Verreaux's Eagle-owl

Verreaux's Eagle-owl -also known as the Milky Eagle Owl, Giant Eagle Owl- is a member of the family Strigidae and is the largest African owl. This owl is claimed to be the world's third largest owl; after the Blakiston's Fish Owl and Eurasian Eagle Owl.

Verreaux's Eagle-owl ranges from 66–75 cm (26-30 in) in length. This species can attain a wingspan 2 m (6.5 ft) and weighs from 1600 to 3115 grams (equal to 3.5 to 7 pounds). In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk face with a black border, pink eyelids, orange eyes and two feather tufts on their ears. Their feathers are dark brown on top and light grey below.

It is a nocturnal bird; it can be seen perching on exposed branches during the day. It often hunts in early evening and will wade into water to catch fish. Particularly partial to hedgehogs when nesting, it will take a wide variety of prey from moths to Great White Egrets, Grey Herons and apparently even Secretary Birds. At Lake Baringo Club the resident family has driven the White-faced Scops Owl from the grounds, having preyed on their chicks. They have also decimated the hotel's domestic cat population, the remaining cats are very cautious. Above all Verreaux's Eagle-Owls are opportunistic feeders which are quite happy scavenging for leftovers. You should watch out for them at lodges that engage in daily crocodile feeding.

Kimana Community Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kimana community wildlife sanctuary has set a precedent for being the first community owned and managed wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. The sanctuary lies in the game migration corridor linking the Amboseli and the Tsavo. This makes it one of the best view points since if you visit during migration periods you can have one of the best chance to see the red elephants of Amboseli among other animals.

A range of habitats is found within the Kimana conservancy such as swamp, savannah plains and woodland. This range of habitat provides for diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, hippos and many antelopes.

While at the conservancy several activities can be done including: going for nature walks, bird viewing since the area is one of the highly populated areas with birds, you can also go for picnic at the sanctuary accompanied by Kenya wildlife service’s game rangers among other activities.

The cost of entrance into the Kimana community wildlife sanctuary is Two dollars including the vehicles and all its passengers. The money is used to run the conservancy and help educate the nearby community on the importance of conserving nature at its best form. 

Accommodation can be at the nearby Serena lodge in the Amboseli game reserve or at kibo safari camp.

ETT- Kenya Safaris Desk

Etton Travel and Tours