This gallery contains images of birds and other wildlife taken on a number of visits to Kenya (all family safari-based holidays).

There are few countries in Africa that can match the range of scenic splendours found in Kenya. From snow-capped mountain peaks to arid semi-desert, from lush rain forest to endless open savannah, from cool sweet-water streams to hot caustic lakes; Kenya has got the lot! Such diversity of habitats supports a riot of life which includes most of the large mammals familiar to safari-goers. For those whose interests extend beyond the big beasts there is a huge supporting cast of birds, reptiles and smaller mammals –some of which are unique to this part of East Africa.
Inevitably it is places like the Mara, Samburu or Amboseli that attract the greatest interest. An extended road-based safari may also take in Nakuru, Mount Kenya Serena lodge or one of the Aberdares lodges whilst beach-loving tourists often undertake short safaris to Tsavo or the Shimba Hills; however, there are other hidden gems that have something different to offer. In the west Kakamega forest remains as a last lonely outpost of the long lost eastern extension of the Congo basin rain forest. In the east the Arabuko-Sokoke forest is the last large remnant of a once mighty coastal forest that extended from Somalia to Mozambique. To the north the lonely Marsabit plateau rises as a lofty green oasis from the parched dry-lands waiting patiently for the return of more peaceful times. On the Ugandan border stands Mount Elgon famous for a cave network created by elephants “mining” for salt, whilst the nearby Saiwa Swamp still supports a good population of Sitatunga. Slicing through the heart of Kenya is Africa’s Great Rift Valley, a massive geological icon characterised by mountains, escarpments, plateaus, quiescent volcanic cones and a string of lakes on the valley floor –all of which have their own identity.