Discover the Majestic World of Eagles in Kenya: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

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Discover the Majestic World of Eagles in Kenya: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

For avid birdwatchers, Kenya is a dream come true. Known for its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes, Kenya offers unparalleled opportunities to observe some of the world’s most magnificent avian species. Among these, eagles hold a special place with their awe-inspiring presence. Here are 12 fascinating facts about eagles that await you as you embark on your birdwatching safari in Kenya.

1. Exceptional Eyesight

Eagles possess incredibly sharp vision—up to eight times stronger than that of humans. This extraordinary eyesight allows them to spot prey from several kilometers away, making them efficient and deadly hunters. Keep your binoculars handy; you won’t want to miss a thing!

2. Powerful Beaks and Talons

Equipped with strong, hooked beaks and powerful talons, eagles can catch and tear apart their prey with ease. Their grip strength can be as powerful as 400 psi (pounds per square inch), showcasing their role as top predators in Kenya’s wild landscapes.

3. Symbol of Power and Freedom

Throughout history, eagles have been revered as symbols of power, freedom, and transcendence. During your Kenya safari, you’ll understand why these majestic birds have inspired cultures worldwide.

4. Monogamous Lifespans

Most eagle species are monogamous and mate for life. They return to the same nesting sites year after year to raise their young. Watch for these loyal pairs during your birdwatching excursions.

5. Large Nests

Eagles build some of the largest bird nests in the world. Bald eagle nests, known as eyries, can reach up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide, weighing over a ton. Witness these impressive nests as you journey through Kenya’s wilderness.

6. Diverse Diet

While fish comprises a significant portion of many eagles’ diets (especially species like the African Fish Eagle), they also hunt small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Their diverse diet showcases their adaptability as hunters, a true highlight for any birdwatcher.

7. Incredible Flying Abilities

Eagles are known for their powerful flight and can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) when diving for prey. Some species can also soar at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet, riding thermal currents with ease. Imagine capturing these moments on your Kenya safari.

8. Varied Habitats

Eagles are highly adaptable and can be found in diverse environments ranging from mountains, forests, and grasslands to wetlands and coastal regions. Explore these varied habitats in Kenya, each offering unique birdwatching experiences.

9. Long Lifespan

In the wild, eagles typically live between 20 and 30 years. However, in captivity, they can live even longer due to the lack of predators and consistent food supply, sometimes reaching up to 50 years. Marvel at these veteran raptors as they soar above Kenya’s landscapes.

10. Eagle’s Eyrie

The term “eyrie” refers to an eagle’s nest. These nests are often built in high places, such as cliff edges or tall trees, providing safety from predators and a wide vantage point for spotting prey. Don’t forget to look up during your safari!

11. Keen Hunters

Eagles utilize a broad range of hunting techniques. Some, like the Martial Eagle, hunt in open savannas, while others, like the Crowned Eagle, prefer dense forests. Witness these skilled hunters in action as you explore Kenya’s rich avifauna.

12. Feather Maintenance

Eagles invest significant time in preening to maintain their feathers, which are crucial for insulation and flight. Preening helps remove parasites and align feathers for efficient aerodynamics, ensuring they remain in top condition. See the dedication of these raptors up close!

Kenya is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with incredible opportunities to observe and appreciate the majesty of eagles. From their exceptional eyesight and powerful beaks to their impressive flying abilities and diverse habitats, eagles are a highlight of any birdwatching safari in Kenya.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable birdwatching adventure? Check out our incredible safari packages at meektrailssafaris.com and book your trip today!


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banim2025
banim2025

Just left us a 5 star review

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banim2025
January 5, 2025

Incredible wildlife and birding experience

My family and I visited Kenya for 9 days over the holiday period. Our itinerary included a day in Nairobi, and then the national parks of Amboseli, Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru and Masai Mara. Since making initial contact with Meektrails, the process could not have been smoother. Charles built us an itinerary based on our preferences, and quoted for various options of accommodation and vehicle class. He was easy to contact over email and WhatsApp (where the majority of our communication took place) and happily amended the itinerary, dates and number of people multiple times until it suited us perfectly. He made enquiries of specific dietary/mobility requirements and passed this information on to the lodges. At various intervals before the trip, Charles sent reminders of requirements, eg, visa application, vaccinations.On arrival, we were greeted by the Meektrails team and introduced to our driver-guide Bernard Njinu. With 25 years experience, he demonstrated vast in-depth knowledge of animal and bird habits- and helped us spot and identify 112 species of birds and 34 species of mammals (including the big 5) and reptiles. We were in particular impressed with his bird knowledge - he was able to spot and identify various species from a distance, from imposing storks and endangered vultures to skulking pipits and longclaws and plovers. Seeing the whydahs and widow birds were a particular highlight. Even experienced twitchers won't be disappointed.Njinu (pronounced without the N) was forthcoming with knowledge about all aspects of the area- geological, historical and cultural. He was extremely professional, friendly, approachable and took great care of us- he brought along a two-step stool to aid my mum with weak knees climb in and out of the vehicle; and planned in frequent comfort breaks for my dad who has diabetes. Njinu was very patient through the game drives and was invested in making sure we got the most out of our time in Kenya.The trip itself was exactly as planned, with no corners cut, no hidden costs (note that tips are standard practice and not included in your quote- I recommended you account for this in advance). The vehicle was comfortable and very fit for purpose. All accommodation including hotels, tented camps and lodges was exactly as advertised/ expected at great locations in or very close to the national parks. Food was good, rooms comfortable, but the hospitality and service were what took our stay to the next level.Now back from holiday, my family agree that this was hands-down one of the best holidays/experiences of our lives. The country of Kenya with its incredible wildlife, landscapes, culture and people has touched our hearts - and Meektrails made it all accessible in the most painless and enjoyable way possible. If you are considering a trip to Kenya or east Africa, I highly recommend Meektrails Safaris for your adventure.

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afnafn
January 5, 2025

Noushad

Our family of four, including two kids had an incredible 5-day safari in Kenya, thanks to the fantastic team at MEEKTRAILS SAFARIS. Right from the start, the communication with Valentine Ngatha was seamless. She was extremely helpful and responsive, ensuring all our queries were addressed and our itinerary was perfectly planned.The accommodations were top-notch, offering a great balance of comfort and a close-to-nature feel. The food was delicious, with plenty of options that suited both adults and kids in our Indian family.However, at one of our stays in Masai Mara, the generator was turned off between 1 am and 4 am, which was a minor inconvenience.Our guide, Mr. Onesmus, was the star of the trip. His exceptional wildlife knowledge, patience with our kids, and ability to spot animals made every game drive unforgettable. We saw the Big Five and so much more, making the experience truly special.The entire trip was well-organized, stress-free, and filled with lifelong memories. We highly recommend MEEKTRAILS SAFARIS for an authentic and hassle-free safari in Kenya!

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Y9451PPannah
January 4, 2025

7-day Safari

We started out our tour with a missing reservation for the first two nights. Also our reservation for the last two nights haven't been made, even though I have gotten confirmation from Meektrails several times that the reservations for the hotel was made. Due to the missing reservations we had to spent the first two nights at another hotel, we were lucky to get a room at yhe planned hotel for the last two nights. Due to the situation our guide started with a challenge and he handled the situation really well. Our guide was throughout the hole tour very nice and professional, and had a lot of knowledge about the different animals we saw.

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marcocW9184FI
January 3, 2025

An experience we will never forget!

We went for an amazing and memorable 8-day safari exploring Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara in Kenya. During the booking process, the Meektrails Safari agent (Peris Kinyua) has been constantly kind and professional, giving us amazing suggestions and tailoring all the aspects of the safari according to our needs. They proposed very cozy, clean and perfectly-located accommodations having all the amenities and very good food. Moreover, Peris has been always in contact with us during the safari to check that everything was smooth and fine. The new, clean and spacious vehicle has everything what you need (wifi, water, plugs, etc.)!Samuel (Sammy) has been our incredible and tireless driver for the safari….we simply loved him! No words can really describe his deep experience and passion for his work. In the game drives, he has provided many details on the animals and nature and answered all our questions. During our safari, we had the chance to meet other Meektrails Safari drivers (e.g. Joseph) who are are really kind and always smiling.We had an experience we will never forget, and surely we will contact Meektrails Safari for other trips.

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Culture243627
January 1, 2025

6 day private Kenya safari

We did a 6 day private Kenya safari with Meektrails with a dedicated guide and driver George. We covered Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara and Amboseli. Overall we were very happy with the tour. Our guide George was superb both in terms of attitude and his encyclopaedic knowledge of animals and birds. He knew exactly where to go in all the parks to sight animals including Rhinos in Nakuru and Cheetahs and Lions in Masai Mara. Thank you Meek trails

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702joeyc
December 29, 2024

Fantastic African Safari!

We scheduled our trip through Eluid who was very accommodating and easy to work with. Our driver was Ben who was outstanding and extremely knowledgeable about the animals and the history of the different parks we visited. Communication was very easy and he made us feel very comfortable and safe throughout our entire trip. I highly recommend Meektrails, Eluid and Ben to anyone when planning to rake a safari trip.

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EYWS
December 27, 2024

Professional and caring safari company that we would use again.

We did the 6 day safari with Meektrails to Amboselli, Nakuru and Massai Mara. Charles from Meektrails was so responsive in all the planning for the trip and guiding us on visas. The safari itself was wonderful with Philip as our guide and driver. He was so kind and knowledgeable and was a very safe driver considering the difficult road conditions. Tourists should be aware that the driving time can be longer than expected in the brochures as the rain can damage the roads or due to traffic. For our trip all the accommodations and meals were wonderful and the overall Safari experience is one we will treasure forever! Thank you to the Meektrails team!

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690ezgi_
December 27, 2024

Unforgettable Kenyan Adventure with Meektrails and Jimmy

Our experience in Kenya was nothing short of extraordinary, all thanks to Meektrails and our incredible tour guide and driver, Jimmy. From the very beginning, Meektrails impressed us with their responsiveness and clear communication during the booking process. They provided us with detailed, transparent information and curated a beautifully planned itinerary that exceeded our expectations.Jimmy’s exceptional knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife, natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage truly brought the journey to life. Every moment was filled with awe and wonder as we explored the breathtaking beauty of Kenya. This trip has left us captivated, and we can’t wait to return for more unforgettable adventures!

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stephanietanous
December 15, 2024

An Unforgettable Week with Meektrails

An amazing week with Meektrails! James was our guide - professional, kind, and knowledgeable with a big smile welcoming us into each incredible experience! We followed his guidance through Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Masai Mara and saw all big five up close while learning about Kenya, the parks, and the animals. Meektrails sorted everything and made our trip very easy and enjoyable. Great lodging, good food, and lovely people the whole way. Thank you James and team!

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i_akih89
December 12, 2024

Great experience / fantastic Anthony (guide)

Hello!We are a family of 5 from Gipuzkoa Spain and we have recently travelled with Meektrails. The experience has been fantastic and they really deliver what they offer. Special mention to our guide Anthony who has taken care of us like his own family, a good professional with a lot of sensitivity to locate animals and a very respectful person with the environment and especially with people.

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Tourist652376
December 7, 2024

Out of the World Safari Experience

My family and I had so much fun on the safari organized by MeekTrails. All the hotels and resorts were amazing and very accommodating to vegetarian diet.From the booking to the final day airport drop off, everything was seamless and taken care off.Joseph was an extraordinary guide and human being. He was very kind and understanding. He was very knowledgeable and we were lucky to have him show us around. He provided amazing details and information about the wildlife and I appreciate that very muchWe have 0 complains. Everything was PERFECT

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Keenanpg
November 29, 2024

Great Safari with Meektrails

We recently completed a 7 night safari with Meektrails and had a great experience. Our tour was originally organized by Charles who was very responsive and able to customize our itinerary to our wishes and budget. We spent time in Maasai mara, Nakuru, Amboseli, and Tsavo and enjoyed all of them. The land cruiser was in excellent condition, with a pop-up roof, huge roll down windows, comfortable seats, and working power plugs.Our amazing guide was Anthony who really elevated the experience and allowed us to have an incredible Safari. From the start Anthony was so friendly and open, and made it clear his aim was to make our experience as great as possible. He was absolutely amazing at finding animals and getting us as close as possible to all different animals. We saw everything we had expected and more including cubs and young of nearly every species. He knows all the roads, routes, and small trails which allowed us to get very up close experiences. He also seems to know everyone, from other guides to park rangers which helped us learn about and find the location of animals. He was even also able to organize an early entrance to a couple of the parks to allow us to see sunrise in the park with the animals.Throughout the trip Anthony always double checked the planned schedule with us and offered many suggestions for changes or additions to the plan which really improved the trip. It's clear he has a lot of experience, and local knowledge which allowed him to adjust the itinerary in the best way possible. It's also clear he cares greatly for the local communities and organized for us to give our unused lunch packs to local children rather than seeing the food go to waste.We greatly appreciated our time with Anthony and thanks to him the safari exceeded all our expectations. As for Meektrails the booking process was responsive and easy, and everything was organized as discussed with no hitches. We would certainly organize another safari with Meektrails if returning to Kenya.

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mayamT6827VS
November 29, 2024

Best guide, best company

Our 7-day safari with Meektrails Safaris in Kenya with our guide Anthony was absolutely unforgettable! From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations. Our guide Anthony was phenomenal—he was knowledgeable, patient, and went above and beyond to ensure we saw everything on our wildlife wishlist. Thanks to his incredible skill and dedication, we had close encounters with the Big Five, witnessed breathtaking landscapes, and even saw species we hadn’t expected. His passion for wildlife and his deep understanding of the ecosystem made every game drive an adventure filled with learning and excitement. The accommodations and planning by Meektrails were seamless, making the whole journey stress-free and comfortable. Whether it was sunrise safari or tracking animals, every moment was magical. If you’re looking for a safari company that delivers an exceptional experience with a personal touch, Meektrails Safaris is the one. Highly recommended!

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581femkeb
November 27, 2024

An amazing 6 day safari

We had a really great experience! We went on a 6 day safari. Our guide was Phillip, we went to Masai Mara and we spotted the big five. Phillip was a really good and enthusiastic guide. I would really recommend it.

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tommasocasarini
November 24, 2024

Unforgettable first safari

We chose MeekTrails for our first family Safari in Kenya and it was a great choice. We built with them a program that perfectly fitted to our group (with people of different ages 11-60). Our five day safari brought us to Amboseli, Nakuru Lake and Masai Mara Nationals Parks and our fantastic guide Njinu made us see a lot of wild wonderful animals, included the big five! He could always find the best spots that made our experience unforgettable. The Sopa Lodges we chose were clean and comfortable, with a lot of services and pools.We strongly recommend MeekTrails if you’re thinking about going to Kenya to make a safari to discover african wikdlife! 🐆🐅🐘🦒🦏🐃

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lotharj970
November 21, 2024

A week we never will forget

First of all: a big Thank You to the whole team of Meek Trails. From the first contact with Diana until the last drop off at the hotel in Nairobi everything was perfect. Especially Philip: he was calm during driving, told us everything we should know about Africa, the animals, the plants and how to behave in Kenia. Everyday we felt that he was not only doing his job very well, but he was really loving the nature, the big animals and the small ones, specially the moorhens. He was patient, waited with us for the best moments, so we were very lucky to see all the animals we had hoped to see and were able to shoot beautiful photos. We saw the Big 5, the Ugliest 5 and many others and many birds. The days with Philip were full of seeing things and many laughters. The chosen hotels were all beautiful, the meals very good. At last: Thank you Meek Trails for that beautiful and unforgettable surprise at my birthday, when the whole team of the Zebra Camp and a Masai-Group were singing and dancing for me. Diana and Philip: Asante sani - we will miss you!