24 The Night Shift: Discovering Kibale Forest's Nocturnal Inhabitants
28 15 … It’s Your Lucky Number! Primate Watching in Kibale Forest
32 Under the African Sky: The Duo Bringing Astronomy to Safari
36 Exploring Jozani Forest Feathers, Fur and Nighttime Footsteps
40 Beyond the Safari: Dolly Escapes, Arusha Tanzania
Dear Travellers,
As you soar through the skies of East Africa, I am delighted to welcome you to this edition of Ndege News, the in-flight magazine for AirKenya, Regional Air and Aerolink. We provide seamless connectivity to breathtaking safari destinations across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, ensuring your safari adventures are nothing short of extraordinary.
2024 was a year filled with challenges and great achievements. Despite the challenges, such as the devastating floods that struck the Maasai Mara earlier in the year, we managed to make a lot of significant strides as a group of companies.
The year saw us expand our fleet with the addition of a new Dash 8 aircraft, enhancing our capacity and operational efficiency. We've also invested in our infrastructure by launching a new Arrivals Terminal at Wilson Airport, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide comfortable travel. Furthermore, we've strengthened our commitment to corporate social responsibility by signing MOUs with nine nongovernmental organisations, focusing on conservation and community engagement.
Each year, we proudly support the final-year students at Emarti School, in
Maasai Mara, by providing them with school supplies ahead of their KPSEA exams. Empowering these children to pursue their dreams is a cause close to our hearts, contributing to their personal growth and the well-being of future generations. Additionally, we've sponsored a Taekwondo tournament for less privileged children, promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle.
We showcased the wonders of East Africa on the global stage, participating in the Magical Kenya Travel Expo and World Travel Market London. These events allowed us to connect with travel enthusiasts and industry leaders, highlighting our commitment to exceptional travel.
Closer to home, we celebrated Customer Service Week by recognising our dedicated staff and valued customers with thoughtful gifts. We also actively contributed to a greener future by participating in World Cleanup Day, demonstrating our environmental responsibility.
Our commitment to excellence extends to our team. At Aerolink, we've welcomed new pilots to our team and celebrated Women in Aviation Day, inspiring the next generation of female aviators. Additionally, in Tanzania through
Regional Air, we've strengthened our presence in Zanzibar by participating in the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show.
As we continue to navigate the skies, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences. Thank you for choosing to fly with us. Here’s to many more adventures together!
A special thank you to all our dedicated staff at AirKenya, Regional Air, and Aerolink for their hard work and dedication.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Safe
travels, Captain Dino Bisleti
As we continue to navigate the skies, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.
Karibu
Dear Wanderlust Seekers,
Welcome aboard and greetings from the skies! As the year winds down, we find ourselves in a season of reflection, anticipation, and, of course, adventure. Whether you're journeying to celebrate the holidays or bringing in a brand-new year, East Africa welcomes you as warmly as ever before.
December through February brings its own set of wonders across the region. In Kenya, the festive season pairs beautifully with warm coastal breezes and safari sunsets. The southern greater Mara ecosystem, the swamps of Amboseli below the iconic Kilimanjaro, the red-dusted Samburu and the jewel that is Laikipia, should all be bursting with life after the short rains. If you're a wildlife enthusiast or a photographer, now’s the time to grab that camera, bird and mammal checklist and head on safari.
Tanzania is equally enchanting during this period. The Serengeti’s green season creates stunning landscapes of lush grasslands, where grazing animals thrive and the air feels charged with renewal. Beyond the mainland, the Zanzibar archipelago beckons with white sands, clear blue waters and a rich history that spans centuries — perfect for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Uganda, too, is a paradise for nature
lovers at this time of year. As the rains taper off, the country’s national parks are thriving with flora and fauna. The famous mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are particularly active, providing unforgettable treks through misty forests that will leave lasting memories of the country’s profound biodiversity. This edition we are specifically focusing on the primates and the nightlife of Uganda’s forest stronghold – Kibale.
As you read through this edition, let us take you on a journey of curiosity — I want you to feel like you have learnt new things, decided on a new adventure from what you have read and have even decided to go back to a place you have already visited to see it from a new perspective.
Wherever this flight takes you, we hope the experiences featured in these pages inspire your next adventure. So, fasten your seatbelt, lean back and let’s embark on a new chapter of discovery together.
Wishing you a great festive season, safe travels and an extraordinary start to 2024!
Hollie M’gog
Editor, Ndege News
Publisher
Editor Hollie M’gog
The Business Platform Ltd P O Box 103364-00101, Nairobi. Tel: 254 -741 070001
Publisher
Email: businessplatformkenya@gmail.com
The Business Platform Ltd P. O. Box 103364-00101, Nairobi. Tel: 254 -741 070001
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Email: businessplatformkenya@gmail.com
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ondabupeter@gmail.com
Design and Layout
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NDEGE which means aeroplane in Kiswahili is a quarterly Magazine publication of AIRKENYA Express Limited
NDEGE which means aeroplane in Kiswahili is a quarterly Magazine publication of AIRKENYA Express Limited
Wilson Airport
P.O. Box 30357 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Reservations
Wilson Airport P.O. Box 30357 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254-20) 391 6000
Email: resvns@airkenya.com
Reservations
Tel: (254-20) 391 6000
The magazine focuses on tourism, hospitality, travel, leisure, conservation and aviation related news in the East African region and beyond. The views expressed in NDEGE NEWS Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of either AIRKENYA EXPRESS, REGIONAL AIR SERVICES and / or AEROLINK UGANDA.
Email: resvns@airkenya.com
The magazine focuses on tourism, hospitality, travel, leisure, conservation and aviation related news in the East African region and beyond. The views expressed in NDEGE NEWS Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of either AIRKENYA EXPRESS, REGIONAL AIR SERVICES and / or AEROLINK UGANDA.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without permission from the Publisher.
Albanos was born into a world of silence, but from the very beginning, his eyes saw things most couldn’t. Growing up deaf and mute in Dodoma, Tanzania, he had to find ways to navigate a world that didn’t always understand him. Fortunately, he found a mentor in Andrea, a family friend from Germany who recognised his extraordinary artistic potential.
Under her guidance, Albanos refined his natural talent, learning to paint, sculpt and studied wood-work at vocational college. By the time he reached Dar es Salaam at 22, his artistry had evolved into something remarkable. His works were not only visually striking but emotionally charged — his way of communicating with a world he could neither hear, nor speak to.
It wasn’t until he arrived in Zanzibar, however, that his bold art found a bold home. Freddy (Mark) Davies from Wales, one of the owners of Exodus Hotel in Mfumbwi, just south of Jambiani, saw Albanos’ work and was captivated. Freddy had been looking for an artist who could turn his vision of an art-themed hotel into reality. Each room was to feature murals depicting Africa – her people, her colours, her wildlife, her vibrancy!
Albanos was the perfect artist for the job.
Albanos’ brushstrokes brought the coastal hotel to life, transforming it into a vibrant, living gallery. But what began as a commission quickly became something more. Albanos became part of the Exodus family, not only through his art but also his work in construction, helping shape the hotel and its character.
Cover My Story
‘From the moment he could hold a pencil, his drawings told stories.’
As word of his talent spread, creative minds from all corners travelled to work alongside and collaborate with Albanos - England, Spain, Kenya. Yet, despite the influx of artistic talent, it is Albanos’ bold and expressive style that can be seen in each collaboration. These murals, alive with emotion, define Exodus, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Today, Exodus is more than just a boutique hotel. It’s a destination for art, where Albanos’ has built a home and a vibrant artistic network for himself through his silent yet powerful storytelling, which resonates through every mural, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
It’s easily ‘the most Instagrammable hotel on the island.
AirKenya Supports Emarti School
Each year, we proudly support the final-year students at Emarti School by providing them with school supplies ahead of their 2024 KPSEA exams. We are delighted to empower these children to pursue their dreams, contributing to their personal growth and the well-being of future generations.
AirKenya at Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE)
At #MKTE, we showcased our commitment to exceptional travel experiences across East Africa as one of Kenya’s leading regional airlines. The expo provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with travel enthusiasts and industry partners. We highlighted why we are the top choice.
Kenya’s
Cultural Cornerstone
A Cultural Gem in Kenya’s Heart
At the heart of the dynamic Braeburn Schools, Braeburn Theatres has become a true cultural cornerstone in Kenya. More than just a performance venue, it serves as a vibrant hub where art, community, and education come together to inspire creativity and connection. With cutting-edge facilities and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Braeburn Theatres shines as a beacon for lovers of the arts.
Nestled within the dynamic Braeburn Schools, Braeburn Theatres has become a cultural cornerstone in Kenya, providing a vibrant platform for both local and international talent. This distinguished theatre is more than a venue—it’s a space where art, community, and education converge to inspire. With state-of-the-art facilities and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Braeburn Theatres stands as a beacon for all who cherish the arts.
The theatre’s diverse programming spans classic plays, musicals, concerts, stand-up comedy, and more, celebrating creativity in all its forms. By showcasing internationally renowned talent and nurturing emerging performers from Braeburn Schools, the venue fosters cultural exchange and the transformative power of storytelling. Every performance delivers an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Showcasing an eclectic mix of performances, from classic plays, musicals, concerts, stand up comedy and more., Braeburn Theatres embraces diversity and nurtures talent, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. Whether hosting renowned theatre companies or nurturing young performers from Braeburn School, the theatre promotes creativity, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of storytelling.
For travellers seeking to engage with Kenya’s creative heartbeat, Braeburn Theatres offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich artistic landscape. Its thoughtfully curated events create a sense of belonging and community, making it an essential stop for those eager to connect with the spirit of Kenya and its people.
For travellers looking to immerse themselves in Kenya’s creative pulse, Braeburn Theatres offers a unique cultural experience. Its programming fosters a sense of belonging and enriches the community, making it an essential stop for those seeking to connect with the soul of Kenya and its people. Discover the magic of the arts at Braeburn Theatres—a place where every performance leaves a lasting impression.
Discover the magic of Braeburn Theatres, where every performance leaves a lasting impression.
@Braeburn Theatres braeburn_theatres
AirKenya - Customer Service Week
This year, we celebrated customer service week by gifting both customers and staff handcrafted souvenir soapstone carvings of various wildlife species. We focused on starting with our staff — our first “customers” — and were thrilled to see how much they appreciated the gesture, reflecting the love and respect we have for them.
At #WTMLondon2024, held at the ExCeL in London, we showcased why AirKenya remains the airline of choice for discerning safari travellers. The event allowed us to connect with industry leaders and travelers alike. Notable visitors included the CS for Wildlife and Tourism, Rebecca Miano, and the Kenyan Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Dr. Joseph Warui.
AirKenya Participates in World Clean-up Day
Our staff actively participated in this year’s World Clean-up Day, volunteering to help clean public areas at Nairobi Wilson Airport. This initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining a cleaner, greener environment and fosters a culture of responsibility and care within our team and the broader airport community.
Born Free Foundation Kenya and AirKenya Partner to Support Wildlife Conservation
By Caroline Njoki Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Fundraising Manager
Born Free Foundation Kenya has partnered with Airkenya Express, designating the airline as their local safari airline partner. Finalised in September 2024, this collaboration aims to support conservation efforts in the Amboseli WestKilimanjaro region and the Meru Conservation Area, underscoring the role of partnerships in advancing environmental initiatives.
Partnerships like this one help increase resource availability and impact by allowing organisations to share expertise, leverage each other's strengths, and expand their reach.
For Born Free Foundation Kenya, a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitats, the collaboration with Airkenya offers operational support that will enable its teams to access remote areas more effectively.
The Amboseli West-Kilimanjaro Ecosystem and the Meru
conflict. Timely intervention is critical. Through this partnership, Born Free will improve its ability to monitor wildlife populations, conduct research and engage in community outreach programs. Airkenya’s involvement provides essential transportation services, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible tourism and conservation.
By encouraging sustainable travel, Airkenya will help raise awareness among tourists and connect them with conservation initiatives, supporting both environmental and business goals.
The partnership between Born Free Foundation Kenya and Airkenya highlights how collaboration can enhance conservation efforts and contribute to sustainable practices, pooling resources and expertise to work toward the protection of Kenya’s unique wildlife.
Conservation Area are home to iconic species and face challenges like habitat loss and human-wildlife
Aerolink Welcomes New First Officer Pilots
We are pleased to welcome new First Officer Pilots Victor Muketo and Edward Isyagi to our team. With their skills, experience and dedication, they are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort for our passengers. Welcome to the #AeroLinkTeam!
Aerolink on Customer Service Week
This year’s Customer Service Week was marked by the gifting of beautifully handcrafted gorilla souvenirs to our passengers. These unique pieces were made by a local women’s group in Bwindi and served as a perfect keepsake for passengers, reminding them of the unforgettable memories they made in Uganda.
Aerolink’s Women in Aviation
Captain Catherine Mugo, our Country Manager, celebrated #WomenInAviationDay by mentoring young girls and giving them a firsthand look at our #GrandCaravan aircraft. With the support of our wonderful partner, Menzie Aviation Global, their excitement reflected the bright future for women in aviation!
Regional Air at Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show
We proudly participated in the 2024 Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show. This event provided a valuable platform to engage with industry professionals, explore new opportunities and highlight our extensive network in promoting tourism in Zanzibar and beyond.
Regional Air on Customer Service Week
During this year’s Customer Service Week, we celebrated our passengers by gifting them branded keychains as a memento of their trip with us. It was our way of showing our appreciation for those who choose to fly with us.
THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION, P.O.Bo1181, DODOMA.
Date 5th November, 2024
Re: AVAILABILITY OF VISA ON ARRIVAL FACILITY IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC TANZANIA
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has not stopped Visa on Arrival options. This facility is available at all entry points for eligible travellers.
However, the Tanzania Immigration Services Department recommends that all travellers wishing to visit the United Republic of Tanzania for various purposes apply for a Visa in advance through the online portal at: https://visa.immigration.go.tz. Applying for a Visa online reduces the clearance time and unnecessary delay upon arrival.
The Department commits itself to providing better services to clients who come to Tanzania for various activities.
Be informed accordingly.
SSI. Paul Mselle Chief Spokesperson of the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.
Cultivating Young Eco-Warriors
Kenya Wildlife Trust's flagship project, the Mara Predator Conservation Programme (MPCP), started 20 wildlife clubs in 18 primary schools and 2 secondary schools within the Mara ecosystem. The primary objective of initiating these wildlife clubs is to support and promote conservation education in local schools, nurturing children to become future conservationists.
MPCP's Community Outreach Officer works closely with school heads and wildlife club patrons to ensure the smooth operation of the clubs throughout the year. Conservation education activities typically conducted annually, include the recruitment of wildlife club members, training for wildlife club patrons, holiday kids camps, art competitions, tree planting/nursery establishment, nature walks, field visits/game drives, exposure visits, kitchen garden development, and an annual Wildlife Club Open Day.
This year's Wildlife Clubs Open Day took place at Margaret Kenyatta Olkurotto Primary School. The colourful event was attended by wildlife club members from 13 primary and secondary schools across the Mara region, as well as community members, MPCP partners, stakeholders, friends and donors. Among the attendees were representatives from Kenya Wildlife Service, Kicheche
Community Trust, Governors Camp Collection, The Maa Trust, March to the Top - M2T, Mara Elephant Project, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Isaaten Conservancy, Nature Kenya the EANHS, WWF-Kenya and Asilia Africa.
"Interacting with wildlife in the Mara has had a profound impact on our community," said George Rop, a patron from Irbaan. "Through the Wildlife Clubs training, I've gained valuable skills that have helped me empower our young people. It's truly inspiring to see the growth of our students, all thanks to the generous support from KWT and their partners."
A New Era of Wildlife Conservation
Mara Elephant Project uses drones to maximize their impact for the wildlife and people in the Maasai Mara. In the heart of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, Mara Elephant Project (MEP) is pioneering a new era of wildlife conservation by strategically integrating drone technology to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC), monitor wildlife, and foster peaceful coexistence.
MEP deploys a fleet of nine drones, including three equipped with thermal imaging capabilities bolstering ranger’s efforts to rapidly respond to HEC at night when traditional intervention methods are limited. Aerial monitoring provides rangers with an eye in the sky to identify injuries, note demographics like herd size and identify potential threats. They also offer a more cost-effective aerial solution for conducting these activities.
Just this year, MEP rangers have deployed drones to: move a herd of nine bull elephants in community land back to safety; use thermal capabilities to move a herd of elephants crop raiding in the dead of night; aerially monitor elephants to pin point injuries in impassable terrain or when the herd is large; conduct
reconnaissance in a densely forested area and monitor collared elephants to note the collars wear and tear.
To maximize the impact of drone technology, MEP has invested in a comprehensive in-house training program for 18 rangers and counting. In collaboration with Expert Drones Africa (EDA), rangers are equipped with the skills needed to operate drones for conservation. The training has been so impactful, the MEP drone training program is also offered to wildlife rangers operating across Kenya.
“Mara Elephant Project has now provided in-house drone training to 18 staff members and is deploying nine drones, one for each of our ranger teams. We are a leader in using this technology as a tool in conservation work and hope to set the standard for what a conservation organization looks like in the age of technology.” MEP Special Projects Manager / Drone Instructor Wilson Sairowua
As the people and wildlife in the Mara face growing challenges, MEP's drone program offers equipment and skills to the community rangers that act as the guardians for both.
Experience Immersive Adventures with a Sustainable Footprint
Have you ever dreamed of a holiday that not only fills your soul with adventure but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the places you visit and the people you meet? In recent years, more travellers have sought to do more than just see the world; they want to protect it, leaving behind destinations better than they found them. With a growing awareness of our environmental footprint, people are choosing experiences that foster mindful and unforgettable connections with nature. This is the transformative power of sustainable travel, where adventure and responsibility come together to safeguard our world's heritage for future generations.
At Saruni Basecamp, we go beyond the safari, we redefine what it means to travel with purpose. From the heart of the Maasai Mara to the rugged beauty of Samburu, our collection of eco-conscious camps and lodges invite you to experience the wild like never before. Here, every moment is a chance to immerse yourself in nature while making a tangible difference to the environment and the communities that call it home. Our commitment to sustainability has earned us accolades, including the Leading Green Business in Responsible Practices award at the 2024 Eco Warrior Awards by Ecotourism Kenya.
Where Comfort Meets Adventure
Our 12 properties are more than just places to stay; they are a celebration of thoughtful designs and sustainability. Built mostly using locally sourced materials, each camp is integrated seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a blend of comfort and authenticity.
Saruni Basecamp operates within community-owned conservancies in partnership with local communities, each showcasing a unique ecosystem. These conservancies play a vital role in wildlife conservation while also empowering
local communities by creating job opportunities and offering livelihoods through fees paid to landowners. This model of conservation promotes harmony between people and nature, ensuring that these stunning landscapes and wildlife remain preserved for future generations.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Ordinary
What makes a Saruni Basecamp safari truly unforgettable, are the experiences that connect you deeply with the land and its stories. Imagine tracking a rhino on foot in the Sera Conservancy, a bold, heart-pounding experience for guests at Saruni Rhino. Or setting out on a mobile camping safari in the remote Mara Naboisho Conservancy. While staying at Basecamp Dorobo Mobile, you will be surrounded by the majestic beauty of the African wilderness in one of the areas known for having the highest number of resident lions.
At every turn, Saruni Basecamp’s approach to safari blends adventure with sustainability. Even your dining experience becomes a meaningful journey. At Basecamp Maasai Mara meals are crafted from fresh, organic ingredients grown in the camp’s very own garden. Every dish, prepared with care by our talented chefs, reflects the vibrant flavours of Kenya while supporting eco-friendly practices.
Connect With Culture
A safari with Saruni Basecamp is as much about the people as it is about wildlife. Our immersive cultural interactions offer you the chance to meet the remarkable Maasai and Samburu communities, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the land. From engaging storytelling around the campfire to exploring the stunning craftsmanship of the Basecamp Maasai Brand, you'll gain a deeper understanding of these vibrant cultures and their timeless traditions.
We remain dedicated to sustainable practices that promote conservation and empower communities. When planning your safari, consider choosing Saruni Basecamp properties for a meaningful journey that positively impacts you, the local communities, and the planet.
Sundowner by the dry river bed at Saruni Rhino
BLOSSOMS & BEYOND
In the arid landscapes of East Africa, iconic aloes stand as vibrant sentinels, their fiery red-orange flowers blooming brilliantly against the dry-season browns and ochres. Rising like torches, their blooms command attention in an otherwise parched environment. Their thick, fleshy leaves, characterized by a blue-green hue with spiny edges, are perfectly adapted to thrive in harsh conditions. During the rains, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of brilliant greens while the aloes continue to hog the sunshine, their striking blooms a bold contrast to the softened surroundings. Aloes of many species are used in traditional medicine and their sap is known for its effectiveness in restoring skin tissue due to its moisturising benefits. Aloe sap is often used to treat burns and wounds too. The traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants, and their use by indigenous healers, are important for the preservation of the plant itself as well as cultural traditions, associated biodiversity, community healthcare and drug development, both present and future.
Aloe spp
Safari in the Wild
THE BIRDS & THE BEES
Sagittarius serpentarius
The secretary bird, with its fierce gaze and strikingly long, stilt-like legs dressed in black feathered "trousers," is a true oddball of the African savannahs. Its piercing eyes, framed by bold, long lashes, give it the look of a bird constantly sizing up its next challenge. Picture this: a bird as tall as a child, strutting through the grasslands with the swagger of a runway model. But don’t be fooled—this bird isn’t just here to look fabulous. It’s a snake-stomping machine, delivering lightning-fast kicks powerful enough to knock out prey in milliseconds. Yes, secretary birds
love to hunt snakes, but no, snakes are not their primary food source. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts primarily on foot, covering ground with its long legs to seek out snakes, lizards, frogs, insects and small mammals. Though capable of flight, it only takes to the air when needed — whether reaching its enormous nest each evening, where it mates for life and returns again and again; or impressing a mate with a swooping courtship display. Sadly, despite its fierce skills and distinctive presence, the secretary bird is endangered, as habitat loss, hunting and capture for trade continue to shrink its grassland home.
Across the Skies with Words
Across 4. Extinct zebra species
7. Nocturnal African feline with large ears and long legs
9. Venomous snake wrongly believed to be territorial
11. The insect-eating mammal with pig-like snout, seen at night
14. Shy nocturnal creature with overlapping body scales, the most trafficked mammal of Africa
15. Our closest living primate relative
17. Specialised, shaggy, blackand-white, planteating primate of Kibale Forest
19. Large tusked mammal sometimes spotted in Kibale Forest at night
20. The vast African ecosystem known for its short grasslands
Down
1. The iconic mountain seen from Amboseli National Park
2. Renowned meteor shower occurring annually in August
3. Social carnivore known for its "laughing" sounds
5. The study of the night skies
6. The only protected forest on the Island of Zanzibar
8 Name the artist who painted the mural on the magazine's front cover
10. Traditional East African boat
12. Small primate known for urinating on its hands and feet
13. Endangered bird with striking eyelashes and long legs that hunts snakes (sometimes)
16. Vividly red-orange flowering plant of East Africa
18. Africa's tallest mammal that gives birth standing up
Adventure Learning at Pembroke House
Leo Tomblin - Pembroke House / Eton College
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest.”
David Attenborough
The Pembroke niche in education reveals itself best in its Adventure Learning lessons - an innovative programme which goes beyond the confines of traditional teaching by adopting nature as the classroom. The programme allows the Pembroke children to learn outdoors and work together to solve hands-on challenges - whether they are building survival shelters, or crafting bridges and dams in the nearby stream that they affectionately call ‘The Trickle’. The ingenuity that goes into linking outdoor experience and academic learning is remarkable: rather than just being confined to learning theoretical equations indoors, the children apply ratios whilst mixing cement and tackle angles when building their own zip lines.
I was fortunate to attend an Adventure Learning lesson on life raft buildinga challenging endeavour for even the most seasoned construction expert. Upon learning the aim of their mission (to cross the pool on a homemade raft without getting wet), the class formed little groups and assessed their materials: rope, planks, inner tubes and empty oil-drums. Then the ideas began to rapidly flow forth, with each child bringing his or her individual creativity to their group’s design, both sharing and listening to all suggestions, knowing that they needed to work together as a team if they wanted to stay dry.
Adventure Learning emphasises the importance of trust, communication and initiative. From learning how to safely handle knives and saws, to practising responsible fire safety while brewing chai, the programme encourages practical skills and critical thinking. It fosters resilience and curiosity: rather
than being insulated from real-world challenges, these students tackle them head-on - something which becomes strikingly obvious in their unique confidence. The children are willing to make mistakes, try new things and think creatively, all while having fun throughout the process.
When later visiting their Adventure Learning HQ beneath the canopy of the school’s forestry, I saw the bird boxes which they had built and installed throughout Pembroke’s 140-acre campus, as well as their homemade bamboo fishing rods from last Sunday’s trip to Lake Naivasha. They eagerly showed me their butterfly collections, their own 50-metre shooting range, and videos of bushbuck, porcupines and white-tailed mongoose, all caught on a camera trap they had installed next to the waterhole they had built themselves. I heard how they had even learned basic car mechanics, with the teacher using a red-and-black Santa Clause costume to help them remember the technical elements of positive and negative charge when jump-starting a car battery!
Meanwhile, the rafts had been completed and were awaiting the grand test of their craftsmanship. I was surprised by the impressive diversity of design, with some constructions better resembling alien aircraft than sea-worthy vessels. Yet, the rafts defied belief; they refused to sink and were actually paddled across the pool while keeping their occupants dry... which of course did not stop the students from diving into the water at the end.
Whether the Pembroke children are raft-building, horse riding at sunrise, or camping in Kenya’s beautiful, wild spaces, it is clear that Pembroke House offers so much more than the conventional preparatory school. Set in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, the school takes full advantage of its stunning surroundings, reaching far beyond the classroom to instil the life lessons of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving in their students - and all while the children think they are ‘just having fun’ outside.
Lucky kids.
IT MUST BE TRUE
I HEARD IT ON SAFARI!
Galagos, also known as bushbabies, pee on their feet! There are 23 species in the family and you cannot miss the lesser or greater in East Africa. They are arboreal, nocturnal, omnivorous primates with huge eyes who jump great distances. As they leap through the trees, they mark their routes with urine. You’ll see them urinating on their hands and feet to help spread the scent. Males will also mark their territory boundaries with urine and sometimes members of social groups will be marked with urine too!
FALSE!
TRUE!
Not every hyena laughs. Among the three species of hyenas (plus the aardwolf), only the spotted hyenas ‘laugh.’ It seems that hyenas make these noises when they are on a kill. ‘Scramble competition’ is a survival form that means hyenas are noisy eaters. Laughing is a sign of distress or pain. It’s usually triggered by being bitten by another hyena or being displaced on the carcass. It’s most often emitted by lower ranking individuals who are begrudgingly giving up their spot to a higher-ranking one.
TRUE!
Giraffe give birth standing up. After 14-15 months a female giraffe will often return to the area in which it was born and will give birth standing up. This makes the mother less vulnerable but yes, it is a big 1.5m drop for the baby, head first, to the ground. But within 30 minutes the calf will be standing and within a few hours they can run with their mothers. For the first week of its life the calf will hide away for many hours of the day and night with the mother returning to suckle it. When it joins the herd all female endeavour to protect the young.
Ayesha Cantor
It is not true that black mambas are territorial snakes. They can and do become long term residents of an area if there is enough food and suitable shelter and they do not get continually disturbed. A black mamba is not black! Its head is coffin shaped and the inside of its mouth is black.
PHOTO: Johan Marais
The zebra that we see most often across Kenya are Grant’s Zebras (Equus quagga boehmi) not the Burchell’s zebras (Equus quagga burchelli) which are found only in Southern Africa. The Quagga (Equus quagga quagga) is an extinct subspecies of the plains zebra that was endemic to South Africa until it was hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. It was large at 8 ft+ long and 4 ft+ tall at the shoulders. It was distinguished from other zebras by its limited pattern of primarily brown and white stripes, mainly on the front part of the body. The rear was brown and without stripes, and appeared more horse-like.
PHOTO: Frederick York (d. 1903)
PHOTO:
SMALL & SPECIAL
Burrow Builders and Ant Hunters: Aardvarks in East Africa
By Jon Hall and Chris Foley
Anyone who regularly drives off-road in the savannahs of East Africa is likely familiar with the aardvark — not necessarily because they've seen one, as sightings are rare, but because their vehicle may have come to an abrupt halt after a front tyre fell into one of the aardvark’s large burrows!
Aardvarks are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, and they stand out as one of the most unique species. This coffee table-sized mammal belongs to its own taxonomic family, sporting an enormous, pig-like snout, tiny eyes, and a mostly hairless body. With exceptionally large ears and massive claws on its front feet, the aardvark is well-adapted for digging.
Aardvarks are almost strictly nocturnal, which is why so few people have seen one. They emerge from their burrows at night, wandering the plains as they sniff the ground for their main prey: termites and ants. An aardvark can cover up to 30 kilometres in a single night, zigzagging across the landscape in search of food. When it detects a termite mound or the sound of termites digging underground, it breaks open the hard earth with its formidable claws, using its foot-long sticky tongue to lap up the insects.
Remarkably, aardvarks can consume up to 50,000 ants and termites in one night, with their thick skin protecting them from insect bites.
PHOTO:Warwick Tarboton
Though aardvark burrows can be a hazard to vehicles, they play an essential role in the ecosystem by providing shelter for numerous species. Aardvarks dig new burrows regularly, and the old ones, often large and multi-chambered, become dens for animals such as warthogs, hyenas, wild dogs, porcupines and pangolins. During the dry season, aardvark holes serve as vital refuges from wildfires for many smaller species.
Aardvarks are relatively common in parts of East Africa, such as Laikipia and the Maasai Mara in Kenya and Manyara Ranch in northern Tanzania. However, spotting one often requires long hours of night driving with a spotlight. Both authors have personal connections to the species:
Jon Hall spent a year living in Zambia, eagerly hoping to see an aardvark but was unsuccessful. Finally, on his 40th birthday in South Africa, he saw one at a location recommended by Charles Foley. In fact, their shared interest in aardvarks eventually brought the two authors together.
Charles Foley’s first encounter occurred at Mpala Ranch in Laikipia, central Kenya, in the early 1990s.
‘I had driven to the ranch to re-supply fellow Princeton University graduate students conducting a course there. After dinner, I removed the roof of my Land Rover, packed in as many students as could stand in the back, and set out to look for night mammals. We were barely 100 yards from camp when we encountered a large male aardvark (males can weigh 75–80 kg) standing in the middle of the road. The aardvark and I stared at each other in shock for a moment before it dashed into the thorn bushes. Eager to get a photo, I followed it, forgetting that I had a vehicle full of students in the back. Eventually, their yelps as we sped through ‘wait-a-bit’ acacia thorn bushes forced me to give up the chase. To this day, it remains one of my most memorable mammal sightings.’
Jon Hall began mammalwatching in 1991 when he lived in Zambia. In 2005 he set up www.mammalwatching. com, the world’s largest mammalwatching community. He lives in New York.
Charles Foley is a senior conservation scientist at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. He has worked in wildlife conservation in Tanzania for over 30 years and is an avid mammalwatcher.
PHOTO: Charles Foley
The Night Shift: Discovering Kibale Forest's Nocturnal Inhabitants
There is a word you may not know, crepuscular. Crepuscular activities happen in twilight gloom, at dawn and dusk. As the day ages, the forest leaves sag in the tropical heat, the wood doves grow weary and their calls become more intermittent. It is now, in the late afternoon, as the sunlight shafts no longer pierce the verdant forest growth, that the forest's most familiar residents begin their nightly routine. The baboons and chimpanzees, who have spent the day in animated activity, now shift their focus to preparing for the night ahead. Chimpanzees begin the intricate task of nest-building, weaving branches and leaves into comfortable beds. Mothers cradle their infants, ensuring they are snug
By Hollie M'gog
and safe. Baboons clamour, the air filled with their loud, boisterous calls as they squabble over the best roosting spots. It's a raucous symphony of "goodnights" that echoes through the forest, like an unruly bedtime in a massive, open-air dormitory.
The evening bird chorus begins now, robin chats calling as loud as they possibly can, turacos braying into the gloom. Away from the darkness of the forest the sky could be painted with hues of orange and pink, but beneath the canopy the gloom continues to gather. As the temperature dips, the frogs join in, different species calling at different temperatures through the night, call
thermoregulation. Crickets add their rhythmic stridulations, creating a gentle hum.
And then the light has gone. A tropical power cut leaves the forest in darkness, moon depending.
First to make an appearance is the serval, a sleek, spotted feline with ears that seem almost too large for its head. These ears, however, are the secret to its hunting success. Servals have an incredible sense of hearing, allowing them to detect the faintest rustle of prey in the underbrush. Watching a serval hunt is like witnessing a gymnast at peak career, as it pounces with pinpoint accuracy on unsuspecting rodents and birds.
Giant ground Pangolin. PHOTO: Chester zoo camera trap
Equally fascinating are the civets, both the arboreal African palm civet and the forest-floor loving African civet. These nocturnal prowlers, with their elongated bodies and masked faces, are the forest's professional hustlers. They feast on a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, small mammals and even carrion. The forest floor also hosts a delightful variety of ungulates at night, who may or may not be sleeping but who are always alert for that ultimate of all forest predators, the leopard. Red and blue duikers, small and dainty with their vivid coats, dart through the underbrush, nibbling on leaves and fruits. These tiny antelopes are like the woodland sprites of Kibale, their quick, light steps almost imperceptible amidst the foliage. But these sprites are omnivorous and won’t stop to think should a delicious frog present itself unwittingly. Bushbucks, slightly larger and adorned with spots and stripes, move with a cautious elegance, their large ears twitching at every sound. Their close relatives, the sitatungas, are even more cryptic and especially tricky to see, with their shaggy coats and splayed hooves perfect for navigating the swampy areas of the park.
For those who think pigs are merely barnyard animals, the nocturnal life of Kibale's bushpigs and giant forest hogs is a revelation. These hefty
creatures trundle through the night, their grunts and snuffles echoing through the forest as they root for tubers and fallen fruits. The giant forest hog, the largest of the wild pig species, and by nature a little more diurnal, commands respect with its sheer size and bristling demeanour.
The African buffalo, not a common visitor to the forest, take on a different personality at night. These massive, formidable creatures can be quite a risk, their bulk moving silently through the forest as they search for browse. Occasionally, an elephant or even a small herd of them might wander up from the northern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Not creatures you want to bump into!
Let's not forget the carnivores that sway through the shadows. Leopards, rosettes quivering over sleek muscled hindquarters are the supreme nocturnal hunters. These solitary cats silently stalk through the forest, their eyes scanning in the moonlight as they search for prey. African wild dogs, though rarely seen, have been captured on camera traps, their packs moving with silent coordination. Mongooses of various kinds, from the marsh to the white-tailed, scurry about, ever alert and ready to raid nests or snag an unwary insect.
Adding to the forest’s nocturnal chorus are two species of otter – the Congo clawless and the
CLOCKWISE: White bellied tree pangolin; Robin chat in nest and African golden cat
PHOTO: Charles Emogor
PHOTO: Muhindo Darwin
PHOTO: Sebastian Kennerknecht
spotted-necked. These semi-aquatic mammals are adept hunters, gliding through the water and scampering along forest paths with ease, their whiskers twitching as they detect the slightest movement of frogs, insects, fish and amphibians. Their playful antics in the streams and rivers provide a joyful contrast to the otherwise stealthy movements of other nocturnal predators.
There are six forest species for which the mammalwatchers come searching, diligently and patiently because in all likelihood the spotting chances are rare: The African golden cat is an enigma and a feline that sparks conversation wherever it is mentioned. Spot this and you’ll be a celebrity overnight. Get a great photo and you’ll be interviewed on live TV! The caracal may slink along lodge boardwalks but never when you are watching! The giant ground pangolin is mostly diurnal but there is always a chance … and the nocturnal white-bellied pangolin, with its unique armour of overlapping scales, is perhaps the most unusual of Kibale’s nocturnal residents. These solitary creatures trundle through the night, using their powerful claws to dig into termite mounds and anthills. As do the elusive long-snouted,
large-eared aardvarks. But there is one crepuscular creature I bet you’ve not even heard of, perhaps cannot even pronounce … Alexander’s cusimanse, a gregarious mongoose species found only in the central African forests. About it we know almost nothing!
The forest trees, a blend of high-altitude Afromontane and lowland forest, stick out their massive buttressed roots creating a labyrinthine network on the forest floor. Fruit-laden fig trees stand as sentinels in the night, attracting the
nocturnal creatures just as they did the diurnal primates and birds. By day the winding paths of Kibale are some of the most picturesque on the continent, by night, the interplay of moonlight and shadow creates an ethereal landscape, with shades of green and gold mixing like paint in a pot. The air is filled with the fragrant aroma of mulch, the soft rustle of leaves adds a symphonic backdrop to a special night out.
On the park’s fringes, the community-run Bigodi Wetland offers another great spotting place for nocturnal, cryptic animals. Here, one can spot genets (servaline and rusty-spotted), giant forest hogs and porcupines. Bats and small rodents are a-prowl as well, pattering to and fro in the night.
If you are lucky enough to be in the forest after sunset, remember to tread lightly and listen closely, the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants are masters of their domain. The magic of Kibale at night is an experience that will linger long in your memory.
AirKenya connects daily to Entebbe in Uganda. Aerolink flies Entebbe to Fort Portal from whence your primate journey can begin.
Civet
Chimp in nest. PHOTO: Eric Baccega
15 … It’s Your Lucky Number! Primate Watching in Kibale Forest
By Hollie M'gog
Kibale Forest National Park, a primate paradise in Uganda where the air is filled with the calls, hoots and rustling of a vibrant array of primates (I’m not even beginning on the birds here!)
Each species is a unique character in this verdant theatre, swinging, leaping and chattering through the trees. So, who are these playful, charismatic, quirky primates?
First up, we have the chimpanzees, the Eastern subspecies by the way! They are the undisputed stars of the show. With their sleek black fur and expressive eyes, these close relatives of ours are the epitome of
intelligence and social complexity. Living in tightly-knit communities, chimpanzees are the forest’s crafty toolmakers, sometimes even using sticks to fish out termites. Their diet is a smorgasbord of fruits, leaves, insects and the occasional small mammal and even, after a terrifyingly loud and brutal chase, other unlucky primates. Watching a group of chimpanzees interact is like witnessing a functional/dysfunctional family; dynamic, well-rehearsed with every individual playing a part in the larger social script.
Swinging alongside them in the forest canopy (or away from them in case
they should end as lunch!) are the red-tailed monkeys. With russet red tails and striking white noses, these agile acrobats leap effortlessly from branch to branch (despite looking somehow like little old men), living in lively troops with playful antics, often seen chasing each other and engaging in mock battles that highlight their charisma. Their diet of fruits, leaves and flowers keeps them on the move, always searching for the next delicious snack. The contrast between the chimpanzees’ tool-using ingenuity and the red-tailed monkeys’ graceful agility adds a dynamic flair to Kibale’s treetops
PHOTO: Chrissie Juno Mann
Meanwhile, the Western Guereza Colobus’ lounge, draped in their elegant pied fur, bringing a touch of sophistication to the forest. These leaf-eating specialists are strictly arboreal, rarely descending from the safety of the trees. Their social groups are a testament to their cooperative nature, as they munch on a diet of leaves, flowers and fruits. Watching a group of colobus monkeys is like watching a circus trapeze performed among the branches, their movements smooth and deliberate as they navigate their leafy domain.
In contrast, the L’Hoest’s monkeys, with their dark brown coats, grey cheeks and white chin-strap, prefer the ground to the treetops. These ground-dwelling socialites enjoy a varied diet of fruits, leaves and opportunistically a small animal or two, their keen eyes always scanning the underbrush for tasty morsels. Their social structure is also tightly-knit (a thing among primates), with strong bonds formed through grooming and play. Their terrestrial habits provide a fascinating contrast to the more arboreal species, showcasing the diversity of primate adaptations within Kibale.
The grey-cheeked or Uganda mangabeys, with their subtle yellowish-brown to greyish-brown coats, and a sometimes-freaky look, might not always steal the spotlight, but their balanced lifestyle is noteworthy. They have a taste for figs (don’t all primates!), shoots, flowers and insects, showcasing
their adaptability across various forest habitats. Living in groups and feeding on fruits, seeds and insects, these monkeys exemplify the quieter side of forest life … well, they do have loud calls which they use to communicate with each other and establish territory. Their vocalizations add a distinctive soundtrack to the forest, a chorus that can be heard echoing through the trees as they go about their daily routines. But, their mostly calm demeanour and less conspicuous colouring allow them to blend into the background, yet they play an essential role in the forest ecosystem. Their interactions are less boisterous than some of their more colourful neighbours, but their group dynamics are just as complex and interesting.
The Ashy or Ugandan red colobus monkeys, have rust-red caps and coats ranging from black to reddish-brown. They are a striking presence. Their long tails provide perfect balance as they navigate the treetops in large social groups. Red colobus monkeys are highly social and often seen in large troops the size of which you’d not want at a house party. Their interactions are a whirlwind of activity, with grooming, playing and occasional disputes.
Similarly, the Stuhlmann's blue monkeys with their olive or grey fur and distinctive dark faces, haunches and arms, add a splash of elegance up there in the trees. They live in groups, primarily arboreal, always actively searching for food. Blue monkeys are known for their inquisitive nature and complex social structures. Their diadem, or “crown,” of pale fur gives them a regal appearance, fitting for their poised and often contemplative demeanour. Watching a troop of blue monkeys is like observing a royal court, each member playing their role with grace and purpose.
Blue monkey
Red-tailed monkey
PHOTO: iStock
You, like me, might mistake the Budgett's Tantalus for a cheeky vervet monkey! But these tantaluses are still the scallywags of the forest, easily recognised by their ash-grey fur and black faces, live in troops of ten to seventy members. Always foraging and exploring. It is not uncommon for your lunch to be stolen with incredible dexterity. Vervets are known for the diversity of their vocal communications, with a variety of calls used to alert each other to dangers or to coordinate group movements. If you do come across vervets, playing nicely in the wild (not stealing) then do stop and watch as their social interactions are a delight indeed.
Olive baboons, on the other hand, are the robust ground dwelling bullies of the forest with their olive-brown fur. Large and social, they roam the forest floor in sizable troops, eating everything from fruits to insects and small animals. Baboons are the powerhouses of Kibale’s primate community, their sheer size and strength commanding respect. Their social structure is complex, with
hierarchies and alliances forming a web of relationships that govern their noisy interactions. Watching a troop of baboons is like seeing an African political drama unfold, each move calculated and every gesture significant.
As the sun sets and darkness blankets the forest, the nocturnal stars emerge. Pottos, with their thick grey-brown fur and vestigial index fingers, move slowly and carefully through the trees. Their diet of fruits, tree gum and insects is supplemented occasionally snails, slugs, bird-eggs and fungi all munched into pieces by their strong jaws and versatile palates. Pottos are masters of stealth, their slow (and sometimes fast!) movements and cryptic behaviour making them elusive but fascinating nocturnal creatures. Their large eyes reflect the moonlight, giving them an almost mystical appearance as they navigate the night… and yes, it is true they will often opportunistically eat birds or bats if they get a chance!
Meanwhile, bush babies, or galagos, with their large eyes and incredible
leaping abilities, bring a touch of urine-tinged magic to the night (yes, they do pee on their hands! This leaves a smelly trail through the forest for others to follow). These small primates love grasshoppers, but will also eat small birds, eggs, fruits, seeds and flowers. They mainly feed on insects during the wet seasons, but if it is dry then they can eat tree gum or resin. Their agility and acute hearing making them master hunters of the dark. Bush babies are like the acrobats of the night, their extraordinary jumps and quick movements a wonder to behold.
From the inventive chimpanzees to the nimble bush babies, Kibale Forest National Park is a vibrant tapestry of primate life. Whether it's the dawn chorus of colobus monkeys or the midnight whispers of the pottos, the magic of Kibale's primates is always just a moment away.
AirKenya connects daily to Entebbe in Uganda. Aerolink flies Entebbe to Fort Portal from whence your primate journey can begin.
PHOTO: Chrissie Juno Mann
Under the African Sky: The Duo Bringing Astronomy to Safari
By Harriet James
In the pristine dark, a glint of movement — a meteor carves a glowing path, leaving the vast sky momentarily enchanted, a single moment that feels infinite in the stillness of the wilderness.
It’s mid-August and I’m in Shaba National Reserve, up in Kenya’s North and night is falling fast. The landscape transforms into shadows and shades of purple and blue, there is a soft glow of moonlight. The air is warm, carrying the earthy scent of the savannah, a gentle breeze whispers through the foliage. Warm beneath my Maasai shuka, I lay back on the soft mattresses that were set up to make this experience comfortable. Around me the night-crickets chirped and, very far away, a lion roared. Celestial time was at a stand-still.
We had travelled 330 km to this
dark-sky game reserve to wait for one of nature’s most spectacular events: The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most famous and spectacular annual meteor showers, known for producing a high rate of bright, fast meteors that appear to streak across the night sky. It happens as the Earth passes through debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
‘Comets are icy or "dirty snowballs" that form further out than the planets,’ began Chu as he pointed towards the sky with his green laser pointer. One of the young travellers had just seen a shooting star and Chu was bringing its fall to life.
‘They pass by the outer gas giants, which include Jupiter and Saturn, followed by the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, and then Pluto, which is considered a trans-Neptunian object
that is frozen. Beyond Pluto, there is a vast cloud of comets known as the Oort Cloud. These comets formed from the same gas cloud that created the rest of the solar system. Occasionally, comets receive a gravitational kick that sends them towards the Sun. As they approach, they heat up, causing their ice to melt. They then release streams of dust, gas and debris,’ Chu continued. Gazing through the scopes though, we were only looking up. Here and there a shout went up as a star streaked across the sky. We queued to catch a glimpse of the visible planets, Jupiter and Mars, among others and, as we watched, Chu serenaded the night-sky with his guitar and his own songs. By his side always, narrating the tales of the stars or recalling song lyrics was his wife Susan.
This dynamic duo is celebrating a decade of Travelling Telescope Outreach; a social enterprise that has impacted so many young children’s lives in remote communities.
‘In 2013 the total solar eclipse was the perfect opportunity to travel to Kenya to make a celestial documentary. I did that, but I also ended up meeting the love of my life,’ Chu boyishly recalls.
The Travelling Telescope combines Susan’s experience in education and public outreach with Chu’s telescope knowledge and passion for astrophotography.
‘When we started, our very first support came from the International Astronomical Union, which awarded us a grant of 10,000 euros. In 2015 we visited 30 schools along the Kenyan coast. 30,000 children looked through our telescopes in just one month, either by visiting the planetarium or participating in hands-on activities,’ recalls Susan.
‘December 2024 and half a million children and adults have visited our planetarium in Nairobi!’ While
initially their project was funded, Chu and Susan have also opted to have a business side which finances the vision.
‘More and more lodges are booking us. We have returning clients and we’ve created a package that allows ordinary Kenyans to book us and explore the night sky together. In the coming year we aim to schedule more school visits and encourage and enable more children to visit our planetarium,’ says Susan.
‘The fact that we’ve actually made this work is remarkable,’ celebrates Chu. ‘Initially, what we had was a passion.
We wanted to share the mindset that astronomy can provide,’ Chu grinned excitedly.
No longer just a duo, there is a team to help with the outreach work. ‘With our fulltime staff, our planetarium operates entirely without our day-to-day involvement, which is a wonderful achievement,’ beams Susan.
‘For me,’ says Susan, ‘everything changed in 2002 when I looked at Saturn through a telescope and saw its rings! It transformed everything that I had read on the planets from a textbook into a stunning reality. I just
had to share it.’
‘It’s the practical and the storytelling that engages adults and children alike,’ Chu interrupted.
‘And then, in 2006, I was gifted a telescope,’ Susan smiled. I became part of an outreach team for Global Hands-On Universe, where I led a space education project.’
A Sociology and Economics graduate, Susan’s determination led her to complete an online Master’s degree in Astronomy from James Cook University in Australia in 2010 before being invited to the University of California as a short-term scholar. It was here that she realised her desire to bring space back to Kenya!
‘I wanted to set up something that wasn’t exactly NGO but didn’t know how to do it. When I got back in 2011, a friend from the US had persuaded his museum to donate a planetarium,’ recalls Susan.
For Chu though, he was busy through the 2000’s sharing his astronomy passion in the United Kingdom, where he is originally from. Though he studied film and video production at the University of Surrey near London, he is also a music producer and performer and a talented photographer and artist, a skill that he currently uses almost daily as he communicates science to the public.
AirKenya has daily flights up to Lewa and Meru which are all ideal locations for celestial star gazing. Any lodge that you stay at, Maasai Mara included, are able to book the Travelling Telescope should you pre-organise in advance. If you want to visit the Planetarium you will find it at 105 Riverside Lane, off Riverside Drive.
PHOTOS: Hariet James
Discover the best of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with our unparalleled regional network. AirKenya, Aerolink, and Regional Air offer seamless connections between iconic safari destinations like the Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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Exploring Jozani Forest Feathers, Fur and Night-time Footsteps
By Hollie Mgog
Imagine a leopard, smaller than those you may have seen, with rosettes that had partially faded into spots. The Zanzibari leopard was never studied in the wild, and only six skins were ever preserved in museums. Waganga were believed to keep and train these leopards for sinister purposes, sending them under cover of night to harass villagers. In the 20th century the British ordered the extermination of these leopards! Although reports of livestock killings continued into the mid-1990s, it’s believed the Zanzibari leopard became extinct on the island in the late 80s or early 90s.
Jozani Forest was founded as a reserve in the early 1960’s. In the early 1980’s, as tourism brought crowds, island resident numbers
grew and more and more land was needed for agriculture, trees for building as well as fresh water for drinking. It was decided that 50km2 of the forest needed national park protection – the only protected non-marine biodiversity on the island. The Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Should it rain or shine, Jozani is incredibly unique, beautiful and, should you escape the increasingly madding crowds, serene. The crowds can and should be avoided if you want to get a feel for what this forest really represents, its value to the future, its link to the past.
Be you a birder, a mammalwatcher or even a botanist then venture into the mixed forest dapples of Jozani, feel the ghost of the Zanzibar leopard and hear the raucous calls of the
Eastern Tree Hyrax or the Turaco.
You may smell them before you see them although they do lounge about begging to be photographed! The Zanzibar or Kirk’s red colobus is iconic and numbers just five thousand, trapped forever in an island of forest. Have you heard of or seen ischial callosities? In Jozani you will see very distinct buttock pads on the colobus that allow them to sit comfortably for long periods of time. (For specifics, “ischial” relates to the ischium, the curved bone at the base of the pelvis that forms the lower and back part of the hip bone; “callosities” refers to the hardened skin that encloses these butt pads). They, like other colobus have that significantly reduced, opposable thumb that helps them brachiate (swing) through the forest canopy. Their
dark red to black fur captures the eye and draws it out along a black stripe that flows over shoulders and arms. Little black faces, highly differentiated throughout the troop, crowned with long white hair and a pink nose smudge to above the lip, lend them a cuteness that they enhance with a long non-prehensile tail against long hind legs. They are the slowest moving of all the colobus species and one of the few primate species unable to digest the sugars found in ripe fruit – no dental cavities in these critters! Since the disappearance of the Zanzibari leopard these monkeys are food only to large snakes, eagles (mostly gone too) and humans.
If you manage to make the forest early, before the madding crowds, or stay late, after the last soda-sipping, bare-legged, sunburnt tourist has left to sip cocktails on the beach, then look carefully, listen well because you may well hear a rustle in the scrub and a four-toed elephant shrew may dash across the path, tail held upwards … you may or may not hear the sound it makes using its hind-feet, a sound that helps it to detect the ants it feeds on. All elephant shrews live in monogamous pairs and defend territories against others of their species.
Jozani is home to a selection of quiet and fascinating antelopes. The Red, Blue and Aders Duikers are shy, alert and very sensitive to sounds. They are typically crepuscular feeders (dawn and dusk) and, what many do
not realise, are omnivorous – yes, they will feed on small birds or frogs as well as flowers, leaves and fruit, especially loving to hang out under the messy monkey eaters!
As you wander the paths beneath a canopy of green, you may hear a shrill and non-stopping alarm call. Look around you, hone in on the call and you may be lucky to spot yourself a Red-legged Sun Squirrel eating fruits and seeds and here and there an arthropod or two, or even an incredibly beautiful Red Bush Squirrel who would be lower down and more visible.
A Special Night Tour
A forest feels different at night, it’s
easier to get lost, easier to spook at small, innocuous sounds. It’s easier too, to choose to stay away and that’s why the forest rewards those who make the extra effort. Even on a moonlit night your chances of a good sighting are high. Jozani Forest has only two species of owls, the screeching barn-owl who is primarily a rodent hunter and the wonderfully duetting wood owl, neither of whom pose too much risk to the nocturnal and exceptionally shy Suni, one of the smallest antelopes on Earth. At only 30-40cm tall, prey for almost everything else including stray dogs who can be adept hunters.… spot that if you can!
As you wend down sandy paths, serpentine and glowing in the dark you may hear the screeching, strangulated call of the Eastern Tree Hyrax and your torch may pick out the white blob of a chameleon (much easier to spot at night as they absorb all light). The Flap-necked Chamaeleon, the Giant One-horned and the Bearded Pygmy or Short-tailed Chamaeleon are all to be found hiding away in plain sight dressed in camouflage. Leaping beside, behind or over the top of you may be a Zanzibar Bushbaby or Dwarf Galago. At only 150g max, its tail is almost as long as its body and big round eyes and large bat-like ears make it a very special sighting.
The small Indian (Javan) civet was introduced onto the island a
Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri)
PHOTO: Manyarakinoti
Black and rufous Sengi. PHOTO: B Kimmel
long time ago and is smaller than the African civet, so there is no interbreeding. These two will be pretty tough challenges though! Easier is the Zanzibar servaline genet, a subspecies of the mainland genet, only really identified in the 90’s. It’s crazy to think that for the many thousands of years that people have inhabited, traded and passed over Zanzibar and with the hundreds of thousands of tourists that visit the island – that a new sub species was only recently described!
If you are a hardcore mammalwatcher then the bats (perhaps grabbed in mid-air by a Bat Hawk), rodents, shrews and mongooses may keep you chasing them all night – wary in case you may be poachers, wary because few come the way of the forest at night. The thermoregulated calls of frogs will ventriloquate from left and right, up and down and spider eyes will loom in your torchlight. Of snakes you will see few although the southern stiletto snake does reside in the forest.
Feathers of the Forest Crowds and birds do not mix so well and although you can and will, see a variety of forest birds, the vast majority will stay hidden (just like the snakes) should you visit the forest with the hoards.
Go quietly, go with patience and you shall be rewarded.
One of the most robustly colourful is the Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri zanzibaricus), an endemic subspecies found in the forest. Doves will dash in and out, perhaps pursued by an agile goshawk. Guineafowl will make a dreadful racket if disturbed or if feeling that they wish to disturb! Coucals call like bubbling water being poured from glass bottles, hornbills raspily call to each other in the canopy as bee-eaters, rollers and woodpeckers appear and disappear,
in sound and in sight at intervals. Pootling about on the forest floor you will see, without a doubt, the Bearded Scrub-Robin (Cercothrichas quadrivirgata greenwayii) and listen out for the melodious call of the blackand-yellow oriole (mistakenly called a weaver by those less acquainted with the island birds).
Should you manage to find many or all of the over 60 forest birds, head to the mangroves of Chakwa Bay nearby, where close on 20 species of waders can be found and perhaps even some migrants – all the way from colder climes.
Jozani Forest and the remaining patches of forest across Zanzibar are more than tranquil havens for the island’s wildlife — they’re vital ecosystems under increasing pressure from human demands. The allure of Zanzibar as a tourist destination, alongside the growing
need for agriculture, construction, and firewood, has put these precious woodlands on center stage. This increased use challenges us to think creatively about sustainable solutions, like eco-conscious tourism and responsible logging, which can allow the forests to thrive alongside local livelihoods. While climate change poses additional challenges, it also highlights the opportunity to join together in conservation efforts that protect Zanzibar’s forests. Working with nature, we can preserve these vibrant ecosystems to support the island’s communities, protect rare species, and create a sustainable future for all who call this paradise home.
You can link AirKenya and Regional Air and fly Nairobi to Arusha and onto Zanzibar daily in the high season. Many Regional Air flights link the Serengeti to Zanzibar direct.
A forest adventure
Beyond the Safari: Dolly Escapes, Arusha Tanzania
“Serenity at your doorstep, with the world’s essentials just around the corner.”
My larger-than-usual tent was called "Living on the Edge," and from the moment I stepped inside, it was clear why. Set high above the Usa River, I had an uninterrupted view of the river dashing through the forest below. From this vantage point, I could hear the river, while birds and butterflies moved through the cool riverine air around me. The sense of calm and seclusion was immediate, but what really stood out was how accessible it all was.
I always remember taking road trips to Tanzania being so long. Tedious,
By Gilly Fraser
slow and hot. This time I was lucky enough to be able to fly a single hour with Air Kenya’s all female crew, from Wilson Airport Nairobi. Dolly Farm & River Camp is an easy and inviting escape for anyone looking to disconnect from city life without traveling far. Whether you're seeking a weekend break or a quick mid-week getaway, this peaceful spot offers a welcome change of pace.
Usa River is a small town on the Moshi Arusha Road, just 40 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The River Camp is nestled in riverine
forest where the air is cool and the sights beautiful. You know it’s a camp with a difference when the head waiter, Emmanuel and the chef, Lily come out to meet you!
Somehow my tent nestled into a river bend at canopy height. I felt just like a fish eagle perched and looking for a big fish in that sparkling water. The bird calls melodiously filled the evening and butterflies and dragonflies skitted and dipped all around. It is so utterly peaceful and calming.
Climbing Mount Meru in Tanzania
There is no place more perfect to escape the city confines, be these Arusha or Nairobi. No place better to rest between safaris, between busy meeting agendas. A rustic and comfortable dining area and outside, an open bush fire where the star gazing is simply delightful. It was here that the inevitable and glorious sundowners were served, then back into the warmly lit dining area for a sumptuous three course dinner prepared with fresh produce grown in the camp's own gardens on the property. After dinner the moon beckoned for a night cap. It was a fine bedtime story, listening to the river and watching a bush baby in the tree above feeding on the figs.
Come daylight there are many meandering paths to amble along, down to a riverine beach and through the bush where impala and zebra saunter. The shaggy black-and-white colobus purr into
the morning birdcalls, kingfishers, with their noisy cries dive for fish and barbets bring their incredible colours into the abounding fig trees. The gardens around the camp have been kept natural and there are lots of flowering aloes which of course attracts the sunbirds, which is lovely.
Each of the five tents has a delightful private sitting area facing the river, huge and very comfortable beds and one tent has two ensuite bedrooms to accommodate families with children. The property is expansive and wonderfully wooded and the gardens are thriving thanks to their permaculture farming method. They grow loads of organic vegetables and herbs, not only for themselves but for the projects of Africa Amini, educational, medical and social projects that make huge differences in adjacent communities. Even the staff at Dolly Farm & River Camp
make it clear that nature is at the heart of everything here.
On a nearby farm there are cows, so fresh milk and cream daily. Horse rides will be available, a wonderful treat in this peaceful area where you ride alongside zebra and impala. A swimming pool is coming soon, which is exciting as it will be a truly tremendous addition to the establishment. The nearby Kiligolf Club offers a scenic course just down the road, hires out clubs and offer lessons to beginners. The clubhouse is a social hub for the area, and is a great place to unwind after a round of golf.
Back in camp, as the sun sinks it casts a warm glow over the landscape. Mt Kilimanjaro was out in all its glory, and had turned a wonderful colour of purple and pink, the snow glistening. Mt Meru on the other side was magnificent too. It’s one of those views that stays with you long after the moment has passed.
Dolly Farm & River Camp is an easy, accessible retreat for anyone looking to recharge. It’s a place where you can spend your days exploring, relaxing, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the river and the surrounding forest. Whether you're escaping for a weekend or a few days during the week, it offers the perfect balance
Red headed rock agama
Guest tents
Restaurant arial
of seclusion and comfort. And with the camp only an hour away from Nairobi, it’s a great option for those who want a break without having to travel far.
This home away from home in the truest sense and my stay was most enjoyable; private, quiet, stress free and surrounded by beautiful trees and nature. The camp is fully stocked with drinks, and there’s always a cold beer or wine waiting for you after a day of exploring or relaxing. A return visit with friends and family will definitely be on the cards.
A Touch of Wild so close to Urban
While the camp offers a rustic and authentic experience, it also incorporates touches of luxury to enhance guest comfort. The spacious, well-appointed tents feature comfortable beds, plush linens and en-suite bathrooms. The attentive staff is always on hand to cater to your every need, ensuring a truly unforgettable stay.
A Perfect Blend of Tranquility and Adventre
Whether you're seeking a serene escape or an active adventure, Dolly Farm & River Camp has something for everyone. Relax by the river, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply unwind with a good book.
A Perfect Photography Canvas
The camp's serene setting and habituated wildlife provides an ideal backdrop for capturing stunning photographs. Kingfishers, colobus, nocturnal galagos, the opportunities for close-up photography are endless. The camp's knowledgeable staff can help you identify the best spots for photography.
Exploring Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, just 40 minutes from the camp offers a diverse ecosystem, from the lush forests of the Ngurdoto Crater to the open savannah plains of the Momella Lakes. Game drives featuring elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and various antelope species as well as a number of predators are well worth it. The park's diverse birdlife, including crowned eagles, makes it a birder's paradise. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and opportunities for close encounters with nature.
Come to Climb a Mountain
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, Mount Meru offers a rewarding climb. As the second-highest peak in Tanzania, it provides breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains. The ascent through diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to alpine zones, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. While less crowded than Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru still requires physical fitness and proper preparation. With its challenging terrain and stunning vistas, it's a must-do for experienced hikers and mountaineers. And to be able to descend to a camp like Dolly Estates is nothing short of marvellous!
Lungs for Kenya: A Swing for a Greener Tomorrow
Since its 2014 rebranding as ‘Lungs for Kenya,’ the Nature Kenya charity golf tournament has united golfers, businesses, and conservationists with a shared goal: restoring Kenya’s degraded forests. Held annually at the picturesque Karen Country Club, this tournament has become a significant event in the golf calendar, raising millions to revitalize the country’s ecosystems.
The concept behind Lungs for Kenya is simple and impactful: forests serve as the lungs of our planet. Golfers contribute directly to reforestation efforts in crucial areas such as the Taita Hills, Mt. Kenya, and the Aberdare forests by participating in this tournament. Over the years, this event has evolved into more than just a golf competition; it has become a call to action for environmental stewardship and sustainable conservation.
From the event’s humble beginnings, participation has remained robust, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. With each passing year, corporate sponsors and individual supporters have demonstrated their commitment to Nature Kenya’s mission, raising millions of shillings to plant trees and restore forest cover.
AirKenya has been a long-standing supporter of Lungs for Kenya, Year after year, the airline generously donates auction and raffle prizes to help raise additional funds during the tournament. Their unwavering support demonstrates AirKenya’s commitment to lessening its carbon footprint, thereby contributing to global climate action. Thanks to AirKenya and others, over 10 million trees have been grown in Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests since (insert year).
By John Mwacharo
Corporate partnerships have played a crucial role in the tournament’s success. Companies like Vivo Energy, Kenya Breweries Limited, KCB, Knight Frank, and Williamson Tea have contributed through sponsorships and auction items, ensuring that each tournament makes a lasting environmental impact. Additionally, notable businesses such as Serena Hotels, Safarilink, and Davis & Shirtliff have also come together to support the event.
The tournaments have showcased exciting moments, including record participation, hole-in-one achievements, and enthusiastic auctions. While winners are celebrated each year, the real victory comes from
the trees planted and the ecosystems restored. With support from major sponsors like Kenya Breweries Limited and Platcorp Foundation, the tournament’s impact continues to expand.
Lungs for Kenya is more than just a sporting event; it is a communitydriven movement to restore forests and secure Kenya’s environmental future. As golfers tee off each year, they contribute to a larger purpose: ensuring that future generations inherit a greener and more sustainable Kenya.
With partners like AirKenya on board, the future looks bright - and green.
Save the date!
On March 28, 2025, Karen Country Club will host the 16th edition of the Lungs for Kenya golf tournament, and we would be grateful if you could help us make a difference. This is more than just golf - it’s a chance to restore Kenya’s forests and protect our environment for future generations. Every tree we plant brings us closer to a greener, healthier Kenya.
Get Involved
You can sponsor the event and showcase your commitment to sustainability, donate raffle or auction items to help make this event unforgettable, or join us on the greens for a great cause. Proceeds from the tournament will fund tree planting in Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests, protecting critical water towers, boosting biodiversity, and improving lives. Let’s Tee Off for a Greener Tomorrow!
For more details, please contact Angela at nkmembership@ naturekenya.org or +254 20 3537568 or +254 739 200216.
Pioneering Conservation for the Future of the Greater Mara’s Predators
Who We Are
Since 2007, the Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) has been a leader in scientific, research-driven predator conservation in Kenya. KWT’s dedication to preserving the Greater Mara’s predator populations, especially lions and cheetahs, has positioned us as a key player in the region. Our model has been recognised nationally by the Kenya Wildlife Service and influenced the first National lion survey in 2017. For the eleventh consecutive year, personnel from the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) have collaborated with us, contributing to predator monitoring across the Maasai Mara.
What We Do
Our work focuses on research, technology-driven monitoring, community collaboration, and education. KWT operates the Mara Predator Conservation Programme (MPCP), where we track and study predators, providing essential data for conservation strategies. Through innovative technology like EarthRanger, we monitor collared lions and cheetahs in real-time, collecting data on their behaviour and movements to guide effective conservation interventions. Beyond predator monitoring, we collaborate with communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict through educational campaigns, anti-poison initiatives, and rabies and livestock vaccination programs. Our teams, including twenty Lion Ambassadors and twenty Conservation Agents, work closely
with local communities to address predator-related challenges, promote animal health, and support economic empowerment initiatives.
Highlights of Our Work
Cutting-edge Technology: EarthRanger technology allows real-time tracking and monitoring of lions and cheetahs. For example, we recently observed a lioness named Namunyak as she ventured beyond her territory, giving us insights into the movement and behaviour of these predators. Such data help KWT develop targeted conservation strategies that adapt to predator preferences and habitats.
Community Engagement: KWT organizes anti-poison campaigns, conducts community feedback sessions, and implements vaccination drives for both livestock and pets, reducing disease spread and protecting livelihoods. Through this work, KWT fosters positive relationships between predators and
the communities they share the land with.
Conservation Education: We support conservation clubs in eighteen primary and two secondary schools in the Greater Mara, engaging over 833 wildlife club members in activities and field visits to promote environmental awareness. Our Conservation Leadership Programme has also enabled over seventy young people to pursue tertiary education, building future conservation leaders for the Mara.
Our Vision for the Future
Despite ongoing challenges like habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, KWT remains steadfast in our commitment to the Mara ecosystem and its predators. Through innovative conservation strategies, technology and close collaboration with local communities, we are working to secure a balanced future for the Greater Mara’s iconic predators and the people who share their land.
The Mara Elephant Project: Protecting Elephants
Mission: to protect elephants and their habitats in one of Kenya's most treasured ecosystems. ‘The Mara is a truly special place for elephants. Its high rainfall, fertile soils, the Mara River and expansive open spaces create an ideal environment for the 2,600 elephants that call it home,’ says Goss the MEP CEO. ‘However, poaching and escalating human-elephant conflict threaten the elephants that share this land with us.’
The very factors that make the Mara such a vital sanctuary for elephants also support a large human population that relies on the land for livelihoods, whether through agriculture or tourism.
As the largest tourism destination in Kenya, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually, the Mara is a critical resource for people and wildlife alike. MEP's approach focuses on mitigating the threats to both elephants and local communities, fostering peaceful co-existence.
‘We do this by training, educating and employing local Kenyans in conservation, enabling them to become ambassadors for wildlife protection while offering them sustainable livelihoods. ‘Through advanced skills training, we empower individuals to build successful careers beyond the conservation field.’
Under Goss’s leadership, MEP has formed strategic partnerships and pioneered the use of innovative technologies to combat the
and People in Kenya’s Iconic Landscape
growing threats to elephants. Drones play a crucial role in conflict mitigation, elephant monitoring and reconnaissance, operating day and night. ‘These technologies, combined with proper training, are revolutionising our approach to conservation, with the ability to quickly respond to escalating conflict situations, we are better equipped to protect both wildlife and local communities.’ MEP also utilizes the only helicopter dedicated to wildlife operations in the Mara for tasks such as elephant vet treatments, collaring operations and reconnaissance in densely forested areas.
As human development continues to encroach upon traditional elephant
habitats, diminishing the space available for these animals, MEP’s role has become even more critical. The Mara Elephant Project is a united effort by individuals from local communities, all working together to secure a future for the wildlife and wild spaces they share.
“We started as primarily anti-poaching but we’re now moving into developing communities. Why? Because all of those people in the community are stakeholders in protecting elephants and Mara Elephant Project is trying to give them an avenue to play a part in elephant conservation.”
AIRKENYA FLIGHT SCHEDULE 2025
AMBOSELI
FLT
P2
P2 884 AMBOSELI WILSON 08:15 8:50
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax to operate.
• Flight from Amboseli to Wilson connects to Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Meru, and Loisaba at 10:00; Maasai Mara at 10:30 and Kilimanjaro at 13:30.
KILIMANJARO
FLT
P2 821
P2 822 KILIMANJARO WILSON 14:40 15:35
• Daily service, minimum of 4 pax per sector to operate.
• Kilimanjaro service is non-operational 1st April - 31st May and 1st Nov - 15th Dec
• This airport is your gateway to a safari between Kenya and Tanzania as it easily connects to Arusha, Manyara, Seronera and Lobo with Regional Air Services at 15:30.
LEWA DOWNS
FLT
P2
P2
P2
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax to operate.
• Arrival and departure times to/from Lewa Downs may vary significantly by up to 45 minutes depending on aircraft routing over multiple airstrips.
• Flight from Masai Mara connects to Lewa via Wilson at 10:00.
• Flight from Lewa to Wilson connects to Kilimanjaro at 13:30 and to Masai Mara at 14:00.
• Flight from Lewa to Masai Mara may route via Wilson in low season to connect on the 14:00 flight.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
LOISABA
FLT
P2
P2 872
P2 862 LOISABA MASAI MARA 11:15 13:15
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax to operate.
• Arrival and departure times to/from Loisaba may vary significantly by up to 45 minutes depending on aircraft routing over multiple airstrips.
• Flight from Masai Mara connects to Loisaba via Wilson at 10:00.
• Flight from Loisaba to Wilson connects to Kilimanjaro at 13:30 and to Masai Mara at 14:00.
• Flight from Loisaba to Masai Mara may route via Wilson in low season to connect on the 14:00 flight.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
MASAI MARA
• Daily Service; minimum of 2 pax per
• The inbound flight Masai Mara to Wilson arriving at 09:45 connects to our Wilson - Northern Kenya Services i.e. Lewa, Loisaba, Meru, Nanyuki and Samburu at 10:00 and to Kilimanjaro at 13:30
• Masai Mara services operates into multiple airstrips, therefore timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• The arrival and departure times depict the first stop.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and
• Daily Service; minimum of 2 pax per strip to operate.
• Special offer applies to flight departing Wilson at 07:30, and from Mara at 14:45.
• Masai Mara services operates into multiple airstrips, therefore timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• The arrival and departure times depict the first stop.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax to operate.
• Arrival and departure times to/from Meru may vary significantly by up to 45 minutes depending on aircraft routing over multiple airstrips.
• Flight from Masai Mara connects to Meru via Wilson at 10:00.
• Flight from Meru to Wilson connects to Kilimanjaro at 13:30 and to Masai Mara at 14:00.
• Flights from Meru to Samburu is a one-direction service.
• Flight from Meru to Masai Mara may route via Wilson in low season to connect on the 14:00 flight.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
NANYUKI / KAMOK
• Daily service to Nanyuki Civil and Kamok airstrips; minimum of 2 pax per strip to operate.
• Arrival and departure times to/from Nanyuki/Kamok may vary significantly by up to 45 minutes depending on aircraft routing over multiple airstrips.
• Flight from Masai Mara connects to Nanyuki Civil/Kamok via Wilson at 10:00.
• Flight from Nanyuki Civil/Kamok to Wilson connects to Kilimanjaro at 13:30 and to Masai Mara at 14:00.
• Flight from Nanyuki Civil/Kamok to Masai Mara may route via Wilson in low season to connect on the 14:00 flight
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
AIRKENYA FLIGHT SCHEDULE 2025
SAMBURU BUFFALO/ KALAMA
FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
P2 871 WILSON SAMBURU 10:00 11:00
P2 872 SAMBURU WILSON 11:15 13:25
P2 862 SAMBURU MASAI MARA 11:15 13:15
• Daily service to Samburu Buffalo and Kalama airstrips; minimum of 2 pax per strip to operate.
• Arrival and departure times to/from Nanyuki/Kamok may vary significantly by up to 45 minutes depending on aircraft routing over multiple airstrips.
• Flight from Masai Mara connects to Samburu Buffalo and Kalama via Wilson at 10:00.
• Flight from Samburu Buffalo and Kalama to Wilson connects to Kilimanjaro at 13:30 and to Masai Mara at 14:00.
• Flight from Samburu Buffalo and Kalama to Masai Mara may route via Wilson in low season to connect on the 14:00 flight.
• Call Airkenya operations on departure date to confirm arrival and pick up times for various airstrips.
MIGORI / TARIME
FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
P2 453 MASAI MARA MIGORI 08:15 09:00
P2 453 MASAI MARA TARIME 08:15 10:10
P2 454 TARIME MASAI MARA 10:30 12:40
P2 454 MIGORI MASAI MARA 11:30 12:40
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax per strip to operate except 1st April - 31st May & 1st Nov - 15th Dec requires minimum 4 pax per strip.
• Service operates into multiple airstrips therefore timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• AirKenya provides road transfer and ground handling between Migori and Tarime.
• The service connects Airkenya Masai Mara services with Regional Air/Auric Air/Coastal Aviation Serengeti services.
MASAI MARA - SERENGETI VV (VIA MIGORI/TARIME) FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA SERONERA 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 SERONERA MASAI MARA 8:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA KOGATENDE 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 KOGATENDE MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/432 MASAI MARA MANYARA 08:15 12:00
N8/P2 431/454 MANYARA MASAI MARA 08:40 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA FORT IKOMA 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 FORT IKOMA MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA NDUTU 08:15 11:45
N8/P2 115/454 NDUTU MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA LOBO 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 LOBO MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA SERENGETI SOUTH 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 SERENGETI SOUTH MASAI MARA 8:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA SASAKWA 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 SASAKWA MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
P2/N8 453/422 MASAI MARA GRUMETI 08:15 11:20
N8/P2 421/454 GRUMETI MASAI MARA 08:15 12:40
• Daily service; minimum of 2 pax per strip to operate except 1st April - 31st May & 1st Nov - 15th Dec requires minimum 4 pax per strip.
• Flight services route via Migori and Tarime
• AirKenya provides road transfer and ground handling between Migori and Tarime.
• Service operates into multiple airstrips therefore pick up and drop off tmings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• The service connects Airkenya Masai Mara services with Regional Air/Auric Air/Coastal Aviation Serengeti services.
MASAI MARA - UGANDA VIA KISUMU / ENTEBBE
FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
P2 551 MASAI MARA ENTEBBE 08:15 11:00 P2 552 ENTEBBE MASAI MARA 11:45 14:30
P2/A8* 551/121 MASAI MARA KIHIHI (BINP) 08:15 15:30
A8*/P2 112/552 KIHIHI(BINP) MASAI MARA 08:35 14:30
P2/A8* 551/ 121 MASAI MARA KASESE(KFNP & QENP) 08:15 15:30
A8*/P2 112/552 KASESE(KFNP & QENP) MASAI MARA 08:35 14:30
P2/A8* 551/121 MASAI MARA BUGUNGU/PAKUBA/ CHOBE(MFNP) 08:15 14:00
A8*/P2 112/552 KISORO(BINP) MASAI MARA 08:35 14:30
• Daily service; minimum of 4 pax per sector to operate except 1st April - 31st May & 1st Nov - 15th Dec whereby the service will be non-operational.
• Flight services route via Kisumu and Entebbe Airports for Customs and Immigration.
• Service operates into multiple airstrips therefore pick up and drop off timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• Masai Mara - Entebbe flight service connects the same day to all AeroLink airstrips except Kisoro which strictly operates in the morning. Early morning flight Kisoro - Entebbe flight service, however can connect the same day into the Masai Mara.
• BINP - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• QENP - Queen Elizabeth National Park
• MFNP - Murchison Falls National Park
• KFNP - Kibale Forest National Park
HIGH SEASON: 21 DEC 2024 - 28 FEBRUARY 2025; 01 JUN 2025 - 31 OCT 2025
LOW SEASON: 01 MARCH - 31 MAY 2025; 01 NOV - 15 DEC 2025
• Valid from 21st December 2024 to 20th December 2025
• CHECK IN is done 60 minutes to departure time in Nairobi (Wilson), Kilimanjaro, Kisumu and Entebbe Airports. Passengers will not be allowed to check in 30 minutes to departure time on the mentioned airports.
• Check in time for all bush airstrips is 30 minutes before flight departure time.
• Contact Airkenya Operations department on the morning of the scheduled flight to get approximate arrival and departure times for various bush airstrips.
• Airkenya guarantees all its connecting flights within Kenya and across East Africa in conjunction with its subsidiaries; Regional Air Services and AeroLink Uganda.
• Contact the Charter department for tailor-made services or if the scheduled service does not meet your requirements: charters@airkenya.com
• Airkenya reserves the right to change departure times or carrier when so required for operational, weather or safety reasons.
Email resvns@airkenya.com or call +254 (0)20 391 6000 for further clarification.
Contact the Charter department for tailor-made services or if the scheduled service does not meet your requirements: charters@airkenya.com
Description: Pressurised STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft ideal for African bush flying No in Fleet: 2
DHC 6-300 (TWIN OTTER)
Manufacturer: Dehavilland Canada
Crew: 2 pilots
Passengers: Maximum 18
Description: STOL (short take-off & landing) aircraft with fixed landing gear ideal for African bush flying No in Fleet: 3
CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN C208B
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
Crew: 2 pilots
Passengers: Maximum 11
Description: STOL Aircraft with fixed undercarriage ideal for African bush flying No in Fleet: 2
KISUMU
MALINDI
DIANI
LAMU
1. Amboseli 2. Kilimanjaro 3. Lewa Downs 4. Masai Mara
Meru
Nairobi
Nanyuki
Samburu
Migori
Loisaba
Kisumu
Entebbe 1. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips 2. Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kasese airstrip 3. Kibale Forest National Park - Kasese airstrip
Murchison Falls National Park - Pakuba and Chobe airstrips 5. Entebbe - Maasai Mara Via Kisumu
1. Arusha 2. Kilimanjaro
Kogatende
Lake Manyara
Lobo
Ndutu
Seronera
Zanzibar
Tarime
LAKE MBURO NAT. PARK
KIBALE NAT. PARK
JINJA
MBARARA
APOKA KIDEPO
FLIGHT SCHEDULE 2025
VALID FROM 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025
Arusha AM Kogatende 8:00 9:55
Lobo 8:00 9:25
Manyara 8:00 8:25
Manyara 9:50 10:10 Operated only July & August
Ndutu *** 8:00 9:05
Seronera 8:00 10:30
Kogatende 7:00 7:45 Operated only July & August
Kogatende 9:50 11:10 Operated Only July & August
seronera 7:00 8:25 Operated Only July & August
Seronera 9:50 11:50 Operated Only July & August
Seronera 7:00 8:25 Operated only July & August
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Arusha PM Kilimanjaro 13:00 13:15
Manyara 16:00 16:25
Seronera 13:00 17:15
Kilimanjaro 13:15 13:30 Operated only July & August
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Arusha Zanzibar 13:00 14:35
Zanzibar 14:30 15:35 Operated only July & August
Zanzibar Arusha 15:00 16:35
Arusha 16:00 17:05 operated only July & August
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Kilimanjaro PM Arusha 15:30 15:45
Manyara 15:30 16:25
Seronera 15:30 17:15
Kogatende 15:30 TBA
Ndutu*** 15:30 TBA Lobo 15:30 TBA
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Kogatende AM Arusha 10:00 12:15
Arusha 8:05 9:25 Operated only July & August
Arusha 11:30 13:35 Operated only July & August
Kilimanjaro 10:00 13:10
Kilimanjaro 11:30 13:45 Operated only July & August
Lobo 10:00 TBA
Manyara 10:00 11.35
Manyara 11:30 12:55 Operated only July & August
Ndutu *** 10:00 TBA
Seronera 10:00 10:30
Seronera 8:05 8:25 Operated only July & August
Zanzibar 10:00 14:35
Zanzibar 11:30 15:35 Operated only July & August
Tarime 9:15 10:15
Masai Mara 9:15 12:40 Connects with Airkenya at Migori
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Seronera AM Arusha 11:00 12:15
Arusha 8:45 9:25 Operated only July & August
Arusha 12:20 13:35 Operated Only July & August
Kilimanjaro 11:00 13:10
Kilimanjaro 12:20 13:45 Operated only July & August
Lobo 9:30 9:50
Manyara 11:00 11:35
Manyara 12:20 12:55 Operated only July & August
Zanzibar 11:00 14:35
Zanzibar 12:20 15:35 Operated Only July & August
Tarime 9:15 10:15
Masai Mara 9:15 12:40 Connects with Airkenya at Migori
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Lobo AM Arusha 9:45 12:15
Arusha 9:45 13:35 Operated Only July & August
Kilimanjaro 9:45 13:10
Kilimanjaro 9:45 13:45 Operated only July & August
Kogatende 9:45 9:55
Manyara 9:45 11:35
Ndutu *** 9:45 10:15
Seronera 9:45 10:30
Zanzibar 9:45 14:35
Zanzibar 9:45 15:35 Operated only July & August
Tarime 9:15 10:15
Masai Mara 9:15 12:40 Connects with Airkenya at Migori
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Manyara AM Arusha 11:50 12:15
Arusha 13:05 13:35 Operated only July & August
Kilimanjaro 11:50 13:15
Kilimanjaro 13:05 13:45 Operated only July & August
Kogatende 8:40 9:25
Kogatende 10:30 11:10 Operated only July & August
Lobo 8:40 10:20
Ndutu *** 8:40 9:05
Seronera 8:40 10:30
Seronera 10:30 11:50 Operated only July & August
Zanzibar 11:50 14:35
Zanzibar 13:05 15:35 Operated only July & August
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Ndutu Arusha *** 11:35 12:15
Kilimanjaro *** 11:35 13:10
Kogatende *** 9:20 10:00
Lobo *** 9:20 9:50 Manyara *** 11:35 12:00
Seronera *** 9:20 10:30 Tarime *** 9:15 10:15
Masai mara*** 9:15 12:40 Connects with Airkenya at Migori Zanzibar *** 11:35 14:35
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Masai Mara Kogatende*** 8:15 TBA Connects with Regional
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Tarime Seronera*** 11:30 TBA Kogatende*** 11:30
11:30
Ndutu*** 11:30
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Arusha Ndutu*** 16:00 17:15
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
"Arusha Nairobi, Wilson 13:00 15:20
Kilimanjaro 14:25 15:20
Lobo 9:45 15:20
Kogatende 10:00 15:20
Manyara 11:50 15:20
Ndutu*** 11:35 15:20
Seronera 11:00 15:20
Kilimanjaro - Wilson sector is operated by AirKenya Express
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
Nairobi, Wilson Arusha 13:15 15:45
Kilimanjaro 13:15 14:10
Manyara 13:15 16:25
Seronera 13:15 17:05
Wilson - Kilimanjaro sector is operated by Airkenya Express
Timings above are estimates and will vary depending on aircraft routing
*ON REQUEST means we will only operate where there is sufficient traffic to justify the operation and timing or when extra cost is covered
**ON INDUCEMENT means flights which we will operate at scheduled rates for 4 passengers or more
***SEASONAL is June to October and December to March
****TBA means time to be advised depending on flight plan that day
A minimum of 2 pax is required for RAS to operate into any airstrip that’s not on inducement or request.
REGIONAL AIR FLEET
CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN C208B
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company, USA
Crew: 2 pilots
Passengers: Maximum 12
Description: STOL Aircraft with fixed undercarriage ideal for African bush flying Fleet No.: 2
DHC 6-300 (TWIN OTTER)
Manufacturer: Dehavilland, Canada
Crew: 2 pilots
Passengers: Maximum 18
Description: STOL (short take-off & landing) aircraft with fixed landing gear ideal for African bush flying No in Fleet: 1
BOMBARDIER DHC 8-202 (DASH 8)
Manufacturer: Bombardier
Crew: 4 (2 pilots, 1 flight attendant and 1 engineer)
• Flight 112 from Kihihi passengers can connect onwards to Masai Mara Via Entebbe and Kisumu for Immigration
• Flight 117/118 will operate all year except March, April, May and November
• From Kihihi Airstrip passengers can connect to: - Kisoro and Kasese airstrips on request at seat rate.
A8* 121 ENTEBBE KIHIHI 1300 1530
A8* 122 KIHIHI ENTEBBE 1550 1715
• Flt A8*121/122 will operate all year except March, April, May and November
• Flight 121 may route via Murchison Falls National Park subject to loads
A8* 131 ENTEBBE KIHIHI 1300 1410
A8* 132 KIHIHI ENTEBBE 1430 1615
• Flt A8* 131/132 will operate in March, April, May and November
KIBALE
FOREST NATIONAL PARK AND QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK DAILY SERVICE: Flight to/from Kasese will operate with a minimum of 2 passengers
FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
A8* 111 ENTEBBE KASESE 0700 0815
A8* 112 KASESE ENTEBBE 0835 1125
A8* 117 ENTEBBE KASESE 1030 1145
A8* 118 KASESE ENTEBBE 1205 1425
• Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• Flight 112 from Kasese passengers can connect onwards to Masai Mara Via Entebbe and Kisumu for Immigration
• Flight 117/118 will operate all year except March, April, May and November
• From Kasese Airstrip passengers can connect to: - Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips on request at seat rate.
A8* 121 ENTEBBE KASESE 1300 1530
A8* 122 KASESE ENTEBBE 1550 1715
• Flt A8*121/122 will operate all year except March, April, May and November
• Flight 121 may route via Murchison Falls National Park subject to loads.
A8* 131 ENTEBBE KASESE 1300 1410
A8* 132 KASESE ENTEBBE 1430 1615
• Flt A8* 131/132 will operate in March, April, May and November
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK (PAKUBA, CHOBE & BUGUNGU AIRSTRIPS)
DAILY SERVICE EXCEPT MARCH, APRIL, MAY AND NOVEMBER.
FLT NO FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
A8* 121 ENTEBBE
• Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• Flight to/from Murchison will operate with a minimum of 4 passengers
• Flt A8*121/122 will operate all year except March, April, May and November whereby the service will be non-operational.
• From Murchison, passengers can connect to:- Kasese and Kihihi airstrips
Murchison Falls National Park – KFNP, QENP & BINP
DAILY SERVICE EXCEPT
• Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• Flight from Murchison to Kasese/Kihihi will operate with a minimum of 4 passengers
• Flt A8*121 will operate all year except March, April, May and November whereby the service will be non-operational.
KFNP- Kibale Forest National Park (Kasese airstrip)
QENP - Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasese airstrip)
BINP - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Kihihi airstrip)
MASAI MARA - ENTEBBE
DAILY SERVICE EXCEPT APRIL, MAY, 1ST NOVEMBER TO 15TH DECEMBER
P2 551
P2 551 MASAI MARA *KISUMU 0815 0920
P2 552 *KISUMU MASAI MARA 1325 1430
P2 551 *KISUMU ENTEBBE 1000 1100
P2 552 ENTEBBE *KISUMU 1145 1245
• Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.
• *Flight services route via Kisumu and Entebbe Airports for Customs and Immigration
• Mara Entebbe flight will operate with minimum of 4 pax per sector to operate except April, May & 1st Nov - 15th Dec whereby the service will be non-operational.
• Airkenya requires a minimum of 2 pax per airstrip in Maasai Mara to operate.
• From Masai Mara, passengers can connect to: Kihihi, Kasese, Pakuba, Chobe, and Bugungu
Notes
• CHECK IN TIME is 60 minutes to departure time at Entebbe International Airport
• Check in time for all bush airstrips is 30 minutes before flight departure time.
• Contact AeroLink Operations department on the morning of the scheduled flight to get approximate arrival and departure times for various bush airstrips.
• AeroLink ONLY guarantees flights within its route network and subsidiaries
• Flight to/from Jinja to Kisoro/Kihihi/Kasese/ Murchison Falls on request at a surcharge of USD 1000
• AeroLink reserves the right to change departure times or carrier when so required for operational, weather or safety reasons.
• Contact the Charter department for tailor-made services or if the scheduled service does not meet your requirements: charters@aerolinkuganda.com
AEROLINK AIRCRAFT FLEET
CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN C208B
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company, USA
Crew: 2 pilots
Passengers: Maximum 11
Description: STOL Aircraft with fixed undercarriage ideal for African bush flying
Ho u s e fa m ily fo r a t e rm and e x p e r i e n c e t he
uni que s p irit of ou r IAP S
boa rd i n g sc ho ol in t h e
hea r t o f th e
Rift V all e y.
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for GAP st uden ts .
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