The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a somewhat enigmatic large stork-like bird that is found in swamps between Sudan and Zambia in Africa. While the Ancient Egyptians were familiar with this bird, it was not known to Europeans until the 19th Century.
Because it lives in such inaccessible and remote swamps, and because it is so [...]

Filed under: Culture, Justin Bell, Rare species, Uganda | No Comments »

We were staying in the last camp of our safari, Suyan, situated at this time of year in the far north-east of the Serengeti, just outside the park. This is an area that we are able to go for walks, night drives, and visit the Maasai pastoralists who live here, so there are a lot [...]

Filed under: Justin Bell, Major predators, Serengeti, Tanzania | No Comments »

What is it with wildebeest? They must be one of the most ugly antelope out there, but they are such characters. They have such joie de vivre, such spirit! Yes, they are not very intelligent, but they don’t seem to mind. In fact, I am convinced that they see themselves as really “cool”! [...]

Filed under: Justin Bell, Serengeti, Tanzania | No Comments »