birds

                                                      blue eared 

secratary birdssuperb sterling

egyptian goose

sacred ibis

yellow fronted canary

gorillas

Forest Camp is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforests of a mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The exclusive location  the sole property within the park's boundaries - afford Gorilla Forest Camp the status of being the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding excursions in the park.

Bwindi is situated on Uganda's extreme western border, very close to the geographical heart of Africa where the confluence of the Rift Valley and the Great Lakes have created an eco-system that perhaps defines the very essence of the continent. Fittingly, Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an enduring pocket of a huge primeval forest that once stretched from the Virunga Volcanoes in the South to the Rwenzori Mountains in the North. The fertile 331 square kilometers of the park contain 113 species of mammals (including a herd of the rare forest elephant), 200 species of butterfly, over 360 species of birds and a prodigious 324 tree varieties (10 of which are endemic to the park). In addition to this incredible diversity, Bwindi is home to seven species of primates, attracting the attention of international conservation efforts, of which the most endangered is that elusive giant of Africa-- the Mountain Gorilla. Only 600 of these magnificent animals remain worldwide, and Bwindi is home to just 

impala sanctuary kisumu

    The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary spans about 38 ha. It was created to provide a home for threatened Impalas within Kisumu city and its environs. It also provides a safe grazing area for hippos from the lake. 

The sanctuary consists of two portions, separated by private developers. KWS is coming up with ideas on how best to utilize Impala for conservation. Located just a Kilometre from Kisumu CBD,Kisumu Impala Sanctuary lies close to Hippo Point and features 3km of nature trails and a selection of picnic sites. 

This walking sanctuary is a holding area for animals which require special protection in this densely populated area. 

The Sanctuary’s focus is herds of impalas and zebras which roam freely in the sanctuary. This is where it derives its fitting slogan: A Lakeshore Walk With Impalas... 

Within the sanctuary is an animal orphanage that contains a collection of caged lions, leopard, cheetahs, baboons, hyena, jackals, bush duikers, bush buck and buffaloes. 

The sanctuary also provides important open grazing for the local hippo population while the threatened sitatunga antelope exist in the nearby swamps and can be seen early in the morning.

With over 115 bird species recorded, the sanctuary is a delight to birdwatchers especially in the morning and late afternoon. There is a new public campsite in the sanctuary, State Lodge Campsite, which has modern amenities. 

There are also several picnic sites within the sanctuary that offer excellent venues for weddings, corporate events and functions.

The Sundowner tower which faces the Railway trail is a perfect area for sundowners on the shores of the second largest fresh water lake in the world.

A new gate (Sunset Gate) connecting the sanctuary with Sunset Hotel has been opened to ease access by the guests from the Hotel. 

A shady and peaceful place, with its abundance of birdlife and picnic areas beside the lake the Sanctuary provides an ideal refuge away from Kisumu’s busy town centre. The Sanctuary is open all year round.

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary was gazetted in October 1992, after which a holding facility for captive animals in the Western Conservation Area (WCA) was developed within the sanctuary to enhance tourism.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

The national reserve lies approximately 33km south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district of coast province. The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrublands and grasslands. The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.

The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.
 

ACCESS

• From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from Kwale

RESERVE GATES

• Main gate
• Kivumoni Gate
• Kidongo Gate
• Shimba Gate

SIZE / LOCATION

• 300 km2
• The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province

CLIMATE

• Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

• At present the reserve does not operate the Safari Card system. Entry is by cash only.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Sable Antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Falls
• Various view points
• Mwaluganje Forest

WILDLIFE

• Include Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyenas, Waterbuck, Bush pig, Buffalo, African Bush Baby, Bushbuck, Coastal Black and white Colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago,Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.

BIRDS

• 111 bird species have been recorded, of which 22 are coastal endemic among them are: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru

REPTILES

• Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.

INSECTS

• Butterflies, mosquito, beetle

WHERE TO STAY

• In - Reserve Accommodation
  • Shimba Hills Lodge
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
  • Sable Bandas ; Located 2 km from the Main Gate the Bandas have four units with a capacity of two, with a fully furnished kitchen. Reservations are made through the warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi
• Camping Facilities
  • 4 public campsites: Professional (capacity 100), Makadara (capacity 50), Ocean view (capacity 50), Sheldrick Falls Walk (Capacity 50)

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Trekking

health factors on safari

this is good to keep off cancer and build on your immune

honey mooners this has never been this good

purple rose has never had a good scent as we will witness

after all the fun we watch the stars up in the sky as we start exploring int our life3 and thinking of our first kid
it will be soo good for us all and those poeple around us to celebrate for him
after all we will be back to kenya for the birdwatch this nice

luxurious life in thailand for those who love to travel

Sawasdee Village Resort & Spa is located in Thailand’s province – Phuket. It’s situated only 500 meters distance from Kata Beach. The tropical gardens and beautiful scenery act as the perfect backdrop to your trip to one of Thailand’s most popular islands. The charming traditional rooms of this hotel gives you a great opportunity to introduce the culture of Thailand. The resort also provides the delightful Thai living experience amidst serene lush gardens and refreshing ponds. There are well designed, fully furnished guestrooms with high quality amenities. The facilities that are available for your include swimming pool with pool bar and Jacuzzi, Thai restaurant, Fire & Water Grill Restaurant serving international cuisine. Guests are offered to enjoy massage at The Baray Spa, relax in the hot tub.

Some steal, some labor, some buy

First is the notorious and elusive ‘sneak and snip’ producer who poaches trees from gazetted government forest and other protected areas. When one mentions charcoal, this type of producer if often what a majority visualize in mind. However, our forest cover is less than 2% and so there cannot be many of theseacross the country considering much of the land in Kenya (nearly 80%) is categorized as arid and semiarid (ASAL). These producers are concentrated in districts that border or encompass forest reserves, for example Nakuru, Kakamega, Nyeri, Malindi districts.

Photo: Burnt tree in Maasai Mau, cleared to make way for farms

Second, is the ‘sideline’ producer. Unlike the ‘sneak and snip’, production is done in the ASAL areas and more specifically on large scale privately owned ranches. These producers are often labourers in the ranches and are allowed by the owners to use some of the trees for charcoal as pay for their services or incentives. This is common in Taita Taveta, Trans Mara, Makueni districts. Charcoal is not the primary source of income for these producers but takes up a supplementary role. Under this category also lie the charcoal producers in ASAL areas who make charcoal as a drought coping mechanism for example in Kitui, Turkana, Baringo and West Pokot districts.

Third is the ‘salvage’ producer, similar to the sideline as they both operate in ASAL areas. However, the salvage producer uses trees or shrubs that will otherwise have been discarded as waste. Prior to the booming charcoal production in Narok district, landowners used to burn all the vegetation on their land in readiness for cultivation. This has since changed and now salvage charcoal producers are invited to do the clearance. Production is high with yields of up to 50 bags per run. Another example is Garissa, where the controversial Prosopis shrub has taken over pasture land. While some clear this ‘weed’ freeing up land for their livestock, others use the same for charcoal production with amazing success. Salvage producers also visit areas that have been excised for human settlement and use the felled trees for charcoal and so are often wrongly accused of clearing forests for charcoal and yet the clearance is primarily for human settlement and agriculture, charcoal production being an after thought.

Fourth is the ‘sow and reap’ producer. These are few, and mostly found in the high potential areas for example Bungoma, Lugari, Meru North, Nyando districts. Production is low, often less than five bags per round as they obtain the raw materials from standing stock as opposed to felled trees. Often only branches are used through pruning.

And therefore as we consider further the charcoal debate, we can say that no one can dispute totally banning the ‘sneak and snip’ producer and perhaps we can all agree on strengthening the ‘sideline’ producer and the ‘sow and reap’

Focus:Our attention is needed back!

If one went into the Baawa part of Kirisia forest in Samburu, on would be tempted to think they are in paradise. Hardly five minutes into the forest, we encountered a herd of elephants (one is barely visible in the photo below). We were told that had we stayed longer into the evening and waited for the herders to leave with their animals, the elephants would have moved closer. We would also have seen buffaloes, and, if we were lucky, leopards. Earlier on a member of the community group we had been meeting with excitedly described the forest as paradise. I could see he had not exaggerated.

But we could see that this paradise might not last.

As we left, hundreds of domestic animals (sheep, goats and cattle) were leaving the forest. The Samburu have traditionally depended on the forest for grazing. But the herds have multiplied and the population has grown exerting a lot of pressure on the forest. The Kenya Forest Service is currently not charging any fee for grazing, unlike in other forests in Kenya, for instance in the Aberdares where communities there have been forced to reduce their cattle and collect grass for zero grazing instead of letting the animals into the forest.

Nevertheless, Baawa seems to be one of the most intact parts of Kirisia forest. In other areas such as Ngari and Tamioi the forest is very degraded. In the 1980’s, a forest fire destroyed large parts of the Kirisia. The area was not closed to grazing and was not allowed to regenerate. There has also been illegal poaching of the African Pencil Cedar, the dominant species in this forest, for charcoal. The KFS reported spending a lot of time and resources to contain the destruction.

Now, communities surrounding this forest have organised themselves and are in the process of forming a CFA to help in management and conservation of the forest. Hopefully this will go some way in keeping this paradise alive.

friends that carry tourist to flock in amboseli

Elephants dying in Amboseli

Category: Amboseli, drought, Elephant families, elephants, Matriarchs, Threats
Date: August 3rd 2009
By: Paula

Dear readers,

We are losing old friends in Amboseli. Amboseli is experiencing the worst drought in decades. The Maasai elders say it is the most severe drought since 1961 when they lost almost all their cattle. I have been through two previous bad years: 1976 and 1984. By the end of 1976, 68 elephants had died, many from the drought, others from the competition and conflict caused by the drought, and still others from poaching. During 1984, 70 elephants died, most from the same three causes.

Ulla

There is a pattern in the deaths due to drought. Young calves under three months old die, probably because their mothers do not have enough milk or rich enough milk. Then older calves 8-12 months old die towards the end of the dry season in September and October when they should be supplementing milk with vegetation. There is simply nothing for them to eat and their mother’s milk is not enough. Calves 4-5 years old also die. These have been weaned and also cannot find enough vegetation to sustain them. Once an elephant is over five it seemed to be able to get through the droughts. Unless elephants are speared or poached they tend not to die as adults until they are in their 50s or 60s. The adults that suffer particularly during droughts are the old females. Their teeth are worn down and they cannot find enough food that they can process. Losing these old matriarchs and other big females is by far the hardest thing I have had to deal with over my 37 years in Amboseli.

Grace, Odile and Ebenezer

Now at the end of July 2009 after three years of low rainfall and an almost total failure of the rains this year, there is very little vegetation for the animals to eat. There is still water in Amboseli. The springs fed from Kilimanjaro continue to flow into the swamps, but the vegetation in the swamps has been eaten down to almost nothing and in any case what there is is not very nutritious.

Animals are dying everywhere: zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos and elephants. It is very depressing and frustrating standing by and watching this tragedy unfold. There is nothing we can do and we feel so helpless. Even if it was a policy to feed wild animals during droughts, there is not enough hay in all of Kenya to feed the wildlife for even a week. We try to tell ourselves it is a natural phenomenon, but it doesn’t stop the pain of watching the animals suffer.

During 2008, 137 calves were born which broke all previous records for annual births. So far in 2009, another 53 calves have been born. We fear that most of these calves will die. A minimum of 30 young calves have died. This is just the beginning of August; it won’t rain until late October or early November so there is three more months to go and we have to face the fact that many of the remaining calves will also die. It won’t be until it rains again and the families come back into the Park that we will know the total loss.

In the meantime, I am losing some of my old friends whom I’ve known for 36-37 years. So far the matriarchs who have died over the last year are: Echo, Grace, Isis, Leticia, Lucia, Odile, Ulla and Xenia. Echo, Freda, Isis, Leticia and Ulla had been the matriarchs of their families since the 1970s and some from even earlier. Their families must be very distraught and confused. Personally I will miss them terribly. They have been a part of my life for so long.

Older males are also dying but not from the drought. They are being poached for their tusks. Just in the last 10 days three more big males have been killed. One, Ebenezer, had his tusks cut out with a power saw. The poachers are definitely getting more serious. We are doing everything we can by working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service and providing support to the Amboseli-Tsavo Game Scouts Association. On Thursday, at a special ceremony, Soila and Harvey, representing ATE, presented a motorbike, tents, rations, and money for vehicle repairs and running to the Scouts. We were able to give this support thanks to a generous donation from the Elephant Sanctuary.

We need more help. The day of the presentation the scouts set up two anti-poaching camps, but there is need for another. It is our estimate that it will cost about $10,000 to set up and run one of these camps. If any of you can help it will be greatly appreciated and I believe it will save elephant lives.

THE LION

The lion (Panther Leo) is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera leo and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger. Wild lions currently exist in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia (where an endangered remnant population resides in Gir Forest National Park in India) while other types of lions have disappeared from North Africa and Southwest in historic times. Until the late Pleistocene, about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, across Eurasia from Western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru. The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a major population decline of 30–50% over the past two decades in its African range Lion populations are untenable outside designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Within Africa, the West African lion population is particularly endangered.

Lions live for 10–14 years in the wild, while in captivity they can live longer than 20 years. In the wild, males seldom live longer than 10 years, as injuries sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity. They typically inhabit savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. Lions are apex and keystone predators, although they scavenge as opportunity allows. While lions do not typically hunt humans, some have been known to do so. Sleeping mainly during the day, lions are primarily nocturnal, although bordering on crepuscular in nature.

Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily recognized by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. Depictions have existed from the Upper Paleolithic period, with carvings and paintings from the Lascaux and Chauvet Caves, through virtually all ancient and medieval cultures where they once occurred. It has been extensively depicted in sculptures, in paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire, and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoos over the world since the late 18th century. Zoos are cooperating worldwide in breeding programs for the endangered

BOGORIA THE SPUR OF HEALTH

LAKE BOROGIA-SPA RESORT

THE HONEYMONERS COTAGE AT THE BOGORIA RESORT A PLACE YOU WILL LOVE TO BE IN YOUR MATRIMONIAL HOME AS A BEGINNER.
Lake Bogoria has been described in the past as the ‘the jewel of the Rift Valley and by the words of Bishop Hanington on the first sight ‘the most beautiful view in africa’ set in the accasia surroundings of the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The Resort is 266 KM from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, 125 kilometers from Nakuru town, 95 kilometer from the equator crossing and 20 kilometers from Marigat.

JOY ADMSON IN SHABA

Shaba is a relatively small national park lying just east of Samburu and only 70 kilometres north of Mount Kenya. This exceptionally picturesque park was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa, and is often referred to as ‘Born Free’ country. Along with Buffalo Springs and Samburu, Shaba forms a large conservation area in the remote reaches of northern Kenya. While the parks form a unique habitat where both northern and southern wildlife can be found, they are also home to a number of rare species, such as the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and the endangered Grevy's zebra.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See rare species like Grevy’s zebra, generuk and reticulated giraffe
• Spectacular Shaba Hill, with its volcanic formations, in the south
• No less than 17 beautiful springs provide water for wildlife
• Visit the monument to Joy Adamson
  JOY ADAMSOMS IS THE BEST ACCOMODATION CENTER IN THE SHABA IT WAS NAMED AFTER JOY ADAMSON  
  
  A secluded safari retreat
  • 10 canvas rooms
  • Breathtaking vistas
  • Raised veranda and sparkling swimming pool
  • Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and cultural excursions
  Overlooking a natural spring, where elephant and herds of buffalo jostle for watering rights, is the elegant oasis of Joy’s Camp. 10 stylish canvas rooms are elevated off the ground on platforms - allowing for spectacular vistas of the surrounding grasslands. Each room features an attractive ensuite bathroom, an oh-so comfy bed, vibrant décor and a private veranda.
  Guests can tuck into wholesome Northern Italian menus in the camp’s main dining area or delight in delectable bush breakfasts. A sparkling swimming pool offers the ideal location to cool off during sultry Kenyan afternoons or guests can choose to unwind after a successful day of game viewing with a delicious sundowner on the viewing deck. Activities include exhilarating game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, as well as cultural visits to a nearby village. 
  HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE
  
  
  
  
  
  

DAPHNE SHELDRIK

Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage, located in a secluded area of the Nairobi National Park, where orphaned baby elephants amongst other animals are taken care of by a dedicated team of conservationists.  
The orphanage is run by Daphne Sheldrick, the wife of the late famous Naturalist, David William Sheldrick who was the founder Warden of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya from its inception in 1948 to 1976.  
At 1100 Hours, the baby animals are brought from the National Park for a mud-bath at the orphanage, where for an hour you can get close to them and sometimes touch them.  
You may not feed the animals but will get a chance to view the handlers feeding them. The private session at 3.00pm allows you to touch the animals and feed them. This requires advance booking through African Spice Safaris.  
Sheldrick Baby Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park drive takes approximately 45 Minutes and is open one for only an hour daily. You can visit between 1100 Hours and 1200 Hours every day and see the elephants being fed and playing. 
In addition, there is a keeper who will give a talk about the elephants, where they came from, how they are getting on, and how some of the previous orphans are progressing. You can get really close to the elephants. The orphanage also takes in rhinos and so if you are lucky you will get the chance to see a young rhino.ITS A TWO HOYR DRIVWE

Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage situated on the outskirts of Nairobi (approximately 45 minutes drive). David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located on a plot within the Nairobi National Park and the Sanctuary cares for orphaned baby Elephants, tame black and white rhino calves and adults.

THE GIRAFFE CENTER

"To all who foresaw the need to educate the people of Kenya, to participate in efforts of sustaining one of Our most treasured resources, Wildlife."
Continuing with the research into local conservation efforts, we got a chance to interact with several Tour Operators. One thing we picked from the conversations was that: when tourists come, they land in Nairobi, stay a bit and then travel to different destinations in Kenya. However, before that happens, most Tour Operators give a ‘Nairobi Circuit’ to showcase the conservation culture we have. Lucky for the TravelingKenya.com team, the name Giraffe Centre was suggested as a place to visit, so we did.

The History
The year was 1979, the place was somewhere in Western Kenya. There was demand for farm land and an 18,000 acre ranch was the target. The discovery of the sad plight of the only 120 Rothschild Giraffe in that whole area prompted Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville to act before land subdivision and human settlement started.
The first effort they made to save this sub-species was to start the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya (A.F.E.W Kenya Ltd) and bring two young Giraffes to their property in Langata. Later, funds were raised and four herds of the Rothschild Giraffes were moved to 4 parks namely: Lake Nakuru National Park, Mwea Game Reserve, Nasalot Game Reserve and Ruma National Park.
By 1983, the funds raised by this organization were enough to establish the Giraffe Centre as a tourist destination.

The Long Ones
Although we are told that many visitors have a hard time finding the Giraffe Centre, the lady contact we speak to on the phone gives us clear directions and soon, we arrive.
Like most Conservation Centres we have around, this place is not that big in size, however, parking is a big deal. The many school and tour vans are testament to the popularity this place enjoys.
Lucky for us, the many young school children have already had fun with the Giraffes and are on their way out. The many tourists seem to have finished observations and are now enjoying drinks at the restaurant, so we get the chance to access the Education Officer for questions. After paying a small entry fee, we climb up the stairs of the elevated Visitor’s Centre.
Here, you have a chance to be at eye-level and really notice the tallness (read 19ft) of these beautiful animals.

Feeding them
The highlight of this experience is when you have the opportunity to hand feed the Giraffes. There is a bucket of special pellets from which you can get a handful and watch it disappear into their mouths. Many people would never ever let anything feed from their hand, let alone lick it. This is different. The Giraffe’s tongue can stretch out 15 cm, so you better not clench your fist!

After much photo-taking, we enter a small gallery inside the Visitor’s Centre where an Education Officer teaches us more about Giraffes-that there are three species in Kenya; the common Maasai Giraffe of Southern Kenya, the Reticulated Giraffe of Northern Kenya and the rare Rothschild Giraffe which the Centre specializes in. He also throws in interesting facts (their 10kg heart and 2hrs sleep), and then passes round a heavy leg bone which nobody can lift.

All for good
The inner walls of the Visitor’s Centre are lined with pinup flyers about Giraffes and art pieces created by children to raise funds for community outreach.
Since mid 2000, the Giraffe Centre started raising funds to make underprivileged children have a fun day out at places of wildlife interest- including the Safari Walk, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Mamba Village and finally at the Giraffe Centre.
The Education Officers accompany the children, giving talks about the different species of wildlife seen and lay a foundation for the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment.

You can imagine the true joy and wonder in their minds about their day's excursion! How about you? Go to the Giraffe Centre for a nice day out.