Serengeti National Park

Hildebrandt’s Starling: The Colorful African Cousin of the Common Starling

Hildebrandt’s Starling with orange eyes and iridescent blue feathers in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Meeting the Hildebrandt’s Starling: An Uncommon African Beauty

Sometimes a change in geography will change your perspective on a “pest.” Moving from the muted, iridescent black of the North American starling to the vivid burnt-orange and iridescent blues of Hildebrandt’s Starling is quite the visual upgrade!

Where to Find Hildebrandt’s Starling

This lovely avian (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) is found only in the the modern countries of Kenya and Tanzania. While some call it uncommon, the IUCN considers the population stable and of “Least Concern.” I spotted the one pictured above loitering in a picnic park in the central Serengeti.

This starling is a medium sized bird (about 7 inches in length). It sports a purple-blue head and wings. Chest, belly, and—most strikingly—its eyes, are orange.

History and Habitat

Hildebrandt’s starling is named after Johann Maria Hildebrandt, an east African explorer, naturalist, and collector of the 19th century. He was the first to identify this species, often found in woodlands and savannahs between 1,600 and 7,200 ft.

This colorful forager eats insects and fruit and often feeds on the ground. This one was watching for picnic crumbs.

Hildebrandt’s vs. Superb Starling: How to Tell Them Apart

Hildebrandt’s starling should not be confused with the Superb starling, though they may be confused at a glance.

How to distinguish a Hildebrandt’s from a Superb Starling:

  • Eye Color: Hildebrandt’s has striking orange eyes, whereas the Superb has bright white eyes.

  • Chest Marking: The Superb starling features a distinct white breast band; the Hildebrandt’s chest is solid orange-buff.

  • Plumage: Hildebrandt’s typically displays a more uniform, deep iridescent blue-purple on the upperparts.

Compare them yourself by checking our posts on the Superb starling here and here.

See Hildebrandt’s starling for yourself

If birds are of interest to you, East Africa needs to be on your bucket list. Email us here for details about our 2027 Tanzania safari.

That Nikon is a Cannon

Les Riley captured this view to two of our team members on African safari. That’s Gary Weisenberger firing from the stern position with a rather large-caliber lens. I’m curious what Gary sees in the viewfinder. It’s sure to be Serengeti-sized, whatever it is!

Gary takes aim . . .

Want to learn more about travel photography? Follow the link here.

Interested in a seat in that rig in 2027? Email us here.

Picnic on the Serengeti

Picnic on the Serengeti, Tanzania. August 2025.

We are getting ready to return to Africa again next month with a full crew in tow. February is birthing season. An estimated half a million wildebeest calves will be dropped on this southern plain in the next eight weeks. We're on it. I'm pumped. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

Seeking Shade

A trio of giraffes seek shade to escape the sun in the African savannah

Shade Seekers: The Social World of the Giraffe

A trio of giraffes pauses to escape the heat of the midday sun.

Giraffes are highly social animals, often found living in groups—a collective appropriately known as a “tower.” Beyond their towering height, their social sophistication is truly fascinating. They aren't just silent giants; they communicate with one another through a complex array of sounds and physical signals.

In the wild, you might observe a variety of giraffe communication methods, including:

  • Vocalizations: Chirps, barks, and even low-frequency hums.

  • Visual Signals: Head bobbing and tail wagging.

  • Breath: Powerful "blows" or snorts to signal alarm or presence.

Watching these interactions in person is a highlight of any trip to the savannah.

Join Our Upcoming AfricaN Safaris

Want to see a tower of giraffes in their natural habitat? We invite you to wander over to Africa and safari with us!

  • 2026 Expeditions: Now closed. All seats taken.

  • 2027 Bookings: Email us here to get on a waitlist.

For more on giraffes, check out our post here.

The Secret of Cheetah Tear Lines: Malar Stripes & Serengeti Safaris

Close-up of a cheetah in the Serengeti showing the dark malar stripes (tear lines) from its eyes to its mouth.

More Than a Pretty Face: The Function of Cheetah Tear Lines

Tear lines give the cheetah a distinctive and adorable face. These dark marks stand in sharp contrast to the tawny fur of this fast feline, connecting the inner corner of the eye directly to the mouth. But in the wild, these lines are far more than just a beauty mark.

The Science of Malar Stripes

Wildlife specialists refer to these markings as malar stripes (malar being the Latin word for "cheek"). Much like the black greasepaint football players apply under their eyes, it is believed these lines function to:

  • Reduce Glare: Absorbing sunlight to prevent snow-blindness or sun-glare on the open savannah.

  • Enhance Focus: Helping cheetahs, falcons, and other "tear-lined" predators spot, track, and pursue prey across long distances.

A Serengeti Encounter

We recently encountered this beautiful cheetah—and could hear the hidden chirps of her cubs—in the heart of the central Serengeti. Watching a mother cheetah navigate the tall grass is a masterclass in focus and stealth.

Spot a Fast Feline in the Wild

If seeing the world's fastest land animal in its natural habitat sounds like your kind of adventure, we invite you to join us.

  • 2026 Tours: Our current offerings are filling fast. See our destinations here.

  • 2027 Planning: Get on our waitlist. Email BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com

Like cheetahs? Here’s a link to a view.

The Secretarybird: Africa’s Fierce Snake-Hunting Raptor

A tall Secretarybird with distinctive black head plumes walking through the tall grass of the African savannah.

The Secretarybird: An Eagle on the Legs of a Crane

Imagine the body of an eagle perched atop the long, powerful legs of a crane. That is the Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)—a fascinating biological mishmash designed for a very specific job: hunting on the savannah.

The Ultimate Snake-Fighter

Unlike most raptors that hunt from the air, the Secretarybird is a terrestrial specialist. It lopes across sub-Saharan grasslands with incredible speed, standing over one meter (3.3 feet) in height. Its hunting strategy is as effective as it is brutal:

  • The Stomp: It captures and kills snakes, rodents, and insects by delivering high-speed, powerful stomps with its dinosaur-like legs.

  • The Headgear: Easily identified by its ornate, quill-like feathered crest, it looks like a 19th-century clerk with pens tucked behind its ears—hence the name.

A Race Against Extinction

Sadly, this marvelous creature is facing a difficult future. Due to rapid habitat loss and degradation, the Secretarybird was officially added to the Endangered species list in 2020. Protecting the vast grasslands they call home is more critical now than ever.

Witness the Secretarybird in 2026

Spotting a Secretarybird strutting through the grass is a highlight for any traveler. We invite you to join us on an African safari in 2026 to see this unique raptor in its natural habitat before it's too late.

  • 2026 Safari Dates: Full. No seats are available.

  • 2027 Inquiries: We are now accepting early interest for our 2027 return to Tanzania.

For details on these and other trips, click the link here.

The Steenbok: Discovering Africa’s "Brick" Dwarf Antelope

A petite female Steenbok with large ears standing in the grass of the Serengeti, Tanzania.

The Steenbok: A Petite Treasure of the African Savannah

The Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) is one of Africa’s most charming "petite treasures." Its name is derived from the Afrikaans word for "stone" or "brick," a nod to the distinct reddish-brown (brick-colored) coat that helps it blend into the arid landscapes.

Tiny but Tough: Steenbok Facts

Don’t let its size fool you. While a mature adult stands only about 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs roughly 25 pounds, the Steenbok is a master of survival.

  • Distinctive Features: They are easily identified by their oversized, sensitive ears and—in the case of males—short, needle-like upright horns.

  • Survival Tactics: When threatened, a Steenbok’s first instinct is to crouch low and hide in the grass. If discovered, it utilizes a high-speed zig-zag sprint to evade predators.

Spotting the "Small Five" in the Serengeti

We spotted this beautiful female during our recent trek through the Serengeti, Tanzania. While most people come for the lions and elephants, it’s often these smaller, delicate creatures that provide the most magical moments on a game drive.

Safari With Us in 2026 & 2027

Are you ready to discover the hidden side of the African bush? We are currently finalizing our upcoming expeditions:

  • 2026 Safaris: All seats reserved. Reservations closed.

  • 2027: We are officially fielding early inquiries for 2027. Email us here to reserve your seat.

Steppe Eagles vs. Python: Dramatic Serengeti Predator Encounters

A pair of Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) feed on a python carcass in the Serengeti grasslands.

The Opportunists: Steppe Eagles and a Serengeti Python

It’s a rare and dramatic sight: a pair of Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) devouring a python.

While snakes do not typically feature largely in their daily diet, these raptors are remarkably powerful and opportunistic hunters. They are known to dine on a wide variety of prey, including reptiles, small mammals, insects, and even carrion when the situation demands it.

A Migratory Journey in Danger

The Steppe Eagle is a true world traveler, migrating seasonally from the vast steppes of Asia to the warm savannahs of Africa. Unfortunately, this magnificent bird is currently listed as an Endangered species. The primary threats to their survival include:

  • Habitat Loss: Encroachment on their breeding and wintering grounds.

  • Electrocution: Collisions with power lines during long-distance migration.

  • Persecution: Accidental poisoning from agricultural pesticides.

Witness the Drama of the Serengeti

I photographed this particular pair in the heart of the Serengeti, Tanzania. Seeing the raw power of these eagles up close—especially during a rare predatory encounter like this—is a highlight of any game drive.

Safari With Us in 2026

Are you ready to see the apex predators of Africa for yourself? Whether it’s eagles, pythons, or the “Big Five,” our 2026 expeditions offer a front-row seat to the wonders of Creation.

  • 2026 Registration: Full. All seats reserved.

  • 2027: Experience the Serengeti with our expert team. Consult our future trip list by clicking the link here.

Rüppell's Vulture: The Grumpy Scavenger of the Serengeti

Group of vultures competing for food on the Serengeti plains, showcasing the "greedy game" of scavengers at a fresh kill.

This bad-tempered Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) would have preferred to dine alone on the Serengeti plains. Unfortunately, he couldn't drive the competition off at the same time. As soon as he chased off one rival, another moved in for a bite of the sprawling carcass.

Witnessing the "Greedy Game" of Serengeti Scavengers

We watched, amused, as this greedy game of “get your head out of my cape buffalo” went on and on. Known as the efficient garbage collector of East Africa, these vultures prefer fresh kills but won't hesitate to fuss over rotting ones too.

Meet the Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)

Rüppell's Vulture is an efficient scavenger in East Africa. As the photo above shows, the bird’s unique scaled plumage is completely puffed out in a defensive display, shielding a buffalo carcass from rival scavengers. Its bare head and long, downy neck are on full display—useful traits that prevents gore from clinging to its feathers while it reaches deep inside a kill. This moment captures the raw, chaotic "pecking order" that defines survival on the Serengeti.

Yuck.

Care to dine on the Serengeti?

Join us as we “glamp” (glamorous camping!), eat, sing, and game drive some of the the best wildlife habitats in Tanzania.

  • 2026 Safari Status: Our current schedule is nearly full—check for remaining seats!

  • 2027 Expeditions: We are accepting early inquiries and building a wait list. Email your questions to us here.

For more on this high flying African vulture, see the post here.

Coke’s Hartebeest: The Serengeti’s High-Speed Survivor

Juvenile Coke's Hartebeest on the Serengeti plains, Tanzania.

Africa’s Diversity: The Speed and Grace of Coke’s Hartebeest

When it comes to antelopes, no place on earth has a greater variety than Africa. Some 72 native species have been identified across the continent, ranging from the tiny dik-dik to the massive eland. While they vary in size, all African antelopes share key traits: they are smooth-haired, hollow-horned, and dedicated grass-eaters.

The Nimble Giant: Coke’s Hartebeest

Spotted on the great plains of the Serengeti, the juvenile Coke’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii) pictured above is already showing the sturdiness of its species. As one of Africa’s larger antelopes, the hartebeest is easily recognized by its long, narrow face and high, sloping back.

Don’t let their awkward silhouette fool you—they are built for survival. Mature adults are remarkably nimble and known for their incredible speed.

  • Top Speed: They can clock in at 55 km/h (34 mph).

  • Agility: They are famous for being able to "turn on a dime," a vital skill when outmaneuvering predators like lions or hyenas.

Witness the Diversity of the Serengeti

From the speed of the hartebeest to the resilience of the Grant’s gazelle, the Serengeti is a masterclass in creation. February is often a good time to see these animals in action, as the calving season brings a burst of activity to the southern plains.

  • 2026 - All seats have now been taken.

  • 2027 - Email Us to Join the Waitlist – Be the first to receive itinerary details and priority booking for our return to the plains. Here’s our email link.

The Most Feared Moment in Africa: A Cape Buffalo Encounter

Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) or “Dagga Boy” standing in a stream in West Tanzania.

Facing the "Black Death": A Midnight Visitor in West Tanzania

There is nothing quite like the sound of the African wild pressing against your bedroom wall.

Vicki and I were drifting off to sleep the other night when we were startled by a massive African or Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) scratching against the wood frame of our tent platform. From inside the safety of the canvas (!), we listened to this legendary "Dagga Boy" breathe heavily and munch on wet grass just inches away. Eventually, he wandered back into the darkness. All's well that ends well.

Why the "Dagga Boy" is Most Feared

In the Serengeti and across West Tanzania, the most feared animal isn't the lion or the leopard—it’s an excommunicated old bull buffalo. Known as Dagga Boys (or "mud boys" in Zulu), these veterans have left the protection of the herd.

Their reputation is built on three dangerous traits:

  • Power: A mature bull can weigh up to 900kg (2,000 lbs) of pure muscle.

  • Unpredictability: Without a herd to protect, they become incredibly grumpy and territorial.

  • The "Black Death": This nickname was earned because they are known to circle back and stalk hunters or perceived threats, making them one of the most dangerous members of the Big Five.

Experience the Wild for Yourself

Whether you are watching them soak in a stream or hearing them scratch against your tent, a Cape Buffalo encounter is a core part of the African safari experience.

Expedition Update:

  • February 2026: Sold Out.

  • 2027: Enter the inner circle! Email us here to join the priority waitlist for our next journey into the heart of Tanzania.

Luxury Lodging Meets Untamed Nature: Ang'ata Bush Camps

Bush camps like Ang'ata aren't just lodging; they are your front-row seat to the wild. Don't let the environment fool you—behind the canvas beats 5-star heart.

Imagine returning from a dusty game drive to a hot shower, a three-course meal that rivals any city restaurant, and "Bush TV" (our nightly campfire) under a sky so clear the Milky Way feels within reach.

While our 2025 and 2026 excursions are fully booked, we are preparing for 2027. Email us here for details. Come experience the Serengeti exactly as it was intended.

Kirk's dik-dik

A Kirk’s dik-dik standing in the grass of the Tanzanian Serengeti showcases its unique snout.

Would you believe this little guy is only 12 inches tall?

Meet the Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), one of the smallest antelopes in the Serengeti. Don’t let their size fool you; they are perfectly engineered for the heat. They use a long, tubular snout to pump blood and cool their bodies through “nasal panting.”

Fun Fact: That same snout acts as a built-in whistle! When they’re startled, they make a shrill "dik-dik" sound to warn others, which is exactly how they got their name.

I captured the image of this tiny marvel in the Serengeti. It’s a beautiful reminder of the incredible detail found in Creation.

Chasing Cheese

It is hard to imagine a more elegant and agile creature than the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus). Long legs give it the ability to sprint up to 55 mph, jump over an obstacles more than ten feet high, and leap a distance of 33 feet.

We often encounter groups of these gregarious creatures in East Africa. They are easily identified due to their medium size, reddish-brown coat, lyre-shaped horns, and black markings on the hind-quarters. Imagine the black marks on the rump advertising the letter "M." See it? Don't blink. That's an iMpala!

Something else that might be of interest: note the black marking on the "ankles" (metatarsals) of the impala's rear legs? Those are scent glands. The impala is the only member of the antelope family that has these features. Some think that the impala leaves a "chemical trail" for others to follow in a chase! What's more, that trail has the smell of cheese! Cheese chase? Of course!