A Lappet-faced vulture showing its distinctive skin folds and massive beak in the African savannah.
The Noble Scavenger: Meeting Africa’s Largest Vulture
Well, almost noble. In the world of textiles, a "lappet" is a fancy fold of fabric—the kind you might see draped in an elegant scarf or head covering. But in the wild, the term takes on a much more rugged meaning.
The Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is named for the distinctive fleshy folds of skin on its head and neck. While the look might seem "fancy-schmancy," these features are part of a formidable biological toolkit. This is Africa's largest vulture, boasting a massive wingspan that can reach up to 9 feet.
A Critical Member of the Clean-Up Crew
Despite its commanding presence, this member of nature’s sanitation team is in serious trouble. The Lappet-faced vulture is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Their survival is threatened by several modern challenges:
Pesticide Ingestion: Often through accidental secondary poisoning.
Habitat & Nest Destruction: The loss of the isolated trees they require for nesting.
Persecution: Misunderstandings of their vital role in the ecosystem.
Recent estimates suggest only about 6,500 mature individuals remain in the wild. Losing these birds would be a catastrophe for the savannah’s health.
See Them in the Wild
Spotting one of these rare giants is a bucket-list experience for any wildlife lover. We are heading back to the heart of Africa, where you can witness the raw power of the "noble" vulture for yourself.
2026 Safari Booking: Registration closed. All seats taken.
2027 Inquiries: For those looking down the road, email us here for more information.