NidalM Photography / Blog / Travelography / The Birds of Lake Navisha

The Birds of Lake Navisha

Posted by NidalM on Aug 26th, 2009 | 60 comments

And thus begin the legit posts on safariing in Kenya. I’ve been procrastinating slightly (as Qusay pointed out ) and my last two posts were more about my random ramblings about Kenya rather than actual artwork. That changes in this post!

Our first experience in Kenya would set the bar for the rest of the days to come. Just two hours north of Nairobi, lake Navisha was just one of the surreal experiences we had to come to terms with. Mind you, all of us are residents of Saudi Arabia, where the odd camel is all you see in the desert. To see this much wildlife in such a short span of time was simply overwhelming.

Most tour packages to Kenya insist that you spend a night in Nairobi. Being avid campers, and not really interested in experiencing Kenyan nightlife, we chose to head straight to Navisha from the airport. Like all of our stops, we would be roughing it out: Sleeping under the stars, waking up with the sun, and going for the toughest safaris.

Technically on the way to Navisha, and just to its south lies Hell’s Gate (dramatically named after the cliffs in the park). The scenery here was the inspiration for many of the sets you see in the Lion King.

Our first wild animal. A semi-bored looking Hyrax. For a guy from Saudi, this felt like an AMAZING haul ;P

Our campsite at Navisha. Given the concentration of wild animals in most national parks, it is unsafe to set up tents anywhere outside the specially designated camping zones (which in some areas a patrolled by guards).

The main attraction at Navisha is the boat safaris. Unlike Nakuru (next post!) where flamingos have covered the entire lake, Navisha is clear enough to allow boating. And a 3 hour ride along the river can offer some very amazing sights.

Dozens of Yellow-billed storks Mycteria ibis wait on the shores of Lake Navisha. Ominous looking, these guys give you the chills as the boat glided past.

A Great White Pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus comes in for a graceful landing on the shores of Navisha. Navisha is heaven for ornithologists, so excuse me if you see a lot of birds on here today.

A heron (or at least I think its a heron) takes flight as our boat approaches.

I always find it interesting to see birds that choose to walk when they have wings to call upon. Also, they walk kind of funny ;P. Again, I have no idea what this bird is, would appreciate if someone helped me look it up. Edit: As pointed out in the comments, this is a Goliath Heron. Thanks Saj!!

And this one? Well this looks to be a plain old duck. How exciting!

It’s not all about the birds. Hippos call Navisha home as well. These guys will hang around in family groups consisting of one male and several females… hmm.. hippos might be on to something here xD.

And Giraffes too! Brought in for the filming of the 1985 movie “Out of Africa”, the herbivores of Navisha have no natural predators in the area. Guess they didn’t want to risk Robert Redford getting mauled by a lion… (Would’ve made a GREAT movie though) ;P

And of course, Wildebeests. You get the opportunity to leave the safety of the boats for a quick walking safari. Photo credits go to Turki. I still havent mastered the art of photographing myself.

This cute little thing is called a Morning Dove. Soooo cute…! I bet it tastes great too.

Back on the boat, an African Fish Eagle swoops down to snare a fish. Credits to Turki for this one.

Another cute mammalian shot. A baby hippo sits on its mothers back as she wades into deep water. Careful though, Hippos can easily take down a boat if pissed off.

And as we started leaving our campsite, we spotted this funky looking creature. Called a Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus), these guys scavenge human campsites. We’d run into these guys several times over the next few days.

Well, those are your birds! I’ll be updating the map of our trip as I write these articles as I go along. Just putting it here as well for reference (we are at B!).

Next up, the Flamingos of Lake Nakuru!

Tags: kenya, lake, safari, wildlife

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Aeish

Very impressive Nidal!
Aeish

Very impressive Nidal!
http://precognitive.wordpress.com/ Qusay

You make me want to go out and take pictures… I like that.
http://precognitive.wordpress.com/ Qusay

You make me want to go out and take pictures… I like that.
Chiara

Amazing! You never disappoint! You should be on the list all Ministries of Tourism as a preferred photographer!
Chiara

Amazing! You never disappoint! You should be on the list all Ministries of Tourism as a preferred photographer!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Are you saying I should become a professional tourist? ;P
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Are you saying I should become a professional tourist? ;P
Amna

An interesting fact I'd like to share. Hippos close their ears when they go underwater. I thought that was cool.
Amna

An interesting fact I'd like to share. Hippos close their ears when they go underwater. I thought that was cool.
Sophia Ali

Boy Boy, I am so in love with your photography….I just had a virtual Kenyan Trip…

Awesome pics…Keep up the good work…
Sophia Ali

Boy Boy, I am so in love with your photography….I just had a virtual Kenyan Trip…

Awesome pics…Keep up the good work…
qurrat

Duniya ghoomnay kee kya zaroorat hai, your photos are good enough.

^_^

Amazing birdie photos eh. I reaallly like them!
qurrat

Duniya ghoomnay kee kya zaroorat hai, your photos are good enough.

^_^

Amazing birdie photos eh. I reaallly like them!
sademployee

gogo nidal! i wish i could get to see around like you do man.. me thinks you are breave nidal!

/salute
sademployee

gogo nidal! i wish i could get to see around like you do man.. me thinks you are breave nidal!

/salute

(btw its me okan, i got this horrible nick when nortel got sold to ericson and we partially lost our jobs here :D take care)
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

you're such a nerd ;P
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

you're such a nerd ;P
Amna

Oh, and they shut their nostrils before diving underwater too. Can't believe i missed that out! xD

Well, isn't it interesting. You could probably act like you also 'learned' that on your trip.
Amna

Oh, and they shut their nostrils before diving underwater too. Can't believe i missed that out! xD

Well, isn't it interesting. You could probably act like you also 'learned' that on your trip.
Amna

Oh, and they shut their nostrils before diving underwater too. Can't believe i missed that out! xD

Well, isn't it interesting? You could probably act like you also 'learned' that on your trip.
Amna

Oh, and they shut their nostrils before diving underwater too. Can't believe i missed that out! xD

Well, isn't it interesting? You could probably act like you also 'learned' that on your trip.
http://www.kenyaholidaysandsafaris.co.uk/ John

Hope you do not mind but I made a video of your pictures and put it on my blog and U Tube – under Birds and Animals of Lake Navish Kenya
http://www.kenyaholidaysandsafaris.co.uk/ John

Hope you do not mind but I made a video of your pictures and put it on my blog and U Tube – under Birds and Animals of Lake Navish Kenya
Chiara

If you like! OR you could make megabucks doing Ministry of Tourism posters and fund your life as le photographe-artiste de l'Arabie Saoudite!

Speaking of l'Arabie Saoudite, see the email that's in my head, and which I am about to compose and send! LOL
Chiara

If you like! OR you could make megabucks doing Ministry of Tourism posters and fund your life as le photographe-artiste de l'Arabie Saoudite!

Speaking of l'Arabie Saoudite, see the email that's in my head, and which I am about to compose and send! LOL
http://twitter.com/Hanifa Hanifa

Wonderful pictures !!
http://twitter.com/Hanifa Hanifa

Wonderful pictures !!
Chiara

Amna–as a swimmer/lifeguard/ uni synchro team (ret'd) person I'm happy to learn about the hippo adaptations.

Did you know most human babies up to the age of 10 months or so have a normal reflex not to breath when submerged in water? Makes them happy little swimmers until about age 2 when you have to start all over with their new found fears, and “no!” abilities.

Nidal–see the anthropological observations you have inspired! LOL
Chiara

Amna–as a swimmer/lifeguard/ uni synchro team (ret'd) person I'm happy to learn about the hippo adaptations.

Did you know most human babies up to the age of 10 months or so have a normal reflex not to breath when submerged in water? Makes them happy little swimmers until about age 2 when you have to start all over with their new found fears, and “no!” abilities.

Nidal–see the anthropological observations you have inspired! LOL
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Okaaaaan! aww man, hope things are getting better now though. We need to catch up!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Okaaaaan! aww man, hope things are getting better now though. We need to catch up!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

I don't mind at all John And thank you for linking back to me as well
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

I don't mind at all John And thank you for linking back to me as well
SeaBlueSkyBlue

I think I found it ! Its the Goliath Heron, scientific name- Ardea goliath of the heron family Ardeidae. You got the fact that it was a heron right !:D

Check it out, here's the link-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_Heron
SeaBlueSkyBlue

I think I found it ! Its the Goliath Heron, scientific name- Ardea goliath of the heron family Ardeidae. You got the fact that it was a heron right !:D

Check it out, here's the link-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_Heron
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hmm, how does one land THAT job

Nice Email ;P I approve of the PINK!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hmm, how does one land THAT job

Nice Email ;P I approve of the PINK!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey, I can wear a t-shirt that says “Swimmer since 1985″!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey, I can wear a t-shirt that says “Swimmer since 1985″!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey you're right!! Why thank you kind ma'am
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey you're right!! Why thank you kind ma'am
Chiara

Well, if I thought I had any more interuniversity athletics years of eligibility left (maxed out the 5) I'd be in the pool now with the training gear on: cap, googles, nose clip, speedo swimsuit; as opposed to performance gear of hair gel, noseclip, hair gel, Catalina swimsuit, hair gel–hair gel is the most important part of synchro swimming, as I'm sure you already know! ;P
Chiara

Well, if I thought I had any more interuniversity athletics years of eligibility left (maxed out the 5) I'd be in the pool now with the training gear on: cap, googles, nose clip, speedo swimsuit; as opposed to performance gear of hair gel, noseclip, hair gel, Catalina swimsuit, hair gel–hair gel is the most important part of synchro swimming, as I'm sure you already know! ;P
Chiara

Apparently the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi is revving up for greater tourism activity and efforts–although probably intra-Saudi tourism since the rest of us would have little chance of getting a tourist visa, So I would suggest organizing your wasta, reshwa, etc –oh and your portfolio, and MOST important a brilliant cover letter in bright PINK lettering, highlighted with PINK, on hot PINK paper! I just sense that the MOT of KSA is all for very PINK applications! LOL
Chiara

Apparently the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi is revving up for greater tourism activity and efforts–although probably intra-Saudi tourism since the rest of us would have little chance of getting a tourist visa, So I would suggest organizing your wasta, reshwa, etc –oh and your portfolio, and MOST important a brilliant cover letter in bright PINK lettering, highlighted with PINK, on hot PINK paper! I just sense that the MOT of KSA is all for very PINK applications! LOL
SeaBlueSkyBlue

I think I found it ! Its the Goliath Heron, scientific name- Ardea goliath of the heron family Ardeidae. You got the fact that it was a heron right !:D

Check it out, here's the link-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_Heron
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hmm, how does one land THAT job

Nice Email ;P I approve of the PINK!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey, I can wear a t-shirt that says “Swimmer since 1985″!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey you're right!! Why thank you kind ma'am
Chiara

Well, if I thought I had any more interuniversity athletics years of eligibility left (maxed out the 5) I'd be in the pool now with the training gear on: cap, googles, nose clip, speedo swimsuit; as opposed to performance gear of hair gel, noseclip, hair gel, Catalina swimsuit, hair gel–hair gel is the most important part of synchro swimming, as I'm sure you already know! ;P
Chiara

Apparently the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi is revving up for greater tourism activity and efforts–although probably intra-Saudi tourism since the rest of us would have little chance of getting a tourist visa, So I would suggest organizing your wasta, reshwa, etc –oh and your portfolio, and MOST important a brilliant cover letter in bright PINK lettering, highlighted with PINK, on hot PINK paper! I just sense that the MOT of KSA is all for very PINK applications! LOL
SeaBlueSkyBlue

I think I found it ! Its the Goliath Heron, scientific name- Ardea goliath of the heron family Ardeidae. You got the fact that it was a heron right !:D

Check it out, here's the link-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_Heron
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hmm, how does one land THAT job

Nice Email ;P I approve of the PINK!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey, I can wear a t-shirt that says “Swimmer since 1985″!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Hey you're right!! Why thank you kind ma'am
Chiara

Well, if I thought I had any more interuniversity athletics years of eligibility left (maxed out the 5) I'd be in the pool now with the training gear on: cap, googles, nose clip, speedo swimsuit; as opposed to performance gear of hair gel, noseclip, hair gel, Catalina swimsuit, hair gel–hair gel is the most important part of synchro swimming, as I'm sure you already know! ;P
Chiara

Apparently the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi is revving up for greater tourism activity and efforts–although probably intra-Saudi tourism since the rest of us would have little chance of getting a tourist visa, So I would suggest organizing your wasta, reshwa, etc –oh and your portfolio, and MOST important a brilliant cover letter in bright PINK lettering, highlighted with PINK, on hot PINK paper! I just sense that the MOT of KSA is all for very PINK applications! LOL
http://fnaim.blogspot.com/ Filza

I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN NIDAL!!!!!!
http://www.nidalm.com/blog/ NidalM

Wait, I thought u were going to wait till the flight to start annoying me ;P