truant. A Black-faced Rufous Warbler was then found by David and most of the group as well. Them, never obtained it was lucky because another two showed better on the other side of the road. A few other birds were also seen, but we had specific targets in the morning, so we went further. A quick stop was made in an open area where a pair of Yellow-throated Leaf-loves were seen very well sat in the sun. After a while that we are a couple of Bar-tailed Trogon deep in the woods, I set the scope up here for all to enjoy stunning male. Leaving this magical forest we made our way back to the Rondo, where we put everything together and out on the long drive to Nakuru. A brief stop beside a stream, how many butterflies came down to the muddy edges managed to get us a fantastic view of a Green Sunbird which can often be difficult, since it is a Canopy species.

A roadside stop just after lunch time on a muddy lake so we found two new species, including the highly localized Levaillant's Cisticola and a Tacazze Firefox. contains hundreds of speckled pigeons also had two Tawny Eagles in it, and then a shot through and Lanner tried to take out the pigeons. We were soon at the entrance gate to the Nakuru National Park, and while some of us made use of the toilet several new species were found. A group of Arrow-marked Babble was first, followed by Greenwood-hoopoes, Common Scimitar-bill, a lovely Diederik Cuckoo and Speke's Weaver. Black-faced Vervet Monkeys were common and when we drove into the park and a troop of Olive Baboons were adopted.

With our roof up and all positions to act, we slowly made our way through the woods. Among the first birds we saw were a couple Hildebrandt Francolins walking along the road ahead of us. Barry then spotted a fabulous Rufous-necked Wryneck, which gave us fantastic views and so astonishing was joined of another bird as it appears on and then mated with. A little further along we passed a group of endangered and near endemic Gray-crested Helmet-shrike. After a stunning view of these we moved to a more open area. Here we saw lots of Northern Anteater Chats and then a Long-crested Eagle, followed by a group of Cut-throats, Pin-tailed Whydah and the display flights of several small pectoral-patch Cisticolas. Nico then found a couple of Red-capped Larks, as we all saw with a Plain-backed Pipit. From there we drove out to edge of Lake Nakuru and in front of us was what is described as one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Over one million Lesser Flamingos made the edge of the lake looks a int Ense pink As far as the eye could see. It's just a shame that pictures can not do it justice. Among the Lesser Flamingos were a few larger, while along the lake's edges, we an African Fish Eagle and plenty of fine Kittlitz's Plover. Great White Pelicans and Marabou storks were many and so magnificent flying over the mass noisy flamingos. Further at we got out of the buses, set up the scopes and began to search through the groups of waders. Curlew Ryler was quite a lot, and a few small waves were found hiding among them. We had then Ruff, rattles and Black-winged Stilts, but pride of place went to David when he took a full breeding plumage Dunlin fifth record ever Kenya and only the sixth record for the whole of East Africa. Among other birds we detected were Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Storks, African Spoonbills and a lovely couple Cape Teal. Mammals were well represented and included Defassa Waterbuck, Common Zebra, Grant's and Thompson's Gazelle's and Impala. Leaving the lake we drove back into the woods and along a narrow road, we saw a single crossed Lioness and then disappeared into the thick cover. With the light beginning to fade a Martial Eagle was spotted up in a close wood, we all had a fantastic view of this bird before driving to our lodge, which overlooked the lake. After our meal, and logging calls on us all off to our cabins. Kathy then successfully find a couple of us and took us to see a fantastic Little Rock Thrush roosting under the roof of their cabin.

Day 11: Lake Nakuru – MT KENYA
After an early breakfast we set off on a stroll through the park. It was a surprisingly chilly to begin with, but the sun came up. As we drove along we passed through an area with tall trees, and here we found one of our target a few Levaillant's Cuckoos. Slightly longer among the long grass, we were up to 30 Jacksons Widowbirds along with a few longtail Widowbirds several Yellow Bishops and then a couple of Masai Ostrich. Down beside a small pool we found a pair of striped kingfisher and at a remote bush second male long-tailed Widowbird were seen. Another small pool with some distant waders, which included Marsh Ryler and a Spotted Redshank. When we went out in the open grass land mammals became more obvious with lots of Cape Buffalo, Impala, Grant's and Thompson's gazelles.

We had fantastic close look at a family group of White Rhino and also saw a few warthogs. Northern anteater chats were seen everywhere, while the stop and look at more closely individuals who we spotted a couple of lovely Rosy-throated Longclaws while over the cliff top a Verreaux eagle was being surrounded by an African Hawk-eagle. Passes through an area of forest we found a pair of White-tailed bird beard and then on the road we saw an African Fire Finch, then a Tambourine Dove. As we drove past a few more rocks to Black-chested Snake-Eagle was seen and in the grass next to us were three Chandler's reedbuck. We saw a parade of the common zebra passed, and a little further along a pair of Lions were observed including one, which was set up in a tree.
Continue our journey our next find was a fantastic manager secretary Bird feeding its young in a nest, and close to both the Broad-billed and Lilac-breasted Rollers were seen in perfect sunshine. In the open grasslands, we came across a group of four Southern Ground Hornbills in a line from Rothschild's Giraffes walking behind them. A fantastic sight! It was time for lunch so we quickly returned to our lodge. The reasons most people saw Little Rock Thrush and Speke's Weaver, while the White-rumped Swifts patrolled overhead. After lunch we packed our bags and moved out. A final visits were made to a lake to refresh our memories with the incredible vision of one million's of Lesser Flamingos.

On the ground sat a huge immature Martial Eagle which then flew off and circled the woods only to be joined by an adult. Among the waterfowl were hundreds of white pelicans, Yellow-billed storks, sacred and Glossy Ibis, African Spoonbill, Marabou, terns, gulls and more common shorebirds. Two white-phase dimorphic egrets caused a little debate, and then we said goodbye to one of the most amazing scenes on Earth. Offsetting in the direction of Mt Kenya stops were made along the way at the famous Thomson Falls, where we hoped to see Sharpe's Starling. It was really too early in the day for them, but compensation for not seeing them had had, when two large African Crowned Eagles came soaring out of the wooded valley below, and got up to give some fantastic overlooking this very impressive bird. We continued our drive with a second roadside stops when Joseph spotted a Black-bellied Bustard stood on a grassy tall. Our next stop was a small quarry where we searched the entire rock face to try to find our next target species, but only Red-winged Starlings and Little Rock Thrush. Then set we are turning our telescopes on a fantastic Mackinder's Eagle-owl in full view of rock.

After taking a few pictures up we finished the last part of our trip to Naro Moru River Lodge. Another great location we had a super evening meal and then after our regular log call us back to our cabins. During the night sound of the Tree Hyrax outside our vacation sounded like something from a horror movie!

Day 12: MT Kenya – Samburu.
After breakfast we met up in the cottage grounds, where it does not take too long before we looked at a fantastic man Narina Trogon. Take a short walk along the river we found a couple of Mountain Wagtail, a Long-crested Eagle and a fantastic Hartlaub's Turaco just a few meters away. After seeing a few other species such as Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Tacazze Sunbird, Tropical Boubou and Cape Robin-chat, we minibuses loaded and moved out. As we drove to the impressive top of Mt Kenya an impromptu roadside stop gave us the difficult White-throated race of Black-lored Babbler. Continuing on we came to the entrance gate of Mt Kenya National Park and birded the forest edge here. A Red-fronted Parrot sat on top of a tree and an adult Martial Eagle soared overhead. There were plenty of Hunter's Cisticolas around and a pair of Yellow-bellied astrilder was much appreciated, as was our first Mountain Yellow Warbler. We then drove into the park and began to make our way up and through the forest. Our first stop was the Abyssinian Crimson Wings, shortly followed by Colin Jackson's Fran and then a Mountain Buzzard. We continued to run up to 10,000 ft, where we stopped at the Met Station. The weather was decidedly cooler now, but it was quickly forgotten when we came out of the bus and immediately found the two species we were looking for. Very tame Alpine Chats sat around on short plants and more beautiful Abyssinian Ground thrushes came out of bamboo and fed

Hartlaub's Turacos were seen, and most of the group got to see a Cinnamon Bracken Warbler. A pair of Cape Canaries were then added to our list, while Montane White-eye, Olive Thrush and Tacazze Sunbird showed well. We then headed down against the gate to our lunch. Along the way we had the inevitable end which this time included three Silvery-cheeks Hornbills and then a couple of Gray Cuckoo-shrike. Back at the gate had we have our lunch and while eating Michael spotted a raptor in the distance, and it later turned out very close over our heads, and was a magnificent adult African Crowned Eagle. This magnificent bird was so close that every bit of detail can be seen. Wow! After lunch we set off on our drive to Samburu.

Not too much was seen along way but by changes in temperature from cool to warm. As we approached the park gate, a stop was made beside some very short grass, and here we have seen a few of the Somali Courses with a juvenile close beside them. A pair of White-eared Mouse Birds then were discovered before finally arriving at the gate. As was our entry passes will be sorted, we came out and saw Hundreds of Little Swifts were flying to and fro from their nests during the gatehouse. Our first Von der Decken's Hornbill's put to uses but an adult Gabarret Goshawk was much less flashy. Driving through this park was typical of all the wildlife films you see on TV, dry open thorn scrub with a backdrop of mountains, it was really beautiful scenery. We soon began to see birds such as white-headed and Red-billed Buffalo-weavers, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Superb Starlings, more Hornbills and then a lovely Pink-breasted Lark. White-bellied great bustards were quite ordinary, and we had excellent views including a family of four in front of our bus. In all we reckon we must have 12 seen on our trip to the lodge. Our first Gerenuks, Grevy's zebras and Besia Oryx was seen well and then a couple of Black-faced Sandgrouse allowed us to run to the right along side.

Moving on, we next found several pairs of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and a group of Donaldson-Smith's Sparrow-weaver. A lone African Elephant was our first, and it was much appreciated. It was now late in the day, and Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse started to appear on the tracks. We got really close views of these excellent bird and then we found another five Somali Courses! A Verreaux's eagle owl was spotted looking down on us as we crossed a small stream, and soon after we arrived to Samburu Serena Lodge River. We settled into our cabins, and later met for dinner. When we sat down to eat, I casually mentioned that I could see a Leopard on the other side of the river, it was decreased to some meat that had been put out of the lodge staff. Eventually a second looked and I thought! We quickly collected a pair of footprints and put them up to get good views. In between courses we took turns to have great views of this impressive mammal, in fact everyone in the hotel seemed to leave their meals as well and have a look!

Day 13: Samburu.
After an early breakfast it was time for a quick look around the lodge grounds. Beside the river was a group of surprisingly beautiful Vulturine Guineafowl while in a tree above us was a Bearded Woodpecker. Take a trip out to the front of the lodge, we tried to find a Gray-headed Bush-shrike. We have never seen or heard one, but it We did see Spotted Mourning Thrush, Northern Brownbuls and a spectacular view of a Bare-eyed Thrush. Only as we were about to leave John spotted a raptor flying over, and we ran to a open area to get a better view and was rewarded with an excellent sighting of a Bat Hawk. We came into our minibuses and set off in the park. Almost immediately a Palm-nut Vulture was seen flying on our left, lots of slate-colored Boubous was seen and heard, and we took a Gray Wren-Warbler, Chestnut Sparrows, Southern Black Flycatcher and Chestnut Weavers.

Moves through an area of grassland near the river, we were delighted to find a fantastic Leopard lie down just 20ft away. While watching and photographing it, one of our most coveted mammals it then sat up and looked at us a while before lying back down. What a fantastic animals and close enough for everyone to have a memorable photo. Moves from here we slowly followed the river and saw three-striped Tchagra, Orange-bellied parrots, African Hoopoe, a fantastic Gray-headed Bush-shrike and Black-bellied Sunbird.

Nearby was a small flock of African elephants including several who were very young, and here in the bushes, we got to see more Black-faced astrilder. There was a small Nile Crocodile on the shallow riverbed and further along on the other hand, a pride of Lions relaxed together. We continued around the park to see more Impala, Gerenuks and tiny Kirk's Dikdiks. A tree full of Red-billed Hornbills also held two Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbills, while over we flew both African Harrier-Hawk and a Bateleur. We found another good area and then Somali Bee-eaters and a Taita Fiscal together, while the nearby Ashy Prinia and a Fawn-colored Lark was found. Beard birds included both Black-throated and d'Arnaud's while white-headed and Blue-naped Mouse Birds beat well. In the forest we had fantastic views of good numbers of Crested Francisco Colin, and Yellow-necked Spurfowl while half hidden under a tree was a Somali ostrich. On a bridge, we got a good view of two large mixed Swifts among the many Little Swifts. Returning to the lodge for lunch, we took a short siesta. In the cottage grounds, before we left our afternoon drive there were a few Northern Puffbacks, several Dodson's Bulbuls as a separate race of Common Bulbul and two Golden Palm Weavers. In the park we took a different route and soon obtained the Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, has a beautiful bird! More Pink-breasted Larks were seen, plenty of Black-capped Social Weavers and saw our first of three Somali Long-billed Crombecs and very local and scarce species. Going forward, apart from the regular White-backed vulture, we saw a huge winged-faced and then a Verreaux's Eagle.

We stopped when a Buff-crested Bustard came calling and after some intense scanning and almost to the point of giving up, we took it and got some super views that went on the grass with all its' crest raised. A long drive around made us very close to the pride of Lions, as we saw in the morning, but we only managed distant views of a group of Reticulated Giraffes. A White-winged Scrub-robin showed good, but a real highlight was a Kori Bustard, who slowly walked between our two buses, followed by two small chickens. As we also back toward the lodge our last stop had us look at two Rüppell's griffon vultures sat with a group of White-back's, while below there was a tree filled with White-throated Bee-eaters. Back at the lodge we had another good dinner, and later that evening after Having looked for African scops-owl, some of us as a Striped Hyena under lights in the corners Leopard wood.

Day 14: Samburu – MT KENYA.
Today we had a quick cup coffee and went out before breakfast on a drive into the park. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of early morning and this morning we had not gone far when a Leopard was spotted walking through the scrub. We continue to criss-cross the grasslands soon to find an adult and a young Buff-crested Bustard. We later had a spectacular view of a second man who walked right past the bus. All the regular mammals were easily seen and a nice find was three Golden Pipit showing good with a full-grown is particularly beautiful. Other terms birds included Black-chested Snake-eagle, two Heuglin's Courses, Chestnut-bellied, Black-faced and Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse and then a small flock of starlings Fischer. When we returned we stopped and saw a young lion, who had his sights fixed on an Impala. The carefully tried it, and then rushed towards his victim, but Impala discovered it and was too quick! Back to the lodge we saw White-backed, Rüppell's and three very close Patched-faced Vultures were sitting in some low trees.

A group of Reticulated Giraffes were then discovered, and we got a wonderful view of those animals feeding together. When we returned for breakfast, a male Black-necked Weaver was seen ending a very productive start to the day. Afterwards we loaded mini-buses and went out of the park. Continues we drove through a small grassy area, and got good views to Fischer's Sparrow-larks, and then nine Somali Course and a family of Chestnut-headed Sparrow-larks with the male seen very well. Leaving this place we went to Buffalo Springs Lodge and while enjoying a cool drink, we have seen more Diederik Cuckoos, hair-crowned Starling, White-fronted Bee-eaters and an excellent look at a Marico Sunbird. Since we left the cottage and its group of Olive Baboons, a roadside bomb stop took us Somali Golden-breasted Bunting and then a huge red-winged Lark later followed by Blue-capped Cordon Bleu, and Yellow-vented Eremomela. We then drove out of the gate and on towards the cooler climbs of Mt Kenya. Underwater on a gasoline and picnic stops, we found several Red-collared Widowbirds. Our next stop was at the lower woods a few miles from the Mountain Lodge where we would live. Noisy group of White-headed Hoopoes was easily seen so found a couple of White-eared beard birds and we got a fantastic view of two Little Sparrowhawk view and then sitting in a tree top in bright sunlight.

Moving on a little stop was made to see and photograph Mt Kenya, only a short distance further and we arrived at the hut. This magnificent lodge was built overlooking a natural salt lick and all our rooms had a perfect view of this animal magnet. As night fell, spotlights strategically positioned so light up the area, and we saw wild animals began to come out of the woods. Common bushbuck was first and then several Gray Mongoose. Our five-star dinner was pleasantly interrupted when a group of Cape Buffalo thought a couple of Spotted Hyenas came in and saw a wonderful black rhinoceros. What a place this was! Continue to look after the meal added White-tailed Mongoose and two beautifully marked common Genets, and two African Snipe. During the night were we all know the alarm call if a Giant Pig Bush screwed up, it never, so apart from the hyena and Tree Hyrax posts we got a good night's sleep.

Day 15: MT KENYA – NAIROBI VIA WANJEE CAMP.
This morning we had a quick cup of coffee, and then a glimpse from the roof of the hut, which has not only ignored, salt lick, but all directions of the forest and beautiful views to Mt Kenya. Scanning the tree tops soon produced a balancing Augur buzzard and saw a Great Sparrowhawk. On another distant tree a Sharpe's Starling was spotted, but closer and better, a small group of Abbot's starling. On a forest trail below us, we could see a few Tambourine Doves while over the forest canopy Bronze-naped Pigeons seemed reluctant to countries everywhere. We took a walk with an armed guard outside the hut and along the approach road. An Oriole Finch was only seen well by Joseph, but all so Eastern Double-collared Sunbirds, Rüppell's and Cape Robin-chat, a young white-starred Robin and Yellow-billed Barbet. Moving on, we caught several Moustached Green Tinkerbirds and so after viewing Mosque Swallow, and a short Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, we got a spectacular view of an adult African Crowned Eagle torn down through the woods, only to return and perch on a tree, where we set the scopes on it. Brilliant! Scaly Francisco Colin escaped us, although several were heard, but the finale of our trip was a superb Yellow-browed White Crombec convened by Nico. We returned for breakfast and then packed our luggage and went in the direction of Nairobi.

A roadside bomb to stop a group of motley Spinetails was later followed for a halt to a Brown-hooded Kingfisher sat quietly on a telegraph wire. We had now reached Wajee Nature Park, and once we had located the local guide we followed him into forest and were shown a pair of African wood owls on their daytime Roost. Farther into the woods, and after a lot of hard work, we were eventually rewarded with spectacular views up to five membrane's Babbles a localized and threatened Kenya endemic. Very glad we continued our journey, and called the next in a hydroelectric station, we were searched nearby thickets and fields. A gray-headed Kingfisher was seen and bronze Manakin, then our target at least one male and one female African Golden Weaver. It was now hot, so we came back in the bus and continued. Our last stop of the day was at the Blue Post Hotel near Nairobi. A cool drink was followed by a search of the grounds. Several of the white-tailed race of bald beard birds were seen, but the gardens were generally very quiet.

We decided to walk along the river and at the farthest point we could go, we found Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eaters, a Pygmy Kingfisher and a brief Golden-winged Sunbird. A gray-olive Greenbul proved to be very difficult, but a pair of Black-throated Wattle-eyes showed very well and completed our full list of the Kenyan wattle-eyes! It was time to go as a quick picture of the group then saw us fight our way through the city traffic to arrive at a hotel restaurant where we had our last meal together on vacation. With this over we went to the nearby Nairobi airport. We said our thank's for drivers, Simon and John, who was exceptional throughout. Their excellent driving skills, kindness and great interest in wildlife was an asset to the trip. As Joseph & Nico they proved once again what the experts and practitioners, as they were in all aspects of this fabulous Kenya trip. We came to see and enjoy wildlife and it is exactly what we did. The qualifications of these two guides were as good as it gets and there hard work and bird finding ability was fully appreciated by anyone who wanted the best for Kenya's wildlife watching

About the Author

The author is a Tour Consultant for Skyview of Africa Tours & Safaris Ltd

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arc mignon large ceinture $16.16 Style: Basique, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU D eacute;coration: N oelig;ud agrave; boucles Couleur: Rose, Rose, Rouge, Orange, Camel, Incarnadin, Amande Etiquette d’entretien: S eacute;cher agrave; plat Taille: F Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

style vintage large ceinture $12.12 Style: Vintage, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU D eacute;coration: Boucles Couleur: Rose, Camel, Amande Etiquette d’entretien: S eacute;cher agrave; plat Taille: F Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

dentelle fleur large ceinture $16.16 Style: Dentelle, Basique Tissu: Dentelle D eacute;coration: Floral Couleur: Rose, Blanc, Noir Etiquette d’entretien: S eacute;cher agrave; plat Taille: F Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

accent sculpté ceinture floral large $10.5 Style: Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU, Alliage Couleur: Bleu, Gris, Rose, Rouge, Noir Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

nœud papillon en satin tridimensionnelle large ceinture $12.12 Style: Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU Couleur: Rose, Rouge, Noir, Marron, Orange Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

mousseline de maille extensible ceinture large $12.12 Style: Moderne Tissu: Mousseline Couleur: Rose, Noir Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

Boucle de ceinture large $16.16 Occasions: Travail Style: Formel, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU D eacute;coration: Boucles Couleur: Rose, Camel, Amande Etiquette d’entretien: Nettoyage agrave; sec uniquement Taille: F Accessoires: Ceinture Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

cuir arc large bande $12.12 Style: Basique, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU D eacute;coration: N oelig;ud agrave; boucles Couleur: Bleu, Rose, Rouge, Rouge, Noir, Vert, Incarnadin Etiquette d’entretien: S eacute;cher agrave; plat Taille: F Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

arc fleur large ceinture $13.74 Style: Basique, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU D eacute;coration: N oelig;ud agrave; boucles Couleur: Rose, Noir, Camel, Amande Etiquette d’entretien: S eacute;cher agrave; plat Taille: F Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

détail sculpté large ceinture (plus de couleurs) $10.5 Style: Basique, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU, Alliage Couleur: Rose, Rouge, Noir Accessoires: Ceinture Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

bon arc large bande $8.08 Style: Moderne Tissu: Cuir verni Couleur: Rose, Rouge, Blanc, Noir, Orange, Rouge Fonc eacute; Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture

maillon de la chaîne d’or large ceinture (plus de couleurs) $16.16 Style: Basique, Moderne Tissu: Cuir PU Couleur: Rose, Rose, Rouge, Blanc, Marron Etiquette d’entretien: Nettoyage agrave; sec uniquement Accessoires: Ceinture Silhouette de ceinture: Ceinture large

Haute Affair Wedding Invitations $2.15 A single luxurious rose hints at a sophisticated and unforgettable ceremony, while the couples’ names stands out with a unique typeface in these Wedding Invitations.

warm rosette Birth Announcements $1.21 Your newborn’s photo will stand out against the understated backdrop, while a decorative rose offers a radiant burst of color. Â

ts maigre large ceinture $8.08 Occasions: Casual Style: Basique D eacute;coration: Boucles Couleur: Bleu, Rose, Marron, Orange, Jaune Prix: Moins de US 20 Taille: F Accessoires: Ceinture