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Field Guides Tour Report
East Africa Highlights: Kenya & Tanzania 2014
Jan 18, 2014 to Feb 7, 2014
Terry Stevenson


We found the largest concentration of elegant Gray Crowned-Cranes in Ngorongoro Crater. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

Our 2014 East Africa Highlights tour followed our well-tried route visiting many of the best areas of Kenya and Tanzania in just 21 days. In total contrast to our other departure just two months previously, Tanzania was now lush and green, Kenya dry, but with the Rift Valley lakes still at record highs.

So, just how did this work out for the birds and mammals? In two short words -- just great -- with a fraction shy of 500 bird species and more than 50 mammals. Birding highlights varied from ostrich, francolins, and bustards on the plains, to a wealth of waterbirds at the lakes, eagles, vultures, and bateleurs across the open skies, to turacos, barbets, wattle-eyes, and weavers performing for us in the forests, and a huge variety of bushshrikes, greenbuls, apalises, cisticolas, chats, and gorgeous starlings and sunbirds providing showy spectacles in almost every habitat imaginable.

Our mammal list was truly spectacular too, with the cats not only including Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah, but also the rarely seen Serval and Caracal. Nocturnal 'specials' included a huge black morph Bush-Pig and the strange Ratel (both in daylight). African Elephant, Black Rhino, and Spotted Hyaena were also enjoyed, while the hundreds of thousands of gazelles, wildebeest, and zebra provided an ever shifting backdrop to the numerous wonderful wildlife experiences we all enjoyed.

Beginning in Nairobi, the nearby open country of the national park give us our very first Ostrich, Secretary-bird, and Gray Crowned-Cranes, while in the acacia bush we added Little Bee-eater, Long-tailed Fiscal, Northern Pied-Babbler, and Superb Starling. We saw more than a dozen species of mammals during our first afternoon, but without doubt two male Black Rhino disputing a territorial boundary was the highlight of the day.

Heading to Tanzania we made stops along the way for Eastern Chanting-Goshawk and Lilac-breasted Roller, but 30 minutes in the bush near Kajiado was the most productive, as we added Spot-flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Chinspot Batis, the endemic Red-throated Tit, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Golden-breasted Bunting, and Southern Grosbeak-Canary. After a night at the most comfortable Gibb's Farm, we all enjoyed a total change of pace and habitat, with our morning walk in the forest behind the lodge providing Ayres's Hawk-Eagle, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina's Trogon, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, Black-fronted Bushshrike, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Brown-headed Apalis, Gray-capped Warbler, and Variable Sunbird.

A short drive to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater gave us one of the world's most spectacular views, and we all retired early with great expectations for the day to follow. Taking our 4X4 Landcruiser to the crater floor itself, we were not disappointed, with Abdim's Stork and Kori Bustards feeding on the grassy plains, our first Long-crested Eagle, Blacksmith, Crowned, and Black-winged lapwings, Greater Painted-snipe at the hippo-pool, Northern Anteater-Chat, Hildebrandt's Starling, both Red-billed and Yellow-billed oxpeckers, Rosy-throated Longclaw, and the endemic Rufous-tailed Weaver. Mammals included our first close-up Black-backed Jackal, the nocturnal Ratel, Lion, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Warthog, Hippo, and a variety of gazelles and antelopes.

From Ngorongoro we then continued west to Oldupai (formerly Olduvai) Gorge, where the Leakeys made many of their famous archaeological discoveries. We enjoyed a brief lecture here and then continued on to Seronera Lodge built on an ancient kopje in the middle of the vast Serengeti plains. Being based here for three nights gave us time to slowly drive the grassland tracks and through the more wooded areas, finding such varied birds as Helmeted Guineafowl, the endemic Gray-breasted Francolin, both Greater and Lesser flamingos (at a seasonal alkaline lake), Hamerkop, 26 species of raptors, super tame Black Crakes, Temminck's and Double-banded coursers, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Tanzania Red-billed Hornbill, Southern Ground-hornbill, Fischer's Lovebird (another endemic), Croaking Cisticola, Black-lored Babbler, Pangani Longclaw, Gray-headed Social-Weaver, and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. The mammals, were of course, incomparable, with great looks at Lion, Leopard, Cheetah (hunting a Grant's Gazelle), Serval and Caracal (both rare cats), Spotted Hyaena, at least a couple of hundred African Elephant, Topi, Hartebeest, Thomson's Gazelle, thousands of Zebra, and hundreds of thousands of Blue Wildebeest.

The final leg of the Tanzania portion of our tour was to Tarangire, a gorgeous area of dry-bushed grassland, marsh, a river, and wonderful huge baobab trees. It's also the best place to see the endemic Yellow-collared Lovebird and Ashy Starling (we saw many of both), plus Red-necked and Yellow-necked francolins, Saddle-billed Stork, Water Thick-knee, African Jacana, Black-faced Sandgrouse, African Cuckoo, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Red-bellied Parrot, Magpie Shrike, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, and Eastern Paradise-Whydah. Mammals included another Leopard, and our closest encounters of the tour with African Elephant.

We then spent the final week of our tour in Kenya, starting in the Great Rift Valley at Lake Nakuru. As the lake was at record high levels, its alkalinity had changed and accordingly so had the birds. Flamingo numbers were less than usual, with just about 300 Greaters and 1500 Lessers, however the number of species of other waterbirds was exceptional, with great looks along the southern shore at a variety of ducks, storks, cormorants, both Great White and Pink-backed pelicans, herons, egrets, African Spoonbill, gulls and terns, and a good selection of both resident and migrant shorebirds. Highlights in the wooded grasslands were White-fronted Bee-eater, a stunning Northern Carmine Bee-eater (very unusual here), the rare Gray-crested Helmetshrike, and some close Rothchild's Giraffes.

We then left the Rift Valley behind, stopping briefly at Lake Victoria, before continuing on for a three-night stay at the Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Forest. As always the slower pace and good trails facilitated some excellent birding, with just a few of the species we added here including Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Yellow-billed and Yellow-spotted barbets, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Luehder's Bushshrike, Western Black-headed Oriole, 11 species of greenbuls, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Turner's Eremomela, the rare Chapin's Flycatcher, Stuhlmann's Starling, Forest Weaver, and Red-headed Bluebill.

We now headed back to the Rift Valley and a two-night stay in the Baringo-Bogoria area. Although relatively near to Nakuru, this area is at a lower altitude, with much drier conditions, and a very different avifauna including several localized 'specials' and, thanks to the help of our local guide, some great owls, nocturnal coursers, and nightjars. Baringo highlights included a magnificent pair of Verreaux's Eagle along the cliffs, Three-banded (Heuglin's) Courser, African Scops-Owl, Northern White-faced Owl, Grayish Eagle-Owl, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Blue-naped Mousebird, Jackson's Hornbill, Meyer's Parrot, Pygmy Batis, White Helmetshrike, Three-streaked Tchagra, Somali Tit, Mouse-coloured Penduline-Tit, Brown Babbler, Brown-tailed Chat, Magpie Starling, Hunter's Sunbird, Northern Masked and Golden-backed weavers, and Red-rumped Waxbill.

To complete the tour we began our drive back to Nairobi, but first spent a night on the slopes of Mt. Kenya at Mountain Lodge. Here, from the flat roof top overlooking a floodlit salt-lick and waterhole, we were surprised to see a Black Stork, while the flocks of Delegorgue's Pigeon (a local specialty) appeared right on cue. Scarce Swifts flew overhead, noisy Hartlaub's Turacos showed themselves in the canopy, Gray Apalis, Broad-ringed White-eye, and Eastern Double-collared Sunbirds moved through the middle-levels, while Tropical Boubous and endemic Hunter's Cisticolas preferred the lower undergrowth. Perhaps most interesting, though, was a confrontation between a group of elephants and hyaenas, the to-and-fro movements, the trumpeting of the elephants, mock runs and charges, while all the time the hyaenas made testing forward movements -- perhaps watching for a weak or injured baby? Strange behavior indeed, and just one reason why so many visitors return for second and third tours to Africa's best wildlife destination -- a stay in the African bush always provides the unexpected!

--Terry


KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant


BIRDS
Struthionidae (Ostrich)


Participant Fred Dalbey captured this beautiful image of a double rainbow descending into Ngorongoro Crater.

OSTRICH (COMMON) (Struthio camelus massaicus) – First seen in Nairobi NP, and then mainly in other similar grassland areas like Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, we also saw a few at Baringo; with a total for the tour of about 120.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Two at Tarangire, and 2 at Limuru Pond.
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor) – One at Tarangire, and about a dozen at Limuru Pond.
WHITE-BACKED DUCK (Thalassornis leuconotus) – One at Tarangire, and about 100 at Limuru Pond.
COMB DUCK (OLD WORLD) (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) – We saw a single female at a pool in the Serengeti.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – Very common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – Two at Ngorongoro, and 1 at Tarangire.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – About 30 at Ngorongoro, 12 at Limuru Pond, and 20 at Nakuru.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Small numbers were widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Anas hottentota) – Ten at Nakuru was the highest number, but we also had a few at a variety of other wetlands.
GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) – Five at Nakuru.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – About 60 at 'Magadi' in the Serengeti.
SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma) – We saw a single male at Limuru Pond.
MACCOA DUCK (Oxyura maccoa) – Five males at Limuru Pond.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Very common and widespread in grassland and bush country.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
COQUI FRANCOLIN (Francolinus coqui) – Eight in the Serengeti, and 4 at Tarangire.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus sephaena) – About 10 at Tarangire.
SCALY FRANCOLIN (Francolinus squamatus) – Heard at Mountain Lodge.
HILDEBRANDT'S FRANCOLIN (Francolinus hildebrandti) – Eight at Ngorongoro.
YELLOW-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus leucoscepus) – About 100 at Tarangire.
GRAY-BREASTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus rufopictus) – Good looks at about 10 of this Tanzania endemic in the Serengeti. [E]
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus afer) – About 80 at Tarangire.
HARLEQUIN QUAIL (Coturnix delegorguei) – Two were flushed by our vehicle in the Serengeti.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)


These waterbirds and women agree that water is a precious resource! (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Common and widespread at a variety of wetlands throughout the tour.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – About 60 at Ngorongoro, 5 in the Serengeti, and 300+ at Nakuru.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus minor) – About 2000 (distantly) at Ngorongoro, good looks at 80 in the Serengeti, and about 1500 at Nakuru.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – About 120 at Tarangire, a dozen over Limuru, and 1 at Kisumu.
BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) – One at the waterhole at Mountain Lodge.
ABDIM'S STORK (Ciconia abdimii) – Well over a thousand in Ngorongoro Crater, and about 350 in the Serengeti.
WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia) – Surprisingly few this year, with only about a dozen in the Serengeti, 3 at Nairobi, and then about 35 near Nakuru.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – An adult and an immature on a nest at Tarangire, and then 2 adults along the shore at Nakuru.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – Common and widespread; in all we saw about 200.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – Four hundred at a distant colony at Lake Manyara were by far the most together, but we also saw about another 100 at a variety of scattered wetlands.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – About 80 at Nakuru.
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax africanus) – Five at Limuru Pond, and 1 at Lake Baringo.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – Singles at Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro Crater, and at Baringo.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – About 150 at Nakuru, and 2 at Ngorongoro.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – Good close looks at about 20 at Nakuru.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Widespread in small numbers; and some interesting interactions with the local fisher- women on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus) – One at the hippo-pool in Ngorongoro Crater.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Widespread in small numbers.


Classic East Africa: Blue Wildebeest on the Serengeti numbering in the thousands to the edge of our vista. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – Similar looking to the previous species, but far more common; in all we saw about 140.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – We had good looks at a single immature in Ngorongoro Crater.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Singles at Tarangire, Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo, and also 10 at Nakuru.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – Widespread in small numbers with a total of about 12.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Ten at Nakuru, about 20 at Lake Victoria, and 1 at Baringo.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Common and widespread.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – Good scope views of 1 at Limuru Pond, and 1 at Lake Baringo.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Three at Lake Baringo.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – One at Nairobi NP.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – One at Limuru Pond, and about 60 at Nakuru.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Common and widespread.
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – Widespread in small numbers.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – Four in Nairobi NP, and about 25 at Nakuru.
Sagittariidae (Secretary-bird)
SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Widespread in national parks with open grassland; we saw a total of 18.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Small numbers were widespread in open country; with a total of about 25.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus) – Two single adults at Tarangire.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – Nice looks at 1 in flight over the Serengeti.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotus) – Most common in the Serengeti (25), but we also saw them at Ngorongoro (8), and Tarangire (5).
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus) – One over the Serengeti.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – The most common and widespread vulture; in all we saw about 220.
RUEPPELL'S GRIFFON (Gyps rueppellii) – About 30 in the Serengeti, including some right next to our vehicle feeding on a dead wildebeest.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – A gorgeous eagle of the open skies; in all we saw about 25.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – Two in the Serengeti, and 1 at Tarangire.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – Two singles in the Serengeti.
BANDED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinerascens) – Good looks at one in the Kerio Valley (first perched and then flying away carrying a snake).
BAT HAWK (Macheiramphus alcinus) – Great day time scope views of 1 at Kakamega Forest.
CROWNED HAWK-EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – A pair were seen displaying over Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – We saw an adult in the Serengeti, and an immature at Tarangire.


One of the most iconic birds on the African continent: the stately Secretary-bird (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – Widespread in small numbers.
LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga pomarina) – Two singles in Ngorongoro Crater.
WAHLBERG'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus wahlbergi) – Singles at Nairobi NP, and in the Serengeti.
AYRES'S HAWK-EAGLE (Hieraaetus ayresii) – One in flight over the forest above Gibb's Farm.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – Most common in the Serengeti where we saw about 30, but we also saw them in several other open areas.
STEPPE EAGLE (Aquila nipalensis) – About a dozen in the Serengeti.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii) – Great looks at a pair along the cliffs at Baringo.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates) – One near Seronera Lodge, Serengeti, and 2 at Baringo.
EASTERN CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax poliopterus) – About 8 along the road between Kajiado and Namanga.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – Small numbers near Gibb's Farm, in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus) – Fairly widespread over grasslands and marshes; in all we saw about 15.
PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) – Fairly common in the Serengeti (20), and then 1 at Ngorongoro, and 1 at Nairobi NP.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus pygargus) – Small numbers at Karatu, in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
AFRICAN GOSHAWK (Accipiter tachiro) – Two at Tarangire.
LITTLE SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter minullus) – One (for some of the group) at Serengeti.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Most common around Nairobi and at Ngorongoro Crater, but also seen at many other widespread scattered sites.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – Small numbers at a variety of wetlands; in all we saw a total of 9.
COMMON BUZZARD (STEPPE) (Buteo buteo vulpinus) – Singles at Ngorongoro and Serengeti, and then at least 30 over Kakamega Forest.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur) – Small numbers throughout the highlands.
Otididae (Bustards)
KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori) – About 20 at Ngorongoro, and 40 in the Serengeti.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (Eupodotis senegalensis) – Sixteen in the Serengeti, and 2 at Tarangire.
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – One at Ngorongoro, about 20 in the Serengeti, and 3 at Nakuru.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BLACK CRAKE (Amaurornis flavirostra) – Common (and rather tame) in the Serengeti, and then 3 at Ngorongoro, and 2 at Lake Baringo.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio) – About a dozen at Limuru Pond.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – One in Nairobi NP.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – About 250 at Limuru Pond, and 3 at Tarangire.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
WHITE-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura pulchra) – Heard at Kakamega.
Gruidae (Cranes)


African Elephants have strong family bonds. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – Common and widespread, but 100+ in Ngorongoro Crater was by far the largest number together.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – Two along a shallow rocky river at Tarangire.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Widespread in small numbers.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – Three at Lake Nakuru.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
LONG-TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris) – About 40 along the shores of the extensive marsh at Tarangire.
BLACKSMITH PLOVER (Vanellus armatus) – Very common and widespread.
SPUR-WINGED PLOVER (Vanellus spinosus) – Small numbers at Serengeti, Nakuru, Lake Victoria, and Baringo.
BLACK-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus melanopterus) – About 20 at Ngorongoro, and a dozen in the Serengeti.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Widespread in open grasslands; with a total of about 70.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Two in the Serengeti.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – Six at Lake Nakuru.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – One in Nairobi NP, and 4 in the Serengeti.
Rostratulidae (Painted-Snipes)
GREATER PAINTED-SNIPE (Rostratula benghalensis) – Great looks at 1 in the hippo-pool at Ngorongoro Crater.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – About 50 at Tarangire, and then small numbers at Limuru, Lake Victoria, and Baringo.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Singles in the Serengeti, at Lake Victoria, and at Baringo.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – Widespread in small numbers.
SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus) – Two at Lake Nakuru.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Singles at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and then about 10 at Nakuru.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – Two in the Serengeti, and 8 at Nakuru.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Widespread at a variety of marshes and pools throughout the tour.
RUFF (Calidris pugnax) – Twenty at Ngorongoro Crater, about 80 in the Serengeti, and 40 at Lake Nakuru.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – Common and widespread.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – One along a small stream in the Serengeti.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)


We only saw one Greater Painted-Snipe on this tour, but what a great look! (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

TEMMINCK'S COURSER (Cursorius temminckii) – Four in the Serengeti.
DOUBLE-BANDED COURSER (Smutsornis africanus) – Small numbers near Karatu, in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
THREE-BANDED COURSER (Rhinoptilus cinctus) – Great looks at a pair of these rather uncommon beautiful coursers at Baringo.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – About 150 at Nakuru.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – Three over the Serengeti grasslands.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – Five in the Serengeti, about 60 at Nakuru, and 40 at Lake Victoria.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles exustus) – Nice looks at about 30 in the Serengeti short grasslands.
YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles gutturalis) – Eleven along the main road as we left the Serengeti.
BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles decoratus) – About 60 at Tarangire.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Widespread in small numbers.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Common and widespread.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – About 10 were seen in flight along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
DELEGORGUE'S PIGEON (Columba delegorguei) – Good looks at about a dozen from the roof of Mountain Lodge.
DUSKY TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia lugens) – Two at Nairobi NP.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – About 10 at Naabi Hill in the Serengeti.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – Common and widespread.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Very common and widespread.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Common and widespread.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – Singles at Nairobi and Tarangire, and then 3 at Baringo.
BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur afer) – Two at Kakamega.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria) – One at Gibb's Farm.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – Six in the grounds of Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GREAT BLUE TURACO (Corythaeola cristata) – Great looks at this gorgeous bird at Kakamega.
SCHALOW'S TURACO (Tauraco schalowi) – Heard in the forest above Gibb's Farm, and along the rim at Ngorongoro Crater.
WHITE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco leucolophus) – Fabulous looks at this gorgeous bird as we ate our picnic in the Kerio Valley.


These White Rhinos seemed to have enjoyed a mud bath recently. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi) – Two from the roof of Mountain Lodge. [E]
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides personatus) – One on the way to Oldupai, 2 in the Serengeti, and about 15 at Tarangire.
WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides leucogaster) – Two south of Arusha, 2 at Tarangire, and about 20 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PIED CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus) – After some effort we all got good looks at 1 at Tarangire.
GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (Clamator glandarius) – Two singles in the Serengeti, and 1 at Tarangire.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Several heard, and singles seen well at Gibb's Farm and Tarangire.
AFRICAN CUCKOO (Cuculus gularis) – One at Tarangire.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas) – Good scope views of 2 in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus) – Two males in the forest around Gibb's Farm, 1 at Kakamega, and a female at Mountain Lodge.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – One at Tarangire.
YELLOWBILL (Ceuthmochares aereus) – One in the high canopy at Kakamega.
BLACK COUCAL (Centropus grillii) – Two in the Serengeti, and 1 at Tarangire.
BLUE-HEADED COUCAL (Centropus monachus) – One in a swamp near Eldoret.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus) – Small numbers at Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – Two in the acacias by the old lodge at Lake Baringo.
NORTHERN WHITE-FACED OWL (Ptilopsis leucotis) – Great close scope looks at a pair at Baringo.
CAPE EAGLE-OWL (Bubo capensis mackinderi) – Sometimes split as Mackinder's Eagle-Owl, we saw 1 at the quarry near Kiawara.
GRAYISH EAGLE-OWL (Bubo cinerascens) – One at Baringo.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Mountain Lodge.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – Good looks at 1 along a dry river bed on the way to Oldupai Gorge.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SLENDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus clarus) – Day time looks at 2 roosting birds at Baringo.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SCARCE SWIFT (Schoutedenapus myoptilus) – Four over the car park at Mountain Lodge.
NYANZA SWIFT (Apus niansae) – About a dozen at Limuru.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Very common and widespread.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – Four over Nairobi NP.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Fairly common and widespread in open country with palm trees.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)


Rueppell's Griffons are massive scavengers. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – Common and widespread.
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius macrourus) – About 15 along the cliffs at Lake Baringo.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
NARINA TROGON (Apaloderma narina) – Good looks at a male in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus) – One at Nairobi NP.
AFRICAN PYGMY-KINGFISHER (Ispidina picta) – One at the campsite at Lake Baringo.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala) – Three at Tarangire, and 2 at Lake Baringo.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis) – Singles at Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – One in the Serengeti, and 1 at Nakuru.
GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maximus) – One at the Blue Posts Hotel, Thika.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – One at Nairobi NP, 6 at Lake Victoria, and 6 at Lake Baringo.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
BLUE-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops muelleri) – Great scope views of this very local and uncommon bee-eater at Kakamega.
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides) – Five near the gate as we left Nakuru NP.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – Widespread in small numbers.
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER (Merops oreobates) – About 10 near Gibb's Farm, 6 at Kakamega, and 8 at Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops albicollis) – Six along the shore of Lake Victoria near Kisumu.
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER (Merops persicus) – Twenty at Tarangire, and 5 near Kisumu.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster) – About 20 at Tarangire, 4 near Nairobi, 10 at Kakamega, and 20 at Baringo.
NORTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicus) – We saw a fabulous brightly colored adult at the south end of Lake Nakuru - very unusual in this park.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulus) – Small numbers at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and then 120+ at Tarangire.
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – Common and widespread in open acacia country; in all we saw about 140.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – One along the wires to the north of Namanga, and 1 at Baringo.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – Singles at Serengeti and Nakuru.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Three near Seronera Lodge, 3 at Nakuru, and 5 at Baringo.
COMMON SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) – Two in the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
ABYSSINIAN SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus minor) – Pairs near Oldupai, and in the Serengeti.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)


The very striking Von der Decken's Hornbill (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

NORTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus erythrorhynchus) – About 40 at Tarangire, and 2 at Baringo.
TANZANIAN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus ruahae) – Great looks at this newly recognised species near Seronera Lodge. [E]
JACKSON'S HORNBILL (Tockus jacksoni) – We saw a total of 14 at Lake Baringo.
VON DER DECKEN'S HORNBILL (Tockus deckeni) – Three near Oldupai Gorge, and about a dozen at Tarangire.
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Tockus nasutus) – About a dozen in the Serengeti, 10 at Tarangire, and 1 along the cliffs at Baringo.
BLACK-AND-WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL (Ceratogymna subcylindrica) – Great looks at about 40 at Kakamega.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – Three in the Serengeti.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET (Trachyphonus purpuratus) – Great looks at 2 at Kakamega (and several heard).
RED-AND-YELLOW BARBET (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) – Pairs at Oldupai Gorge, Tarangire, and Baringo.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (Trachyphonus darnaudii) – Four in the Kerio Valley.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (USAMBIRO) (Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro) – One at Ngorongoro, and 6 in the Serengeti. [E]
GRAY-THROATED BARBET (Gymnobucco bonapartei) – Common at Kakamega.
MOUSTACHED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus leucomystax) – Nice looks at 1 in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus) – Many heard and 3 seen at Kakamega.
RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus pusillus) – One at Kajiado, and 1 near Oldupai.
YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET (Buccanodon duchaillui) – Good looks at 1 at Kakamega.
HAIRY-BREASTED BARBET (Tricholaema hirsuta) – Two were heard in Kakamega Forest.
RED-FRONTED BARBET (Tricholaema diademata) – One at Naabi Hill, Serengeti, and 1 at Baringo.
SPOT-FLANKED BARBET (Tricholaema lacrymosa) – One at Kajiado.
WHITE-HEADED BARBET (Lybius leucocephalus) – One in the fruiting fig trees in the Kerio Valley.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET (Lybius bidentatus) – Nice looks at this gorgeous bird in the grounds of Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
WAHLBERG'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus regulus) – Two were seen chasing each other at Ngorongoro.
THICK-BILLED HONEYGUIDE (Indicator conirostris) – One for some of the group at Kakamega.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – One at Lake Baringo.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)


We were lucky to get a look at this shy Serval. (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

NUBIAN WOODPECKER (Campethera nubica) – Two at Kajiado, 1 at Baringo, and heard at Tarangire,
BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER (Campethera caroli) – One in the interior middle-levels at Kakamega Forest.
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – We saw a total of about 8 at Kajiado, Serengeti, and Kakamega.
BEARDED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos namaquus) – Singles at Gibb's Farm and Baringo, and heard at Nakuru.
GRAY WOODPECKER (Dendropicos goertae) – Two in the Kerio Valley.
GRAY-HEADED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos spodocephalus rhodeogaster) – Four in the Serengeti, and 3 at Tarangire.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus) – Three in the Serengeti.
LESSER KESTREL (Falco naumanni) – About 50 were seen during a morning drive near Seronera Lodge.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – The nominate race was common in the Ngorongoro-Serengeti region.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus) – One along the cliffs at Baringo.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
FISCHER'S LOVEBIRD (Agapornis fischeri) – Good looks at several small flocks of this beautiful endemic lovebird. [E]
YELLOW-COLLARED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis personatus) – Another gorgeous endemic lovebird; we saw about 140 at Tarangire. [E]
RED-FRONTED PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi) – Heard at Mountain Lodge.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri) – Two at the campsite at Lake Baringo.
RED-BELLIED PARROT (Poicephalus rufiventris) – More commonly know as African Orange-bellied Parrot; we saw a male and 3 females at Tarangire.
Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills)
AFRICAN BROADBILL (Smithornis capensis) – Two heard at Kakamega.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
BROWN-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira cyanea) – Two seen and many heard at Kakamega.
BLACK-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira peltata) – Some of the group saw 1 in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
CHESTNUT WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira castanea) – Good looks at a pair at Kakamega.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – Small numbers were widespread in a variety of woodland.
BLACK-HEADED BATIS (Batis minor) – We saw a single male in the Kerio Valley.
PYGMY BATIS (Batis perkeo) – A pair at Baringo.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus) – We saw a flock of about 12 near Kajiado, and 5 along the cliffs at Baringo.
GRAY-CRESTED HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops poliolophus) – We saw three of this uncommon East African endemic at Nakuru. [E]
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)


Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater is some serious eye candy. (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – Small numbers in a variety of widely scattered mostly acacia country.
NORTHERN PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus gambensis) – We saw a single female in the Kerio Valley.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla) – About 6 in the Gibb's Farm area.
PINK-FOOTED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus angolensis) – We saw a female in the canopy at Kakamega.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – Singles at Gibb's Farm, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA (Tchagra jamesi) – One at Baringo.
LUEHDER'S BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius luehderi) – One seen in the tangled vines at Kakamega, and several others heard.
TROPICAL BOUBOU (Laniarius aethiopicus) – Common in the Crater Highlands of Tanzania, and about a dozen around Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK (Laniarius erythrogaster) – Heard at Lake Victoria, and then about 6 were seen in the Kerio Valley - absolutely striking!
SLATE-COLORED BOUBOU (Laniarius funebris) – Four at Seronera Lodge, 2 at Tarangire, and 4 at Baringo.
GRAY-GREEN BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus bocagei) – Also known as Bocage's Bushshrike; we saw 3 singles at Kakamega.
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus sulfureopectus) – We saw 2 of these beautiful bushshrikes in the Kerio Valley.
BLACK-FRONTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus nigrifrons) – Three in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
GRAY-HEADED BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus blanchoti) – Another gorgeous bushshrike; we saw this one at Baringo.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GRAY CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina caesia) – Two in the forest along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava) – We saw a male at Ngorongoro, and a female at Lake Baringo.
PURPLE-THROATED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga quiscalina) – A male at Kakamega.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
ISABELLINE SHRIKE (Lanius isabellinus) – Two at Ngorongoro, and 4 in the Serengeti.
GRAY-BACKED FISCAL (Lanius excubitorius) – About 40 in the Serengeti.
LONG-TAILED FISCAL (Lanius cabanisi) – Eight in Nairobi NP, and 30 at Tarangire.
TAITA FISCAL (Lanius dorsalis) – One near Oldupai Gorge, and 2 along the road to Serengeti.
MACKINNON'S SHRIKE (Lanius mackinnoni) – Two in the garden of Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis) – Common in the highlands of both Kenya and Tanzania; in all we saw about 60.
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – About 100 in the Serengeti, and 60 at Tarangire.
WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus rueppelli) – More commonly known as Northern White-crowned Shrike; we saw 40 in the Serengeti, and about 20 at Tarangire.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
WESTERN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus brachyrhynchus) – Six at Kakamega.
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – Heard at Kajiado, and then about 8 were seen in the Baringo-Bogoria area.


Common Giraffe (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

BLACK-TAILED ORIOLE (Oriolus percivali) – Heard at Mountain Lodge.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus ludwigii) – About 10 in the interior of Kakamega Forest.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Common and widespread in open country.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – Small numbers at Namanga, Gibb's Farm, and at Kakamega.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis) – One near Eldoret, and 3 near Mt. Kenya.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Common and widespread.
FAN-TAILED RAVEN (Corvus rhipidurus) – Two along the cliffs at Baringo.
WHITE-NECKED RAVEN (Corvus albicollis) – One at Oldupai Gorge.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – Three in Nairobi NP, and then common in the open grasslands of Ngorongoro and the Serengeti (c. 300).
FISCHER'S SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucopareia) – About 20 in the Serengeti.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – We saw small numbers of this attractive lark at Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Three (together with Barn Swallows) in the Serengeti.
BANDED MARTIN (Riparia cincta) – Six in Nairobi NP, and 6 at Ngorongoro.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Common and widespread.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Very common and widespread.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Two in the Serengeti, and 1 at Kakamega.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 40.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – Four in Nairobi, 12 at Serengeti, and 20 at Kakamega.
MOSQUE SWALLOW (Cecropis senegalensis) – Two at Ngorongoro, 2 at Tarangire, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-HEADED SAWWING (Psalidoprocne albiceps) – About 40 at Kakamega.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – Twenty around Gibb's Farm, 4 at Ngorongoro, 6 at Kakamega, and about 12 at Mountain Lodge.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda) – Two at the edge of Kakamega Forest.
WHITE-TAILED BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Elminia albicauda) – Nice looks at this beautiful bird around Gibb's Farm; now in the family Stenostiridae.
Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)
WHITE-BELLIED TIT (Melaniparus albiventris) – One at Kiawara.
DUSKY TIT (Melaniparus funereus) – About 10 at Kakamega.
RED-THROATED TIT (Melaniparus fringillinus) – We saw 3 of these East African endemic tits at Kajiado, and then 1 on the way to Oldupai Gorge. [E]
SOMALI TIT (Melaniparus thruppi) – One along the cliffs at Baringo.
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)


Check out the tail on this Pin-tailed Whydah! (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

MOUSE-COLORED PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus musculus) – Six in the acacias at Baringo.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SLENDER-BILLED GREENBUL (Stelgidillas gracilirostris) – One at Kakamega.
SHELLEY'S GREENBUL (KAKAMEGA) (Arizelocichla masukuensis kakamegae) – Most African authorities now split this as Kakamega Greenbul; we saw 2 creeping along branches nuthatch-like at Kakamega.
EASTERN MOUNTAIN-GREENBUL (MOUNTAIN) (Arizelocichla nigriceps nigriceps) – One in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
JOYFUL GREENBUL (Chlorocichla laetissima) – Several small flocks at Kakamega.
YELLOW-THROATED GREENBUL (Atimastillas flavicollis) – Two in the garden at Rondo Retreat.
ANSORGE'S GREENBUL (Eurillas ansorgei) – Great looks at this uncommon greenbul in the middle-levels at Kakamega.
PLAIN GREENBUL (Eurillas curvirostris) – Two feeding in a fruiting shrub at Kakamega.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL (Eurillas latirostris) – Many heard and a few seen at Kakamega.
LITTLE GREENBUL (Eurillas virens) – One at Kakamega.
NORTHERN BROWNBUL (Phyllastrephus strepitans) – One in the Kerio Valley.
GRAY-OLIVE GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cerviniventris) – Four in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
TORO OLIVE-GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus hypochloris) – Good looks at one in the tangled vines at Kakamega.
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) – We saw about 10 at Kakamega.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Very common and widespread.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
RED-FACED CROMBEC (Sylvietta whytii) – One on the way to Oldupai, 2 at Nakuru, and 1 in the Kerio Valley.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
UGANDA WOOD-WARBLER (Phylloscopus budongoensis) – Nice looks at Kakamega.
BROWN WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) – Heard in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Small numbers between the Crater Highlands and Serengeti.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER (Iduna pallida) – Singles south of Nairobi, and at Tarangire.
UPCHER'S WARBLER (Hippolais languida) – One along the cliffs at Baringo.
AFRICAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – One in a marsh near Eldoret.
LESSER SWAMP-WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) – Nice looks at 2 in a marsh near Eldoret.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
BLACK-COLLARED APALIS (Apalis pulchra) – We saw 4 of these attractive birds in the Kakamega undergrowth.
BAR-THROATED APALIS (BAR-THROATED) (Apalis thoracica griseiceps) – One along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – One near Oldupai, and 2 at Nakuru.


Leopards are famous for their affinity for trees, but apparently this Lioness has an arboreal streak in her as well. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida viridiceps) – Heard at Baringo.
BUFF-THROATED APALIS (Apalis rufogularis) – We saw a pair in the canopy at Kakamega.
CHESTNUT-THROATED APALIS (Apalis porphyrolaema) – Good looks at a responsive bird at Thomson's Falls.
GRAY APALIS (Apalis cinerea) – About 6 at Mountain Lodge.
BROWN-HEADED APALIS (Apalis alticola) – Four in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – This gray-backed form was common and widespread.
OLIVE-GREEN CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera chloronota) – One seen (and several heard) at Kakamega.
RED-FRONTED WARBLER (Urorhipis rufifrons) – Four in the low acacia bush at Baringo.
GRAY WREN-WARBLER (Calamonastes simplex) – Heard in the low acacia country to the east of Karatu, and then seen near the cliffs at Baringo.
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA (Schistolais leucopogon) – Six in the undergrowth along the road at Kakamega.
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (Cisticola erythrops) – One at Gibb's Farm, and 1 to the east of Eldoret.
SINGING CISTICOLA (Cisticola cantans) – Heard at Limuru.
CHUBB'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola chubbi) – Four along the road through Kakamega Forest.
HUNTER'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola hunteri) – One in the undergrowth along the rim at Ngorongoro Crater, and 6 at Mountain Lodge. [E]
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Common and widespread.
WINDING CISTICOLA (Cisticola galactotes) – Two in Nairobi NP, and 2 in the Serengeti.
TINKLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens) – More commonly nown as Levaillant's Cisticola; we had nice views of this attractive species in the marsh near Eldoret.
STOUT CISTICOLA (Cisticola robustus) – One in Nairobi NP.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis) – One in the Serengeti.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis) – Two birds were seen displaying in the Serengeti.
PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA (Cisticola brunnescens) – Several in Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
GRAY-CAPPED WARBLER (Eminia lepida) – Good looks at 2 above Gibb's Farm, and 1 at Ngorongoro.
BLACK-FACED RUFOUS-WARBLER (Bathmocercus rufus) – Difficult this tour, but we eventually all got good looks at a pair in the Kakamega undergrowth.
BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER (Phyllolais pulchella) – Two in the Serengeti.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava) – Four at Tarangire.
BANDED PRINIA (BLACK-FACED) (Prinia bairdii melanops) – A few of the group saw 1 at Kakamega.
TURNER'S EREMOMELA (Eremomela turneri) – Good looks at 4 of these uncommon and very localized birds in the canopy at Kakamega.
Sylvidae (Sylvids)
BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) – Two at Kakamega.
GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia borin) – Singles at Nairobi, Gibb's Farm, and at Kakamega.
BANDED WARBLER (Sylvia boehmi) – Heard at Kajiado.
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)


Hildebrandt's Starling is an endemic. (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Six along the edge of Kakamega Forest.
BROAD-RINGED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops poliogastrus) – Also known as Montane White-eye; we saw 4 at Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-BREASTED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops abyssinicus) – More commonly known as Abyssinian White-eye; we saw 6 in the dry river bed on the way to Oldupai Gorge.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS CHATTERER (Turdoides rubiginosa) – One at Ngorongoro, and about 16 at Baringo.
BLACK-LORED BABBLER (Turdoides sharpei) – About a dozen at Naabi Hill in the Serengeti.
NORTHERN PIED-BABBLER (Turdoides hypoleuca) – Six in Nairobi NP, and 8 at Tarangire. [E]
BROWN BABBLER (Turdoides plebejus) – Eight in the campsite at Lake Baringo.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – Two at Gibb's Farm, and 10 at Tarangire.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
SILVERBIRD (Empidornis semipartitus) – We saw about 8 of these attractive flycatchers in the Serengeti, and then another 2 at Tarangire.
GRAYISH FLYCATCHER (Bradornis microrhynchus) – More commonly known as African Gray Flycatcher; they were common in acacia bush country throughout the tour.
WHITE-EYED SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis fischeri) – Ten around Gibb's Farm, 1 at Ngorongoro, 4 at Nakuru, and about 20 at Mountain Lodge.
NORTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis edolioides) – One at Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) – One near Karatu, and 4 at Ngorongoro.
SWAMP FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa aquatica) – Two in the papyrus at Lake Victoria.
CHAPIN'S FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa lendu) – Good looks at this very rare bird at Kakamega.
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta) – More commonly known as African Dusky Flycatcher; we saw singles at Gibb's Farm, Ngorongoro, Kakamega, and Mountain Lodge.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Myioparus plumbeus) – One in the Baringo area.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Singles in the Ngorongoro area, Kerio Valley, and at Baringo.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra) – Three along the top of Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 around Mountain Lodge.
BLUE-SHOULDERED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha cyanocampter) – One of the group saw 1 (and we all heard it) at Kakamega - a real skulker.
GRAY-WINGED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha polioptera) – Another shy robin-chat; some of the group saw this species at the Rondo Retreat.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – Four around Gibb's Farm, and 6 at Nakuru.
SNOWY-CROWNED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha niveicapilla) – One at Kakamega.
SPOTTED MORNING-THRUSH (Cichladusa guttata) – Two east of Karatu, 2 at Tarangire, and about 10 at Lake Baringo.
BROWN-CHESTED ALETHE (Pseudalethe poliocephala) – Four singles (feeding quietly along the trails) at Kakamega.
LITTLE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rufocinereus) – One at Nakuru.
RUFOUS-TAILED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola saxatilis) – Singles at Kajiado, near Gibb's Farm, and in the Serengeti.
WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) – One at Nairobi NP.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – Four along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
NORTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla aethiops) – About a dozen at Ngorongoro, and 20 at Nakuru.
MOCKING CLIFF-CHAT (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – We saw pairs at Lake Nakuru Lodge and at Baringo.


A Cheetah puncuates this classic African landscape, complete with an acacia tree. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

BROWN-TAILED CHAT (Cercomela scotocerca) – Three along the cliffs at Baringo.
NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe) – Two at Ngorongoro, 12 in the Serengeti, and 2 at Baringo.
MOURNING WHEATEAR (SCHALOW'S) (Oenanthe lugens schalowi) – Three as we descended into Ngorongoro Crater.
PIED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pleschanka) – One at Ngorongoro, and 1 in the Serengeti.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – About 40 at Ngorongoro, and 100+ in the Serengeti.
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR (Oenanthe isabellina) – Singles in the Crater Highlands, 6 in the Serengeti, and 1 at Baringo.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ABYSSINIAN THRUSH (Turdus abyssinicus abyssinicus) – Two at Gibb's Farm, 1 at Ngorongoro, and 8 at Mountain Lodge.
AFRICAN THRUSH (Turdus pelios) – Two at Rondo Retreat.
AFRICAN BARE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus tephronotus) – One near Kajiado.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – About 60 in the Serengeti, included some males in full breeding plumage; we also had about 30 at Tarangire.
GREATER BLUE-EARED GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – Small numbers at Nairobi, Tarangire, and Nakuru.
RUEPPELL'S GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis purpuroptera) – About 40 in the Serengeti, and another 40 at Baringo.
SUPERB STARLING (Lamprotornis superbus) – Very common and widespread.
HILDEBRANDT'S STARLING (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) – First seen near Kajiado, and then commonly at Ngorongoro and in the Serengeti. [E]
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – About 8 at Kakamega.
FISCHER'S STARLING (Spreo fischeri) – One at Kajiado.
ASHY STARLING (Spreo unicolor) – This Tanzanian endemic was common at Tarangire where we saw about 150. [E]
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio) – Fairly common around Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire; in all we saw about 40.
WALLER'S STARLING (Onychognathus walleri) – Two in the forest along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
STUHLMANN'S STARLING (Poeoptera stuhlmanni) – Six at Kakamega.
MAGPIE STARLING (Speculipastor bicolor) – We saw a single female along the cliffs at Baringo.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – Widespread in areas with big game; in all we saw about 100.
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – Most common in the Serengeti (60), but we also saw them at Ngorongoro (6), and at Tarangire (20).
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
KENYA VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes orientalis) – We saw a female on the way to Oldupai Gorge, and then 4 (including 2 males) at Baringo.
GREEN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes rectirostris) – We saw a pair at Kakamega.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris) – Small numbers at Gibb's Farm, Kakamega, and Mountain Lodge.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra verticalis) – Three at Kakamega.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra amethystina) – Nice looks at a male at the Blue Posts Hotel, Thika.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – Widespread in small numbers.
HUNTER'S SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra hunteri) – Good looks at a male along the bottom of the cliffs at Baringo.
TACAZZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia tacazze) – We saw a female along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.


Mount Kenya looms in the background at dawn. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

BRONZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia kilimensis) – Common in the highlands; in all we saw about 40.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris reichenowi) – Eight at Kakamega.
EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mediocris) – Two in front of our lodge at Ngorongoro Crater, and about 10 at Mountain Lodge. [E]
BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD (Cinnyris pulchellus) – This absolutely beautiful and gorgeous sunbird was widespread in dry acacia country; in all we saw about 40.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – Small numbers at Kajiado, Ngorongoro, in the Serengeti, and the Kerio Valley.
RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris erythrocercus) – One in flight along the shores of Lake Victoria.
PURPLE-BANDED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris bifasciatus) – One in the dry country near Kajiado was slightly out of range.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris venustus) – Common and widespread.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava) – About 50 in Ngorongoro Crater, 10 in the Serengeti, 10 at Nakuru, and 1 at Baringo.
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – Two at the waterhole in front of Mountain Lodge.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Motacilla clara) – One along a stream at Kakamega.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Common and widespread.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – Small numbers at Ngorongoro, and in the Serengeti.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys) – Small numbers at Ngorongoro, and in the Serengeti.
RED-THROATED PIPIT (Anthus cervinus) – Three in a marshy area at Lake Nakuru.
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – Eight in the Serengeti.
PANGANI LONGCLAW (Macronyx aurantiigula) – Farther east than what is normally expected; we had great views of 1 near Seronera Lodge.
ROSY-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx ameliae) – We saw this gorgeous bird in the damp grasslands of Serengeti.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CINNAMON-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza tahapisi) – One in the dry river bed on the way to Oldupai Gorge.
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – Singles at Kajiado and Ngorongoro.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY (Serinus flavivertex) – Four at Mountain Lodge.
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Serinus mozambicus) – One near the edge of Kakamega Forest.
AFRICAN CITRIL (Serinus citrinelloides kikuyensis) – One at Limuru.
SOUTHERN CITRIL (Serinus hypostictus) – Two in the Ngorongoro highlands.
REICHENOW'S SEEDEATER (Serinus reichenowi) – Six at Nairobi, and 6 at Nakuru.
WHITE-BELLIED CANARY (Serinus dorsostriatus) – Eight in the river bed on the way to Oldupai Gorge, and 6 at Naabi Hill.
SOUTHERN GROSBEAK-CANARY (Serinus buchanani) – We saw this rather uncommon canary near Kajiado.
STREAKY SEEDEATER (Serinus striolatus) – Common and widespread in the highlands.
THICK-BILLED SEEDEATER (Serinus burtoni) – One at the A&K workshop above Ngorongoro Crater.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)


Fischer's Lovebirds are another endemic we encountered. (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Small numbers were widespread in a variety of small towns and villages.
KENYA RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer rufocinctus) – Common around Nairobi, and in the Crater Highlands.
NORTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus) – Six near Gibb's Farm.
PARROT-BILLED SPARROW (Passer gongonensis) – Six at Baringo.
SWAHILI SPARROW (Passer suahelicus) – About 40 in the Serengeti, and 20 at Tarangire.
CHESTNUT SPARROW (Passer eminibey) – Six to the east of Karatu, 30 in the Serengeti, and 2 near Bogoria.
YELLOW-SPOTTED PETRONIA (Petronia pyrgita) – Two at Kajiado, 4 at Ngorongoro, and 1 at Baringo.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
WHITE-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis albirostris) – Two at Bogoria.
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – About 30 in the Serengeti, and 60 at Tarangire.
WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Dinemellia dinemelli) – Small numbers in dry country with acacia trees; in all we saw about 60.
SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER (Sporopipes frontalis) – Six at Ngorongoro, and 20 in the Serengeti.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Twenty at Nairobi, 30 at Baringo, and about 10 at Thika.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser superciliosus) – We saw 2 of these localised sparrow-weavers in the Kerio Valley.
RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER (Histurgops ruficauda) – Common at Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire; in all we saw about 180. [E]
GRAY-HEADED SOCIAL-WEAVER (Pseudonigrita arnaudi) – About 40 in the Seronera area of the Serengeti.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – Two near Gibb's Farm, and 3 in the Kerio Valley.
BAGLAFECHT WEAVER (Ploceus baglafecht) – Common and widespread throughout the highlands.
LITTLE WEAVER (Ploceus luteolus) – One in the Serengeti.
BLACK-NECKED WEAVER (Ploceus nigricollis) – Four near Gibb's Farm.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – Two at Gibb's Farm.
NORTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER (Ploceus castanops) – One along the shore at Lake Victoria.
NORTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus taeniopterus) – We saw 3 males in full breeding plumage at Lake Baringo.
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – Small numbers at Kajiado, in the Serengeti, and at Baringo.
VITELLINE MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus vitellinus) – Small numbers were widespread in dry acacia country.
SPEKE'S WEAVER (Ploceus spekei) – Fairly common at Nairobi, Ngorongoro, and Nakuru.
VIEILLOT'S WEAVER (Ploceus nigerrimus) – About 10 at Rondo Retreat.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – About 40 at the Kerio Valley and Baringo.
BLACK-HEADED WEAVER (Ploceus melanocephalus) – Six along the shore at Lake Victoria.
GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER (Ploceus jacksoni) – About a dozen of these gorgeous weavers at the Kerio Valley and Baringo.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor) – Five in Kakamega Forest.
BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER (Ploceus insignis) – Six at Kakamega Forest - creeps along branches nuthatch-like.


Ratel or Honey Badger (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – One in the Kerio Valley.
BLACK-WINGED BISHOP (Euplectes hordeaceus) – Four in the Kerio Valley.
YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP (Euplectes afer) – About 40 (many in breeding plumage) in the canopy of a tall acacia at Tarangire.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis) – Nice males at Limuru, and Ngorongoro.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – Three in Nairobi NP.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens) – Several in breeding plumage along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – About 20 at the marsh in Ngorongoro Crater.
LONG-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes progne) – Two near Gibb's Farm.
JACKSON'S WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes jacksoni) – Four (including 2 males in breeding plumage) along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. [E]
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – Two males were nest building in the pond at Gibb's Farm.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED NIGRITA (Nigrita canicapillus) – More commonly known as Gray-headed Negrofinch; we saw an adult and 2 juveniles at Ngorongoro, and another adult at Kakamega.
WHITE-BREASTED NIGRITA (Nigrita fusconotus) – More commonly known as White-breasted Negrofinch; we saw 2 in the canopy at Kakamega.
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – One at Limuru.
RED-RUMPED WAXBILL (Estrilda charmosyna) – More commonly known as Black-cheeked Waxbill; we saw 3 at Baringo.
RED-HEADED BLUEBILL (Spermophaga ruficapilla) – We saw a pair of the very attractive waxbills on the road at Kakamega.
RED-CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus bengalus) – Widespread in small numbers.
BLUE-CAPPED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) – We saw these gorgeous little waxbills at the bottom of the Ngorongoro highlands, and at Tarangire.
PURPLE GRENADIER (Granatina ianthinogaster) – Another gorgeous waxbill; we saw these near Gibb's Farm, and in the Serengeti.
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – A beautiful male at the gate to Tarangire NP.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – Small numbers at Nairobi, the Gibb's Farm area, and at Baringo.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullatus) – Six near Nairobi.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – We saw a total of about a dozen at Nairobi, Ngorongoro, and in the Serengeti.
EASTERN PARADISE-WHYDAH (Vidua paradisaea) – We saw a single male at Tarangire.

MAMMALS
BROWN GREATER GALAGO (Otolemur crassicaudatus) – One at Gibb's Farm.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – About 80 at Kakamega.
SYKES MONKEY (Cercopithecus albogularis) – Sixty at Mountain Lodge, and about 20 at the Blue Posts Hotel, Thika.
BLACK-CHEEKED WHITE-NOSED MONKEY (Cercopithecus ascanius) – More commonly known as Copper-tailed Monkey; we saw about 10 at Kakamega.


One of the cultural highlights of the tour was a visit to a Masai community. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)

BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Common and widespread; in all we saw about 250.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis) – Common and widespread, with a total of about 700.
MANTLED GUEREZA (Colobus guereza) – These attractive monkeys were at Kakamega (50) and Mountain Lodge (20).
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – Two singles at Baringo.
UNSTRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus rutilus) – One at Tarangire, and 3 in the Baringo- Bogoria area.
OCHRE BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus ochraceus) – Small numbers were widespread in a variety of open woodland and forest.
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus rufobrachium) – About 6 at Kakamega.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas) – About a dozen at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and 2 at Nakuru.
COMMON JACKAL (Canis aureus) – Eight in and around Ngorongoro Crater.
BAT-EARED FOX (Otocyon megalotis) – Two in the Ngorongoro highlands, and 1 in the Serengeti.
RATEL (HONEY BADGER) (Mellivora capensis) – Fantastic looks at this rarely seen and usually nocturnal mammal right next to our vehicle in Ngorongoro Crater.
COMMON (SMALL-SPOTTED) GENET (Genetta genetta) – One at Lake Baringo.
LARGE-SPOTTED GENET (Genetta tigrina) – Two came to the feeding platform at Mountain Lodge.
EGYPTIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes ichneumon) – Normally solitary, so we were surprised to see 5 together in the Serengeti.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus) – Small numbers in southern Kenya and the highlands of Tanzania.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – Twenty in the Serengeti, and 30 at Tarangire.
EASTERN DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale hirtula) – Six in the Serengeti, and 20 at Tarangire.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – Many great and close encounters, with about 40 at Ngorongoro, 30 in the Serengeti, 2 at Nakuru, and 8 (interacting with elephants) at Mountain Lodge.
CARACAL (Felis caracal) – Great looks at this rarely seen cat in the Serengeti.
SERVAL (Felis serval) – Another shy and uncommon cat that we saw well; this one was near Naabi Hill, Serengeti.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – A mother and large youngster were seen on two different occasions near Seronera in the Serengeti, and we then saw another 1 in Tarangire.
LION (Panthera leo) – Good looks at males, females, and young ones at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus) – We watched 1 hunting a Grant's Gazelle in the Serengeti.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Many fine experiences at Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, Tarangire, and at Mountain Lodge; in all we saw about 500.
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis) – Six at Seronera, and about 20 along the cliffs at Baringo.
BUSH (YELLOW-SPOTTED) HYRAX (Heterohyrax brucei) – Very common at Seronera, Tarangire, and Baringo.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – Widespread, but a couple of thousand in Ngorongoro Crater and 'many thousands' in the Serengeti were by far the most impressive.


Black Rhinoceros is a critically endangered species due to poaching. (Photo by participant Fred Dalbey)

BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis) – Great trip for this seriously endangered large mammal. First we saw 2 males having a 'set to' in Nairobi NP, then we saw a third one there, and finally a more distant one in Ngorongoro Crater.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum) – We saw 4 of these introduced White Rhino at Nakuru.
BUSH-PIG (Potamochoerus larvatus) – We were all surprised by a huge black morph male at the A&K workshop above Ngorongoro Crater.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Common and widespread.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – Widespread in a variety of pools and lakes throughout the tour; in all we saw a total of about 120.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – Great close looks at Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire; we saw a total of about 120.
ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (Giraffa rothschildi) – Eight at Nakuru.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – About 50 at Mountain Lodge, and 1 at Nairobi NP.
COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx) – We saw these attractive antelopes at Nairobi, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Nakuru.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – Common and widespread, with a total of about 2200.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – Twenty at Tarangire.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa) – About 150 at Nakuru, and 1 at Mountain Lodge.
BOHOR REEDBUCK (Redunca redunca) – We saw a single male at Tarangire.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – About 80 in the Serengeti.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – Also known as Coke's Hartebeest; we saw 60 at Nairobi NP, 10 at Ngorongoro, and 50+ in the Serengeti.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – About 3000 in Ngorongoro Crater and then the magnificent sight of many hundreds of thousands scattered across the Serengeti plains.
KIRK'S DIK-DIK (Modoqua kirki) – One at Ngorongoro and about 15 at Tarangire.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – Common and widespread.
THOMSON'S GAZELLE (Gazella thomsoni) – Several thousand in the Serengeti, plus much smaller numbers at Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro, and Nakuru.
GRANT'S GAZELLE (Gazella granti) – Common and widespread in open dry country; in all we saw about 600.


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Reptiles seen on the tour included the following:

Nile Crocodile -- singles at Nairobi NP, in the Serengeti, and at Lake Baringo.

Leopard Tortoise -- two in the low country below Gibb's Farm.

Flap-necked Chameleon -- one near Ngorongoro.

Black Mamba -- sadly, a small one was being 'disposed of' by the Masai people at Oldupai Gorge.

Tropical House Gecko -- the common gecko around buildings.

Red-headed Rock Agama -- these gorgeous orange and blue lizards were seen at Oldupai Gorge, Tarangire, and Baringo.

Mwanza Flat-headed Agama -- these pink and purple agamas were fairly common in rocky parts of the Serengeti.


Totals for the tour: 498 bird taxa and 51 mammal taxa