The laughter of Spotted hyenas

Spotted Hyena Scientific Name: Crocuta crocuta (spotted hyena) Swahili : Fisi Which weighs from 90 to 190 lbs, have a gestation period of about 100 days and stay in captivity upto 22 years. The hyena (spelled "hyeana" in some parts of the world) is Africa's most common large carnivore. 

In ancient Egypt, hyenas were domesticated, fattened and eaten, and in turn, humans have on occasion become food for hyenas. Reputed to be cowardly and timid, the hyena can be bold and dangerous, attacking animals and humans. Female spotted hyenas are dominant over the males and outweigh them by about 3 pounds. It is difficult to distinguish between the sexes in the field because external female genitalia have a superficial similarity to those of the male. Spotted hyenas are found in grasslands, woodlands, savannas, subdeserts, forest edges and mountains and an animal you won't miss while in your kenya safari.

Spotted hyenas are organized into territorial clans of related individuals. The center of clan activity is the den, where the cubs are raised and individuals meet. Hyenas mark and patrol their territories by depositing a strong-smelling substance produced by the anal glands on stalks of grass along the boundaries. "Latrines," places where members of a clan deposit their droppings, also mark territories. Hyenas are social animals that communicate with one another through specific calls, postures and signals. Hyenas usually bear litters of two to four cubs, which, unlike the other two species, are born with their eyes open. 

Cubs begin to eat meat from kills near the den at about 5 months, but they are suckled for as long as 12 to 18 months, an unusually long time for carnivores. At about 1 year, cubs begin to follow their mothers on their hunting and scavenging forays. Until then, they are left behind at the den with a babysitting adult. The spotted hyena is a skillful hunter but also an opportunistic scavenger. It consumes animals of various types and sizes, carrion, bones, vegetable matter and other animals' droppings.

The powerful jaws and digestive tract of the hyena allow it to process and obtain nutrients from skin and bones. The only parts of prey not fully digested are hair, horns and hooves - these are regurgitated in the form of pellets. The high mineral content of the bones hyenas consume make their droppings a highly visible, chalky white. Hyenas make a variety of vocalizations, including wailing calls, howling screams and the well-known "laughter" used to alert other clan members up to three miles away of a food source. Hyenas eat a great variety of animal products, vegetation and, according to campers, even aluminum pots and pans. 

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The charm luo people

The Luo (also spelled Lwo) are an ethnic linguistic group located in an area that stretches from South Sudan and Ethiopia through northern Uganda and eastern Congo (DRC), into western Kenya, and ending in the upper tip of Tanzania. The Luo Tribe make up around 12% of Kenya's population, making it the 3rd largest ethnic group (after the Kikuyu and the Luhya). There are approximately 12 sub-groups within the tribe namely   Shilluk, Anuak, Acholi, Jo-Luo, Lango, Palwo, Alur, Padhola, Joluo (Kenyan and Tanzanian Luo), Bor, and Kumam. 

The traditional occupation of the Luo is fishing, though many are also farmers or work jobs in the larger cities. Unlike many other Kenyan tribes, the Luo tribe were not particularly troubled by the arrival of the white Europeans and settlers. Given the location of their territory in western Kenya, they didn't have their lives interrupted nor their land taken from them. They were not particularly involved in the Mau Mau rebellion, but helped create an independent Kenya through politics instead. the language of the Luo tribe is called Dholuo, and it is still commonly spoken among the people of this tribe. 

Like most other tribes in Kenya, their religious beliefs have changed with the coming of the Europeans. Most Luo consider themselves to be Christians today. Even so, the spirits of their ancestors play an important role in spiritual beliefs. They still often refer to the Christian god by the Luo names they are familiar with, such as "Were" or "Nyasaye".Marriage is very important to the Luo, who traditionally practiced polygamy. Men were allowed to have up to 5 wives, though this is no longer a common arrangement.

A bride price is negotiated, even among modern Luo couples. Money or cattle are paid by the groom to the bride's parents. It is very unusual for a Luo to be unmarried. The Luo are one of the few tribes in Kenya who don't practice ritual circumcision among the males. Another important part of Luo life is music. Songs are sung and music is played for many everyday events and occasions. Many musical instruments are used in Luo music, unlike tribes like the Masai who rely on their voices for music.

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The Making of Out of Africa

The Karen Blixen Museum was established in 1985 to commemorate the life of Baroness Karen Blixen, the talented Danish author, poet and farmer. Karen Blixen is the author of several books including the famous “Out of Africa” later documented into a movie with the same title. Karen Blixen lived in the Museum house, Mbogani as it was then known from 1917 to 1931.  She sold the house with the 6000 acres she owned to a land developer in 1931 when she left Kenya. 

The land developer split up the property into smaller acreage to create a housing estate which he named Karen after its previous owner. Mbogani house also changed named at time to Karen house. The house was rented out and later sold to a retired Colonel Lloyd who lived here until his death in 1954.  His daughter occupied the house until 1959 when it was bought by the Danish Government to present it to Kenya Government as a gift to mark the occasion of its independence in 1963. Included with the gift was a grant to build a centre for young women. Karen house was then used by the new college to accommodate the matron when it opened doors in 1966 until 1972.  

At about the same period, Karen’s literary works had captured the readers, a number of her admirers were already visiting Karen house, and the idea of converting the house into the museum had been born, however due to tasks involved this took several years.  The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) had considered prospects of developing Karen house as a museum by 1970 but limited funds could not allow.

Main attractions
The museum presents a glimpse of the life of the talented author and farmer through, photographs, paintings and displays of furniture and a Library of books.  There is a unique collection of agricultural tools, ploughs, wagons, coffee driers and first generation tractors that provide an insight into early twentieth century agriculture, technologies and transportation of goods. Three hundred bags of coffee were hauled by oxen from Karen Blixen’s farm to the Nairobi railway station from where they went to Mombasa for shipping

 Other attractions include

The Museum house is one of Nairobi’s old houses built in 1912, set with a magnificent view of the Ngong Hills.Nature trail into a relic indigenous forest found then in the area. Wonderful life forms: - Birds 116 species, Butterflies, Mammals (Hyrax and bush squirrels) and over 100 types of plants.

During the 25 years celebrations, the museum will be taking stock of its activities, and looking into ways of expanding and bringing out more stories of Kenya’s early history.

Karen Blixen was born in Denmark in 1885. She came to Kenya in 1914 to join her fiancé Baron Bror Von Blixen and they got married here on the second day of her arrival. Baron Bror Von Blixen had preceded her to buy a farm to rear Dairy cattle, but this plan changed, instead they engaged in coffee farming. However, the coffee farm did not do well due to unsuitable climatic conditions: - acidic soils, insufficient rainfall, high altitude, and other factors which included poor returns due to the world 1930 recession. 

Karen Blixen faced many challenges in Africa but her spirit never died; she suffered poor health, a failed marriage which ended in divorce in 1925 and the collapse of the coffee farm which left her bankrupt. Karen had invested so much in the farm: her heart was here, the welfare of her farm workers was in her, she kept on trying every year hoping that the returns would improve but this was never to be.Looking back on her life in Africa, Karen Blixen felt “that it might altogether be described as the existence of a person who had come from a rushed and noisy world into a still country”. 

Karen Blixen returned to live with her mother at the family home in Rungstedlund Denmark where she spent the rest of her days. It was at this stage in her life that she seriously started her literary career. Her first book “Seven Gothic Tales was published in America 1934, where it received the “Book of the month” award. “Out of Africa” was published in 1937. Karen continued to write a number of successful books and articles right up to the time of her death in 1962.


The Museum is most grateful to the Danish Government for the initial idea and donation of the property. NMK is also indebted to a number of Contributors over the years. Among them the Rungstedlund Foundation for the photographs in the building, the Kenya Museum Society which has made significant contributions to the Karen Blixen Museum over the years notably for: -restoration of the furniture, construction of lavatories and gate.  A number of Kenya Museum society members also donated a number of books and volunteered their time towards Museum activities. The first Museum guides were trained by KMS one of them is still with the Museum to date.  The Museum is located 16 Kilometers from Nairobi City Centre, it is accessible through both the Ngong and Langata roads, the Museum is at the end of Karen road. 

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The legend of Kenya heritage

Nairobi National Museum is located at the Museum Hill, approximately 10 minutes drive from the Nairobi city centre. It is the flagship museum of NMK, housing some of the most celebrated collections of history, culture and art from Kenya and East Africa. The museum aims to interpret heritage of Kenya to stimulate appreciation and learning. This museum is open daily (including public holidays) from 0830hrs -17300hrs.

The Museum was initiated in 1910 by the then East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society [currently the East African Natural History Society (EANHS)].

The group consisted mainly of colonial settlers and naturalists who needed a place to keep and preserve their collections of various specimens. Its first site was at the present Nyayo House in the Nairobi city centre. The site soon became small and a larger building was put up in 1922 where the Nairobi Serena Hotel now stands.

In 1929, the colonial government set aside land at the Museum Hill and construction work started at the current site. It was officially opened in Sept. 22 1930 and named Coryndon Museum in honour of Sir Robert Coryndon, one time Governor of Kenya and a staunch supporter of Uganda Natural History Society. On the attainment of independence in 1963, it was re-named the National Museum of Kenya (NMK).

On October 15th 2005, previous Nairobi Museum closed its doors to the public for an extensive modernization and expansion project that is now complete.  The outcome is impressive; the Nairobi Museum has been transformed into a magnificent piece of architecture that puts it in competition with other world class museums.

The artworks,  the materials used in the fabrication of outdoor sculptures, the landscaping and the botanic gardens, link to the three pillars of Kenya’s national heritage i.e. nature, culture and history. A welcoming ambience of harmony between the galleries, the non gallery spaces, the museum landscape and its entrances, make museum visits more exciting.

The galleries have been reorganized to interpret the heritage of Kenya to stimulate appreciation and learning. To capture the feel of diversity and interactivity, there are mixed galleries to show the personality of the new museum. Under the nature pillar, there are 5 exhibitions. These are Human origins, Mammalian Radiation, Ecology of Kenya, Natural Diversity and Geology. Under Culture, the exhibitions include Cycles of Life, Cultural Dynamism and Creativity. The history pillar has two exhibitions: Kenya Before 1850 and History of Kenya.
 

This is the first time that the Nairobi Museum has undergone a major development that has witnessed its closure intensive refurbishment and expansion of its facilities.

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Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park(formerly Amboseli National Park), located at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, 5895-meter Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the most popular of Kenya's national parks. Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park) lies some 240 kilometers south-east of Nairobi very close to the Tanzania border. The snow- capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above a saucer of clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli. Amboseli was gazetted as a national park in 1974; it covers only 392 square kilometers but despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem it supports a wide range of mammals, well over 50 of the larger species, and birds with over 400 species. Park rangers have often noticed birds that have migrated from as far as Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Years ago, Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park) was the locale around which such famous writers as Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark spun their stories of big game hunting in the wilds of Africa. It is also the home of the Maasai people, those tall, proud nomads whose legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals has spread across the globe. Perhaps more than any other community in Kenya, the Maasai have learned to live in complete harmony with their environment and the wildlife which surrounds them. All round the Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park) are occupied and abandoned Enkaang's - Maasai villages quickly built out of bent poles and sticks and plastered with cow dung and equally swiftly abandoned when the grazing is finished and the herds must move on.

The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, white and crystalline, form a majestic backdrop to one of Kenya's most spectacular displays of wildlife - lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and hosts of plains' game, creating Kenya's most sought after photographer's parades. There are estimated to be around 650 elephants, the largest number in all of Kenyan parks and reserves per square kilometer. The swamps and springs have encouraged the hippos to stay around. Other animals also seen are wildebeest, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, gerenuks, gazelles, and buffalos. Amboseli National Reserve's (formerly Amboseli National Park) best game runs are around the swamps and there is a fine lookout on Observation Hill, which offers views over the whole of the Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park) and beyond.

 Amboseli is one of the most famous Kenya safari destinations and ies at an altitude of 3,900-4,500 Ft and the dust is volcanic ash which spread from Kilimanjaro a millennia ago. During the dry seasons, a curious feature is the shimmering dry lake bed where false mirages of populated horizons, punctuated by real herds of zebras and wildebeests hover in front of visitors. The principal attraction in Amboseli is its vast herds of elephants within the park. Amboseli is also famous for long-tusked elephant bulls and Plentiful plains game that includes zebras, wildebeests, giraffe, impalas and leopard. Smaller cats can be spotted also.

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The Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)

Family: Giraffidae Genus: Giraffa Species: G. camelopardalis Subspecies: G. c. Rothschild

Is among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild. Rothschild Giraffes have a gestation period of 14 to 16 months. Rothschild Giraffes are easily distinguishable from other subspecies. The most obvious sign is in the colouring of the coat, or pelt. They are also taller than many other subspecies, measuring up to six metres tall (20 ft). They live in small herds, with males and females (and their calves) living separately, only mixing for mating. Males are larger than females and their two 'true' horns are usually bald from sparring. They also tend to be darker in colour than the females, although this is not a guaranteed sexing indicator. A giraffe's heart, which can weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb) and measure about 60 cm (2 ft) long, must generate approximately double the normal blood pressure for an average large mammal to maintain blood flow to the brain. In the upper neck, a complex pressure-regulation system called the rete mirabile prevents excess blood flow to the brain when the giraffe lowers its head to drink. While giraffes are usually found in groups, the composition of these groups is more fluid than in other social ungulates. They are a largely transient species with few strong social bonds and aggregations usually disband every few hours, although calving groups can last weeks to months.

 

The Somali Giraffe, or more commonly known as Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), is a subspecies of giraffe native to Somalia, northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Its coat consists of large, polygonal liver-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines. The blocks may sometimes appear deep red and may also cover the legs. Reticulated giraffe are herbivorous, since they eat mostly plants, although giraffe have been seen eating the carcass of an antelope. A giraffe’s favorite snack is the acacia bushes and trees that frequent the African landscape. While these leaves are preferred, a giraffe will munch on many other kinds of vegetation. Giraffe food preferences change according to seasons: in the dry season, they seem to be fine with pine like needles. Giraffe feed by browsing, which typically means they eat continuously throughout the day. A male is able to eat 75 pounds of food in a single day. Giraffe use their sense of smell to locate the leaves they want. They ingest everything on the branch when eating, including insects, bark, and thorns. The giraffe uses its massive tongue (up to eighteen inches long) to scrape off the leaf. Giraffe have very tough lips to guard against scratching. While the acacia tree is their favorite, giraffe have also been known to eat mareola berries and other fruits. The Sentinels of the Savannah, the giraffe stomach has four parts, with food passing through the first and water going directly to the second. The first stomach partially digests the twigs, leaves, and whatever else the giraffe has ingested whole. During the day, when the animal is not feeding, parts of this fermented mixture are brought back up from the stomach in hard lumps. Giraffe chew on these lumps, called cud, throughout the day, helping to further break the food down. Once they are done chewing on the piece of cud, it is sent to the third stomach, and finally the fourth stomach to be digested fully.Giraffe are able to conserve and maintain their body temperature in part because of their shape- their long thin legs allow heat to release quickly.

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The pride of maasai mara

Nyumbu Camp

Nyumbu Camp is located in the Ngila plains at the edge of Maasai Mara National Reserve overlooking magnificent view of hills and plains in a prime wildlife area (near Talek Gate). Game viewing starts right from the camp itself and the location is ideal to experience the wildebeest migration.

Accommodation

13 spacious canvas – medium sized, fully equipped insect-proof custom designed tents. Bathrooms are en-suite and are equipped with hot shower and flushing toilets. The Nyumbu camp is fully hosted by trained professionals from local community.

Food

The camp provides fresh and wholesome high quality food.

Guides

Safaris are under the guidance of trained Maasai guides

Activities

Game viewing drives in safari equipped vehicles.
Bush picnics.
Sundowners.
Bush breakfast.
Nature Trail walks.
Day-long hikes.
Cultural visits to local Maasai Manyatta.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari.
Flight to Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria for fishing and bird watching and camp fire evenings.

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The charisma of indian ocean

Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city. It has a long, rich history dating back over 1500 years when it started as a trading port. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a Portuguese colony at the coast. Arabs from Oman later took control of the city and left their mark on the region. Mombasa has a rich, vibrant Swahili culture.

There are several 3, 4 and 5 star hotels just to the north and south of Mombasa, known as the north and south coast respectively. These Hotels provide for excellent accommodation, rich cuisine and a host of activities for holiday makers. Day trips around the city of Mombasa and a visit to Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 are arranged. The town also has several nightclubs and restaurants. Airport: Mombasa’s international airport is known as Moi International Airport and is served by several European and other Regional Airlines.

These are some of our itineraries below ready to make one for you on request.

                         Mombasa Beach Holidays Excursions.

                        FULL-DAY MOMBASA TOWN  

 The day begins with a tour of Mombasa, including a visit to the famous Fort Jesus and the Akamba wood carvers. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Haller Park (formerly known as the Bamburi Nature Trail). The area was reclaimed from a coal quarry and turned into a nature trail. Hippos, buffalo, antelope and bird-life may be seen together with fish that is to be found on the Fish Farm within the park.

                        FULL - DAY WASINI ISLAND TOUR

Aday's excursion to one of the neighboring islands. Cross over to Wasini Island in a boat as you are greeted by a host of dolphins. A guided tour of the island follows before a seafood lunch. Afternoon is packed with water games, which include snorkeling, etc. Return to your hotel before sunset.

                      ONE - NIGHT TSAVO EAST - SALT LICK

Depart early for Tsavo East National Park. Arrive for morning game drive. Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge. Afternoon, depart for Taita Hills Lodge, located in a private game ranch. Retire to the stilt-erected Salt Lick Lodge. The watering hole adjacent to the lodge is a hive of activities, with the animals taking turns to drink water. Morning game-drive the following day. Depart for Mombasa after lunch.

                      3 NIGHTS TSAVO EAST - TSAVO WEST - AMBOSELI

Travel to Tsavo West National Park. After two hours from Mombasa, you are already on your morning game drive. Your meals and overnight will be at Kilaguni Lodge. Mzima Springs, the Chyulu Hills and the Shetani Lava Flow, coupled with game, will no doubt make it a worthwhile outing. On the second day you will cross over to the foot of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. During our game drives, you are guaranteed seeing the biggest herds of elephants in the midst of a host of plains game. On the third day you will depart after breakfast and head south to the biggest national park, Tsavo East. Game drives and returns to Mombasa on the fourth day.

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The legend of kenya runners

Kalenjin is an ethnic group of Nilotic origin living in the Great Rift Valley in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. The Kalenjin population is estimated at roughly 4.4 million. Kalenjin is a composite of 10 sub tribes namely: Elgeyo, Endorois, Kipsigis, Marakwet, Nandi, Pokot, Sabaot, Terik, Tugen and Sebei.They are pastoralists and are believed to have migrated to their present location from Sudan 2,000 years ago. 

The social structure of a Kalenjin village is based on the "age-set", like other tribes such as the Masai. Rites of passage, such as initiation and circumcision, take place every seven years. Young people tend to bond with others in their age-set, though the concept is not as important for Kalenjin who live in the cities. Polygamy, or marriages with more than one wife, is allowed in Kalenjin culture but many men find that paying more than one bride price is too costly for them.The Kalenjin have a very strong oral story-telling tradition, consisting of stories, proverbs, riddles and songs. Evenings would often be spent telling stories or singing as a form of both entertainment and education. 

Traditional Kalenjin beliefs are monotheistic, with a belief in a single Deity called Asis (symbolized by the sun). The spirits of dead ancestors were also an important part of Kalenjin religion, as was the practice of sacrifice to the spirits. Modern Kalenjin are almost exclusively Christian, with some being Muslim. Even so, many blend their old beliefs with their new ones. Scientists have long speculated that the Kalenjin people have some kind of genetic predisposition towards distance running, though no concrete evidence has been established. 

The Kalenjin tribe have the unusual notoriety as having a great number of members who excel at marathons and other running competitions. Since Kip Keino won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics for the 1500m race, Kenya has won many  gold medals in distance running. And 75 percent of all top runners in Kenya are from the Kalenjin tribe, including Kip Keino.

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The voice of Africa

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus Vocifer)

The African Fish Eagle is a large bird; with the female weighing 3.2-3.6 kg (7-8 lbs) is larger than the male, which weighs at 2-2.5 kg (4.4-5.5 lbs). Males usually have a wingspan of about 2 m (6 feet), while females have wingspans of 2.4 m (8 feet). The body length is 63–75 cm (25–30 in). The adult is very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body and large, powerful, black wings. The head, breast, and tail of African Fish Eagles are snow white, with the exception of the featherless face, which is yellow. The eyes are dark brown in colour. 

The hook-shaped beak, ideal for a carnivorous lifestyle, is yellow with a black tip. Breeding season for African Fish Eagles is during the dry season, when water levels are low. African Fish Eagles are believed to be monogamous - in other words, they mate for life. Pairs will often maintain two or more nests, which they will frequently re-use. Because nests are re-used and built upon over the years the nests can grow to be quite large, some reaching 2m (six feet) across and 1.2 m (4 feet) deep. The nests are placed in a large tree and built mostly of sticks and other pieces of wood. 

The female lays 1 to 3 eggs, which are primarily white with a few reddish speckles. Incubation is mostly done by the female, but the male will incubate when the female leaves to hunt. Incubation lasts for 42 to 45 days before the chicks hatch. Like other sea eagles, the African Fish Eagle has structures on its toes called spiricules that allows it to grasp fish and other slippery prey.The African Fish Eagle is most frequently seen by the rivers, lakes and coasts of Africa south of the Sahara. It is most frequently seen sitting high in a tall tree from where it has a good view of the stretch of river, lakeshore or coastline which is its territory. 

Near a lake with an abundant food supply, a pair may require less than a km² of water to find enough food, whereas next to a small river, they may require a stretch of 25km or more. The breeding display consists of much soaring and calling with very occasional claw-grappling. Their main food is fish, sometimes dead, but mostly caught live. Catfish and lungfish are among the most frequent. They also catch and eat some water birds, including their young. The birds most frequently taken include ibis, waterfowl such as ducks, small turtles and terrapins, baby crocodiles, Greater Flamingos and Lesser Flamingos, lizards such as Nile Monitors, frogs storks, herons and spoonbills. 

They also eat some carrion. Live caught fish account for about 90% of their diet. Widespread in South Africa, the African Fish Eagle is particularly common in and around some of the Rift Valley lakes. The African Fish Eagle has two distinct calls. When near the nest its call is more of a "quock" sound - the female being, in all cases, a little shriller and less mellow than the male.

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Kenya most attractive bird

The African Jacana (Actophilornis africana). The jacanas are a group of waders in the family Jacanidae, which are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. These are conspicuous and unmistakable birds. They are 30cm long, their dramatic markings include dark, chestnut brown feathers at their wings, and yellow-orange breast feathers. 

The front of the neck is white and the back of the neck and head is glossy black. The bill is bluish-gray, the eyes are dark brown, and the legs and toes are long in relation to the bird’s body size. Eggs are brown in color, glossy, with black scribble-like markings. The African Jacana's feeds on insects, aquatic larvae, small crabs, snails, and seeds and other invertebrates picked from the floating vegetation or the water’s surface. It lays four black-marked brown eggs in a floating nest.

African Jacana prefers lagoons, stagnant pools, weed-fringed dams, swamps, and calm rivers, where there are lily pads and other types of floating vegetation. They are found throughout Zimbabwe, Mozambique, northern Namibia, northern Botswana, and eastern South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.  African Jacanas are sociable birds, often gathering together near swamp-like habitats. African Jacanas are not known to be monogomous in their mating patterns. A mating pair can have up to 30 clutches of eggs each season, resulting from either the same partner or various partners. This species of birds are known as ‘lily walkers’ because their slender legs and toes give them the gracefulness to walk on the lily pads that blanket their wetlands. Due to their smaller size, males are more graceful ‘lily walkers’ than females. The female African Jacana lays several clutches of eggs between December and April, The clutches may be from a variety of mates or only one mate, depending on the circumstances.

The male African Jacana is the main caretaker of the offspring, incubating the eggs and carrying the baby chicks under his wings to keep them warm and dry until the chicks are approximately 18 days old. Snakes, otters, water mongooses and other birds are predators of the African Jacana’s eggs. Since African Jacana’s eggs and young chicks are often preyed upon, the survival of this species is largely dependent on the mother’s ability to lay several clutches of eggs in one season.  

These graceful birds are good divers and strong flyers. They squawk during flight and carry a pitch that resembles a loud, mournful, whining sound. Like most birds, the African Jacana has a keen sense of sight and hearing and relies little on its sense of smell.

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