A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Wild Kenya: A Tented Camp Safari II 2022
August 28-September 12, 2022 with Terry Stevenson guiding
This was our third Wild Kenya: A Tented Camp Safari in 2022 and what a trip it turned out to be, not just with so many birds and mammals, but a great group of people too!
As usual we started with a day trip to Nairobi National Park, where just a few of the birding highlights were Common Ostrich (the world's largest bird), our first Helmeted Guineafowl, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Black Crake, four species of lapwings (including the uncommon Long-toed), African Jacana, African Darter on nests, African Spoonbill, a close perched adult Martial Eagle, Speckled Mousebird, Little Bee-eater, Spot-flanked Barbet, Chinspot Batis, endemic Red-throated Tit and Northern Pied-Babbler, Red-billed Oxpecker, and Purple Grenadier. The grounds of our hotel at the Karen Country Club also gave us some great birding, with Lemon Dove, Hartlaub's Turaco, African Paradise-Flycatcher and White-starred Robin all just around the rooms. We also saw a dozen species of mammals during our first day in the reserve, varying from massive White Rhino, Hippo, and African Buffalo to tall graceful Common Giraffes, and playful Olive Baboons and Sykes Monkeys.
The following day found us driving north across the central highlands for a one night stay at The Ark. Set in the Aberdare Mountains and over-looking a natural waterhole and mineral lick, we had time to enjoy a variety of mammals as they passed through; Large-spotted Genet, Spotted Hyaena, African Bush Elephant, Warthog and Giant Forest Hog were some of the most memorable, while birding highlights included displaying Gray Crowned-Cranes, Crowned Hornbill, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Tropical Boubou, the gorgeous Doherty's Bushshrike, duetting Hunter's Cisticolas, and many male Golden-winged and Eastern Double-collared sunbirds.
From here, we then continued north, passing Mt. Kenya and dropping to the low arid country at Samburu. We had three nights in this wonderful area, plenty time to enjoy the four 'specials' – Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx and Gerenuk. We also searched out a large male Lion, saw a Cheetah with her 3 young, had some nice encounters with Elephant, and never tired of the cute tiny Dikdiks. As always there was a wide variety of birds including Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Black-faced Sandgrouse, White-bellied and Buff-crested bustards, Water Thick-knee, Somali Courser, Goliath Heron, Lappet-faced, Hooded, White-backed and Rueppell's vultures, African Hawk-Eagle, Pearl-spotted Owlet, White-headed Mousebird, Violet Woodhoopoe, Eastern Yellow-billed, Von der Decken's and Northern Red-billed hornbills, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, Nubian Woodpecker, Pygmy Falcon, Red-bellied Parrot, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, White Helmetshrike, Somali Tit, Mouse-colored Penduline-Tit, Northern Crombec, Superb, Fischer's and Bristle-crowned Starling, Hunter's Sunbird, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Donaldson's-Smith's Sparrow-Weaver, Black-capped Social-Weaver, and Golden Palm Weaver to mention but a few.
We then back-tracked to Mt. Kenya and on to the Great Rift Valley, breaking the journey with a one night stay at Naro Moru River Lodge. Additions along this route were fantastic close looks at about 30 feeding Red-fronted Parrots, African Black-headed Oriole, Red-faced Crombec, White-browed Robin-Chat, and Collared, Amethyst, Tacazze, Northern Double-collared and Variable sunbirds. And, thanks to our local guide Paul, good scope views of a Cape Eagle-Owl in a roadside quarry.
Our next stay was two nights at the very comfortable Serena Camp at Lake Elementaita. Here in a reserve almost exclusive to ourselves, we drove along the lakeshore and through the Acacia woodlands, adding Cape Teal, Greater and Lesser flamingos, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Lapwing, Kittlitz's Plover, Ruff, Little Stint, Gray-hooded Gull, Whiskered, White-winged and Gull-billed terns, Great White Pelican, Southern Ground-hornbill, White-fronted Bee-eater, Greater Honeyguide, Bearded and Mountain Gray woodpeckers, Meyer's Parrot, Black Cuckooshrike, Northern Puffback, Gray-headed Bushshrike, Gray-backed Fiscal, Black-lored Babbler, Abyssinian Wheatear, and Red-cheeked Cordonbleu. As this is a private concession, we were allowed to make a night drive, so one evening after early dinner we plugged in our spot-light and enjoyed Abyssinian Nightjar and Springhare.
We then took the short journey back to Nairobi, stopping along the way for a one hour boat ride at Lake Naivasha – just fantastic! Many of the species were not new, but the close up views were well worth the trip, with simply great views of Red-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Red-knobbed Coot, 3 species of lapwings, African Jacana, Marabou and Yellow-billed storks, Great White and Pink-backed pelicans, Hamerkop, 10 species of herons, egrets and ibis, and Giant Kingfisher.
After a night in Nairobi, we then took a one hour flight to Masai Mara where we spent three nights at a well known classic – Little Governor's Camp. During our time here we made daily drives across the plains, through the acacia stands, and along the riverine forest. Of course, for most visitors the mammals are a major reason for a visit here, and we certainly enjoyed watching and photographing the impressive herds of Burchell's Zebra, African Buffalo, Defassa Waterbuck Topi, Hartebeest, Impala, and Grant's and Thomson's gazelles, but surely, most amazing of all, were the hundreds of thousands of Blue Wildebeest scattered across the rolling plains. Other highlights we enjoyed were Spotted Hyaenas with babies, a big-maned Lion with his pride of 22, numerous Elephants (including some right in our camp), as well as smaller creatures like Banded and Eastern Dwarf mongoose. Observing the bird life was of course high on our list, and we all enjoyed Coqui and Red-necked francolins, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, African Green-Pigeon, Schalow's and Ross's turacos, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Klaas's Cuckoo, Temminck's Courser, Saddle-billed Stork, Rufous-bellied Heron, Secretarybird, mixed species of vultures on kills, Brown Snake-Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted Roller, Double-toothed Barbet, Gray Kestrel, African Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Silverbird, Violet-backed Starling, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Swahili Sparrow, and Rosy-breasted Longclaw.
Our next Wild Kenya: A Tented Camp Safari runs July 29 to August 13, 2023.
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
Struthionidae (Ostriches)
COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus)
About 40 at Nairobi NP, and 17 at Masai Mara.
SOMALI OSTRICH (Struthio molybdophanes)
Eight at Samburu, included some nice looking blue-necked males.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
Twenty-eight flew around the marsh in front of Little Governor's Camp.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
Common at wetlands throughout the tour; in all we saw about 450.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis)
Three at Masai Mara.
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata)
About 25 at Sagana Fish Ponds, 6 at The Ark, 1 at Kiawara, and 8 at Lake Naivasha.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis)
Six at Lake Elementaita.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Six at Nairobi NP.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris)
Very common in open bush country and the aridlands at Samburu; in total we saw about 600.
VULTURINE GUINEAFOWL (Acryllium vulturinum)
Great looks at Samburu, which included a single flock of about 400.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
COQUI FRANCOLIN (Campocolinus coqui)
We saw a male and 2 females at Masai Mara.
SCALY FRANCOLIN (Pternistis squamatus)
About 10 were seen along the road to The Ark.
YELLOW-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis leucoscepus)
Six at Nairobi NP, and 30+ at Samburu.
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis afer)
Five at Masai Mara.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)
We had great close views at about 1000 while driving along the shore at Elementaita.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor)
About 3000 were with the Greater Flamingo flocks at Elementaita.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
One at Kiawara, 6 at Elementaita, and 2 at Naivasha.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea)
About a dozen at Samburu, and 4 at Elementaita.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix)
Nice looks at 3 at Masai Mara.
LEMON DOVE (Columba larvata)
One at The Residences, Nairobi.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata)
Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 80.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola)
Common and widespread in open country throughout the tour.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis)
Fourteen at Samburu, and 20+ at Elementaita.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos)
We saw these attractive little doves at Samburu (6), and Elementaita (1).
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis)
One female at Samburu.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus)
Six at Masai Mara.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles gutturalis)
We saw 4 of these well camouflaged birds at Masai Mara.
BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles decoratus)
About 150 at Samburu.
Otididae (Bustards)
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (Eupodotis senegalensis)
Three at Samburu, and 1 in flight at Masai Mara.
BUFF-CRESTED BUSTARD (Eupodotis gindiana)
We saw a single male and then a female at Samburu.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
SCHALOW'S TURACO (Tauraco schalowi)
One at Little Governor's and then 2 at Governor's main camp in Masai Mara.
HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi)
One in the high canopy at the Residences, and fantastic close looks at 1 on the bird-feeder at The Ark.
ROSS'S TURACO (Musophaga rossae)
We saw a total of 4 or 5 at the Governor's camp in Masai Mara.
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides personatus)
One on top of the Oloololo Escarpment.
WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides leucogaster)
Two at Nairobi NP, and about 30 at Samburu-Shaba.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus)
Two at Samburu, 1 at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas)
Heard at Elementaita, and then seen nicely at Masai Mara.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius)
Heard at Elementaita.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
ABYSSINIAN NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus poliocephalus)
One early on our night drive at Elementaita.
Apodidae (Swifts)
MOTTLED SWIFT (Apus aequatorialis)
One at Shaba for some of the group, and then about 40 at Masai Mara for everyone.
NYANZA SWIFT (Apus niansae)
About 20 at Masai Mara.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis)
Fifteen at The Residences, 30+ at Samburu, and 40+ at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus)
Six at Nairobi NP, 40+ at Samburu, and 6 at Elementaita.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)
Eight at Nairobi NP, 4 at The Ark, 4 at Naivasha, and 2 at Masai Mara.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata)
One at The Ark, and about 200 at Naivasha.
AFRICAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio madagascariensis)
Two in the marshes by the waterhole at The Ark.
BLACK CRAKE (Zapornia flavirostra)
Fairly common at well vegetated waterholes throughout the tour; in all we saw about 35.
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum)
Two at The Ark, 1 at Elementaita, and 2 at Masai mara.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus)
Three at Samburu.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
Ten at Nairobi NP, and 30+ at Elementaita.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Nine at Elementaita.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
LONG-TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris)
Four at Nairobi NP, and 4 at Naivasha.
BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus)
A dozen at Nairobi NP, 4 at The Ark, and about 20 at Elementaita.
SPUR-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus)
Eight at Nairobi NP, 20+ at Samburu-Shaba, 2 at Naivasha, and about 30 at Masai Mara.
BLACK-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus melanopterus)
Two at Elementaita, and 12 at Masai Mara.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus)
This grasslands species was seen in small numbers at Nairobi, Samburu, Elementaita, and Masai Mara.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus)
Nine at Masai Mara.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius)
About 6 along the shore at Elementaita.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris)
At least 10 were at a dam in Nairobi NP, and then 2 at Masai Mara.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)
Three at Nairobi NP, 2 at Sagana Fish Ponds, 10 at Naivasha, and 15 at Masai Mara.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUFF (Calidris pugnax)
About 10 at Elementaita.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta)
Eight at Elementaita.
AFRICAN SNIPE (Gallinago nigripennis)
One at The Ark.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)
Two at Nairobi NP, and 3 singles at Samburu.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus)
Two at Nairobi NP, and 1 at Masai Mara.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Samburu, and 5 at Masai Mara.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
SOMALI COURSER (Cursorius somalensis)
On our way to the camp at Samburu we saw a distant bird, and then good looks at another 4 there.
TEMMINCK'S COURSER (Cursorius temminckii)
Two in the short overgrazed grassland at Masai Mara.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)
About 50 at Elementaita, and a dozen at Naivasha.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)
Twelve at Elementaita.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus)
One in non-breeding plumage at Elementaita.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)
Four, including 1 in breeding plumage at Elementaita.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus)
Six at Sagana Fish Ponds, and at least 30 in the Musiara Marsh at Masai Mara.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (AFRICAN) (Ciconia episcopus microscelis)
A total of 22 were seen in the marshy grasslands at Masai Mara.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
We saw 4 of these striking huge storks at Masai Mara.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
About 30 in the Nairobi area, 1 at Samburu, 40+ at Naivasha, and a dozen at Masai Mara.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis)
Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 50.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa)
Fourteen at Nairobi NP included some birds sitting on nests – a great sighting as this species is now rather uncommon in Kenya.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Sagana Fish Ponds, and about 10 at Naivasha.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Twenty-five at Elementaita, and 120+ at Naivasha.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
About 300 at Elementaita, and 50 at Naivasha.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens)
One in flight at Naivasha.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta)
One at Sagana Fish Ponds, 2 at Elementaita, 10 at Naivasha, and 40+ at Masai Mara.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)
Widespread in small numbers at a variety of scattered wetlands.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala)
At least 70 were seen at Masai Mara.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath)
Great looks at 1 at Samburu and 3 at Masai Mara – the world's largest heron!
GREAT EGRET (AFRICAN) (Ardea alba melanorhynchos)
Common and widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 55.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Ardea intermedia)
One at Naivasha, and 8 at Masai Mara.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
One at Elementaita, and 3 at Naivasha.
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
Common and widespread throughout the tour.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)
One at Samburu, and 3 at Naivasha.
RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON (Ardeola rufiventris)
Great looks at 3 of these very localized birds in the Masai Mara marshes.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
One at Samburu, 2 at Kiawara, and 2 at Masai Mara.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
About a dozen (mostly adults) at Kiawara.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
Two at Naivasha.
AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
One at Nairobi NP, 4 at Sagana, about 20 at Naivasha, and 120+ at Masai Mara.
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash)
Common and widespread throughout the tour; in all we saw about 90.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba)
Eight at Samburu, 1 at Sagana Fish Ponds, 1 at Samburu, and 8 at Naivasha,
Sagittariidae (Secretarybird)
SECRETARYBIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius)
One at Solio, 2 singles at Elementaita, and 3 at Masai Mara.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-WINGED KITE (Elanus caeruleus)
One at Elementaita, and 8 at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus)
Nice looks at a flying adult on the way to The Ark.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos)
Two at Samburu, and 12 at Masai Mara.
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus)
Quite rare in Kenya these days, so we were lucky to see at least 14 in the Samburu-Shaba area.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)
Ten at Nairobi NP, 2 at Samburu, about 20 feeding on a dead zebra at Elementaita, and 70 at Masai Mara.
RUEPPELL'S GRIFFON (Gyps rueppelli)
About a dozen at Samburu, 30 feeding on the dead zebra at Elementaita, and 50+ at Masai Mara.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus)
Five at Samburu, and about a dozen at Masai Mara.
BLACK-CHESTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis)
Good looks at an adult at Elementaita, and 6 at Masai Mara.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus)
Three at Masai Mara.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus)
We saw an adult at Nairobi NP, and then an immature and an adult at Samburu.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis)
At least 11 at Masai Mara.
WAHLBERG'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus wahlbergi)
Singles in flight at Samburu and Masai Mara.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax)
About 7 at Samburu included a variety of different color morphs, and we then had 3 at Elementaita, and 8 at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE (Aquila spilogaster)
Great close looks at a perched pair at Samburu.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates)
We saw a single immature bird at Masai Mara.
EASTERN CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax poliopterus)
One at Shaba.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Shaba.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)
About 60 in the Nairobi to Aberdare Mountains area.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Sagana Fish Ponds, 4 at Elementaita, 7 at Naivasha, and 9 at Masai Mara.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur)
One at Nairobi NP, 4 at Elementaita, 1 at Naivasha, and at least a dozen at Masai Mara.
Strigidae (Owls)
CAPE EAGLE-OWL (NORTHERN) (Bubo capensis mackinderi)
Thanks to our local guide Paul, we had good scope views of one at a quarry near Kiawara.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus)
Some of our group saw 1 while walking back to the tents at Little Governor's Camp.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum)
Singles at Shaba and Samburu.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus)
Common and widespread with a total of about 270.
WHITE-HEADED MOUSEBIRD (Colius leucocephalus)
We saw 7 of these localized birds at Samburu.
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius macrourus)
Four at Nairobi NP, and about 20 at Samburu.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana)
Two singles at Samburu, 2 at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitarbills)
VIOLET WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus damarensis)
Five and then 4 at Samburu-Shaba.
ABYSSINIAN SCIMITARBILL (Rhinopomastus minor)
Three at Samburu.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Four in a tree at Elementaita, and 1 eating a terrapin at Masai Mara.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
CROWNED HORNBILL (Lophoceros alboterminatus)
Three as we were leaving The Ark gate in Aberdare NP.
EASTERN YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus flavirostris)
One at Samburu.
VON DER DECKEN'S HORNBILL (Tockus deckeni)
We saw a young male at Samburu.
NORTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus erythrorhynchus)
About 55 in the Samburu-Shaba area.
SILVERY-CHEEKED HORNBILL (Bycanistes brevis)
Heard at The Ark, and then 2 seen at Thomson's Falls.
BLACK-AND-WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL (Bycanistes subcylindricus)
Two in flight at Masai Mara.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus)
One at Sagana Fish Ponds, 1 at Samburu, and 4 at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Ispidina picta)
One in the dry bush at Samburu.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala)
About 7 in the Samburu-Shaba area, and 1 at Masai Mara.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis)
Four at Little Governor's Camp.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti)
One high in a Yellow-barked Acacia at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maxima)
One on our boat trip at Naivasha.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis)
Two singles at Samburu, 7 at Elementaita, and about 20 at Naivasha, and another 20 at Masai Mara.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides)
Six at Elementaita.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus)
Four at Nairobi NP, 14 at Samburu-Shaba, and 12 at Masai Mara.
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER (Merops oreobates)
Six at The Residences, 3 at The Ark gate, and 5 at Naro Moru.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops albicollis)
Three at Samburu.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)
Six in flight at Masai Mara.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)
Three at Nairobi NP, 2 at Samburu, 2 at Elementaita, and about 8 at Masai Mara.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
RED-AND-YELLOW BARBET (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus)
Great looks at this spectacular bird at Shaba.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (USAMBIRO) (Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro)
Two in the Acacia woodlands at Masai Mara.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus)
One at The Ark gate, and 1 at Naro Moru.
RED-FRONTED BARBET (Tricholaema diademata)
One at Naro Moru, and 2 at Elementaita.
SPOT-FLANKED BARBET (Tricholaema lacrymosa)
Three at Nairobi NP.
BLACK-THROATED BARBET (Tricholaema melanocephala)
One at Samburu.
WHITE-HEADED BARBET (BROWN-AND-WHITE) (Lybius leucocephalus senex)
Two on the Oloololo Escarpment, Masai Mara.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET (Lybius bidentatus)
One at Masai Mara.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor)
One at Shaba.
GREATER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator indicator)
One at Elementaita.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Chloropicus fuscescens)
One at Nairobi NP, 2 at Samburu, 1 at Elementaita.
BEARDED WOODPECKER (Chloropicus namaquus)
One at Elementaita.
MOUNTAIN GRAY WOODPECKER (Chloropicus spodocephalus rhodeogaster)
One at Elementaita.
NUBIAN WOODPECKER (Campethera nubica)
We saw a female and then a male at Samburu.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus)
One at Samburu.
GRAY KESTREL (Falco ardosiaceus)
Good looks at 1 at Masai Mara.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FRONTED PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi)
Heard at The Ark, and then seen really nicely at Naro Moru, where about 30 were feeding in the Podocarpus trees.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri)
One at Elementaita, and 14 at Masai Mara.
RED-BELLIED PARROT (Poicephalus rufiventris)
Also known as African Orange-bellied Parrot; we saw 4 at Shaba, and heard 1 or 2 at our camp in Samburu.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava)
We saw a male and then 2 single females at Elementaita.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus)
Small numbers at Samburu and Elementaita, with a total of about a dozen.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor)
One at Nairobi NP, 3 at Naro Moru, and 6 at Elementaita.
PYGMY BATIS (Batis perkeo)
Two at Samburu.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus)
Flocks of 5 at Samburu and then 6 at Shaba were both an unexpected bonus to the tour.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Samburu.
NORTHERN PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus gambensis)
We saw a pair at our camp at Elementaita.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla)
One at Little Governor's Camp.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) [*]
Heard on top of the Oloololo Escarpment, Masai Mara.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis)
One at Elementaita.
THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA (Tchagra jamesi)
One at Samburu.
TROPICAL BOUBOU (Laniarius major)
Small numbers in the central highlands and at Masai Mara; in all we saw about 25.
SLATE-COLORED BOUBOU (Laniarius funebris)
Four at Samburu, and 6 at Masai Mara.
ROSY-PATCHED BUSHSHRIKE (Rhodophoneus cruentus)
Nice looks at a female at Samburu.
DOHERTY'S BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus dohertyi)
This gorgeous colorful bushshrike had not been seen on our Kenya tours for several years, so it was great to reconnect with this species again at The Ark.
GRAY-HEADED BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus blanchoti)
Another beautiful bushshrike – we saw this one in our camp at Elementaita.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Common and widespread; with a total of about 140.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis)
Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 25.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
GRAY-BACKED FISCAL (Lanius excubitoroides)
Six at Elementaita, and 18 at Masai Mara.
LONG-TAILED FISCAL (Lanius cabanisi)
About 10 at Nairobi NP.
TAITA FISCAL (Lanius dorsalis)
Eleven at Samburu.
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis)
Fairly common in the highlands, with a total of about 60.
WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus ruppelli)
Seven at Samburu.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis)
We saw about a dozen between Naro Moru and Elementaita.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus)
Common and widespread with a total of about 180.
FAN-TAILED RAVEN (Corvus rhipidurus)
Two at the gate to Samburu.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda)
Now in the family Stenostiridae; we saw 3 in the bushes along the river at Masai Mara.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
WHITE-BELLIED TIT (Melaniparus albiventris)
Two at The Ark, 6 at Elementaita, and 2 at Masai Mara.
SOMALI TIT (Melaniparus thruppi)
We saw a pair at Samburu.
RED-THROATED TIT (Melaniparus fringillinus)
We saw this East African endemic at our picnic spot in Nairobi NP.
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
MOUSE-COLORED PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus musculus)
Good looks at 2 as we were leaving Samburu.
Alaudidae (Larks)
FISCHER'S SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucopareia)
Ten at Nairobi NP, and 4 at Samburu.
PINK-BREASTED LARK (Calendulauda poecilosterna)
Two seen, and others heard at Samburu.
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana)
One at Elementaita, and 40+ at Masai Mara.
FLAPPET LARK (Mirafra rufocinnamomea)
Two at Masai Mara.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea)
One at Solio, and 4 at Masai Mara.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
NORTHERN CROMBEC (EASTERN) (Sylvietta brachyura leucopsis)
Six in the Samburu-Shaba area.
RED-FACED CROMBEC (Sylvietta whytii)
Singles at Naro Moru and Elementaita.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
GRAY WREN-WARBLER (Calamonastes simplex)
One at Shaba.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata)
The gray-backed form was seen at several sites in the highlands and most common at Elementaita.
BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER (Phyllolais pulchella)
Two at Elementaita.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida)
About 14 between Naro Moru, Elementaita and Naivasha, and then 1 at Masai Mara.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (BROWN-TAILED) (Apalis flavida flavocincta)
Two as we were leaving Samburu.
GRAY APALIS (Apalis cinerea)
Four along the walkway at The Ark.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava)
Three at Nairobi NP, 2 at Sagana, and 1 at Naro Moru, and 8 at Elementaita.
GRAY-CAPPED WARBLER (Eminia lepida) [*]
Heard at Masai Mara.
SINGING CISTICOLA (Cisticola cantans) [*]
Heard at Nairobi NP.
HUNTER'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola hunteri)
Good looks at this East African endemic at The Ark.
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)
About 20 at Elementaita, and 10 at Masai Mara.
WINDING CISTICOLA (Cisticola marginatus amphilectus)
Singles at Nairobi NP and Sagana, and then about 8 at Masai Mara.
STOUT CISTICOLA (Cisticola robustus)
Small numbers in the tall grasslands at Masai Mara.
PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA (Cisticola brunnescens)
Four at Masai Mara.
Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)
MOUNTAIN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna similis)
One along the walkway at The Ark.
LESSER SWAMP WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)
Three at The Residences, Nairobi.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (AFRICAN) (Riparia paludicola ducis)
Seven at the flooded quarry at Kiawara, and 40+ at Masai Mara.
BANDED MARTIN (Neophedina cincta)
Ten at Nairobi NP, and 6 at Masai Mara.
ROCK MARTIN (RED-THROATED) (Ptyonoprogne fuligula fusciventris)
Ten in The Ark area, and about 8 around Naro Moru to Kiawara.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Small numbers at Nairobi, Elementaita, and Masai Mara.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii)
One at Samburu, and about 50 at Masai Mara.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (RED-RUMPED) (Cecropis daurica emini)
Two roosting under the roof at The Ark.
LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica)
Two at Masai Mara.
MOSQUE SWALLOW (Cecropis senegalensis)
Five at Masai Mara.
WHITE-HEADED SAWWING (Psalidoprocne albiceps)
Nice looks at about a dozen of these striking swallows at Masai Mara.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera)
About 20 at The Residences, 8 at Elementaita, and 20 at Masai Mara.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
NORTHERN BROWNBUL (Phyllastrephus strepitans)
Two at Shaba.
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (PLACID) (Phyllastrephus cabanisi placidus)
Four at The Residences.
COMMON BULBUL (DODSON'S) (Pycnonotus barbatus dodsoni)
Common at Samburu and Shaba.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor)
Very common away from the arid country at Samburu.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers, Parrotbills, and Allies)
BROWN PARISOMA (Curruca lugens)
Two at Naro Moru.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
KIKUYU WHITE-EYE (Zosterops kikuyuensis) [*]
Heard at the gate to The Ark.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii)
Five at Elementaita, and about 20 at Masai Mara.
BLACK-LORED BABBLER (Turdoides sharpei)
One in the grounds of our camp at Elementaita.
NORTHERN PIED-BABBLER (Turdoides hypoleuca)
Eight at Nairobi NP.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorynchus)
Widespread in open areas with big game; in all we saw about 140.
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus)
Singles were seen in Masai Mara on Eland, Zebra, and then Buffalo.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea)
About 120 (often riding on Wildebeest) at Masai Mara.
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
We saw a male and 3 females at Masai Mara.
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio)
Four at Shaba.
BRISTLE-CROWNED STARLING (Onychognathus salvadorii)
Great looks at 2 by the wardens houses at the gate to Samburu.
HILDEBRANDT'S STARLING (Lamprotornis hildebrandti)
Two at Masai Mara.
RUEPPELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis purpuroptera)
Two at Sagana, 20 at Elementaita, and about 40 at Masai Mara.
SUPERB STARLING (Lamprotornis superbus)
Very common and widespread with a total of about 550.
FISCHER'S STARLING (Lamprotornis fischeri)
Five at Samburu.
GREATER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
Fairly common at Elementaita, Naivasha, and Masai Mara; in all we saw about 110.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ABYSSINIAN THRUSH (Turdus abyssinicus)
Four at The Residences, and 8 at The Ark.
AFRICAN THRUSH (Turdus pelios)
One at Elementaita.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
AFRICAN DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta)
Singles near The Ark, and at Naro Moru.
AFRICAN GRAY FLYCATCHER (Bradornis microrhynchus)
Two at Nairobi NP, 1 at Samburu, and 5 at Masai Mara.
PALE FLYCATCHER (Agricola pallidus)
Three at Elementaita.
SILVERBIRD (Melaenornis semipartitus)
Good looks at this beautiful flycatcher in the acacia woodland at Masai Mara.
NORTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis edolioides)
Seven at Masai Mara.
SOUTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis pammelaina)
Two at Samburu-Shaba.
WHITE-EYED SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis fischeri)
Small numbers in the highlands, with a total of about 25.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra)
Four at The Ark, and 1 at Naro Moru.
RUEPPELL'S ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha semirufa)
One at The Ark.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini)
One at Naro Moru, 6 at Elementaita, and 10 at Masai Mara.
SPOTTED MORNING-THRUSH (Cichladusa guttata) [*]
Heard at Samburu.
WHITE-STARRED ROBIN (Pogonocichla stellata)
One at The Residences, Nairobi.
LITTLE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rufocinereus)
We saw a single female at Kiawara.
SOOTY CHAT (Myrmecocichla nigra)
About 20 at Masai Mara.
NORTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla aethiops)
One near Naro Moru, and 3 at Elementaita.
ABYSSINIAN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe lugubris schalowi)
Often split as Schalow's Wheatear; we saw a male at the south end of Elementaita.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
EASTERN VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes orientalis)
Four at Samburu.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris)
We saw a female at Naro Moru, and a male at Masai Mara.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra amethystina)
Six at Naro Moru, and 1 at Masai Mara.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis)
Two males and 2 females at Elementaita.
HUNTER'S SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra hunteri)
Some of the group saw a male at Samburu.
TACAZZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia tacazze)
Great looks at 2 gorgeous males on a bottle brush tree at Naro Moru.
BRONZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia kilimensis)
One at The Ark, and about 20 between Naro Moru, Thomson's Falls and Elementaita.
GOLDEN-WINGED SUNBIRD (Drepanorhynchus reichenowi)
Another gorgeous sunbird; we saw at least 8 of these at The Ark.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris reichenowi)
Ten in the grounds of Naro Moru River Lodge.
EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mediocris)
About a dozen at The Ark.
BLACK-BELLIED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris nectarinioides)
Six at Sagana, and 10 at Samburu-Shaba.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris venustus)
Six at Naro Moru, 10 at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger)
Four at Samburu, and 1 at Masai Mara.
WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Dinemellia dinemelli)
About 90 at Samburu.
SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER (Sporopipes frontalis)
Six at Nairobi NP, and 8 at Masai Mara.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali)
Very common at Samburu (400+) and 2 at Elementaita.
DONALDSON-SMITH'S SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser donaldsoni)
About 240 at Samburu.
RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER (Histurgops ruficauda)
Formerly considered a Tanzanian endemic, but now moving north to Masai Mara where we saw about a dozen.
GRAY-HEADED SOCIAL-WEAVER (Pseudonigrita arnaudi)
Three at Masai Mara.
BLACK-CAPPED SOCIAL-WEAVER (Pseudonigrita cabanisi)
About 20 at Samburu.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps)
We saw a pair at Shaba, and a female at Elementaita.
BAGLAFECHT WEAVER (Ploceus baglafecht)
Fairly common and widespread in the highlands.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis)
Two at Naro Moru.
AFRICAN GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus subaureus)
Ten at Sagana.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops)
Four at Nairobi NP, 2 at Sagana, 2 at Kiawara, and 1 at Masai Mara.
GOLDEN PALM WEAVER (Ploceus bojeri)
Twenty at our camp at Samburu.
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius)
Two in non-breeding plumage at Samburu.
SPEKE'S WEAVER (Ploceus spekei)
Forty at The Residences (for one of the group), and then about another 40 at Elementaita for everyone.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus)
Two at Masai Mara.
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons)
We saw a single male at The Residences.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata)
A flock of about 10 were seen at Sagana Fish Ponds.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (RED-BACKED) (Spermestes bicolor nigriceps)
Two on the telephone wires at Sagana Fish Ponds.
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)
One at Sagana Fish Ponds for two of the group, and then 8 for everyone at Masai Mara.
PURPLE GRENADIER (Granatina ianthinogaster)
We saw these beautiful waxbills at Nairobi NP, Elementaita, and Masai Mara.
RED-CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus bengalus)
Six at Elementaita.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala)
Ten in the Nairobi area, 3 at Samburu, and 6 at Elementaita.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
One at a gas station near Sagana.
KENYA RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer rufocinctus)
Fifteen at Nairobi, and about 50 between Naro Moru, Kiawara and Naivasha.
PARROT-BILLED SPARROW (Passer gongonensis)
At least 120 were seen at Samburu.
SWAHILI SPARROW (Passer suahelicus)
One along the track to Little Governor's Camp.
CHESTNUT SPARROW (Passer eminibey)
We saw about 20 (including males in breeding plumage) in the Samburu-Shaba area.
YELLOW-SPOTTED BUSH SPARROW (Gymnoris pyrgita)
Formerly known as Yellow-spotted Petronia, we saw singles at Samburu and Masai Mara.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis)
Three at The Ark.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp)
Small numbers throughout the tour, with a total of about 40.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus)
Two at Elementaita, and about 20 at Masai Mara.
LONG-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus similis)
Two by a rocky hill at the south end of Elementaita.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys)
Fairly widespread in various areas of short open grassland; in all we saw about 70.
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus)
About 30 at Masai Mara.
ROSY-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx ameliae)
Nice looks at a male at Masai Mara.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Crithagra mozambica)
Preferring roadside verges we saw at least 150 at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN CITRIL (Crithagra citrinelloides kikuyensis)
Two at Sagana.
REICHENOW'S SEEDEATER (Crithagra reichenowi)
Six at Nairobi NP.
WHITE-BELLIED CANARY (Crithagra dorsostriata)
Two at our picnic site in Nairobi NP.
BRIMSTONE CANARY (Crithagra sulphurata)
Two at Elementaita.
STREAKY SEEDEATER (Crithagra striolata)
We saw a total of about 10 between Nairobi and The Ark area.
YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY (Serinus flavivertex)
Good looks at a male on the fence wires near Kisima.
Emberizidae (Old World Buntings)
CINNAMON-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza tahapisi)
Four along a track in Nairobi NP.
MAMMALS
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis)
One at Little Governor's Camp.
SYKES MONKEY (Cercopithecus albogularis)
Ten at Nairobi NP.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops)
Most common at Samburu (300+), but we also saw them at Solio, and Masai Mara.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis)
Seen almost daily, with a total of 1300+.
MANTLED GUEREZA (Colobus guereza)
We saw 5 of these striking black and white monkeys at Naro Moru River Lodge.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis)
Four at Samburu, and 1 at Masai Mara.
UNSTRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus rutilus)
We saw a total of about 70 at Samburu.
OCHRE BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus ochraceus)
Two at The Residences, and 1 at The Ark.
SPRINGHARE (Pedetes capensis)
Good looks at 2 of these rarely seen mammals on our night drive at Elementaita.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas)
Nine at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
LARGE-SPOTTED GENET (Genetta tigrina)
Nice looks at 2 at The Ark.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus)
Two below the bird-feeder at The Ark.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo)
We saw about 20 in the Little Governor's Camp area.
EASTERN DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale hirtula)
Three at Samburu, and 10 at Masai Mara.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta)
Four at Elementaita, and at least 35 at Masai Mara.
LION (Panthera leo)
We saw a large male at Samburu, and then at least 30 at Masai Mara which included a pride of at least 22.
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus)
A female and 3 large young at Samburu.
AFRICAN BUSH ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana)
At least 60 at The Ark, 12 at Samburu, and 350+ at Masai Mara.
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis)
One at Kiawara.
TREE HYRAX (Dendrohyrax arboreus)
One at Naro Moru.
GREVY'S ZEBRA (Equus grevyi)
We saw about 250 of these very rare zebra at Samburu.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli)
About 70 at Samburu, 850 at Elementaita, and 2000 at Masai Mara.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum)
Two at Nairobi NP, and 1 at Solio.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus)
Very common and widespread with a total of about 600.
GIANT FOREST HOG (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni)
Great looks at about 20 of these normally shy animals at The Ark.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Forty-five at Nairobi NP, 2 at Samburu, 14 at Lake Naivasha, and 250+ at Masai Mara.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Ten at Nairobi NP, and about 120 at Masai Mara.
RETICULATED GIRAFFE (Giraffa reticulata)
About 25 at Samburu.
ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (Giraffa rothschildi)
We saw 2 of these rare giraffes at Elementaita.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus)
Eight at The Ark.
COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx)
Twenty at Nairobi NP, an amazing herd of 250+ at Elementaita, and 1 at Masai Mara.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer)
Common in a wide variety of habitats, from the forests on the Aberdare Mountains, to the dry bush at Shaba and the grasslands of Masai Mara; in all we saw about 1200.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
About 45 at Samburu.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa)
Fifteen at The Ark, 60+ at Elementaita, and 140+ at Masai Mara.
BOHOR REEDBUCK (Redunca redunca)
We saw a single female at Masai Mara.
BEISA ORYX (Oryx beisa)
About 300 at Samburu.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus)
At least 300 were seen in the Mara grasslands.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
Also known as Coke's Hartebeest; we saw about 100 at Nairobi NP, and 50 at Masai Mara.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus)
One hundred and fifty at Nairobi NP, and hundreds of thousands at Masai Mara.
ORIBI (Ourebia ourebi)
Two at Masai Mara.
SUNI (Neotragus moschatus)
Often shy and difficult to see, but we had great close looks at The Ark.
KIRK'S DIK-DIK (Modoqua kirki)
About 120 in the Samburu-Shaba area, and 4 at Masai Mara.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus)
Very common and widespread with a total of about 1300.
GERENUK (Litocranius walleri)
We saw about 50 of these attractive antelopes at Samburu.
THOMSON'S GAZELLE (Gazella thomsoni)
Six at Solio, 40 at Elementaita, and about 850 at Masai Mara.
GRANT'S GAZELLE (Gazella granti)
About 200 at Samburu, and 50 at Masai Mara.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included;
Nile Crocodile; 20 at Nairobi NP, about 16 at Samburu, and 30+ at Masai Mara.
Water Monitor; singles at Samburu and Masai Mara.
Red-headed Rock Agama; about 20 at Samburu.
Mwanza Flat-headed Agama; 2 singles at Masai Mara.
Totals for the tour: 326 bird taxa and 46 mammal taxa