Some of the most useful birding stops in Kenya and Tanzania are not the names that dominate classic safari itineraries. They are the quieter wetlands, escarpments, forests, and dry-country zones that change the species list in a meaningful way.
Migratory bird season in East Africa is not one short spectacle with a single start date. It is a shifting pattern of arrivals, departures, breeding visitors, passage movement, and habitat response that changes what birders and photographers will see from one month to the next.
A strong birding itinerary is not just a list of parks. In East Africa, success comes from field rhythm: the right habitats, the right guiding depth, fewer weak transfer days, and enough nights in the right place to let the birding actually work.
A 500 plus species birding trip in East Africa is rarely built by collecting famous park names. It usually comes from moving well between habitats, protecting prime field sessions, and using each destination for a specific ecological purpose.
A slower safari in Kenya is not about doing less. It is about protecting the field hours that produce the best sightings and reducing transfer drag that weakens trip quality. This guide explains why fewer moves, more repeated sessions, and strong guide continuity usually outperform fast multi-stop itineraries.
Amboseli is often reduced to one image formula: elephants with Kilimanjaro. Serious photographers know the real variable is the air itself. This guide explains how haze, dust load, wind direction, and thermal shimmer shape your final files more than postcard timing alone, and how to plan sessions, routes, and gear workflow for consistent professional results.
Apart from their cute appearance, most people have no idea about other aspects of the giraffe. Today, we’ll give you a little extra knowledge about the giraffe! There are tens of thousands of giraffes living in the African savannah. These long-legged creatures are among the most well-known animals on the African continent. Their long necks are covered with different shades of tan and white intertwined mesh patterns. They gradually and gracefully stroll on the prairie, exhibiting meekness and beauty. Humans have also developed a love for giraffe print through the ages, from clothes to objects, there is a lot, especially cute giraffe dolls are quite popular among youngsters. Apart from their cute appearance, most people have no idea about other aspects of the giraffe. Today, we’ll give you a little extra knowledge about the giraffe! Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deLZnvjy3Dg&t=21s Don’t JudgI believe that many people think that giraffes are all the same. Remember! Don’t judge a book by its cover! Actually, giraffes are divided into the following four types: Reticulated giraffes(also known as the Somali giraffe), Northern giraffes ( also known as the white giraffe as it is relatively light on the body), Southern giraffes(The most common and are in domestic zoos), Maasai giraffes(Wearing white stockings on legs). From their descriptions, you can easily identify the type of giraffe at a glance on the African grasslands. About Giraffes Surely you must be very curious, with its big eyes, eyelashes, and legs how does it sleep? How does it give birth? How long is the tongue? If you are curious, keep reading below. How long is a giraffe’s tongue? Giraffes have more than just a long neck, they are also categorized among the longest-tongued animals in the world. Just to compare, human tongues are mostly about 7 or 8 centimeters, but the giraffe’s tongue is whopping 45-50 centimeters! Their tongues are blue and experts believe that this may be because they need to keep their tongues out to eat bamboo and the colour protects them from the sun. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z9ctmk5hTzA How do giraffes sleep? When giraffes lay down to sleep, it is extremely difficult for them to stand up and it often takes a minute. Sleeping for two hours a night is the norm for giraffes. In the African Savannah, you will often see baby giraffes crossing their legs to sleep, they leave one stretched out so that they can stand up quickly. Although, after they grow up, they will sleep less and less!! Though beautifully long, the length of their legs can seem troublesome, especially when they are sleeping. How does the giraffe give birth? When a giraffe mother is 14-15 months pregnant, the baby giraffe is often almost due. In order to prevent animal attacks, other giraffes will come to protect her. Giraffes give birth while standing so the calf falls hooves and head first for quite some feet till they drop to the ground. The mother will begin to lick the mucus and coat off of the baby until the baby giraffe can slowly stand up. If they can’t stand, the mother kicks the baby giraffe and will wait for a while before she continues kicking until it can stand up. Does the giraffe make a sound? Many people have long thought that giraffes are the most “gentle” animals on the savannah, this is because they rarely make sound and they are often mistakenly assumed to be “dumb”. If you are patient enough to watch giraffes from morning till evening, you will find they are able to emit a variety of sounds. Giraffe Survival Stats: Population Although everyone knows the African elephant is endangered due to poaching, few realize that the population of giraffes is more endangered in comparison. In fact, the total number of giraffes is now 90,000, which is one-fifth of the African elephants. Among them, the Nubian subspecies of the northern giraffe are only 2150 and may disappear from the earth at any time. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWSo_meYq2U Prime Prey for predators in nature Giraffes have many enemies in nature, mainly lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles ( who also step in from time to time) The truth of nature remains that a young giraffe is enough dinner for three lions. The existence of these natural enemies has prevented 50% of baby giraffes from living to a year old. Multipurpose for Poacher’s Benefit The Giraffe’s gorgeously patterned skin is used by poachers to make hats, shoes, belts, and other accessories. In addition, their meat is edible, and hunting a giraffe can feed a whole village. What’s more unfortunate is that the giraffe’s bone marrow can be used to treat a certain disease in some places, and the giraffe has gradually become a victim of brutality due to this. Habitat destruction The expansion of cities and the strengthening of infrastructure in recent years has become a potential threat to giraffe’s expansive habitats. The needs of humanity have outweighed theirs and as such we see more and more animal orphanages or small conservancies restricting their movement. Additionally, some local roads are within the range of giraffe activity or national parks, causing some giraffes to be killed in traffic accidents. I dare not imagine that one day, such a cute giraffe will disappear from the earth without a trace and only remain in our imagination. Summary Now you know that there is more than one giraffe living in the African savannah. Do you know though that they have changed for tens of millions of years yet still maintain their species diversity? It is a shame that these “gentle giants” on the savannah may disappear from the earth at any time. If human beings respect and protect them a little more, we can continue to have our hearts melted by their flickering eyes, long eyelashes, and majestic presence. Come see them up close!
Many a time, travelers have debated where to go see the Wildebeest Migration. The two contenders; Kenya and Tanzania have both been battling it out for the top spot ever since the formation of the today we are here settling that age-old debate and give you an answer. Factors to Consider Before settling into one conclusion, here are several items to consider first. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1rXHlrORMc Travel Dates Since it happens year-round, there’s never a dull moment and visitors receive an up-close experience at any time of year between the two countries. Therefore, the time you choose for your safari will critically determine your choice of destination. During the months of July to September, you will find the herds congregated in the Mara and for the rest of the year October to June they are to be found in Tanzania’s Serengeti. Have look here to see the Best Places to stay During the Migration. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5rQWj7474 Distance Covered Serengeti is almost ten times bigger than Masai Mara, therefore to cover the whole ecosystem of Serengeti requires one to book longer days to have a wholesome experience of the area. For travelers who like a longer stay will definitely get to enjoy the sights and sounds of Serengeti. Meanwhile the smaller size of Mara might be convenient for those that prefer a shorter stay while getting to see the vast landscape and ecosystem. Also, it is easier to get from one end to the other when the migration happens and you happen to be on the opposite end. Overall Experience The Wildebeest Migration is a wondrous spectacle and the sheer experience differs from each country is quite apparent. For adventure lovers and photographers, the best place to catch the action is Kenya’s Mara since you will see sheer force of nature as predator and prey clash. The steep jump makes for quite a memorable moment as lions await on land and crocodiles on the river and the open plains provide for shots. While for the reserved ones who prefer a gentler and less graphic experience, we would recommend Tanzania’s Serengeti. Car Access Serengeti only allows land cruisers to go into the park as the designed car of choice, therefore, self-drive travelers with other car brands are left out of the equation. On the Kenyan side, however, cars are allowed into the park regardless if it’s a Vitz or Swift (woe unto you if you get stuck though!). Additionally, overland trucks are a favorite among locals as they go in huge droves to witness the migration. Crowds on Safari Ever since the Migration gained its popularity, it has pulled in large crowds that go there to witness this auspicious event. The Tanzanian side is ten times bigger than its Kenyan counterpart thus providing huge tracts of lands to explore. You will find these areas less crowded as compared to the Kenyan side where it has been seen to cause quite the traffic jam in the wild! Anytime something spectacular is happening like someone spotted a pride of lions or a leopard in a tree half a dozen jeeps or more will soon pulled up to watch, too. Though to be fair even the Tanzanian side sometimes gets packed during the peak season. Safari Budget Making that journey requires a budget and depending on your reach this is how these two countries differ. Both Serengeti and Masai Mara require a fee before you enter, Park Fees. The Park Fees in Tanzania’s Serengeti during the peak season for a Non-Resident is USD71 per day while, Kenya’s Masai Mara charges the same $100 (Low Season and $200 (High Season) per day provided your choice of accommodation is inside the Greater Mara. However, for those staying in a hotel, lodge or tented camp there is a stark difference. Majority of the properties on the Tanzanian side range from high end to luxury thus the cost of accommodation is much higher. The Kenyan side accommodation caters to travelers of different budgets from affordable to luxury. Depending on your scale of spend you may consider this as a factor. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25JCPBvh8B0 Better Option? So, which is the better country to see the Migration? After taking all these factors I believe you may have come to a conclusion unto which side works best you as everyone has different needs and expectation based on the above factors. Choose wisely… Thinking of having your Migration safari this year or the next? We’re here to help, with expert information just a click away. Reach out to us and consult with our experts today: sales@bobuafrica.com or Whatsapp: +254 705 709 998
