The ostrich is the largest bird in the world with a male ostrich growing around 2 meters tall. An average ostrich weighs around 200lb or 100kg and measures 7-9ft in length. From head to toe. Hence, it is too heavy to fly and remains a flightless bird. But the flightless ostrich has the biggest eye of any animal. It measures 5cm across the face, allowing them to see predators at very long distances. However, the 3 most amusing characteristics of ostriches are that they are the fastest biped, they swallow large stones and they bury their head in the sand.
Articles by Val Jiwa
Kenya supports a rich avifauna. These comprise species from the West African rainforests, the east flank of Africa, the southern tropics, the Horn of Africa, as well as the north-western districts of Kenya. To a large extent, this shows the diversity of the habitat of Kenya, which include semi-arid scrubs, deserts, lowlands, montane forests, large soda lakes, freshwater lakes, a long coastline as well as alpine meadows. Besides, Kenya is located on a major migration route for waterfowl, passerines, and raptors from Europe, Russia as well as the Middle East. The country is at the intersection of these biogeographical areas.
One of the components of a wildlife safari package to Kenya is a well-deserved visit to Lake Nakuru. The well famous and beautiful Lake Nakuru of Kenya is situated in Nakuru national park in the province of rift valley. Freshwater streams from the mountain surround this magnificent Lake Nakuru. The long-necked and long-legged flamingos populate these streams as they bathe and frolic in the mountain water. The lake is undoubtedly a flamingo par excellence. An incredible visible feature of the lake are undoubtedly the 2 colors associated with flamingos in Kenya. They are the pink color and the aqua color.
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Kenya tourism is a substantial contributor to the economy accounting for 12% of total employment and 27% of foreign exchange. It has attracted massive government and foreign investments with major effects on other sectors. There were 2.035 million arrivals in 2019 from all over the world and was projected to grow by 10%. But COVID-19 with its impact on travel has brought the industry to a halt. Whilst tourism has proven to be resilient to terrorism, recession, violence, pandemics, and natural disasters, none of these events has had such an impact on the economy, especially the tourism industry, as COVID-19.
Kenya tourism is a substantial contributor to the economy accounting for 12% of total employment and 27% of foreign exchange. It has attracted massive government and foreign investments with major effects on other sectors. There were 2.035 million arrivals in 2019 from all over the world and was projected to grow by 10%. But COVIS-19 with its impact on travel has brought the industry to a halt. Whilst tourism has proven to be resilient to terrorism, recession, violence, pandemics, and natural disasters, none of these events has had such an impact on the economy, especially the tourism industry, as COVID-19.
A balloon safari starts with a pick-up from the lodge at 5 AM and drop-off at the balloon launch site. The ground crew awaits in the recently plowed field. Already, as daylight approaches, the stars are fading. The sun bursts over the mountains and sunlight dances on the hills adorned with the lacy greens. The morning sky streaks with orange and red. The aroma of fresh doughnuts and coffee overwhelms the earthy, dewy smell of the early morning. As you reach there, you will find the ground crew unpacking the large engine. Ballooning is done best during dawn or dusk.
It is worth spending a couple of nights at Serena Mountain Lodge. The panorama surrounding the lodge is delightful with their dramatic features. It is set in the dense rainforest zone on the slopes of Mount Kenya within the National Park in Kenya’s Nyeri District, about a three-hour drive and 193 kilometers from Nairobi. The Serena Mountain Lodge has cabin-styled, timber-built rooms with a private balcony and luxury ensuite bathroom overlooking the waterhole. The furnishings of rooms are of indigenous African and wood art, decorated with rugs. The décor echoes the Kikuyu culture, featuring soft lighting and hand-woven wall hangings.
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